How to Grill Safely (and Four Tools That Can Help)
The Fourth of July is the unofficial national grilling holiday in the United States, and at the very least, it’s worth celebrating charring your meat outdoors with friends. Whether you’ve had a few burger joints this summer or are new to charcoal grilling, it’s important to consider your safety before you light a match. Here’s what you should do and what tools you might need before, during, and after the last dog comes off the grill.
Before grilling
Place the grill in a suitable location. In case there is a stray spark or severe flash, you should stay away from anything that could catch fire. Grills, especially charcoal grills, should be located at least 10 feet from the house, railings, overhanging tree branches and anything flammable. For gas grills, check your state’s fire codes for minimum distances. If you can handle that, 10 feet is about right. Make sure you cook outside in the open air to prevent carbon monoxide from building up.
Set up a safety zone. With kids running around and dogs catching Frisbees in the yard, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment. It doesn’t hurt to set up a certain circle around the grill, which will become a “no-go zone.” Use brightly colored concrete chalk, eco-friendly grass line marking spray , or simply install a ring of coolers to keep kids from wandering in unknowingly.
Pay attention to your fire extinguisher. Of course you have a fire extinguisher , right? Get one. Get two. It’s a small price to pay for safety, and you’ll be kicking yourself for not spending $30 if you suddenly had to pay $3,000 for siding repairs. Place the fire extinguisher in a visible place so you and everyone else knows where to find it in case of an emergency.
During grilling
Before lighting your gas grill, open it. Gas can accumulate under the dome lid of a gas grill if you keep the lid open. Make sure the cover is open before pressing the ignition button. This will not only allow any accumulated gas to dissipate, but will also allow you to check how the flame is doing.
Use a coal chimney. Charcoal grills don’t have an ignition button, and that’s the beauty of it. Instead of dousing your briquettes with lighter fluid, which can catch fire (and later possibly cause a smoke smell in your food), use a chimney . They are fast, easy and safe to use. Not only are they used by experienced grillers, but they are also a good way to build a newbie’s confidence.
Stay close. Any time you have an open flame, you should be close enough to keep an eye on it. I mean, honestly, if it applies to candles, it definitely applies to grills.
After grilling is complete
Clean the grill. You may have cleaned the grate before grilling, but it’s after you use it, when the browned bits and grease are warm, that you’ll see most of the crap come off. And be sure to clean your gas grill with a good, durable brush . This grease trap can cause a hell of a fire if you are not careful.
Discard the coals. Once the coals and ash have cooled completely, they can be wrapped in aluminum foil and placed in a metal jar with a tight-fitting lid. This could be a small coffee can or a metal trash can that you use specifically for this purpose. Make sure the coals are in an outdoor bin so they can be disposed of.
Once you’ve acquired the right tools and crossed those caveats off your mental checklist, you’ll be ready to get started. Go out and cook some damn good food.