One of the best ways to kick off summer is a good old-fashioned barbeque. That first cookout signals the start to the season whether it's a quick weeknight dinner on the patio or a big pool party with friends and neighbors.
Grilling isn't just easy, fun and delicious. It's also a great energy-saving alternative to cooking indoors, particularly when the air conditioner is running to capacity during those especially hot days.
Before you start up the grill, please review these tips to keep your next barbeque safe, cost-effective and energy efficient.
- Prepare your food before lighting the grill. Remember, grills heat up very quickly so be sure to do all your prep in advance. Clean, chop and marinade first so that you are ready to grill once the heat is on. Save a little extra energy by preparing cold side dishes for your BBQ like coleslaws, salads, and fresh fruit.
- Keep your grill closed. Did you know that opening the lid on your grill adds an extra five minutes of cooking time? It reduces the temperature around your meat and extends the cooking process, which in turn increases your energy use. Set a timer instead.
- Turn off your grill after use. You might think this goes without saying, but we could all use a reminder. Make it a practice to always turn the burners off BEFORE you take the last items of food from your grill.
- Clean your grill regularly. If there is build-up on your burners, your grill may require a little extra in heating up, which in turn uses more energy. Once your grill has cooled down, take a brush and a wet towel and add oil to the grill surface (or if you prefer just soap and water) to clean away debris. Be sure the grill is completely dry before its next use.
- Grill at the right temperature. When it comes to grilling meat, not all types of meat cook best at the same temperature. You must adjust the temperature to the specific type of meat, which not only improves the taste, but also helps to save more energy. For example, lamb grills better at a lower temperature vs. steaks, which require higher heat.
Learn how long to cook just about anything on the grill with this guide from Real Simple.com.
Source: Real Simple
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