Steaks are amongst the most popular meat to hit the grill and the one most people have trouble getting just right. The trouble is, everyone seems to want their steak cooked differently and since the cooking time is so short it is easy to get it wrong. Knowing your steak and how the feel of it changes as you grill it is the most important part. Yes, this means practice is the key to the perfect steak. Follow these steps and you really can get a great steak every time.

Photo © 2008 Regarding BBQ Inc., licensed to About.com, Inc.

Recently I discussed the importance of Cleaning your Venturi Tubes. Equally important to the maintenance of your gas grill and the not burning down of your house is checking for gas leaks. These two culprits account for the vast majority of fires associated with gas grill. Propane and natural gas are heavier than the air around us. Meaning that they will fall down from your grill. If you have an enclosed cart or an enclosed space that gas can collect in large amounts, particularly on a windless day. So checking your grill for leaks is the most important Common Gas Grill Problem you will encounter. Propane and Natural Gas have distinct odors so if you have substantial leaks you might be able to smell them. However, this isn't sufficient a test for finding LL potentially explosive leaks.

To check your grill for gas leaks you need a small basting brush and a bowl of very soapy water. To check for gas leaks you need gas so make sure your fuel tank is full and that the tank valve is in the on position. This will pressurize the fuel lines from the tank to the control valves. Do not light the grill. Do not smoke. Do not have any open flames anywhere near by. Now brush your soapy water over all hoses and connections. Apply slowly and watch for bubbles to form. Any place you have bubbles forming (there will be bubbles from the application already) you have a leak.

Leaks can be caused by loose connections or by cracked or broken hoses. Once you have identified any potential leaks turn off the gas and disconnect the fuel line. Loose connections can be tightened but cracked, broken or worn parts will need to be replaced.

Photo © 2011 Regarding BBQ Inc., licensed to About.com, Inc.

May is National Barbecue Month and so lets get a feel for how often you head outback to grill or smoke. I realize that if you are reading this that you probably cook outdoor often, but still it doesn't hurt to ask. Once, a few years ago I set out to cook three meals a day on the grill or smoker for a full week. Turned out that the family ended up eating more than normal, but it certainly wasn't a chore to do. I've found that once you've got the experience with a wide range of foods you really can do all the backyard cooking without a lot of extra work. Anyway, this weeks question is:

POLL: How Often do you Cookout?
1) Several Times a Week
2) 2 to 3 times a week
3) Once a week
4) Few times a month
5) Once or twice a month
6) Rarely
7) Almost Never

Sometimes you just don't have the space for a big grill. Whether you live in an apartment, condo, on a boat or just don't have a big patio, it doesn't mean that you can't enjoy a good cookout. Try one of these smaller grills, gas, charcoal or electric to give you real grilling flavor and fun. Remember to check with the local rules where you live to know what kind of grill you can have. Most apartments don't allow gas or charcoal grills. This list contains a wide range of types and prices.

Photo © 2012 Napoleon Grills