Cooking over an open flame provides a unique flavor to many foods, which can be enhanced with marinades, wood chips, and other tweaks that help create delicious meals. Grilling is most popular during summer, when families often cook outdoors. Embracing these strategies can help ensure the safety of what you are serving.

  • Clean the grill after each use. Once food is cooked, focus turns to eating. But cleaning a grill immediately after each use can make it easier to remove all the debris that can gather as foods cook. Fat, grease, melted cheese, marinades, and other substances can accumulate on the grill over time. Even if you do eat before cleaning your grill, keep the fire going until after eating (vents can be slightly closed to reduce the heat somewhat), then scrape food and other debris off the grill. Grates that are still warm are easier to clean. Use heat-proof grilling gloves when cleaning warm or hot grates to reduce burn risk.
  • Oil the grates before cooking. A light coating of oil brushed onto the grill grates prior to cooking can reduce the likelihood of food sticking to the grill while it’s being cooked. Food stuck to a grill can be difficult to remove, but the oil can reduce the likelihood that ground beef from burgers or chicken breasts will stick to the cooking surface.
  • Deep clean the grill every so often. Grill grates may not need a deep clean after each use, particularly when only preparing food for a handful of people. However, a deep cleaning every so often, and after heavy usage during backyard barbecues, can remove debris that can accumulate and pose a health risk over time. Follow the grill manufacturer’s instructions regarding cleaning the grill. Some might suggest traditional dish soap, while others might recommend special soaps that can protect the long-term life of the grill. Cast-iron grill grates generally should not air dry, so dry these parts off immediately after cleaning.
  • Use the right tools. Steel grill brushes are popular, but these cleaning tools can be unsafe. Steel brush bristles can break off during vigorous cleaning sessions, and they may get stuck on the grill during the cleaning process. If stuck on the grill, steel bristles can easily attach to food. Cooking experts at Epicurious say steel brush bristles can cause throat and/or abdominal issues if consumed. Alternatives to steel bristle grill brushes are widely available, but outdoor cooks should know that some, including nylon brushes, should not be applied to a grill until its grates have cooled off.
  • Clean all components. Grease traps, ash pans, and the interior of the grill, including its sides and the inside of lids, can be periodically cleaned to reduce grease buildup and the risk of exposure to germs.

Grilling is a wildly popular summer pastime. Ensuring grills are clean prior to cooking can make foods more flavorful and decrease the risk of illness.