Summer grilling lets you enjoy the warm weather and spend some more time with loved ones. Plus, the grill is easy to master once you’ve got some tricks under your belt. Before you fire it up, here are some top tips to keep in mind.

Clean the Grates

Get into the habit of cleaning the grill grates both after and before you cook. Clean grates are essential for preventing flare-ups, and they’ll help keep your food from sticking as well. A wire brush will usually do the trick.

Oil the Grates

Another step to take before you begin cooking is oiling the grill grates. Simply dab a paper towel in some oil and rub it lightly over the grates. Well-oiled grates will help ensure that food doesn’t stick, especially lean meats.

Always Preheat

Before you start cooking, you should let the grill preheat for around 10 to 15 minutes. Preheating ensures that the food gets a good sear, which will help prevent sticking, encourage even cooking, and ensure that you get those desired grill marks.

Equip Yourself

A grill master is nothing without the right tools for the job, including tongs and spatulas for flipping and moving the food, making sure it is evenly cooked. A meat thermometer for checking the internal temperature of the food is also a must-have.

Create Heat Zones

While grilling, it’s a good idea to have a two-zone fire, which means that one side of the grill is at a higher temperature than the other. This way, you’ll be able to move food around depending on its level of doneness.

Add Some Flavour

What’s a grilled meal without the flavourful kick of rubs and marinades? Marinades are an oil, acid, and spice mixture used to tenderize meats, while rubs are mixtures of dry herbs and spices rubbed on the outside of the meat to give it a tasty “crust.”

Resist Moving the Food Around

Beginners on the grill often make the mistake of moving the food too much while it cooks, which can cause it to stick or fall apart. It’s much better to leave the food alone until it’s finished cooking on one side and releases more easily.

Let Meat Rest

After grilling and before serving, let the meat “rest” for a few minutes. While it sits there, the juices will redistribute and make for a more tender and juicer cut once it’s time to dig in.

Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment!

While almost everyone loves a good steak, the grill is not just for meat. You can grill fish, vegetables, fruits, and even pizza! You can even try some different cooking techniques on the grill, like smoking or indirect grilling. By throwing in some variety, you can expand your cooking repertoire, add more flavour to your food, and truly become a master of the grill.

When it comes to grilling, there’s always room for improvement. No matter your experience level, you can try some of these tips and tricks to up your grill game and impress your friends and family.