Barbecues & Grilling

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

New Poll Reveals It's All About The Cookout

Flavor, location and fun atmosphere are top reasons why consumers dine alfresco

ARLINGTON, Va., May 1, 2012 -- May is National Barbecue Month, the kick off to the peak outdoor cooking season, and consumers are eager to fire up their grills and smokers and get cooking. According to new nationwide poll results released today from the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA), the great outdoors is the preferred place to cook during the warmer months, with an overwhelming 85% of consumers preferring to cook outdoors on the grill or smoker versus indoors on the stove.

"Outdoor cooking continues to increase in popularity year after year, and it is safe to say cookouts are now a mainstay rather than a trend, especially true as we move into the warmer months," says Leslie Wheeler, HPBA communications director. "Consumers agree that the superior flavor, affordability and fun atmosphere that outdoor cooking provides are top reasons why this summer will be all about the cookout."

As consumers prepare for a summer full of cookouts with delicious smoked and grilled food, it's important to assess their current cooking equipment and accessories. The cookout preparation is just as important as the food! HPBA provides the following tips to ensure consumers are fully equipped to kick off the peak outdoor cooking season:

Choose a Grill or Smoker - With the majority of grill and smoker owners cooking year-round (62%), not to mention the fact that 56% of grill/smoker owners are cooking outdoors one to two times per week during the peak outdoor cooking season, it's important to choose a grill/smoker that best fits your outdoor cooking lifestyle. Sixty-nine percent of households that own a grill or smoker own a gas product, followed by charcoal (47%) and electric (7%)*.

Accessorize - Traditional tools of the barbecue trade such as cleaning brushes, long-handled tongs, spatulas and meat thermometers are musts, but dozens of new accessories make cooking outdoors easier and more fun than ever before. Among all grill/smoker owners, the most popular utensils are long-handled tongs (72%), grill-cleaning brushes (68%), long-handled forks (60%) and long-handled spatulas (54%)*.

Savor the Flavor - Flavorful food is a key component to the cookout. Consumers said they prefer their food tender (57%) and juicy (56%), but also smoky (44%), savory (42%) and spicy (21%). Pending the grill used, the cooking techniques can make all the difference when it comes to the flavor profile. Take a risk this season - try a different pellet flavor, use a different dry rub, or marinade to achieve grilling gold.

Think Location - While the majority of consumers (63%) favor hosting or attending a cookout in someone's backyard, today's equipment is so versatile that consumers can easily adjust their cookout to their surroundings. In fact, 14% preferred the beach and 8% prefer firing up the grill at a park. Easy, practical and durable, consider portable grills and smokers for non-backyard cookouts. These grills/smokers are key to getting the party started no matter the location.

Know your budget - Whatever the budget, consumers can find a grill or smoker that fits their means. Basic backyard grills can sell for as little as $50 while top-of-the-line gourmet grills can sell for $5,000 or more. With cooking outdoors on the rise as a year-round activity, money saving remains top priority for consumers, and is a main reason why they normally cook on the grill or smoker*.

Check the Pantry - Consumers looking for a reason to cook outside this grilling season should look no further than their own pantries. Taking a cue from the carefree spirit of summer, households who cook outdoors are more inclined to not use a recipe and just "wing it" (36%) followed by using a tried and true, classic recipe (34%) or an easy, no-fuss recipe (33%).

For more great grilling tips, resources and recipes, please visit www.hpba.org

Join the conversation at "HPBA Barbecue" HPBA's official Facebook and Twitter communities: facebook.com/HPBABarbecue and twitter.com/HPBA_Barbecue

About Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA)

The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA), based in Arlington, Va., is the North American industry association for manufacturers, retailers, distributors, representatives, service firms and allied associates for all types of hearth, barbecue and patio appliances, fuels and accessories. The association provides professional member services and industry support in education, statistics, government relations, marketing, advertising and consumer education. There are more than 2,600 members in the HPBA.

About the National Barbecue Month Consumer Poll

Survey findings are taken from a survey of 1,000+ people, conducted by the polling company™, inc., from April 12-16, 2012. The margin of error is +/- 3.1 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.

*About the State of the Barbecue Industry Report

This research was conducted online via The Stevenson Company in July 2011. The sample size included households assembled to be representative of the latest U.S. Census in terms of geography, age of head of household, market size, annual household income and household size. All respondents are 18+ years old.

It's the one day a year we set aside to celebrate Mom and I promise you, she would like nothing better than to not have to cook. Chances are (Dad) that you are more comfortable around the grill than the stove, so try firing it up for Mother's Day.

Read: Top 10 Mother's Day Recipes

Frequently I hear the complaint that cookbooks have become too expensive. There is an answer for that, electronic books. Take for instance this great ebook from Mike Vrobel, author of the blog DadCooksDinner. Mike and I agree that far too few people are taking advantage of the rotisserie potential of their grills and he has authored this book that covers the subject with a great amount of detail. While a printed book might run you $20USD or more, you can get this one for $4.99. A great deal if you consider that Mike gives you more than just 50 recipes, he has filled this book with detailed information on fire building, dry and wet brining, rubs and seasonings, and everything else you need to master the rotisserie.

Check this book, available for Kindle reader out. See Rotisserie Cooking

Image: Mike Vrobel

There are a lot of different kinds of charcoal grills that offer many different features. I've picked the best charcoal grills from the simple kettle grill to large full functional charcoal grills that can cost well over $2,500. Pick the grill that is right for you and right for your pocket book. These grills represent the diversity of charcoal grills on the market whether you are looking for one that can smoke, one that can grill like no ones business or just let you cook up a simple meal. Updated for 2012.

Photo Weber Stephen Products Company

I've watched a lot of people cook at the grill or smoker over the years. One thing I have noticed is that most people have a favorite BBQ tool and will use it most all the time. Sometimes it might not be the most appropriate tool for the food, but people stick with it anyway. Personally I have a good pair of tongs that I use most the time. Anyway I thought I would ask what you like so this weeks question is:

POLL: Tong, Spatula, or Fork?
1) Tong
2) Spatula
3) Fork
4) Something Else (please specify in the comments)

Called a party hub, the Blacktop 360 is a full height, portable cooker that consists of a small infrared grill, hot oil fryer, and griddle. The idea is that this 37 pound unit can do it all, provided you don't want to do a lot of any one thing. Powered by a 1-pound disposable propane tank (or a 20-pound tank with optional conversion hose) you get four separate zones (one is a warming space). The grill section is powered by a small ceramic type infrared burner under an open grate. Large enough to grill up 5 burger patties (maybe six) this is a high temperature burner, hotter than most portables. The fryer is a small, 20-ounce, metal cup heated by a small standard burner underneath. The griddle section is as large as the grill so keep your pancakes small. The entire cooking surface is high temperature enameled steel and all of this fold flat and fits into an included carrying case. For $250USD this portable cooking is loaded with features and comes with everything you need to take advantage of its versatility.

Get more information at: Blacktop360.com

Image: Blacktop 360