3 essentials for outdoor grilling in Tampa

Every season is grilling season in Florida, so take advantage of the great weather by hosting an outdoor barbecue to liven up the weekend or your next family dinner.

Even if you’re a grilling rookie, there’s no time like now to jump in. Don’t be intimidated by all the grills and tools available, as you need only a few essentials to get started.

A basic grill

Of course, the first thing on your list should be a grill, but you may be overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices. However, casual grilling doesn’t require anything fancy to cook up burgers, kebabs, or veggies, as you can find a good quality grill for a couple hundred dollars.

The decision you’ll need to make is about your fuel source: propane or charcoal? Each has its pros and cons.

Propane grills make barbecuing easy, as heating the grill is just a knob turn away. When your propane tank runs low, you can simply order a new one online from a service like Cynch, which conveniently delivers your propane tank right to your home to exchange your used tank for a new one. It’s easy to order and even easier to get it delivered!

Charcoal grills usually cost less but require extra prep time for heating, a supply of briquettes and a lighter. Food grilled on charcoal tends to have a different flavor than food grilled on propane, so go with your preference.

Quality utensils

Grills usually come with their own grates, but you’ll need a spatula and tongs for turning and checking food while it’s grilling. Avoid using a grill fork for meats, as piercing the exterior will let juices escape.

Best Reviews recommends choosing stainless steel utensils, as they’ll be “sturdy and durable enough for years of use.” You’ll also want to check the length of the utensils you’re thinking of buying.

“Extra long heat-resistant handles are designed to place a good amount of distance between your hands and the heat of the flames,” Best Reviews said.

Some grill sets come with their own storage cases, which is handy for keeping tools together and portable for heading to your next tailgate party. Look for dishwasher safe tools to make cleanup easy.

Other tools that could enhance your grilling experience include a food thermometer, a meat injector kit, heat-resistant silicone gloves, and a propane tank scale, which helps you estimate how much propane is left in your tank.

Cleaning tools

Once you’ve enjoyed the fruits of your grilling labors, it’s time to clean your grill so it’s ready for your next BBQ night.

Allow your grill to cool completely and, if you have a propane tank, turn off the gas supply before cleaning. You’ll need a grill brush with wire bristles, a metal scraper, and scouring pads to get rid of all the cooking grime.

The grates, metal plates, and burner coverings can usually be removed and scrubbed with a wire bristle brush. Some grills also have removable drip pans, which makes it easy to scrape debris and grease out with a metal scraper.

Next, use a scouring pad or sponge dipped in soapy water to wipe down and remove the rest of the grime. The more thoroughly you clean, the less chance you’ll end up with corroded grill parts.

When it’s time to replace your propane tank, save yourself a trip by exchanging your tank with Cynch propane tank home delivery services. Right now new customers get their first tank for $10 and $10 off your spare tank as well by using promo code CYNCHTAMPA at checkout.For more information on Cynch click here.

Limited Time Offer-- Certain restrictions apply. See Offer Terms for details. Cynch tanks contain 15 lbs. of propane. Offer valid in certain zip codes in the Tampa metropolitan area. Offer valid until April 06, 2020.

Photo: Getty Images


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