July is National Grilling Month, and there’s no better time than the summer to observe it. With grilling season in full swing, knowing how to operate a grill is essential to curate a food spread like no other. Whether hosting a family cookout, pool party, or relaxing, the summer days give you every excuse to roll out the grill.

From burgers and steaks to hotdogs and chicken, everyone craves grilled food occasionally. If it’s your first time on the grill, no worries. We have a list of safety tips and things to know before you get started to ensure a good time and tasty food. So add mastering the grill to your to-do list—time to fire up the grill and let us show you the best techniques.

Safety Tips

Never Leave the Grill Unattended

If it wasn’t obvious, never leave the grill unattended. You’re just asking for burnt food or a potential fire to break out. Even if you need to step away for a short moment, grab someone you trust to keep watch.

Clean Regularly

Thoroughly clean the grill before and after each use. Grease and fat can build up, causing a fire. Be sure to clean the grill grates and empty the grease tray afterward.

Make Sure Your Grill is Sturdy

A sturdy and stable grill prevents messy cleanup. When your grill is shaky, it can shift the charcoal or food on the grates. That said, making sure your grill is stable prevents a risky tip-over, which, you guessed it, could lead to a potential fire.

Check for Leaks

Always check the gas line for leaks. It’s a crucial step in your grill maintenance routine, and if you don’t, it could potentially impact your grill’s performance.

How to Master the Grill

Now that you’ve gone through your safety tips, it’s time to really get the grill going and take your food to the next level. Here’s how to master the grill like a pro, as well as a few things you should know. First, as stated previously, ensure your grill is clean.

Pro tip: invest in grilling accessories that make this a more enjoyable experience for you.

Prepare and Preheat

Preheat the grill before preparing your food. Once the coals are red or the gas burners are high, the temperature should be around 500 degrees. Preheat for about 10-20 minutes.

Slow and Steady

Cook low and slow. This will allow the flavors to develop while keeping the meat tender and juicy. While cooking, try not to flip the meat too often and don’t play with it. Allow it to cook thoroughly, and be sure to keep the lid closed, trapping heat and smoke for more cooking.

Allow the Food to Rest

Once the food is cooked and removed from the grill, let it rest. Cover it with foil for just a few minutes, allowing the juices to spread throughout the meat.

Common Foods for Your First Grilling Session

Grilling is all about attentiveness. While you can grill and serve many foods, here are a few starter foods to get your feet wet. Start with these items and watch how mastering the grill becomes second nature.

• Chicken
• Steak
• Seafoods such as shrimp and fish.
• Corn