Grilling Season Kickoff!

Memorial Day is next weekend and with it the official kickoff of Grilling Season. There are a few items on the "To-do" list that will need to be checked off this week.

1. Uncover the grill and give it a thorough cleaning. If it's been sitting unattended for several months, you'll need to make sure it hasn't become home to unwelcome guests.

2. Winters are extremely hard on outdoor appliances. If it's a propane grill, check the fuel lines to make sure there are no obstructions. Make sure your grill can get airflow through damper doors, vent pipe, and draft doors. Depending on the age of your grill, you may need to replace your cooking grates and/or burners. Ceramic smokers are simpler to maintain and don't have as many parts to maintain. 

3. Once you've given it a good cleaning and maintenance check, it's almost time to light it up. Don't forget your fire starters and fuel. Now is the time to make sure your propane tank is full and a back up is available. If you're using charcoal, make sure you have plenty handy. Make sure you also have a good supply of fire starters if you're using charcoal. Smokers will also want to check on the condition of heat resistant gloves, and supply of wood chunks. Those with pellet stoves will want to make sure their supply is topped off. 

4. Find where you put your grilling utensils — tongs, metal spatula, and meat thermometer are the basics. Ensure they are clean and in good working order. Check batteries in your meat thermometer.

5. Now it's time to light it up. On propane grills, when you push the button or turn the knob and hear the click, that should mean that a spark is created that will ignite the gas in the grill. If you don't get flame, it could mean that the spark battery needs to be replaced. Remember not to leave the gas on while your checking the battery, and leave your lid open so gas doesn't build up. If the lid is closed and you finally get spark, you're likely to receive an unpleasant "boom".

These are just the basics, but if you check these off before you kickoff the first weekend of grilling for the season, you'll find it much more enjoyable than having to do it at the last minute. A little preparation goes a long way. Now that you have the grill ready to go, take a few minutes to order your favorite grass-fed steaks, burgers, ribs, briskets, chops, and chicken. We'll make that part a joy! Just visit USWellnessMeats.com, click your favorites, and we'll package and ship right to your door.

All the Best,  Team USWM