Propane Usage for Grilling in the Fall
As the days begin to grow shorter and evenings cooler (and more pleasant), it’s time to change the way you grill and enjoy the outdoors, too.
Why A Gozney Dome Is The Perfect Pizza Oven
The Gozney Dome is so much more than a pizza oven. It can roast, smoke, steam & bake too! Learn what makes Gozney the best of the best from Keystone Propane.
Propane or Charcoal Grill: What’s the Best One For You?
Spring is just around the corner and that means the weather will soon be turning warmer. Soon enough, you’ll be grabbing your favorite pair of tongs and fire up the grill (that is if you haven’t already). But if your grill has seen better days, maybe it’s time for an upgrade! But which should choose: the reliable propane grill or the old-school charcoal grill?
With so many grill options to choose from, you may not know which grill is best for you. But don’t worry, we got your grill needs covered. Read on!
The Ultimate Decision: Propane or Charcoal Grill?
Propane or charcoal grill? This question has divided barbeque masters since the invention of the grill. Many prefer the smoky flavor that comes with a charcoal grill. Meanwhile, others are more interested in the efficiency that comes with propane. But if you’re not partial to either grilling method, how can you decide?
Before you can answer this question properly, you need to know what makes each grill distinct.
The Wonder of Propane Grills
Propane grills are known for their performance and their simplicity. With just a simple turn of the dial and a press of a button, it’s flame on! No need for a chimney starter to get your fire started. A propane grill also gives you more control of the temperature of your heat, allowing you to cook something slow and steady without having to worry about moving around hot coals to get the optimal cooking temperature.
Maybe you think the charcoal grill is more environmentally friendly than a propane grill but that is far from the truth! According to a study in the Environmental Impact Assessment Review, charcoal has a much larger carbon footprint than that of clean-burning propane gas.
And although we all love the smokiness of grilled food, it can sometimes be overpowering to the taste of more delicate foods like fruits and veggies. But, if you are looking to capture that smoky flavor with your propane grill, you will need to purchase a smoke box.
The Benefits of Charcoal Grills
Although a charcoal grill is a cheaper option compared to a propane grill, that doesn’t make them any less inferior! In fact, a charcoal grill can reach higher temperatures than propane, up to 600 degrees. Because they can reach those high temps, this will make your food taste even better. That’s because the juices from your food will drop down on the hot coals, creating a flavorful smoke that will go right back into your food. Yum!
However, there are some cons to the charcoal grill. Because it reaches hot temperatures, it can take quite some time to heat up the grill. On average, it can take up to 20 minutes to get the charcoal up to the proper cooking temperature (not including the time it takes to light the charcoal). Cleanup can be a time-consuming process as well — not only do you need to scrub the grates, but you’ll have to remove the ashes beforehand.
Still Undecided? Keystone Propane Has You Covered!
If you’re still undecided about going with either a propane or charcoal grill this summer, Keystone Propane has exactly what you need. From our line of top propane gas grills to one of the most versatile charcoal cookers on the market today, we can steer you in the right direction. So don’t wait for the warm weather — stop by our showroom to pick up your new grill today!
Yes, Winter Grilling is Possible With Your Propane Grill
One of the drawbacks to the wintertime is not being able to use that sweet grill you have sitting in your backyard. Look at it out there, just waiting for the return of warm weather so you can open her back up and get to grilling once more. Don’t you just want to fire it up and throw down a couple of juicy burgers?
But it’s wintertime and you can’t grill in the cold and snow.
Well actually, you can. Here’s how.
Grilling in the Wintertime: Different, But Doable
Propane grills work just as well in the cold, snowy weather as they do in the hot, summer months. But there are some differences you should be aware of if you’re planning to cook on that grill.
First, be prepared to use more propane. As cold air circulates through your grill, it will keep lowering the temperature. To keep the temperature nice and hot to cook your food, your grill will need to use up more propane.
It’s important to preheat your grill for an extended period of time before cooking. Remember, the air inside the grill is cold, so you need to get it warmed up before cooking.
You should also keep the lid closed to keep the hot air from escaping the grill. Keeping the grill open will allow the hot air to escape, causing you to use too much propane when cooking your food.
Be wary of any ice or snow around the propane tank. If ice or snow is surrounding the tank’s regulators, vents, or valves, the propane may not flow properly, causing either ignition problems or create a propane leak. You may want to consider insulating your propane tank with either a shelter or heat tape to keep it warm.
Winter Grilling Tips and Tricks
Now comes the magic hour, the moment we’ve all been waiting for — the grilling.
Keep in mind that winter grilling is a little different than grilling in other seasons. You’re dealing with cold temperatures, dry conditions, and inclement weather. Keep these tips in mind before firing up the propane grill:
- Always grill in the outdoors. It may sound like silly advice, but if it’s freezing outside and you’re determined to grill, you may consider the garage or under an overhang. Don’t do it. Your grill needs to be in a well-ventilated area and at least two feet away from anything combustible.
- Have extra fuel on hand. As we’ve said, you’re going to be using more propane than usual to heat your grill so make sure you have enough propane in the tank.
- Dress for the occasion. Hey, your grill may be warm, but it’s chilly out there. Make sure you’ve dressed appropriately for the occasion and take extra care in tucking any loose articles of clothing. Also, make sure you’re wearing heat-resistant gloves, not winter gloves.
- Protect your grill when not in use. Cold temperatures and heavy snowfall can seriously damage your grill. So make sure you cover the entire grill properly when not in use.
- Be patient. We know you want your food, but winter grilling takes time. It could take up to 10 additional minutes to preheat your grill and get it cooking. But it’s worth the wait.
So what are you waiting for? Get out there and get cooking! And if you’re looking for a new grill, Keystone Propane has got you covered. Check out our selection of propane and charcoal grills or visit one of our locations today to learn more.
5 Safety Tips for Propane Grilling
As June quickly approaches, you’ve likely already started your grilling season. Most safety tips for propane grilling may just need some common sense, but there are some safety precautions you may not have considered. Keystone Propane wants you to stay safe this summer with few tips to protect you and your family.
Never turn on the gas while your grill lid is closed.
Turning on the gas while the lid is closed causes the gas to build up inside your grill. This can cause a fireball to ignite and explode right in your face. It’s important to open the lid of the grill check for anything on the grill as well before igniting, so this should be a normal part of your grilling routine.
Do not overload the grill with food.
If too much fat drips down on the flames at once, it will cause flames to increase and can ultimately light nearby objects on fire. It’s especially important to not overload with particularly fatty meats that will cause more grease drippings.
Check your grill’s gas line for leaks.
There’s a simple at-home solution you can try to find gas leaks in your gas grill’s line. Make a solution of half liquid dish soap and half water and rub it on the hoses and connections. Next, turn your gas on with your grill lid open! If you spot large bubbles on the line or connections, that’s a sign that your hoses have tiny holes in it or that your connections are not secure. If you need assistance or help with your leaks contact Keystone Propane immediately.
Keep items to fight fires nearby.
It’s important to keep a fire extinguisher and spray bottle of water nearby while cooking. For smaller fires, a spray bottle can lower the flames without ruining your food. For flames that become out of control, use the fire extinguisher. Make sure you know how to use the fire extinguisher. Trying to figure out how to use it in an emergency can cause worse damage to your grill and put you and your loved ones in danger of bodily harm. If you’re unsure how to use it or are having an issue. Call 911 right away for assistance.
Never leave a lit grill unattended.
An out-of-control fire can double in size every minute. Be sure to plan the rest of your meal ahead of time so that you can focus your attention on grilling. Even if you can see your grill from inside your kitchen a grill fire can ignite fast and you need to handle it quickly.
As you can see, not being prepared for safety when grilling can lead to a multitude of problems. Keep yourself and your loved ones safe this summer.
Need a new grill? Take advantage of our $250 off Napoleon Grills this month only!
Preparing Your Grill for Spring Grilling
If you weren’t one of the few who braved the colder temperatures to grill your meals during the winter months, it may be time to pull the grill out of hibernation and prepare it for the season ahead! Even if you have used the grill a few times throughout the winter, it’s a good practice to clean and do a few safety checks to prepare for the spring and summer grilling seasons. Here are a few tips on how to best prep your grill!
Prep Your Cleaning Supplies
Start this process by gathering all the supplies you may need. A pail of soap and warm water, a sponge, paper towels, and a good grill scrub brush are all cleaning necessities. Be sure to have tools on hand for taking a part grill for easy cleaning. Some other things to have on hand just in case are a spatula, stainless steel cleaner, degreaser, and some fine sandpaper.
Clean and Scrub Your Grill
Start by taking grates off of your grill and cleaning them well with soap and water. We don’t recommend doing this frequently, a good clean start to your grilling season is always important. If it’s been a year or more since the last clean you may need to soak them. A proper clean will keep food from sticking when you fire up the grill.
Another easy cleaning trick can help reduce your elbow grease. By spraying the grates with equal parts of vinegar and water and waiting for about an hour, all grease and gunk will easily scrub away.
Inspect Parts On Your Grill
First, take apart as much of your grill as you can and clean both the inside and outside with soap and warm water using a strong bristled brush. Pay special attention to areas with a lot of grease build-up. It may even be helpful to use a citrus-based degreaser for the toughest greasy spots and don’t forget the grease tray.
Inspect your grill’s burners for any holes. Any burners with holes should be replaced immediately. Also, examine any tubes for spiders that may have found a home during cooler weather! It’s important to not forget to check around the air vents on your grill as well. Remove any debris to ensure free airflow and limit any fire hazards.
Check And Test Grill Ignition
Once you’ve thoroughly cleaned your grill, reinstall the burners. Replace any batteries if you have battery-powered ignition. For battery ignitions, it is always a good practice to replace old batteries with new ones. If you have a Napoleon Grill with the JETFIRE™ Ignition System, it’s also very important to doublecheck all electrode leads and ensure the tips of the electrodes are clean. Thoroughly check and make sure that they do not have grease or rust buildup on them if they do, you can use fine-grit sandpaper to gently buff them.
Fill Your Grill’s Propane Tank
Lastly, make sure your propane tank is full and ready to start grilling. It’s always best to have an extra tank on hand in case one runs out mid-grill! Contact Keystone Propane to learn more about how we can assist in all your home or business propane needs!
Have you completed all these tips and realized it’s just time for a new grill? Keystone Propane can help with that too! Check out our selection of propane gas grills!
Tips For Frying Your Turkey With Propane Gas
With Thanksgiving just around the corner now you’re likely starting to stress about cooking your family’s turkey. There are various different ways to prepare your bird than with a conventional oven. Looking for an easier (and quicker) way? Try using a turkey fryer with propane gas!
Expecting a lot of guests this year? Be sure to plan ahead and fill your tank(s) with Keystone Propane to avoid any embarrassing mishaps.
Prep For Deep Frying Your Thanksgiving Turkey
- Determine how many turkeys you will need to cook. If you plan on cooking more than one, have 2-3 tanks on hand just to be safe!
- Use a long-stemmed thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey during the frying process.
- Stock up on oil. The most common type of oil for frying a turkey is peanut oil, however, you may opt to use canola, rice oil, corn oil or sunflower oil.
- Keep the burner as far away as possible from your propane tank.
- Give yourself an ample amount of time to cook your bird. A general guideline is 3 minutes per pound in addition to 5 minutes per bird (ie. 10 lb bird is 30 – 35 mins)
How to Fry Your Turkey using Keystone Propane
- Begin by placing your thawed turkey in the fryer and top off with room temperature water until the bird is completely covered. (this prevents any oil from overflowing)
- Remove the turkey and mark it with the water line
- Dry the fryer and turkey entirely
- Connect your Keystone Propane Tank
- Fill up to the waterline with your choice of frying oil
- Heat the oil to between 325 and 350 degrees Fahrenheit to properly cook your bird
- To prevent burning yourself, slowly lower the bird into the fryer and cook 3 minutes plus 5 minutes per bird. Keep your thermometer on hand to check the internal temperature of the turkey.
Contact Keystone Propane for more information about how we can provide you with propane for your turkey fryer!
How to Clean Up your Fryer
Once your dinner is done, now it’s time to clean up the mess! You’ll want to wait until the oil has completely cooked down – which takes about 2 hours. Then you will be able to drain and pour the oil back into its original container. You may reuse this oil if it’s kept in a cool, dark place for up to three months.
The Ultimate Guide to Gas Grilling
Now that the weather is finally starting to break – we’re sure you’re thinking about breaking out the grill for the first cookout of the season!
If you currently own or use a gas grill, check out these tips for getting your grill ready and keeping it safe to use through the end of summer.
1. Keep Your Grill Clean
By maintaining a clean grill not only will you notice enhanced performance but also reduce the chances of a flare-up and incessant smoke. Both can burn the outside of your food and leave a bad flavor.
The best way to clean your grill is to turn the grill on high for 10 to 15 minutes to let any excess grease burn off. Then, just scrape off any leftover residue from the grill grates. Although a lot of the grease will be burned off during the high-temperature “cleaning,” you will still want to use a grill brush to help remove any leftover food and push any remaining debris into the grill itself. Remember, all this debris and food that is pushed into the grill will remain until a deep cleaning.
And don’t forget the grates and burners! Remove the grates and burner covers to thoroughly clean them at least twice a year.
2. Control Flare-Ups
Flare-ups from a cooking fire should always be controlled, no matter what type of grill you have. For that reason, you should always keep a part of your grill empty — in this case, you would need to move the food during a flare-up. When a flare-up does happen, move the food away and let it burn off with the grill lid up.
However, if the fire does spread, remove all food from the grill and let it burn off the grease as quickly as possible. If the fires should suddenly go out of control, remove all food and turn off burners and gas while leaving the lid open so the fire can die down on its own.
3. Barbecuing the Right Way
Barbecue chicken are often a cookout favorite. Sugar burns quite easily, so foods that are coated with a rub or sauce are more likely to burn during gas grilling. But there are aways to keep your chicken from burning on the outside while staying raw on the inside.
You also want to cook your chicken not directly on the flames but the cooler side of the grill. Keep the flames between low and medium low and cover the grill to keep the heat trapped inside. By keeping your grill temperature below 265 F, you can prevent charring the outside of your food and have a nice, even cook on the inside.
4. Watch Your Grill
Nothing ruins a cookout faster than burnt food. Most often this happens when you walk away for just a moment or become distracted.
When gas grilling, it is important to pay close attention to the grill – especially for burgers, chops, and steaks which are cooked at a higher temperature very quickly. By having your prep done before the food hits the grill, you’re less likely to burn your food.
5. Have Plenty of Fuel
Planning a cookout? Always be sure to have an extra tank of gas on hand in case you run out! But how do you know how much gas is left in the tank?
First, check the gauge of your propane tank before the big party. However, if your tank doesn’t have a gauge, there are ways to check if you’re low on gas. Using a small bucket of warm water, pour the water along the top side of the tank. Feel the tank to see where it’s warm and where it isn’t. The cooler spot is where the propane is sitting whereas the warmer spot is empty. Although this isn’t the most accurate of methods, it still gives you a good idea of how much propane you’re going to be working with.
6. Food Safety
Practice food safety whenever you cook (and prep!). This means never use the same cooking or prepping tools for uncooked meats and veggies. You should also use a clean plate for placing cooked meats. Never reuse dirty plates that have been exposed to raw meats. That’s the best way to poison your guests!
7. Cook at the Correct Temperature
Always use your best discretion when gas grilling. Although your grill does have a high setting – it doesn’t mean it should be used for everything. For example, thin cuts of lamb, pork, and beef should be cooked quickly and at a hot temperature. However, fish, veggies, and chicken should be cooked at a medium temperature. Roasts, like a whole chicken, should always be cooked at a low temperature. It make some time to cook at a lower temperature, but it’s worth it in the end!
8. Searing
Searing is one of the secrets to keeping the great flavor. To sear, start with the grill as hot as it will go. Once you put the meat on, wait a minute to flip and reduce the heat. The high temperature will end up caramelizing the meat’s surface leaving a great taste!
9. Indirect Gas Grilling
Indirect gas grilling lets you get more use out of your grill. You can cook entire chickens, roasts, and even bake bread! Simply just turn off the burners that sit directly under where you have placed the food on and let the surrounding burners do the work.
10. Maintaining Your Grill
Performing regular upkeep and cleanings on your grill will extend the life of your grill and result in better-tasting food. You should regularly check the ports are not clogged and there are no issues with the starter. If your ports are clogged, use a thin wire or pipe cleaner to remove the obstruction. Now you’re ready for some great months of grilling!
If you’re looking to up your grilling game, how about a new propane grill from Keystone Propane? Stop by our showroom today to see what we have in stock for you this season.
How to Clean Your Propane Grill
Summer is upon us, and that means it’s time to invite your friends and family to the house and heat up the grill. A poorly maintained grill, however, can put a damper on the festivities. Your grill needs to be fully cleaned and prepared before you start grilling. By not preparing your propane grill, you could not only contaminate any food that you grill but it could affect the use of the grill.
To clean your propane grill the right way, keep these simple tips in mind.
Step 1: Make sure the dials are in the off position
This is for your personal safety. Starting the cleaning process while the dials are on can be a recipe for disaster. You also want to turn off and disconnect the propane tank before you begin cleaning.
Step 2: Remove the cooking grates
The grates are where you place your food, so it’s important that they are fully clean before you start grilling. Soak them in warm water and scrub them with a scouring pad or grill stone.
Step 3: Remove and wash the flame tamers
The flame tamers act as burner protectors. They shield the burners from sauces and grease which can damage the burners. They also help to evenly distribute heat across the cooking surface. They can get quite dirty over time, so it’s important that you fully remove any lingering residue before you start cooking. Apply warm water and soap and scrub them with a brush or scouring pad for maximum cleaning.
Step 4: Clean and unclog the burners
The burners are directly responsible for how heat is delivered to the cooking surface. If it’s clogged, your grill won’t cook properly. Remove the burners from the grill and remove the grime with warm water and soap.
Step 5: Clean the metal plates
The metal plates underneath the burners are typically loaded with gunk and grime. To fully clean them, pull them out, and use a brush to scrap off the grime and debris. A brush with hard bristles will work better than a sponge or scouring pad.
Step 6: Inspect the fuel line
While you’re cleaning, it won’t hurt to check the fuel line for any cracks or leaks. A leaky fuel line can waste your propane, and it could present a significant health hazard. Brush soapy water along the gas line and connections. If you see bubbles forming while the gas is running, you likely need to tighten the connections or replace the fuel line.
Step 7: Clean and maintain on a regular basis
You should always scrub down your propane grill at the start of the season to make sure everything is in proper order. If the weather is warm, and the grill is being used often, you should regularly clean and inspect the grill. This will help to extend the longevity of your grill, and it will make for better grilling sessions.
If you’re in the market for a new propane grill this season, then Keystone Propane is here to help! Visit our showroom to see what we have in stock today!
10 Pro Grilling Tips
Summer is quickly approaching, and it’s time to dust off the grill. To get the most out of your grilling experience, we have a few grilling tips to take your skills from amateur to pro.
Keep It Hot
As a rule, you should preheat your grill for 15-25 minutes before using it. This ensures that the grill reaches the right temperature and that it kills off any remaining bacteria on the grill’s surface. For high heat, the grill should be 400-450°F, 350-400°F for medium heat, and 250-300°F for low heat. By properly preheating the grill, the food should sear on contact, which helps prevent the food from sticking.
Cook from Room Temperature
Instead of cooking food straight from the freezer, it’s better to thaw your meat ahead of time and begin cooking when it’s room temperature. You want to cook your meat evenly, which won’t happen if your meat is frozen when you place it on the grill.
Oil the Grates
Before heating the grill, apply vegetable oil on the grates with a brush or paper towel. Without lubricated grates, meat will be almost guaranteed to stick. Applying oil will make removing meat from the grill an effortless process.
Marinate Your Meat
Those succulent barbecue ribs don’t become delicious on their own. The cook needs to fully marinate the meat for the flavor to fully set in. Find a marinade recipe online, prepare it, and let the meat sit for a few hours. Doing this will help your meat explode with flavor.
Be Fully Prepped
A cook is nothing without his tools, so it’s important to have everything prepared before you start grilling. That includes having your propane tank, tongs, spatula, thermometer, and whatever else you need.
Don’t Overcrowd the Grill
Don’t put too much meat on the grill at one time. You need sufficient airflow for the meat to grill properly, and if the grates are overcrowded meat will take longer to cook, and it may not cook evenly.
Use a Grill Basket
For foods that are small or too cumbersome to place directly on a grill (vegetables, small cuts of meat, etc.), use a grill basket.
Don’t Overcook the Meat
If you had to choose, it’s best to undercook the meat than to overcook it. If it’s undercooked, you can simply put it back on the grill for it to reach the right temperature; if it’s overcooked, the meat may be inedible.
Use a Thermometer
A thermometer will tell you the exact temperature of the meat. While you can cook without it, it can be useful for thick cuts of meat.
Let It Rest
Once the meat is done cooking, let the meat rest before you start eating. This allows the juices to redistribute and settle inside the meat.
Now that you’re ready to knock this grilling season out of the park, contact Keystone Propane for the fuel you need to get the party started!
