Grilling is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and create delicious meals. Unfortunately, grills can be dangerous if not handled properly. Grease fires and flare-ups are two of the most common barbecue dangers that can cause serious injury or even death.
In this article, we will provide readers with the necessary information and steps they need to take to safely prevent grill flare ups and grease fires.
Understanding Flare-Ups and Grease Fires
A grill flare-up is when fat from meat drops onto hot coals or lava rocks, causing flames to rise quickly around your food. It’s important to note that flare-ups can happen regardless of whether you’re cooking over charcoal, gas, or electric heat sources—so it’s best practice for all types of grills! On the other hand, a grease fire occurs when fat or oil builds up on the sides of a grill or inside its hood (if it has one) until eventually igniting into flames. Both these scenarios have the potential for disaster, but luckily there are preventative measures you can take before firing up your BBQ!
Preparing The Grill For Cooking
Before turning on your grill, make sure it is clean, so any leftover fat doesn’t ignite at high temperatures during cooking time. Cleaning should also include removing any excess ash left behind from previous cookouts, as this could contribute towards an unwanted flame up situation while barbecuing!
Any built up grease found within crevices should also be wiped away using paper towels dampened with water – never use flammable liquids such as alcohol near an open flame! Lastly, check that all vents are open so air circulates freely around the entire surface area, which helps regulate temperature levels throughout different sections on your BBQ grate to boot!
This ensures even heat distribution, preventing hotspots where flare-ups might occur more easily than usual due to higher temperatures present in certain areas only.
Prepping The Food Before Cooking
When prepping meats for barbecue season, always try trimming off excess fat before placing them directly onto hot coals/lava rocks etcetera, as this will help reduce chances of spontaneous flares later down during grilling sessions since fatty bits won’t be dripping down towards heated surfaces any more (which would otherwise spark sudden fireballs).
If marinating beforehand then ensure all liquid used does not contain oils either—these too can cause similar issues like those mentioned earlier regarding fats dripping onto already ignited fuel sources below, meaning caution must always be taken no matter what kind of meal preparation techniques being employed by yourself prior to starting each cookout session respectively.
Avoiding Overcrowded Grills
As tempting as it may seem to have multiple items sizzling away simultaneously looks impressive but overcrowded grills increase risks associated with both flare ups & grease fires alike due to their compact nature making it difficult to control overall temperatures present inside small spaces filled densely packed foods instead.
To avoid this issue, try breaking down larger cuts into smaller portions, so they fit comfortably without overlapping each other – leaving ample room between elements allows easier access, while flipping everything over when needed helping keep things ticking along smoothly without unnecessary complications arising further down the line either.
Keeping An Eye On Grease Build Up While Grilling
Grease build-up usually happens slowly over time, however keeping track every now and again still goes a long way ensuring unexpected disasters don’t suddenly appear out of the blue sky like a proverbial bolt of lightning striking random targets nearby unexpectedly.
So, every few minutes take a quick glance around the perimeter noting how much smoke rising from the sides hood along with checking those pesky accumulations haven’t grown too large yet anyway if anything seems overly excessive then immediately stop the cooking process altogether wiping away offending substances using damp towel paper cloth whatever else available nearby first though course before continuing once again afterwards accordingly.
Never Leave A Hot Grill Unattended
It’s easy to get distracted by conversations drinks laughter music etcetera going round about however never leave a hot grill unattended even just a few seconds because something could potentially catch alight instantly leading to bigger problems to handle than originally anticipated previously, therefore, best practice is stick close by constantly monitoring everything happening real-time basis denying opportunity any surprise incidents arise occurring unannounced anyway.
Have Fire Extinguishing Supplies Ready To Go
Having a proper fire extinguisher readily available no matter what type of outdoor activity engaged proves invaluable in times an emergency arises needing to act swiftly in order to put the situation back under control quickly and safely efficiently possible manner imaginable, moreover having the right tools job makes the job easier and gives people peace mind knowing able tackle worst case scenarios head whenever required doing same to boot
Therefore, investing in quality extinguishers is well worth cost added security provides everyday users who rely heavily upon such items in regular basis, especially those frequently engaging in activities involving open flames heating elements and similarly related kinds of equipment usage-wise anyway.
Putting Out A Grease Fire Safely
Putting out a grease fire safely requires swift decisive action to cut the problem off source soon as possible thereby reducing the chance of damage spreading beyond the initial ignition point itself course ideally wants completely snuff out the blaze completely rather than risk reigniting after extinguished first attempt alone here though some tips help successfully do the exactly same thing:
Firstly, turn off the burner(s) underneath the container containing the burning material next cover the entire item in a thick blanket smothering the oxygen supply needed to sustain combustion proactively lastly call local authorities inform them current status location incidences occurred – remaining calm collected meanwhile until arrive scene manage restful resolution thereafter.
Cleaning & Maintaining Your BBQ Properly
After each use wipes internal components thoroughly remove any residue left behind food debris clean exterior casing regularly to give a shiny new look retain longevity machine invest in good quality covers protect against harsh weather conditions, rains storms, snow, hail, sun etcetera.
Lastly, inspect parts functioning correctly and replace defective ones necessary thus ensuring safe operation anytime anywhere desired maximum safety satisfaction guaranteed end day guarantee results!
Summary
Barbecue Safety 101 teaches us many lessons including how to avoid dangerous situations while barbecuing, we’ve outlined above key points to consider implementing your own practices to ensure everyone enjoys experiencing worry free.
Environment precautions taken place to remember to stay alert, responsible, and aware. Follow instructions given by manufacturer product guidelines applicable to particular scenario likewise. Hopefully reading through the article gained insight better understanding the subject itself enabling to apply knowledge in future endeavors ahead safe happy grilling!
