Gas Grill Heat Problems
People who enjoy outdoor cooking and barbecuing frequently prefer using a gas grill rather than a charcoal model. Gas grills are simple to light and are easier to clean than grills that use burning charcoal, which leaves ashes and cinders behind. Some grillers, however, experience problems with controlling the heat of gas grills. Does this Spark an idea?
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Types of Grilling
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A gas grill cooks via either the direct or indirect heat method. Direct heat cooking requires placing the item to be cooked directly above the lava coals in the grill, either in a pot or pan or with the food's exterior exposed, like you would cook meats, fish or poultry. The indirect method cooks foods with a fire on one or both sides of the spot where the food will be placed on the grid or burners, so it cooks slowly and is less likely to stick or burn. Casseroles or large pieces of meat or poultry that benefit from slow cooking turn out better using the indirect method.
Heat Control
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The temperature of a gas grill is affected by many factors. A turbulent atmosphere or gusting winds can cause frequent flare-ups. If the outdoor temperature is particularly cold, the grill will cool off faster than in hot summer weather. A grill placed in a sheltered area of the porch or yard will maintain temperatures better than one that is exposed on all sides. Preheated grills will cook foods faster and more evenly than those that have food placed on them immediately after they are lit. Food with high fat content or excessive juices will cause flare-ups that can char the surface of foods. Closing the lid on a gas grill increases the internal heat and accelerates the cooking process.
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Cleaning & Maintenance
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Poorly maintained grill surfaces or lava briquettes cause some heat control problems. Coals for gas grills are self-cleaning, but the user must initiate the process. Leave the burner on high for 10 to 15 minutes after each grilling session, with the lid closed, to rid the briquettes of accumulated grease, drippings and food particles that can ignite and alter the temperature of the grill. Keeping the grill surface clean also prevents hot spots as well as sticking. If the grill undergoes heavy use, grease and ash can adhere to the inside of the grill box and ignite when exposed to high temperatures, so occasionally clean the grill interior.
General Guidelines
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Like many appliances, gas grills have their idiosyncrasies. The best way to get the most out of your gas grill and deal with heating problems is to take note of these quirks each time you barbecue and make adjustments based on hot and cold spots and how the grill reacts to atmospheric influences.
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References
- Photo Credit barbecue #1 image by Aaron Kohr from Fotolia.com
