Okay you’ll need ribs, steaks, chicken and most important, the sauce!
But before you get grilling, you should prepare your BBQ for the upcoming season.
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Make your BBQ a part of your Spring cleaning routine!
The winter season has weathered on your BBQ and that means it’s time to add one more item to your spring cleaning list.
Get your rubber gloves out, and give it a good scrub because last year’s grime is still lingering on your beautiful grill.
The best way to remove any grease or left over grime is by using a specialty remover like Weber’s Exterior Grill Cleaner, a bucket of warm water, and a heavy duty scrubber. Don't forget to use that elbow grease!
Always use a proper cleaning product on the tough spots, Weber Stubborn Stain Remove is a great option. Always remember to follow the directions on any cleaning product you use!
As a rule of thumb, never use oven cleaner on your barbecue, as it is often corrosive and can cause serious damage. So be careful! You don't want to scratch up your stainless steel exteriors.
On grills without the clean-out tray use a shop vac to suck out all that built up grease and carbon.
Better to be safe than sorry!
If you notice holes on your burners, it’s time for them to be replaced. You can find the original replacement burners for newer models, and universal ones for older models.
Do an overall inspection of your BBQ. You don’t want any leaks or cracks in your gas hose and you'll need to make sure all gas connections are snug.
When you are checking for gas leaks be sure to apply pressure in the gas lines, use a spray bottle of soapy water and spray down all connections keeping an eye out for bubbles. If you see a bubble that means trouble!
Note the condition of your control knobs, thermometers and handles. It’s better to replace all those little loose or broken parts to maintain the overall condition of your grill before you need to invest in the bigger expenses.
If you spend a day giving your beloved BBQ a bath just before every season, it will definitely last.
Protect your grill!
It’s important to know how to maintain your BBQ. Grilling 101 requires the right safety measures to keep your grilling experiences enjoyable and safe.
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The options for safety extends far beyond the practical premium glove set. Although it is extremely important to avoid burning your hands consider purchasing accessories to help your barbecue’s quality last, like a barbecue cover.
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And if you’re a serious griller, there are a variety of other tools like planks, griddles, thermometers, brushes and more to make the most of this BBQ season.
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When it’s time to trade up for a new BBQ!
Sometimes the decision making process can be overwhelming. It’s hard to know what you’re looking for when there is a large selection of liquid propane (LP), natural gas(NG), charcoal, and electric barbecues in stock and on display.
If you’re buying a BBQ for the first time it’s hard to know where to begin to find what’s best for your needs.
Start with size. Size matters!
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If you’re often the host of the summer family barbecues you might consider a large model with a grilling space that can cook more than 30 burger patties at a time! But if you think you have a small balcony? No problem.
The small models still have three burners and can cook up to 14 burger patties.
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Next, understand your budget and what models to look for to stay within it.
Though less convenient then a gas grill the traditional enthusiast would argue that it offers superior flavour and classic style. Especially when adding hardwood chunks like apple or mesquite, you can really bring out the flavour by doing so.
Weber’s compressed charcoal offers superior burn time and consistent temperatures. Modern accessories like chimney starters and electric fire starters have made getting the grill up to temperature a much shorter and easier process.
No more lighter fluid! You should be ready to cook in about 20 minutes with the right equipment.
Natural Gas (NG) If you have a natural gas outlet on the deck, then natural gas is a great choice. You will never need to worry about running out of fuel and the costs are relatively inexpensive.
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However, it is not recommended that you run your flexible gas line longer than 20 feet as you may not have enough pressure for the grill to operate properly.
If you are someone who would prefer not to deal with gas or charcoal fuel, an Electric Grill is right for you. Especially is you are in a situation where your housing doesn't allow for gas grills. The Weber Q1400 and Q2400 offer high quality and good temperatures for searing and cooking on an electric grill.
Want to know more? Great! The folks at White’s Barbecue & Fireplace are experts on the topic, and have been apart of Okanagan’s barbecue and fireplace history since 1992. Their qualified gas fitters and knowledgable staff can help you can help through the buying process start to finish.
Happy grilling!
White’s Barbecue and Fireplace has been family owned and operated for over 25 years right here in the heart of the Okanagan. They have a complete line-up of Weber grills from the newest Spirit II, Genesis II and Summit alongside many other major brands. The friendly staff operate under a no pressure sales attitude, honour all competitive pricing, offer free assembly and lots of local promotions, making their shop a grill lover’s dream! White’s… put some sizzle on it! You can find White's Barbecue and Fireplace located at the corner of Spall and Springfield.
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