5 Grilling Goofs That Can Ruin a Barbecue
Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with advertisers on this site.
Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with advertisers on this site.
This Father's Day, give Dad a break by taking over the barbecue responsibilities. Follow these grilling tips from Consumer Reports to keep the food from sticking to grates, minimize flare-ups, and make any cookout a success. With a few simple techniques you can produce food that's perfectly cooked.
Problem: Food Sticks to Grates
The fix: Fully preheat the grill; it could take 15 to 20 minutes. Before cooking, clean the grates with a stiff brush. (See “Best and Worst Grill Brushes.”) Then fold two paper towels into a tight pad, dip in a bowl of vegetable oil, and draw the pad across the grates using tongs. Now you’re ready to start cooking.
Problem: Fatty Foods Increase Flare-Ups
The fix: Don’t overcrowd the cooking surface, and keep a third or more of the surface empty. That way, if fatty foods such as salmon or rib-eye steaks flare up, you can move them to the cooler, nonflaming section.
Problem: Food Is Under- or Overcooked
The fix: Cooking with the lid open allows heat to escape and compromises roasting. Use high heat for searing thick cuts of meat, then lower to finish cooking. Check doneness with an instant-read meat thermometer.
Problem: Burgers and Steaks Taste Dry and Bland
The fix: Just before cooking, season meat with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like.
Do it too far in advance and the seasoning pulls liquid from the meat—you’ll wind up with dry meat. Generously season one side of each burger (some of the seasoning drips off while cooking) then place that side down on grill.
As the meat cooks, season the top side before flipping to finish. Always brush barbecue sauce on near the end of cooking. This allows the meat to cook thoroughly without burning the sauce.
Problem: Smoked Flavor Doesn't Come Through
The fix: A dedicated smoker. Even with a smoker box, the results won’t be as good on a gas grill because smoke rushes out the grill vents, making it difficult to get that authentic barbecue flavor.
Grill Shopping?
Start with our grill buying guide, then look at our gas and charcoal grill ratings to compare grills and check our brand reliability information. To find a gas barbecue grill in your price range, read:
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