Your Grill Deserves A Fresh Start, Too
Get your grill ready to go for the new year!
Gifted a New Grill?
The new year is a great chance to start over. Maybe you received a new grill as a gift over the holidays, or maybe your old one needs a quick tune up. Whatever the case, it’s a great time to start thinking about how you want to use your grill in the new year.
If you got a new grill, check out our tips to get it set up safely and securely. You’ll want to be sure your trusty Blue Rhino propane tank is connected properly before your fire up the grill. It’s also important to make sure your grill is clean before you start cooking to remove any labels or manufacturing oils from the manufacturing process and shipping. You’ll also need to cure the grill grates and the other interior parts of the grill. It’ll help prepare your grill for cooking and keep the food from sticking. These steps are also important for maintaining your grill throughout the season. Be sure to review your grill owner's manual as well.
Clean the Cooking Surface
Speaking of the grilling season, remember, a clean grill is a happy grill. Once you start using your grill regularly, you should use a brush to remove any debris from the cooking surface before you start preparing your meal. Cleaning your grill can also help add flavor to your food. Try using half an onion and a pair of tongs to slowly rub the onion on the hot grill grates. The experts at Operation BBQ Relief say it helps distribute the oils from the onion onto the grates, giving a subtle onion flavor. If you haven’t heard of Operation BBQ Relief, they provide the healing power of BBQ during times of need by feeding first responders and communities affected by natural disasters.
Tune It Up!
Once you’ve used your new grill a few times, or if you’re hanging on to one you’ve had for years, you may need to give it a tune up. We have a full guide that includes information on cleaning the interior and exterior of your grill, and tips on how to perform a leak check. Leak checks are important because they help you identify any potential safety issues ahead of time. You’ll want to be sure to check the hoses for any brittleness, among other things, before every cookout. You should always refer to your grill’s owner’s manual for complete instructions on cleaning and maintaining your grill.
Level Up Your Grilling Game
There’s always something new to learn when it comes to grilling. Whether it’s a new recipe or a new technique, turning up your grilling game is always a win.
No Smoker? No Problem.
Maybe you’d like to get a smoker, but it’s just not in the budget. No problem! Did you know you can turn your gas grill into a make-shift smoker? All you need is a smoker box. Or you can make your own smoker pouch to get started. You’ll get all the flavor of a smoker without having to invest in another device. Wondering where to start? We have tips posted for you here.
Crank Up The Flavor
Smoking meat is a great way to crank up the flavor, but there are other ways to do that, too. Try incorporating fresh herbs into your grilling. An easy way to do it is to use an herb mop. You can make your own by tying springs of herbs, like rosemary, thyme, and basil together with butcher twine. Attach it to the handle of a wooden spoon – so your herbs now have their own handle. The finished product should look a little like a broom or a mop. You can use your herb mop to brush the herbs directly onto your food on the grill, adding a new depth of flavor to meat, vegetables, and more.
Perfect Your Grill Marks
One of the most easily identified hallmarks of grilled food? Grill marks! Achieving them, though, is a little tricker than it seems. It’s an art, really. It takes some practice, but it’s a great way to hone your grilling skills in the new year. Your food will be picture perfect – so good, you almost won’t want to eat it. Almost.
Recipes Galore!
Everyone has their favorite grilling recipe or tricks. Maybe it’s the smoked paprika you add to your burgers, or the special marinade for your chicken. Why not branch out of your comfort zone in the new year? It’s a great time to experiment with some new recipes. Who knows – you may just find a new family favorite!
Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Butter
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If you’re nervous about grilling seafood, these tacos are a great way to dip your toes into the water. It’s an easy meal that cooks up quickly but incorporates bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Succulent grilled shrimp are packed into fresh corn tortillas. Orange and lime juice gives the shrimp a zesty punch, and cilantro and garlic help tie the entire dish together. |
Fiery Thai Lemongrass Wings with Mint Hot Sauce
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Try a new twist on an old favorite with these chicken wings. A marinade with bird’s eye chili gives this dish some heat, and a mint-infused hot sauce gives these wings an extra kick with a cooling back end, resulting in mouth-watering layers of flavor. |
Fig-Balsamic Glazed Beef Kabobs
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Why do chicken kabobs when you could kick them up a notch and use beef? Try this savory and sweet take. The dipping sauce includes fig preserves, which really coats the meat and creates a glaze. We recommend using Flat Iron or Ranch steaks for this recipe, but you can use Top Sirloin, too. |
Fresh Year, Fresh Tank!
A grill is no good if you run out of propane! You’ll want to be sure you have a fresh tank stored in a safe location, ready to go in case you need it. You can use our Blue Rhino propane finder to locate a retailer near you. Or check out Blue Rhino Home Delivery, now available in certain U.S. markets. Click here to see if it’s available where you live!
No matter what your grilling plans are in 2023, we wish you a safe, happy, and healthy New Year!
Published: 2023.01.05