Archive for April, 2009

How many times do you clean your gas grill?

Thursday, April 30th, 2009
lisasurf19 asked:


We just bought a beautiful gas grill, and I don’t know when the right time to clean them is? Do I just wait until I’m about to store it @ the end of the summer to clean it? or should I do it after every BBQ grill? Just curious!

Thanks everyone!

Katherine

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what is the best gas grill to buy?

Tuesday, April 28th, 2009
Stephanie W asked:


I’m buying my first gas grill. Any suggestions to what brand name I should buy?

Terri
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Menu Ideas For The Barbecue Grill

Sunday, April 26th, 2009
Barbecue Smoker Recipe Man asked:


A good barbecue isn’t easy and there’s no substitute for experience but we’ve all got to start somewhere so if you’re a BBQ novice then read on.

Below are plenty of fantastic barbecue tips and menu ideas for the grill so if any ladies out there have read my article entitled “Modern Man And The Barbecue Grill” you’ll already be on the road to converting your man from the fire pits to the BBQ King with some easy BBQ recipes.

I’ve already spoken about the patience that’s required when it comes to lighting the grill and the need to heat up the coals and eliminate the flames. Remember, “coals are hot, flames are not!” and we’re on the road to a successful BBQ cookout. This same rule applies to gas grills as well as charcoal, gas grills may be more or less instant but it’s still important to ensure that the lava rocks are fully warmed through and this usually takes about 15 minutes. Charcoal of course will be more like 45 minutes before it’s ready to cook on.

So what’s the next step? The best tip I can give is to take time to plan the menu, think carefully about what you’re going to cook.

But isn’t it easier just to do burgers and sausages? No! In fact burgers and sausages are quite difficult for to reasons:-

1. Relatively speaking they’re high in fat compared with other foods. Now I know we need fat to drip onto the coals to create the smoke to give the flavor but too much fat and the BBQ will flare up - a sure fire way to cook up a burnt offering.

2. They’re made from ground beef and that means they must be cooked through. Food poisoning is generally caused by the bacterium e-coli that grows on the surface of the meat. Cook the outside of a steak and you can safely eat the inside raw but think about a burger, with ground meat, the meat that’s on the inside has also been on the outside.

So if you’re not yet convinced about your man’s BBQ capabilities choose a meat that doesn’t need to be cooked through to be safe. Try barbecue beef, barbeque lamb or BBQ fish.

Back to the “coals are hot, flames are not” theme it’s important to light up the grill on its highest position away from the coals. This means that the meat will be cooked slowly therefore giving you the best guarantee that it will be cooked through and should there be a “flare up” you are as well protected as you can be from burning. Of course if it’s going too slow, lower the grill step by step until you get the sizzle, in other words start gently and slowly work up the heat.

Finally to make for a really flavorful cookout, why not try a marinade? Marinades not only add flavor they also tenderize and all that’s needed is a little thinking ahead for preparation time. There’s a good few websites out there offering free barbecue recipes so it’s easy to find different menu ideas.



Yvonne
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How to Choose an Inexpensive Barbeque Grill

Saturday, April 25th, 2009
Brian Hill asked:


Grills for All Budgets and Needs

Today’s outdoor chef has many different choices of grills. Manufactures have come up with designs and functionality to meet the needs and expectation of every outdoor griller. Prices range from $30 to $1,000 or more. In general, charcoal grills are less expensive than gas units. Let’s start from simple and inexpensive and move our way up to fancy, near-gourmet-kitchen setups that allow you to impress your guests with your grill and your food.

In general, grills with a larger cooking surface are more expensive, so you need to think about how large a group you typically cook for. If you have parties with 20 or more guests, you may want to opt for the largest grill you can get. Features like warming racks, side burners and even ovens are now available on outdoor grills, making the griller’s job much easier, but also making the cost of the grilling unit higher.

Portable Grills

Weber Smokey Joe® Silver Charcoal Grill Around $30

This is the mini, go anywhere version of the classic Weber kettle grill. Small enough be easily portable to any outdoor event, the grill is also useful for those with smaller patios or backyards. The 14.5 in. grill width limits how much food can be cooked at once, but for those familiar with cooking with Weber kettles, it requires no learning curve and is a great value.

Aussie Pre-assembled & Completely Portable Charcoal Grill Around $50

This popular manufacturer of charcoal grills has come up with a versatile design for use in on camping trips, tailgating, picknicking-the griller on the go. No assembly is required. The grill’s legs are designed to fold and the hood and bowl lock for easy transport and storage. They’ve even thought of including a hook on the grill so that it can hang on the wall when not in use. The cooking grid is in a criss-cross design to prevent smaller food from falling into the charcoal. The manufacturer also says the grill is especially designed with adjustable hood and bowl vents to allow for maximum control of air flow.

Simple, Easy-to-Use and Cost Effective Grills

Weber 22.5 In. One-Touch® Silver Charcoal Grill - Black Less than $100

This is the familiar classic kettle that many of us grew up using. The innovation in this reasonably priced unit is their exclusive One-Touch cleaning system made of alumnized steel.

Char-Broil 26,500 BTU 2 Burner Gas Grill Around $100

This inexpensive gas grill has an impressive 410 total square inches of cooking surface, and an electronic ignition system for easy lighting. The grill also features two metal side shelves that can be used as prep tables or holding areas for prepared food.

Char-Griller Super Pro Charcoal Grill/Smoker Less than $150

This unit is great for outdoor chefs who want to learn how to prepare smoked foods as well as grilled foods, but do not want to buy a dedicated meat smoker. Features of this unit include an adjustable grate and dampers, 3 level adjustable cast iron grates for even heating, an easy-dump as pan for simple clean-up and a wire storage rack. It also boasts a total cooking surface of 800 sq. ft.

Brinkmann Stainless Steel 4 Burner Grill Less than $200

This unit has 48,000 BTU’s and over 660 square inches of total cooking space. It has two large side tables to provide all the workspace you will need. Another great feature of this reasonably priced grill is a warming rack that allows you to keep foods heated while others finish on the grill. They also say their “integrated ignition” allows for a quick start each time.

These are just a few recommendations of inexpensive barbeque grills available.



Nicholas
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Get That Perfectly Grilled Steak Like That High End Steak House at Home for a Fraction of the Cost

Friday, April 24th, 2009
Mark Hester asked:


There’s nothing in the world better than a juicy, perfectly grilled steak from a high-end steak house.

But is there anyway I can duplicate that unbeatable taste in my backyard?

Yes, you can! Any weekend griller can easily duplicate that perfectly grilled steak — if you follow a few simple guidelines:

First off everything starts in the market with your choice of the steak. The cut of steak is all important. Lean cuts do not grill well. You want to pick a cut that has good fat marbling throughout. Excellent cuts to choose are the Rib Eye, T-Bone and Sirloin.

Many people like the Fillet Mignon. But I think it has no real steak flavor. There is a reason restaurants always wrap a piece of bacon around it. My recommendation is to stick to the cuts above.

Next, preheat the gas grill or light your charcoal and build a two zone fire. To make a two zone fire with a charcoal grill, arrange the brickets so that the majority are at one side of the grill producing a hot zone of about 400 degrees F and a cooler zone of about 225-300 degrees F. For a gas grill, adjust the flame on one end to high and the other to low.

To check the temperatures of your grill use the hand test. For the hot zone you should be able to hold your hand about 3 inches over the grate for about 1 to 2 seconds before being forced to pull it back. For the warm zone the time should be 7 to 8 seconds.

Remove the steaks from the refrigerator and bring them to room temperature before working with them.

Season both sides of the steak with oil and coat generously with salt and pepper (some will fall off during cooking. You can apply other spices at this time — but why would you want to?

Place your steaks first on the hot side of the grill to quickly sear the outside and lock in the juices. Cook each side for about three minutes to get the crust color you love. Halfway through each side, rotate the meat 45 degrees to get those perfect grill marks that you see in the restaurant.

Then move your steaks to the warm zone for completing the cooking to your doneness perference.

When the cooking is done, remove the steaks from the grill and, here is the restaurant trick, cover it with butter. Absolutely cover it on both sides. Then, even though it will be hard, let it “rest” for at least 5 minutes. Grilling dries the outside of meats and forces the juices to the center. Resting allows the juices to return to the outside giving you a nice juicy piece of meat.

Serve and enjoy.

Follow these simple guidelines (which work equally as well indoors on the griddle) and you can have that expensive restaurant experience of a perfectly grilled steak at home — anytime — for a fraction of the price.



Mary
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The Natural Gas Advantage for your Home

Friday, April 24th, 2009
Christopher Jent asked:


Consider some of the good reasons why you should choose natural gas appliances and amenities for your home. Certainly, you want your home to be a safe environment where your family can relax and feel comfortable. With natural gas you’ll find convenience and value for your energy dollar with more years of dependable service. Gas surpasses electricity on performance. It is also more cost-efficient. Being the cleanest source of energy obtained from fossil fuels, it helps promote a healthy environment adding no harmful emissions to the air. Listed below are the many uses of natural gas in the home along with their specific advantages

Natural gas for heating

Homes heated with natural gas all feel warm, comfortable, and draft-free. Even in the coldest weather, you can rely on a natural gas furnace while electric heat pumps may fail to adequately deliver heat. A gas furnace delivers air from the vent at about 130° F, while an electric heat pump needs to be as much as 40 degrees hotter. Over 70% of all new homes built currently use natural gas as the main central heating system. Gas furnaces bring a steady flow of warm air faster using less energy. The life of a gas furnace is usually double that of an electric heat pump. The pilot-less ignition and regulated zone heating can also save money on your heating bill.

Natural gas water heater

Heating water is the second largest energy user in the home. Waiting too long for hot water or, worse yet, running out of hot water too soon can be prevented by using a natural gas water heater. Whether you are showering or washing dishes, you want hot water fast and plenty of it. Gas flames provide instant heat, and today’s gas water heaters are even more efficient than older models. Using a natural gas water heater enables you and your family to enjoy long, relaxing hot showers.

Gas range top cooking

With a gas flame there’s no waiting for the burner to warm up or cool down. Contrary to an electric range, the cooking stops as soon as you turn off a gas burner. Cooking time is easily controlled on a gas range because it responds instantly to your touch. Foods can cook faster and more evenly. The pilot-less ignition of newer models eliminates the need for a standing pilot light. The flame burns only when the gas is turned on, cutting your gas usage by about one third so you can enjoy great food in less time. Nowadays, saving time is a great advantage.

Your clothes get dry faster with a gas dryer

Gas dryers outperform electric ones by more than a three to one ratio. Gas clothes dryers can provide significant cost savings without sacrificing performance features. Better temperature control from the natural gas flame allows your clothes to dry faster and more evenly. No more going to the dryer to find some clothes partially dry or even still wet. Features like pilot-less ignition, sensor controls, automatic cooling-down cycles and shut-offs, plus optional shorter cycles for de-wrinkling are all designed for better efficiency saving you money.

Natural gas fireplaces verses wood-burning fireplaces

Fireplaces burning wood can cause chimney fires, ashes and sparks. Clean-up is necessary and sparks can potentially harm children, pets, and/or furnishings. Just a flick of a switch can provide fuel-efficient, fuss-free flames from today’s gas logs and fireplace inserts. There is no need to buy wood and never mind about hauling and storing it. Enjoy a cozy fire instantly without dealing with the mess of a wood-burning fireplace. Gas fireplaces also offer the benefits of both radiant and convective heat.

Gaslights operate even during power outages

When a power outage happens, standard electrical lights go out, but the comforting glow from gaslights endures. Unlike electric lights, gaslights don’t attract insects. Gaslights add security and a warm welcome to entryways, driveways, patios, and decks near pool and garden areas.

Enjoy smoky, barbecue flavored food without the mess of charcoal or propane

There is no propane tank to fill, nor the wait for charcoal to heat up. Natural gas controls are right at your fingertips. Cooking outdoors can be safe, convenient, and reliable with natural gas barbecues. Natural gas flames can be fine-tuned with precision— something difficult to regulate with other barbecues. Another advantage to barbecuing with natural gas is that gas grills are easy to clean and virtually maintenance free.

Gas heaters for the pool, spa and patio areas

Natural gas patio and swimming pool heaters let you enjoy these areas more months out of the year. When warmed by natural gas, water temperatures in a spa or pool stay consistently comfortable. Patio heaters (available in an array of different models) can be used even in exposed outdoor areas. Natural gas patio heaters can keep you comfortably warm air for up to a 20-foot circular area.

Understanding the advantages of natural gas for your home makes the decision for using it easy. It is the choice for many new homes. Natural gas is stored at facilities managed by companies like, Triple Diamond Energy Corporation, which make sure to meet the seasonal demands as they increase. The energy is provided as needed without supply disruptions. Natural gas is stored underground in large reservoirs easily accessed through pipeline systems.



Justin
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Where do I get propane for my gas grill propane tank?

Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009
Manbearpig asked:


My apartment complex banned charcoal grills so I got my hands on a gas grill for cheap that uses propane from a tank. I’ve never owned a gas grill before and have only used them once or twice in the past. I see you can buy tanks in places like Lowe’s, Target, CostCo, etc., but where do you go to get them filled with propane? Can you usually do this at some gas stations or do you have to go elsewhere?

Thomas
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Cook With Weber Gas Grills and Never Look Back!

Sunday, April 19th, 2009
Ben Johnson asked:


Grilling is yet another cooking method that will bring the best of your cooking skills.  Having the right tools to complement your skills is so vital to the success of your product – grilled food!  Grilling is a marvelous experience as this can be done outdoor in a beautiful setting of a garden or bbq pit.  One such partners for Grills is Weber that brings the best of different grill sets to your doorstep.

For outdoor Grills, there are options for the Natural Gas Grill, Go Anywhere Gas Grill, Performer Charcoal Grill and Portable Gas Grill, to name a few.

Weber Charcoal Grill comes with an easy-to-setup grill set.  It has also the one-touch vent system that makes ventilation such an ease.  With the ash-catcher, there is no mess to clear, making your grilling experience more memorable, reducing the after-grilling clean up you have to do.

The stylish and highly functional Weber Portable Gas Grill is an innovative piece that takes up very little room while ensuring that you have the best functionality of grilling your food to perfection.  This Weber Portable Gas Grill comes with folding trays to keep it sleek without compromising space, cast iron cooking grate for the grilling job.  The ultra-light composite shell gives the grill its portability.  With a good quality regulator, this grill is a perfect partner at your next Grill Party!!  It also offers a no-mess, easy to clean experience, leaving the final clean up a breeze.

For the first timer, you may wish to consider having the Weber Q Grill or the Weber Baby Q Grill to set you going onto this grilling experience.  Especially if you are uncertain that you would know how to set up, how to grill!!  Weber Q grill is designed to get you to help you with your grill within minutes.  It only requires a few moments of setup, one simple turn on the regulator knob to start, a push onto the ignitor and the heat is on!!  You can grill up to 4 steaks or 12 chicken thighs at any time.

How about those experienced Grillers out there?  Surely, you wont be missed out!! Weber has another end of products that will bring smiles to experienced grillers!!  Weber Summit Grill is one such product that will bring your grilling skills up to flying colors.  There is no cold or hot spots to worry about as this is an easily controlled grill that will bring every grilled meal to perfection.

Let Weber Grillers be part of your weekend and a stable feature of your cooking repertoire that can be experienced years after years with your loved ones and friends!!

For more information please visit Flaming Gas Grills



Michele
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How do you cook a half ham on a gas grill?

Sunday, April 19th, 2009
Sandra asked:


I have a gas grill, but I’m not at all expierenced in grilling. I have people coming on Sunday and I thought this would be good for dinner. What do I need to do? Can you get a ’smoky’ taste from a gas grill? How? Thanks!!

Debra
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Who makes a stand alone gas grill 24 inches wide that can be used for inside home?

Wednesday, April 15th, 2009
NMI asked:


Looking for stainless steel gas grill to use in residentual indoor kitchen, also a s.s. stand with shelf/doors for storage.

Katherine
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