Is there a better way than barbecuing to enjoy a lovely day in the company of friends or family? You’re sitting at the table in your garden or on your patio, drink in hand, and food sizzling on the barbie. We've put together some best practices for safe barbecues, so you don't have to worry about anything but enjoying yourself.
This applies to both charcoal and gas barbecues. The further from your house, the better. That includes your garage, greenhouse, garden shed, or any other structure attached to your house. Avoid placing your grill under a wooden overhang either, as fire could flare up into the wood structure above.
Grease and fat are very flammable and could add more fuel to a fire or flare-up. The best way to keep things clean is to brush off all the dirt and grime with a wire brush while the grill is still warm.
We recommend checking for gas leaks regularly. The easiest way to make sure there aren't any leaks is by making a solution that's one part liquid dish soap, one part water. Rub the solution on the hoses and connections, then open the grill lid and turn on the gas. If the soap forms large bubbles, it’s a clear sign that the hoses have tiny holes or that the connections are not tight enough.
That way, you can spray minor flare-ups with water to instantly quench them. You won’t even ruin dinner, because the water won’t harm your food. Win-win!
Never, we repeat, never turn on the gas for your gas grill when the lid is closed. It can cause gas to build up inside your grill. That means when you light it and open the lid, a ball of fire could explode in your face. That sounds serious because it is.
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And we mean not more than a few steps away from your barbecue. If something really goes wrong, you will want it in arms reach. We recommend reading the instructions carefully, so you know how to use it in a moment of panic. Also, know when the fire extinguisher isn't enough and when to call the fire department.
Never, we repeat, never turn on the gas for your gas grill when the lid is closed. It can cause gas to build up inside your grill. That means when you light it and open the lid, a ball of fire could explode in your face. That sounds serious because it is.
Always appoint a dedicated griller. Even better, if you can plan ahead so that all the food prep and chores are done, and you can focus on your guests and grilling.
Avoid an overfull grill, especially when you're packing in a lot of fatty meats. If too much fat drips on the flames at once, it can cause a large flare up and ignite anything that's nearby.
We’ve all been there, the kids want heaps of tomato sauce on their snags and you squeeze the bottle just a little too hard. The next thing you know you’re looking at a sauce stain the size of a saucepan all over you’re new T-shirt.
The trick is not to let it settle, whip off your shirt and get it straight into the wash. Using a stain removal detergent like Dynamo will not only look after the colours but it’ll restore your new shirt to it’s former glory stain free. Pro tip: Rub the stain with a little Dynamo before the wash, it’ll get straight to the stain with amazing results.
With these simple tips, you can enjoy your barbecue without having to worry about your safety or the safety of your family and friends. Bon appétit!