For summertime grilling, the age-old debate rages on: Which is better, gas or charcoal? Beginners and people who want to cook out frequently without having to tend coals should probably opt for a gas grill, even though they usually cost more to buy initially, Chowhound says. Charcoal grills allow for a wider range of temperatures, but can be difficult to control for the neophyte — and definitely require a more demanding cleanup regimen. But while gas is great for delicate foods such as vegetables and fish, only charcoal can impart the smoky flavor that says barbecue.
Tag: cookout
Beat the Summer Heat
The dog days of summer are now in full swing, and it’s going to be tough to keep your cool outside of air-conditioned environments. Reader’s Digest offers a number of tricks to help stay cool through the summer heat, including making a refreshing peppermint tea mist and chilling your bed linens. Above all, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and avoid large, protein-heavy meals if you want to beat the heat, experts say. While ribs and brats from the grill may be tempting, metabolizing a big meal can raise one’s body temperature by 2 degrees!
Clean the Grill Before Your Next Cookout
With the Fourth of July safely over, you’ll want to clean that dirty grill to keep your food from sticking and picking up unwanted flavors. Start with a grill that’s still warm, Kitchn advises, then disconnect the gas line and scrub the grates, barriers and flame shields with a wire brush and warm soapy water. If you have a charcoal grill, brush the debris from the interior and use a wadded-up piece of aluminum foil to scrub the grates. Finally, heat the grill for at least 10 minutes ahead of your next cookout, and enjoy!