7 Tips for the Ultimate Summer Grilling Experience

Find out how to become a BBQ Grill Master with these 7 helpful grilling tips.

It's never too late to master the art of the backyard BBQ. We talked to grilling expert Roy Slicker, owner of Slick’s Que Co. in Bend, Oregon to get a few helpful BBQ tips on how to grill correctly. As president of the National Barbecue Association (NBBQA), he knows a thing or two about grilling techniques. Here’s what Slicker had to say about becoming a grill master, while keeping your grill operating at peak performance.

1. Start With a Sear

Slicker points out a common pitfall: "Cooking too hot is the biggest mistake grillers make." The technique he advocates is searing the meat over high heat, then moving it to a part of the grill to cook through indirectly. This method isn't just about avoiding the char; it's about capturing the perfect balance. Searing locks in flavor and creates that coveted crust, while slower, indirect heating ensures your meat remains succulent and tender. “You’ll still get that amazing grill taste, but it will be tender and juicy — not tough and dry.”

2. Always Use Clean Platters

It might seem like a minor detail, but this step is crucial for safe grilling. Transferring your perfectly grilled creations onto a plate that previously held raw meat can undo all your hard work, introducing harmful bacteria to cooked food. It's a simple but vital rule: one platter for raw meat, another for cooked. This practice ensures that your post-grill feast is not just delicious but also safe to enjoy.

3. Organize Your Grill Top

Think of your grill as a multi-zone cooking space. Assigning specific areas for different types of food—meat, fish, veggies, and a zone for keeping things warm—helps maintain flavor integrity and eases the accommodation of varied dietary preferences. This not only prevents flavor transfer but also makes for a more efficient grilling experience, ensuring each item is cooked to perfection.

4. Use Foil to Disperse the Heat

Before you even preheat your gas grill, try this underutilized trick: lining the bottom with foil. Simply take off the grate, pop out the burner units and add the foil. This step reflects heat and promotes a more uniform cooking environment, preventing those frustrating grill "hot spots." This technique helps ensure that your grilling is consistent, yielding evenly cooked food every time.

5. Don’t Forget the Veggies

Vegetables deserve a spot on your grill, and Slicker's method for barbecued asparagus exemplifies how to do it right. Put some in a plastic bag with olive oil and chopped garlic. Squeeze in a half lemon, then shake. Take it out of the bag and place it on the hot grill — crosswise, so the stalks don’t fall through.

6. Let Your Meat Sit Before You Slice

Impatience can be the enemy of a great grilled dish. Slicker advises allowing meat, especially thicker cuts, to rest before carving. This pause lets juices redistribute throughout the meat, enhancing both flavor and texture. Rush the process, and you'll end up with dry, less flavorful slices. Giving the meat time to rest ensures that each bite is as juicy and delicious as possible.

7. Clean Your Grill

After the feast is the time for one last critical step: cleaning your grill. Cranking up the heat burns off residual food particles, while a thorough scrubbing prevents buildup that could affect taste and grill performance. Regular cleaning not only maintains the purity of your grilled dishes but also extends the life of your grill. Plus, it's a health matter—keeping your grill grime-free avoids potential contamination and ensures your grilling remains a wholesome, enjoyable experience.

Following these tips can elevate your grilling game, earning you accolades and perhaps even the coveted title of "the Grill Master" among friends and family.

If you find that your gas grill isn't lighting or has other performance issues, don't let that dampen your grilling spirit. Schedule a repair with Sears Home Services. Our experts are equipped to handle all your grill repair needs, ensuring you're ready for the grilling season. Schedule your repair today and keep the flames of your grilling passion burning bright!