How to Use a Gas Grill to Barbecue

Use your gas grill safely.

You can choose from among several fuel sources for your barbecue grill this summer. One of the most common and convenient is natural gas. When you use a gas grill, there are several things to take into consideration. The wrong techniques not only can leave you with foul tasting food, but they can also be dangerous to you and your family.

Instructions

1. Decide on a flavor for your food before you even turn on the grill. While some rubs and marinades can be added right before barbecuing, others need up to a day to completely flavor the food.

2. Turn on your gas grill about 20 minutes before you start cooking. Your food will cook more evenly and won't stick when the grill is preheated.

3. Arrange the food on the grill. Leave at least 40 percent of the cooking surface free of any food, suggests Steven Raichlen, author of "The Barbecue Bible" and host of PBS' "The Primal Grill." Adding too much food to the surface can cause a flare-up, which can be extremely dangerous.

4. Close the lid of your gas grill when barbecuing food. This ensures that everything cooks evenly and thoroughly. Check often to avoid overcooking.

5. Add barbecue sauce to your food a minute or two before removing it from the grill, allowing just enough time for the sauce to heat up but not crust over.

6. Take the temperature of the food you are barbecuing. With a little practice, you will know the exact temperature that each type of food gets to when it is time to remove it from the grill, based on your preference. For example, a medium steak should be between 135 and 140 degrees.

7. Turn off your gas grill before leaving it unattended. Never let it out of your sight while barbecuing. A child or animal disrupting the fuel source can be very dangerous.

References

• "Consumer Reports"; Avoid the 5 Most Common Grilling Mistakes; December 2010
• The Reluctant Gourmet: Grilling Technique