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!

 

5 Tips for Perfectly Grilled Thanksgiving Turkey

If you’re tired of traditional roasted turkey (and not quite brave enough to attempt deep-fried turkey), grilling is an excellent option. Here are a few tips for a perfectly grilled Thanksgiving turkey that will have everyone coming back for seconds and thirds.

Tip One – Proper Thawing

Make sure that your turkey is fully thawed and seasoned to taste. Grilling will add a new and complex flavor profile to compliment your seasonings of choice.

Tip Two – Size It Right

Make sure you select a turkey that will fit your grill, allowing you to close the lid entirely. Do not settle for balancing the lid on the turkey and leaving the grill cracked open.

Before you consider sizing, you’ll need to decide whether you plan to put the turkey directly on the grill with a drip pan or place it inside a roasting pan. In either case, make sure your grill is large enough to accommodate your bird.

Tip Three – Use a Full Propane Tank

Make sure you fill your propane tank so you can be certain you have enough fuel to cook your feast. About fifteen minutes before cook time, preheat your grill with the burners on high. Turn off the center burner and when the temperature reaches 325°F to 350°F, you’re ready to go.

Tip Four – Keep the Lid Closed

Once you place your turkey in the grill, you should set your timer and keep the lid closed. In this respect, grilling isn’t that much different than cooking in a conventional oven. So remember, no peeking!

Tip Five – Check the Temperature

The best way to know if your turkey is done is to check the temperature. Ideally, the thighs should be between 170°F to 175°F and the breast about 165°F. The required cooking time should be approximately the same as cooking in the oven, so you can use the original cooking time according to your recipe, adjusting for weight as you normally would.

And that’s all there is to it! We hope you enjoy your grilled turkey and the special time you have with your family and friends. Happy Thanksgiving!

7 Safety Tips for Grilling with Propane

Labor Day is right around the corner, and for many of you, this may be the last chance you have to throw that wild outdoor bash you deserve. Keystone Propane is here to help you do it safely so you can enjoy every second of your Labor Day holiday. Here are a few useful safety tips for grilling with propane to get your party started right.

Propane Grill Clean Up

Some people leave behind all the leftover crusties on their grates because they feel it results in more flavorful cooking. However, it’s extremely important to note that about one in every five grill fires is caused by leftover grease. The risk just isn’t worth it. Make sure you take the time to clean your propane grill thoroughly.

Going the Distance

With the recent upswing in outdoor living spaces, it seems like comfy furniture is making more of an appearance outside while grills seem to be getting closer and closer to your home’s inside. Be smart and make sure you always position your grill at least five feet or more from your house, outdoor furniture, trees, or anything else.

Safety Checks

Whether you’re an avid griller or someone who only fires it up on major holidays, it’s a good idea to check your hoses for damage caused by regular wear and tear. If you find a split or crack, replace your hose immediately.

Proper Utensils

Don’t try to get away with using a short-handled spatula on the grill. Avoid burns by using long-handled utensils only.

Propane Storage

We highly recommend that you store your grill’s propane tank outdoors only. Keep it covered whenever possible and stored in an upright position.

Emergency Readiness

You should always have a fire extinguisher handy, whether you’re grilling or not. Make sure you test your extinguisher regularly so you know you can count on it if the need should arise.

Closing Time

When you’re done cooking, always turn off both the cylinder valve and the burner control so you’re certain your grill is completely off.

And remember … Labor Day doesn’t necessarily mean grilling season is over!

Benefits of Propane Grills

It’s time to start gearing up for that big weekend bash so you can kick your summer off right. If you’re ready to get your grill on but are still unsure whether propane is the best choice, Keystone Propane is here to help.

Did you know that gas grills typically outsell charcoal grills on a national scale? It’s true! There are many reasons for this, and some of the most common include:

Convenience

Propane grills are easy to start, heat up quickly, and hold a steady temperature. Lighting a charcoal grill can often take several attempts, but with propane, all you need to do is turn the dial and you’re fired up and ready to go.

Control

A propane grill normally reaches full temperature in less than 15 minutes and offers a variety of methods for cooking. Whether you want multi-zone cooking or indirect heat, propane gives you the flexibility to cook how you want, when you want.

Easy to Clean

It’s considerably easier to clean a propane grill compared to a coal grill, and one reason for this is that propane naturally has a cleaner burn than coal. Forget disposing of the crumbled briquettes and the soot that seems to end up everywhere. With propane, all you need to do is give the grill a thorough wipe down and you’re good.

Taste

Taste is where proponents of charcoal usually insist they’re on top … but we beg to differ. Some people may enjoy a bit of smoky flavor, but it’s incredibly easy to overdo it, especially if you don’t know when enough starter fluid is enough. No one likes the taste of butane, and we’ll even take it a step forward and say that many people actually prefer to eat meat that tastes like beef.

Versatility

Many propane grills also come with accessories that allow you to expand your cooking station even further if you choose to. With everything side burners to rotisseries add-ons, spice racks, side tables, storage drawers, and more, you’re sure to find a propane grill that meets your needs perfectly.

The Many Benefits of Propane Grills

If you have any questions about the benefits of propane grills or would like to know more about the propane grills offered by Keystone Propane, feel free to contact us today or stop by one of our showrooms!

How to Winterize Your Propane Grill

In this world, there are two types of people. Those who grill all-year-round … and those who don’t. This post is for all you hibernators who’d rather cook inside than shiver in your boots while flipping your steaks. Find out how to winterize your propane grill the right way by following some of Keystone Propane’s helpful tips.

A Clean Grill is a Happy Grill

Do NOT put a dirty grill into storage. Ever. You may be thinking to yourself, “Ehhh … I’ll just scrape it off in the spring,” but trust us. Chiseling away at hardened grease and food debris is not the way you want to start off next year’s grilling season. Plus, these nasty little bits can attract critters like mice or rats. So do yourself a favor clean your grill now. Just turn it on and burn off the icky leftovers, then follow up with a quick wash of warm water and soap.

Rust Repellant

Easily avoid rust by spritzing a little bit of cooking spray on your grill’s exposed metal. This extra layer of protection will help to prevent rust by creating a barrier between moisture and steel. Best of all, the cooking spray will burn off quickly during your first use.

Wrap Up Your Burner

Cooking spray is great for your entire grill, but your burner does need special attention. Be sure to remove the burner and carefully wrap it in a plastic bag. This will prevent spiders or other creepy crawlies from nesting inside the various parts of the burner which often is the cause of uneven burning after you remove your grill from storage.

Storing Unused Propane

One of the biggest benefits of cooking with propane is that this particular type of grilling fuel doesn’t require special winterization. You don’t need to use any stabilizers when storing propane, which has become one the most popular choices fuel choices thanks to its indefinite shelf life.

All that’s left is to store your grill in a safe, out-of-the-way location and you’re all set. So here’s to the end of a great grilling season with many more to come!

Grill Safety and Propane Tank Storage

Now that your summer fun has officially begun, grilling season is in full swing for families who can’t get enough of their flame-broiled favorites. Although some people enjoy grilling any time of year, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there are nearly 9,000 fires caused by grills, most of which happen during the months of June, July, and August.

Do you know everything you should about grill safety and propane tank storage? Test your knowledge by watching this great video posted by the NFPA that demonstrates the proper way to use your grill safely!

Fortunately, there’s a lot your family can do to avoid any potential problems that may arise from improper propane tank usage and storage to ensure the fun lasts through the summer and beyond:

  • Whenever you’re transporting propane tanks for grilling, always handle with care. Never lay the propane tank on its side and never put a propane tank in the front seat on the way home from a fill-up.
  • Never leave your propane tank in a car or store it indoors. The temperature, sunlight, and even motion of the vehicle can make the pressure in the tank rise, creating a possible explosive situation.
  • Inspect your connection hoses and make sure they are free of build-up and debris before use. Debris in the hose could create a blockage which, again, can result in an explosion.
  • Always keep your tank away from heat or any possible ignition source.
  • Store your tank in a designated location that is safe and away from small children. Make sure the area is properly ventilated. Also make sure to check the valve before putting it in storage.
  • Don’t place your tank on the floor. The moisture on the floor can transfer into your tank, leading to rust and a possible leak. Instead, store the tanks on an elevated, flat surface.

Looking for additional grill safety and propane tank storage tips? Feel free to contact Keystone Propane today and talk with one of our qualified professionals!

Top 5 Safety Tips for Grilling

Grilling is one of America’s favorite past times, especially during the summer months, but there are a few important things to consider in order to avoid potential dangers. Check out our top 5 grilling safety tips to keep the good time rolling and your outdoor cooking on track.

Tip One – Read the Manual

Whether you’re about to light up a brand new grill or are cooking on a grill you’ve owned for years, there’s a huge benefit to understanding its mechanics. You can greatly reduce the likelihood of accidents if you take the time to read your propane grill’s owner’s manual. Every grill has a certain range of operation and safety restrictions that you should adhere to in order to maintain the highest safety standards possible.

Tip Two – Keep Food Cool

It’s extremely important to keep your food cool until the moment you’re ready to throw it on the grill. You may be surprised that bacteria can grow on all different types of food, and that the average person is more likely to get food poisoning than to catch the flu.

Tip Three – Grill in a Safe Location

Grilling in a location that is too close to the home causes hundreds of house fires every year. Be very thoughtful when considering where you are placing your grill when cooking and mindful of the minimum distance it should be from your home, garage, or shed.

Tip Four – Keep a Fire Extinguisher Accessible

Every home should have at least one fire extinguisher, and preferably one on each floor or in any location there could be a potential for fire. Keeping a fire extinguisher near the location of your outdoor grill is an obvious choice as it would come in very handy in the event of a small cooking fire.

Tip Five – Keep Your Grill Clean

Make sure you take the time to clean your grill thoroughly before you light it for the first time this season and between every use thereafter. Any build-up of grease or fat will increase the probability that a fire may occur.

Most importantly, use your common sense and think everything through when cooking, cleaning, and storing your grill to make sure you and your family have the best summer cooking experiences!

Grill Safety Tips

They say that spring is finally here, and although the weather may not be fully cooperating, don’t let that stop you from getting outside and enjoying your grill! Nothing says spring like the taste of outdoor cooking, but before you get started, there are some important things to consider to ensure your grilling goes as smoothly as possible.

Grill Safety First

  • Always be aware if you are wearing loose clothing while cooking, and keep flammable materials as far away from heat as possible.
  • Whether you’ve purchased a new grill or are cooking on a grill that you’ve used many times before, it is important that you follow all of the manufacturer’s recommendations for setting up, cleaning, and cooking.
  • Never leave your grill unattended under any circumstances. Accidents can happen quickly, and keeping a close eye on your grill could prevent problems from occurring.
  • Always have a fire extinguisher nearby in case of an emergency.
Grill Safety Tips for Gas Grills
  • One important thing to remember is not to overfill your tank. Be sure to leave enough room to allow the liquid to expand.
  • Take a close look at any hoses attached for signs of leaks or cracks that may allow for the escape of fuel.
  • Never even consider cooking indoors on your gas grill under any circumstances. You should also avoid using your gas grill under over-hanging structures such as awnings or canopies.
Grill Safety Tips for Charcoal Grills
  • It’s commonplace to see people adding lighter fluid directly to the hot coals, but this can definitely create a dangerous situation.
  • When storing lighter fluid, take care to keep it away from small children and pets. Keep lighter fluid in a safe, cool place.
  • Always leave your charcoal lid open until you are ready to begin cooking.
  • Take care when disposing of charcoal ashes and always use a non-flammable container.

Whether your cooking juicy burgers, chicken, BBQ, or veggies, just as much attention should be paid to preparation and cooking safety as to your delicious meals. Follow these safety tips and enjoy cooking all your favorite foods this season.