If you’ve been following along with our last couple of blogs, you’ve probably noticed a bit of a trend taking shape. With grilling season just around the corner, now is the time that more and more people are starting to think about what they need to do to get ready. For many people, this spring is the time when they will buy their first grill. With that in mind, our last couple of blogs have been all about the grilling accessories that you actually need and even a bit of advice about what to look for in your first grill.

New grillers are sure to appreciate today’s blog as well then, because we want to highlight a few of the dos and don’ts of propane grilling. At Mighty Flame, we always say that when you buy a propane tank, you unlock a world of culinary possibilities. Therefor, if you’re about to embark upon your first grilling journey, you are probably looking for all of the help you can get to start off on the right foot. For many new grillers, getting started can be quite intimidating and the whole process can make people apprehensive. The great news is that we’ll be here to help every step of the way.

Things You Absolutely Should Do

Safety First

First and foremost, you want your grilling experience to be a safe one. We know that the process can often be confusing for new grillers, but the first thing you should do when you buy a grill is to thoroughly examine your owners manual. Read it from cover to cover, then go back and read it again. There is no such thing as knowing your grill too well.

You should also make it a point to regularly check the propane tank, connection, and line for leaks. The best way to go about this is to create a solution of water and dish soap and rub it onto the connections and hoses. If a leak is present, the soap will form large bubbles, and you’ll know it’s time to replace the leaking component. Make it a point to do this regularly and don’t neglect to do it whenever you swap out a propane tank. It will take a little bit of time, but it is well worth it to ensure that you and your family stay safe while you’re grilling.

Keep It Clear

A clean grilling station is a happy grilling station. All too often, your space can get overly cluttered and filled with items that get in your way. Perhaps worst of all, these items could be a fire hazard. In short, if it’s potentially flammable, keep it away from your grill. Set up a small table next to your grill to keep items like plastic cups or paper plates.

If it’s not being used to cook, move it to a different location. Your area will be free of anything that could cause you problems and it will make the entire meal making process that much simpler for you. It’s a win/win no matter how you look at it.

Keep It Clean

We’ve gone over this subject a handful of times in our blogs, but it’s a topic that always bears repeating–keep your grill clean. You don’t have to go overboard or anything, but give the grates a good cleaning before each time you grill. The perfect time to do it is right after you preheat your grill and it’s nice and warmed up. Use a grill cleaning brush to clear the grates of any food or grease that’s leftover from last time.

Be sure to clean the outside of your grill occasionally as well (even if you are using a grill cover to keep it protected from the elements). Make it a point to really get in there and give it a good clean on a regular basis. Refer to your owners manual to disassemble everything and give yourself a clean slate.

Stay Tuned For More

Now that we’ve covered our list of grilling dos, we’d like to tackle a few of the most common grilling don’ts. Be sure to check out our forthcoming blog for that information. Until next time, friends and neighbors!