Grilling Ideas for Spring

Begin the season by cleaning and preparing your grill. No matter the type of grill, you’ll want your grill in tip-top shape so you can spend more time cooking up some excitement. This guide shows you how to clean your grill properly and safely for all types of grills.
For a quick cleaning, use a grill brush with bristles and a scraper and get your grill ready to fire up.

Brush up on ways you can use your grill before guests arrive and cooking for a crowd will be a snap. Some of the most common types of grills include smokers, gas and charcoal grills.

Learn more about grill types.

• Learn about the best ways to start your gas grill.
• If you’ve got a taste for slow-cooked food, check out these ideas for using your smoker.
• Chargrilled food is a crowd favorite. Learn about the ways to start your charcoal grill.

Don’t forget that protecting your grill goes beyond grill covers. You can also protect your grill from the elements underneath a pergola. It protects you, too.

There are plenty of grill options out there. Choose from compact grills for cooking in tight spaces, camping and tailgating, to monster-sized grills that help you feed many.

Take the guesswork out of your search. Learn more about types of grills before choosing one.

Because you’ll be grilling every chance you're able, you’ll want to keep all your grilling tools at hand. A hanging grill shelf is an easy DIY project that holds grilling tongs, spices and herbs and other essentials. It also holds barbecue sauces and marinades.

Make cooking on the grill easier with the right grill accessories. Here’s a quick look at several we know you just can’t live without.

• Grill utensils: Flipping burgers or turning over your chicken, seafood or steaks at just the right time is an art. Your grill tools can help with that. Your food will flip with ease. A basting brush and skewers also are useful for grilling.
• Thermometers: From inexpensive to high-tech, grill thermometers help you keep track of food temperatures; some brands even offer the convenience of a smartphone app. Check out this range of grill thermometers to choose the one that’s right for you.
• Grill cover: When the party’s over, let your grill cool down then cover it until the next gathering. Keeping your grill covered will help it last longer.
• Grill mat: Stay comfortable underfoot when grilling. Use a grill mat to keep all the focus on the grilling at hand.
• Cast iron grilling: Heat up cast iron on the grill for searing your meats, fish, chicken and veggies. Cast iron can also be used to make delicious cornbread, cake and more on the grill. With so many uses on the grill, cast iron pans, griddles and stock pots are must-have grilling accessories.
• Outdoor dinnerware: Beyond the grill, try dinnerware sets in fun styles, colors and patterns made for outdoor use. Melamine is heavy-duty and holds the thickest steaks.

Have you ever run out of fuel in the middle of a get-together? Don’t let that happen to you. Get your grilling fuels before you barbecue. Let the flow of grilling fun stay on target by staying prepared with extra pellets, propane, charcoal or whatever fuels your grill.

When cooking on the grill, it always helps to have fresh herbs nearby. Whether you have an in-ground herb garden or a collection of favorite herbs in containers, these flavorful favorites are ready to flavor grilled meats and vegetables.

Try fresh herb butter, marinade or other recipes that call for your favorite herbs.

Because grilling happens even on chilly nights, cook comfortably with a heater in addition to the grill. Stay warm by using patio heaters.