It’s finally summer! And we know that means we’ll be spending as much time as possible soaking up the sun. Whether you’re just firing up the grill for Father’s Day or plan to grill all summer long, we put together some tips to make sure you’re getting the most out of your outdoor meals. 

Grill prep and maintenance makes all the difference! 

• Always clean your grill before using it. Use a wire brush, scrub it down, then wipe it with a cloth soaked with vegetable oil to pick up any loose material left behind. This helps prepare the grill surface before putting any food on it. 
• Always have a scrubber handy for cleaning grill grates after cooking. Cleaning your grates while they’re still hot makes it easier to get all that caked on gunk off. After using your wire brush, crank the heat to burn off anything left over.
• Maintaining your grill is just as important as the routine maintenance on your car. Season it with food grade oil to ensure food doesn’t stick.

Safety first.

• Never touch or sit on a hot grill and keep it at least 10 feet away from any structures. (Trust us, we found out that siding melts that hard way!) 
• Have the proper grilling tools with long handles so you never have to get too close to the heat. Also keep a good potholder or oven mitt nearby (but not too close!). We’re a little partial to the silicone grips on ourSoom Oven Mitt.
• Keep a table with a serving platter nearby so you have everything you need for a safe, enjoyable experience.
• When you’re done grilling, turn the grill and propane tank off. 
• Don’t forget your SPF! Even if the sun isn’t shining, protecting your skin from the sun is a must. A big, floppy hat works, too!

Grilling basics.

• Use one side of your grill for high heat and the other for low heat. This works for both charcoal and propane grills and allows you to get a good char on the exterior of meat or veggies, and a slow cook for tender meats and delicate produce.
• Keep a meat thermometer handy so you don’t have to cut open meat to check doneness. You don’t want those precious juices dripping out! A good thermometer is an investment you’ll never regret. When checking temp, insert the thermometer in the thickest part of the cut until it’s right in the center. Leave the thermometer to come up to temp. For safety and doneness, check out thistemperature chart from our friends at Rastelli’s. 
• After grilling, let the meat rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the meat to reabsorb some of those juices so they wind up in your food and not all over your plate.
• Always make sure you have an extra propane tank so you never run out. If you’re using charcoal, having hot coals ready to go can be a life saver.
• Make a tahini marinade or sauce the day before so it’s ready to add even more flavor to your dinner! Try some of our favorite recipes to replace boring ketchup on your condiment table.
• Garlicky Tahini Yogurt Sauce is perfect on grilled veggies and adds a light, fresh flavor.
• Goes with Everything Tahini Sauce well, goes with everything! No doubt this is the best sauce for dipping kebabs. 

Make it a party!

• Have a good playlist or good grilling partner to keep the conversation flowing.
• Prep some drinks and light snacks so you’re all ready for those long grilling sessions.
• Pull up your favorite chair and get comfy!