Keeping a BBQ grill uncovered is generally not advised. While some grills are weather-resistant, none are truly invulnerable to damage from moisture or harsh sun light. Grills with sensitive electrical components are especially prone to damaged by rain. Leaving barbecue grills uncovered for a long time can lead to extensive corrosion or sun related weathering.

A properly covered BBQ can last a lifetime. Pre-winter storage maintenance is also a must to keep your grill in top condition. The rest of this article will explain in detail how to do just that.

Is it okay to leave a grill in the rain

Some traditional charcoal or gas grills will be able to survive being left in the rain once or twice. But even these are best kept out in the weather. Grill grates, fasteners and other metal parts will rust over time.

Even if the cover of the grill remains in tip-top condition, the legs of the grill may corrode and lead to a shaky grilling experience. Handles and grill grates are also very sensitive to rust. Corrosion left unchecked spreads like rot in wood, causing some serious damage. Gas grills are more susceptible to damage from rain than charcoal grills since they have more parts that lack rust resistant coatings.

Grills with built in electronics fare even worse in the rain. If just one of their sensitive components gets wet in the rain or if excessive moisture stays trapped under the cover, it may prevent it from working right. These components are often difficult and costly to replace and it is far better to prevent the damage in the first place. Electric grills should never be left outside without a cover.

In addition to rust, mildew and mold can grow on your grill if it stays wet for a long time. This will give your grill a nasty odor that must be cleaned off thoroughly (it is a pain to clean) before you can cook food on your grill again.

How to protect your grill from weather

There are numerous ways to help protect your grill from the weather. Using grill covers is the most obvious and cost effective of these options. A good grill cover will protect your grill from the vast majority of weather related damage. Although, extreme humidity underneath can sometimes still be an issue. Make sure to keep your grill cover in good condition and patch any holes to ensure it continues to protect your grill from rain and snow.

A tarp that is tied down around the legs of your grill can also provide similar level of protection as a grill cover. Plus, a good tarp is going to be cheaper if you need a quick solution to protect your investment.

Other ways to cover your grill can also be effective, especially in conjunction with a grill cover or tarp. Things like a patio cover, awning, or even a barbecue canopy (otherwise known as a grill gazebo) can provide even more protection from rain, sun, or snow. Using just a patio roof as your grill’s only protection is not the best because rain and snow blown by the wind can still cause issues.

Water is no the only cause of damage to your grill. Excessive sunlight beating down on your grill can wreak havoc as well. Too much sunshine fades the protective coating on most non-stainless grills, which leaves them even more susceptible to corrosion. Sunlight also quickly ruins grill covers, rendering them useless after a year or two. Therefore, try to keep your grill shaded from direct sun.

Winterize your grill

It is also a good idea to winterize your grill in preparation for the colder months of the year. This generally involves scraping away burnt residue off the grill grates and using a degreaser to clean all the surfaces. Next, vacuum out excess charcoal bits or food from the bottom of your grill. Then clean out the grease pan, checking the igniters of the grill and finally, give the outside of your grill a good wipe down.

Once your grill is clean, there are a few extra steps to make sure your grill can last the winter. The steps are as follows:

• Shut off the gas and disconnect the propane tank from the grill.

• Coat the burners and grill grates with cooking oil so they don’t corrode during the winter.

• Wrap the burners (as well as the fuel lines and propane tank nozzle if you are keeping the grill inside) with foil to seal them off from insects that might try to nest in them and any dust that may clog the small fuel ports.

• You can store the grill with the propane tank connected if you are keeping it outside. Make sure to cover it with a grill cover or a big tarp. Don’t ever store propane tanks inside any structure of any kind, as this is a safety hazard.

What do you do if your grill gets wet

If the outside of your grill gets wet once in awhile, it is not a big deal. Make sure to check that no water seeped inside, then wipe down the outside and let it air out so it doesn’t rust.

It is a little trickier if the inside of your grill gets wet. If you have an electric pellet grill, you’ll want to disconnect it from the power source.

At this point, the next step is to take apart the grill by removing the grill covers and any other easily removed parts. Next, lay out the parts someplace to thoroughly dry. The final step is to make sure the heating elements are dry, at which point you can put the grill back together. To ensure that every bit of moisture is eliminated, fire-up the grill for about 5 minutes on high with the cover closed.

Finally, turn off the gas, let your grill cool, then apply a coating of cooking oil to rust prone components. After you are done, put on a grill cover and store it out of the weather if possible.

Should you store your grill indoors in the winter

Moving your grill inside during winter is the best way to keep snow off it. Storing it in a garage or shed also prevent animals from making your grill their new winter escape. If mice or rats have already made your grill into their private buffet and nesting site, then you’ll definitely need to check out my guide to keeping pests out of your grill.

However, make sure to never store your propane tanks inside. Gas leaks or ruptures could become disastrous. Disconnect the propane tank from any grill that is stored indoors. Instead, store your propane tank outside in a place protected from moisture. They should also be kept on a flat, sturdy surface.

How long does it take for a gas grill to rust without a cover

How long it takes for a gas grill to rust without a cover depends on a few different factors. If you live in an extremely dry area like the desert and it goes for months without rain, your grill may never rust. Even without a cover (although, sunlight will do some damage).

If you live somewhere humid where it rains a lot, your grill could begin to rust in as little as two to four days. Especially, if it doesn’t have a good coating or if it has non-stainless fasteners or parts. The metal on a grill can rust out completely in as little as 6-9 months if the rust is left untreated. I have seen many grills destroyed by rust. Yet, it is so easy to avoid if you do a little maintenance.

In addition, some grills are made of different materials with a differing percentage of carbon or other alloys. Plain iron will rust faster, while some other metals will last much longer before rusting out.

Finally, the kind of coating that your grill has on it can also help prevent rust. Powder coatings and paint can help to prevent the outside of your grill from rusting. If moisture gets on the inside of a grill, it’s a different story. The constant heating and cooling cycle from normal use accelerates corrosion. Not only will it ruin a grill, it’s not safe to eat food cooked on rusty metal. It is much more difficult to remove rust on the interior of your grill so stay diligent with prevention.

Final thoughts

Grilling is an activity that can be enjoyed year-round in some cases (winter grilling is pretty fun). Maintaining your grill properly can keep it in good condition for decades. You don’t have to let a little rain damper your fun if you wipe down the grill afterward or keep it covered. With just a simple cover, your grill could last many seasons. After all, what would summer be without a barbecue?

The post Can I Keep A BBQ Uncovered: Store Your Grill The Right Way appeared first on Cut Stack Burn.

The best way to keep rodents out of your grill is by keeping the grill clean, using a quality barbecue cover and storing it indoors. Traps can also be effective, but using poison is unsafe. Before using a rodent infested grill, it is vital to remove any rodent droppings and thoroughly clean the grill.

Obviously, identifying a rodent infestation in your grill is only the first step. You still need to figure out how to eliminate the pest problem and then get your grill back into business. Plus, you need to know what other pests you may need to keep an eye out for. So, keep reading and I’ll give you the information you need.

Why do barbecues attract rats and mice

If it seems like rats and mice love crawling into your barbecue and hanging out, you aren’t alone. But why is it that they suddenly seem to flock to your barbecue even if you’ve never had a rodent problem before? Well, there are a couple simple reasons why a barbecue is a popular place for rats and mice to get into.

The first is that rats and mice smell the food remnants in your grill. Rodents have keen noses and spend most of their time sniffing around for food. Eventually, they follow the scent and track down those bits of food, grease and charred meat that often remain in your grill after cooking a meal. That’s a dream come true for mice and rats.

Rats and mice also use barbecues as shelters during cold months of the year. Your grill is their salvation, offering protection from snow, rain and cold. Plus, they get a buffet to help feed them while they hunker down. Sure, grills are great places for mice to nest, but it isn’t so great for you.

3 Foolproof ways to keep rodents out of your grill

There are some steps that you can take to make sure that your grill stays clean and free of rodents. Rather than waiting for rats to show up, it’s important that you take steps to prevent rodents from getting into your barbecue in the first place. Once rodents know your grill is a fine home, they will likely return even if your grill is clean.

Use a quality BBQ grill cover

A good barbecue cover can protect your grill from rodents. Blocking the easy paths into your grill is a good way to keep them away. However, it is important that the barbecue cover you use is of good quality. Not all grill covers are equally effective at keeping rodents out. Some materials will be easy for rodents to chew through and a floppy cover won’t even discourage rodents from entering. Keep in mind, that even the best grill cover won’t be 100 percent impenetrable.

Make sure that the barbecue cover that you purchase is of high quality. Spending more money may not directly correlate with quality, but cheaper grill covers are often made with cheaper materials. Do your research about different materials and features to figure out which is the best option. If you purchase one online, check the comments to see if anyone has had problems with rodents or tearing.

Keep the grill clean

Another way to keep rodents out of your grill is to clean it regularly. Since mice and rats are attracted to the smell of food, be sure to clean food scraps from the grill after each use. Food scraps left behind for a length of time inevitably draw in rats and mice that sniff it out. Especially, if you allow food debris to build up. Cleaning up these food scraps and burning off any left over drippings leaves little incentive for rodents to hang out.

Store it indoors

The final foolproof way to keep rodents out of your grill is to store it indoors. Rats and mice roam around outside freely, but they have a harder time getting into buildings. If you put your grill inside a shed or garage between uses, you’ll eliminate the vast majority of rodents looking for an easy feast.

Keeping your grill inside is the best option and my preferred foolproof way to keep rats and mice from getting into it. I understand that storing a grill inside after each use is totally inconvenient. Especially, since grills are generally bulky and hard to move around. If you use your grill often, this could be a deal breaker. If you don’t use your grill often, it could still end up in your way when garage space is limited.

However, if using a quality barbecue cover and cleaning your grill regularly doesn’t prevent mice and rats from getting into it, keeping your grill indoors may be your only option.

Can you use traps or poison

One of the most common ways to deal with rats and mice is to use traps or poison, so you may find yourself wanting to use these common techniques to deal with the rodents getting into your grill. But are traps or poison really the best way to deal with rodents that are congregating in your grill?

You can certainly use to traps to kill or capture rats and mice in your grill. Yet, you may not want to use traps that are too extreme because they could cause a little blood to get in your grill. This can quickly ruin your appetite if you have to clean it up right before using the grill. Preventing the rats and mice from getting into the grill or being attracted to it is definitely more convenient than trapping them once they’re there. However, it is still a good option when things get bad.

Never use poison in or around your grill to kill rats and mice. It goes without saying that using poison on or near a grill is very unsafe and you risk contaminating your food.

Always use non-chemical pest control options so you don’t get you or your family sick. When covering, cleaning, or moving the grill won’t work and the infestation is small, skip the poison and opt for traps instead.

If the rat or mouse infestation is large, you may need to call professional pest control. Covering, cleaning, or moving the grill won’t help much, nor will traps. Additionally, a severe infestation can be dangerous. If there are large numbers of mice and rats then your grill is not the root cause of your problem. Work with a professional to eliminate the true cause then think about what to do with your grill.

How do you know if rats or mice have been in a BBQ

Rats and mice don’t stick around all the time, and just because your barbecue doesn’t have any rodents in it now doesn’t mean they weren’t there earlier. You need to be able to tell when rodents have been hanging out in your barbecue so that you can cook on a clean surface and keep your food sanitary. So, how do you tell when rats or mice have been in your grill?

Often times, there will be visible signs that rats or mice have been in your grill. You may see droppings at the bottom of your grill or on the grill grates themselves. Droppings on the ground around your grill also indicates that mice probably scampered in the grill as well. There could also be a strong smell of rat or mouse urine. In addition, look for nests in your grill if it has not been used in a long time. This is especially common during the winter when rats and mice are looking for a safe place to wait out the cold.

It is important to pay attention to the physical signs that rats or mice have been in your grill, but it may not always be that obvious. Keep an eye out to see if any rodents go near your grill between uses. If your area has a rodent problem, it may be necessary to thoroughly clean the grill between each use. Even if there aren’t any physical signs that a rodent has been there, you should definitely give your grill a thorough cleaning if it has been a long time since you’ve used it.

Is it safe to use a grill that has had rodents in it

You can absolutely use a grill that has had rodents in it, but only if you clean it thoroughly first. Rodents carry harmful bacteria and parasites that can be left behind along with droppings and urine. Since you are using a grill to cook food, don’t mess around and do a deep, sterilizing clean. After cleaning, turn on the grill to blast the grates with intense heat, which will kill off all bacteria.

How to disinfect a BBQ grill the right way

It is important to know how to clean your grill properly, since cleaning your grill is a good way to avoid attracting rodents. Be sure to follow all the steps to clean your grill properly. Each type of grill is different, but here are a few basic steps anyone can follow:

1. Clear out droppings, nests, or any other loose debris from inside the grill. This may require you to hose down the inside or use a scraper.
2. Heat up the grill until any debris left on the grates or inside the grill is burned.
3. Let the grill cool down until it is safe to touch.
4. Soak the grill grates in vinegar and baking soda to break down stuck-on debris.
5. Scrub the grill grates with a stiff wire brush. Tough spots may require soap and water or grill cleaner.
6. Wipe down the grates to clear away any bristles that may have come off.
7. Rub the grate with vegetable oil to prevent food buildup and rust.
8. For charcoal grills, clean the inside with mild dish soap and a steel brush. Make sure to clean out any ash that has built up in vents.
9. For gas grills, remove the heat deflectors over the burners and wash with dish soap and water.
10. Dry the inside/deflectors with a towel to prevent rust.
11. Turn on your grill for a few minutes, allowing the heat to do a final sterilization.

Other pests to watch out for

Rats and mice are not the only pests that can ruin your barbecue party by hanging out in your grill. Ants, cockroaches, and raccoons are all attracted to the smell of food that a barbecue releases. Luckily, the methods to keep these other critters away are similar to the strategies you use on rats and mice. Cleaning the grill regularly should be your number one priority.

Ants

Ants are especially attracted to a grimy grill that hasn’t been cleaned in awhile. Plus, ants leave pheromone trails that lead other ants right back to your grill. If you have an ant infestation, you may need to use pesticides to get rid of them. Word to the wise, a leaking grease trap on your grill is like a beacon to nearby ant colonies. Dump your grease catch often.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches will not only be attracted to the food, but they may also find a large, covered barbecue to be a perfect hiding place. A covered BBQ provides just enough moisture and insulation to keep things humid and roaches love that. If you have more of a cockroach problem than a mouse or rat problem, you may need to leave the cover off of the barbecue. However, you still need to keep your grill clean. And since roaches can get in places where mice can’t, it might be better to keep your grill outside so you don’t lure them into your garage or shed.

Raccoons

Raccoons are also attracted to the smell of food, but keeping them out of your grill is similar to keeping rats and mice out. Keep it covered, keep it clean, and move it inside if they pose a real problem. You may also need to move the grill away from trees, decks, or other structures here raccoons often like to take up residence.

The post Foolproof Guide To Keep Rats And Mice Out Of Your BBQ Grill appeared first on Cut Stack Burn.

Turning your gas grill into a temporary smoker isn’t complicated.  It only takes a few wood chips soaked in water.  Place the wood chips in an aluminum tray or foil and put them just within reach of direct flames.  By adjusting your heat level and grate position, you can get enough smoke to boost the flavor of any grilled meat.

As you can see, it isn’t as hard as you might think. Let’s dive deeper and explore some other methods you should try based on your gas grill model and personal preferences.

Can all gas grills be used as a smoker

Generally, most gas grills are capable of being used as a smoker. However, some may work better than others. Also, you should consider what the primary purpose of your new grill will be. If you mostly intend to barbecue and only want to add a hint of smokiness on occasion, you’ll appreciate the flexibility. On the other hand, anyone needing a smoker on a regular basis will be better off using an actual smoker rather than a converted one.

The steps required to turn your gas grill into a smoker will vary depending on the number of burners that your grill has. For example, if you have a gas grill that uses 3 burners, it is best to have one of the far-sided burners set to medium, the other side off (as this will be the indirect heat source), and the middle burner set on low.

Another setup with grills that contains an even number of burners such as 2 or 4 is to turn off half of the burners on one side while leaving the other half on high or medium.

How to set up your gas grill for smoking

To setup your gas grill for smoking, you need wood chips. Smaller wood chips are excellent for producing smoke quicker when the smoking sessions are shorter (about 30-40 minutes). However, when you’re smoking something like a brisket, you need longer smoking times so larger wood chunks are a better option. Wood chunks provide hours of smoke when placed just right and they can even help stabilize temperatures and maintain a bit of moisture.

Gas grill smoking steps

Before smoking any meat in a gas grill, it is suggested to soak your wood chips in water for 30 minutes to an hour. Soaking allows for a slow smolder that releases smoke over a longer period of time. There is some debate though on whether you need to soak wood chips at all. I say experiment with both soaked and dry chips to find out for yourself.

Next, use an aluminum tray to hold the soaked wood chips. A tray gives the wood chips a place to sit on while adding a barrier between the wood and direct flame. Since we want the chips or chunks to smolder and smoke, you need to put the tray near a low flame. This is where a multi-burner grill is essential.

At a minimum, you’ll want a 2 burner gas grill to make the smoking process more effective. A 3 burner grill is even better. Try putting one burner at the lowest possible setting and placing the wood tray over it. Place your meat on the unlit portion of the grill.

The goal is to produce enough heat to cook the meat low and slow. This may mean adjusting the burner settings, grate positions, and experimenting with meat and wood chip placement.

Regardless of how you ultimately setup the grill, make sure your grill can maintain a low temperature of 195–225 degrees Fahrenheit so it cooks the meat properly.

How do you monitor the temperature in a gas grill accurately

Once you have started smoking your meat, you need to keep an eye on the temperature and adjust it when necessary. If you have a gas grill that has a built-in thermometer, use it. However, if you do not have a gas grill with this feature, there are a couple methods to ensure cooking temperatures are where they need to be.

Hand test

The first method is using the “hand” technique but it is not very accurate, as you can’t determine the exact temperature of the gill with your hand. But you can get close enough. Place your hand about 3 inches from the grill. If you can keep it there between 7-9 seconds, you may need to increase the temperature. If you can only keep it near the grill for 2-4 seconds, you will likely need to lower the temperature.

Instant-read meat probe

You can also use a probe thermometer to check the temperature of your grill but this has issues too. A probe thermometer connected via wire to a digital display can be used to measure the internal temperature of meat being smoked or the heat of the grill itself. Ultimately, you should monitor both but start with dialing in the low temperature setting on your grill first.

Instead of measuring the grill’s surface temperature, you need to measure the heat inside the closed grill. This means you don’t want the temperature probe making contact with the metal grill. You also don’t want to get the probe cable caught in a flame. I use a balled up piece of foil as a stand for the probe and place it on the indirect heat side of the grill. This gives a fairly accurate reading of the internal temperature.

Keep in mind, that once you figure out the right settings for a slow smoke on your grill, you don’t need to monitor the grill’s temperature as closely. At that point, it is more important to use the temperature probe to watch the internal temperature of the meat being cooked.

How to use wood chips on a grill

When it comes to using wood chips, timing is important. Primarily, understand that the wood chips/chunks should be put on the grill before the meat. You need the wood to heat up and start producing smoke. Make sure to lower the heat immediately when you see signs of smoke to avoid flare up. Now add your meat to the grill and dial in the cooking temperature. Adding your meat before the chips makes it challenging to control the cook time and temperature inside the grill.

Place the wood chips/chunks in an aluminum tray or a smoker box. If you do not have a tray for the wood chips, layer aluminum sheets on the bottom of the grill. A smoker box greatly enhances the smoking process since that is what it’s designed to do.

Other than that, any method of placing your wood chips/chunks will get the job done. Also, for larger meat products, wood chunks are favored over chips to extend smoking time. You can also punch a few holes in the aluminum encasing the wood chips to help exhaust smoke gradually.

Finally, a pellet smoker tube is a fantastic option for simplifying the gas grill smoking process. It’s similar to the smoker box, but instead of chips, you can use pellets. You don’t soak the pellets and they produce a more even smoke.

Do I need to soak wood chips for a gas grill

You absolutely can soak the wood chips you will be using in a gas grill, but it is not required. According to a friend who helped me gain more insight about using wood chips in gas grills, soaking the wood chips will make the wood chips last longer but it can also add unwanted moisture to the grill. It is technically better to skip the soaking process if you just want a quick blast of smoke for a touch of smokey flavor as opposed to doing low-and-slow cooking.

Also, water soaked chips prolong the heating process. I also think that the quality of the finished smoked meat is less than ideal. In the end, using unsoaked wood is better for the meat’s quality in taste and appearance. If you care about the wood’s longevity, you may consider soaking it and then proceed with the same process.

Do smoker boxes work on a grill

Smoker boxes are excellent at producing even smoke from wood chips or chunks, and they can be used on almost any gas grill. Though not required, they are a great option if you have or want to use one. As with a regular aluminum foil, treat the smoker box with care and make sure any flare-ups are avoided when you see the first sign of smoke. Smoker boxes are simple, easy to use and convenient.

There are two types of smoker boxes: stick-burner and embedded. The stick-burner smoker box is the traditional smoker box that is separate from the gas grill. It therefore allows you to choose where to place it in the grill and what wood to place in it.

Embedded smoker boxes are built into your grill, so you don’t have a choice as to where it goes. Since it is built-in, minimal cleaning is required and you won’t have to purchase one separately. But I would prefer having the ability to dial in my smoking setup with a moveable smoker box.

Will a gas grill smoke all types of meats

You can smoke any type of meat in your gas grill smoker as long as it can fit into the grill and still be a reasonable distance from the heat and allows for the proper use of wood chips. The type of meat you smoke will depend on your personal preferences and what you think will taste good when smoked. Meat types such as beef, wild game, pork, and poultry are commonly smoked.

Always make sure that smoked meat is fully cooked before eating. Undercooked pork or poultry can make you extremely sick. When checking the temperature of the grill, also check the temperature of the meat. Larger chunks of meat will take longer than smaller chunks, so keep that in mind.

Best wood chips to use on a gas grill

It goes without saying that the type of wood chips you use when smoking meat has a huge influence on the flavor of the meat.

Perhaps one of the most popular types of wood to use for smoking meat is oak. Most will agree that oak is a perfect type of wood for a base flavor that doesn’t over power the natural flavors of meat and seasonings. Because of oak’s mild smoke and subtle flavor profile, it pairs well with virtually every king of meat.

Mesquite wood is another popular smoke flavor but it has a sharper and more powerful taste. It also burns and smokes quickly, making it convenient for short cook times.

Hickory is a staple wood for every backyard pit master. It is the classic smoke flavor for ribs, brisket and poultry. However, be careful with hickory. It is a powerful smoke and quickly leads to a bitter taste if the smoke is overdone. Especially, on poultry.

These wood types are the most common, however, other wood chips such as apple or maple are worthy contenders as well. If you want, you can even mix two types of wood chips together when smoking meat on your gas grill.

Just be sure use the right wood chips for your meat. Not sure? Then definitely checkout this guide explaining the best type of wood chips for any kind of meat.

Parting words

Hopefully, I have shown you that there is an affordable and easy method of converting your gas grill into a perfectly capable smoker. Just be sure to follow all of the proper steps and be patient when you are first trying it out. It may take a couple tries to dial in the smoke to meet your needs.

The post How To Turn Your Gas Grill Into A Smoker Like A Pro appeared first on Cut Stack Burn.

It seems like every other week there is some new sale going on.  No one likes wasting money and grills aren’t cheap.  So when is the best time of year to buy a new grill?

More often than not, the best time of year to buy a new grill is August through October.  Peak grilling season is over and retailers are looking to off-load excess inventory.  And usually at a steep discount.  Historically, almost all retailers have their biggest money saving deals during Labor Day weekend.  

Can’t wait until the end of summer to buy a grill?  Well, I don’t blame you.  Luckily, there are many sales found throughout the year on barbecues and some are better than others.  Either way, you don’t want to miss the best time to buy a grill so read on for more shopping secrets. 

Peak season deals are few and far between

Peak grilling season generally stretches April through July.  Most shoppers wanting to get their hands on a new grill this time of year won’t find many deals.  Demand is high and retailers know they have the upper hand.  

That’s not to say you won’t see any sales but they seldom offer big savings like other times during the year.  Plus, most of the peak season sales aren’t actually discounts on the grill.  Instead, they are just package deals with a few tantalizing grilling accessories thrown in to sweeten the pot and entice customers to hand over their cash.

Peak season holidays like Memorial Day, Father’s Day and occasionally Fourth of July weekend are your best bet for money saving deals on a grill.  It takes some shopping around and price matching to eke out the best deal but it can be done.     

Big savings for fall shoppers

Fall is every grilling aficionado’s favorite time of year.  Peak season demand plummets and retailers are scrambling to sell excess inventory.  Unsold barbecues get marked way down in price.  For those needing a new barbecue, this is your chance.

When is this magical time where grilling season ends and the grill sale season begins?  Well, that depends.  There is no official date indicating the end of grilling season but mid-August is when many attractive deals start showing up.  It varies by retailer, so keep an eye out for the best sales.

However, don’t be too hasty.  While it might be tempting to buy a grill during the first end-of-summer sale, you could save even more.  Labor Day sales are often retailers last chance to sell left over grills.  As a result, you’ll probably see the biggest sales of the year at this time.  15-30% off is not uncommon.  That means hundreds of dollars left in your pocket.

The savings are certainly big but grills bought at this time of year might not get much use until next season.  Find a safe place to store it and you’ll have something to look forward to.

Steep winter discounts 

Being cooped up during the long cold winter is enough to get anyone dreaming about fun in the sun.  Instead of dreaming about summer barbecues and warm weather, spend your winter shopping for a new grill.  Not only will it pass the time but there are savings to be found.

Christmas, New Year’s and even Presidents’ Day sales are the perfect time to find cheap grills at many retailers.  Almost no one is buying barbecues December through February so many box stores and online retailers are itching to make a few sales.  

As March roles around, next year’s barbecue models are getting delivered to stores and last year’s models have got to go.  That makes March an ideal time to snatch up last year’s models at ridiculously cheap prices.  I have even heard of people making their own deals with store managers at big retailers.  

Watch for late winter deals and don’t be afraid to haggle.  At the end of the day, the grills need to sell before new models show up so you are in control.

Holiday sales

Tis the season for shopping sales.  Now days, most holidays simply give retailers an excuse to market just about everything.  While that might not be the best way to celebrate important dates, there is no denying you can save huge by shopping during these most festive times.

Not all holiday sales are created equal so here is a line-up of the special dates and holidays when grills usually go on sale:

• New Year’s
• Valentines Day (varies by retailer)
• St. Patrick’s Day
• Easter
• Mother’s Day
• Memorial Day
• Father’s Day
• First Day of Summer
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veterans Day
• Black Friday
• Cyber Monday
• Christmas

Scratch and dent floor models

Many retailers still offer decent margins for shoppers willing to buy the floor model.  These are the grills that have been on display all season for customers to try out and touch.

Floor model grills often come with a few scratches and dings but savvy shoppers see those imperfections as money saving opportunities.  If you time it right and talk to a manager, you may be able to ask for a discount.  5-10% is common.  And that is usually on top of current sale prices.  

Floor model discounts seldom occur during peak season when shoppers out number the grills but fall and winter are the perfect time to key in on less than perfect grills still sitting in the store.  

Used grill bonanza

So many people overlook the used market for amazing deals on grills.  If you want o save 50% or more, then hunt down a used grill.  As grilling season gets under way, used grills start showing up on Craigslist, at garage sales and on other classifieds.

April through August are the best times to find quality used grills.  Most of these grills are sold by someone looking to upgrade and needing a few bucks to help foot the bill. Sure, there are plenty of junkers out there but with a little searching and some patience, you might find a gem.    

Barbecue deals online

With more shoppers turning to the internet for the bulk of their buying needs, it’s fair to say that a few good sales exist online.  

Amazon’s Prime Day sale (actually a 48 hour event) is among the biggest shopping events of the year.  Anyone looking to save money on their next barbecue grill shouldn’t miss it.  

Other giant retailers like Walmart, Home Depot, Lowes, and Ace Hardware host similar sale events on Prime Day or during other times of the year.  Shoppers that check those websites often are well prepared to take advantage of some great deals.

And don’t forget about Cyber Monday sales too.  Deals on this day don’t benefit grill shoppers as often but it is still a good time to check.  Especially, if you aren’t afraid to buy a barbecue online.

How to recognize a good deal

It’s tough to spot a deal if you don’t even know what a barbecue usually costs in the first place.  The flashy sign on the grill you’re looking at might list a sale price that isn’t any different than the store just across town that’s not having a sale.  Don’t be fooled.  Do your research so that you can separate fake sales from the real ones.

Start by figuring out your budget and then look at grills within that price range.  Pick a few top contenders on your wish list.  Now all you have to do is keep an eye out for sales on the specific grills you want.  Compare the sale prices to the “msrp” to see how much you are saving.  

Anything less than 10% is not really a sale worth getting excited over.  In my book, a truly good deal on a grill is at least 15-20% off.  

Not sure what grills should cost or what is a reasonable price to pay?  Well, I’ve got you covered in my other recent article.  Take a look to find out what grills cost and how to find one that fits any budget. 

Your grill shopping cheat sheet

Need a simplified guide that helps you check for the best times to buy a new grill?  Well, here it is.  This calendar summarizes the key sales of the year and when you can expect to get the best grills at the lowest prices.  

The takeaway 

The goal of any company is to get you, the shopper, to buy their stuff.  Fortunately, this gives you the upper hand.  It’s your choice when you want to spend your money so wait for those awesome sales and not only will you save big bucks, you’ll also get the grill of your summer time dreams.

If there is only one critical point you get from this article, it should be this:  Resist the temptation to buy a new grill during peak grilling season (April through July). 

Instead, wait for sales during Labor Day weekend, fall close-out sales and winter holiday sales.  Your patience will be rewarded.

The post Don’t Miss The Best Times To Buy A Grill appeared first on Cut Stack Burn.

I’ve sampled brisket, ribs, chicken and even turkey cooked in pellet, electric and gas smokers.  All were delicious but for versatility and ease of use, the pellet grill stands out and makes answering this question a little easier.  

Are pellet grills worth the high price?

You bet.  Pellet grills are worth it for anyone who wants an easy to use grill and smoker combo.  When taste is paramount, pellet grills are a notch above the competition.  The added versatility of having a grill and smoker combo makes creating any dish easier than with gas grills or electric smokers.

Today’s pellet grills are feature packed and geared toward both amateurs and seasoned chefs alike.  Keep reading and you’ll learn what you need to know to make an informed decision.  

How much do pellet smokers/grills cost

Once you chomp down on a perfectly cooked juicy steak, all concerns about the cost of a pellet grill are forgotten.  However, until that meal is served, you’re likely wondering how much money a pellet grill is going to cost you. 

On average, a pellet grill will cost between $400 and $1500.  Premium brands like Traeger demand top dollar.  An entry level Traeger smoker/grill starts at $500.  Competing brands such as Pit Boss, Z Grills and Camp Chef generally cost a little less.  Either way, expect to pay around $750 for a quality pellet grill with the most desirable features.

But don’t let the price scare you off.  Take a look at any lineup of quality gas grills.  You can easily fork over just as much money for a gas grill of similar quality to a top tier pellet grill.  Sure, you can find a few gas grills for under $200 but those aren’t even in the same league when it comes to delivering mouth watering meats.  Charcoal grills cost a bit less.  However, a primary reason people love pellet grills is for their ease of use.  Charcoal is anything but convenient to use.

All else considered, pellets grills are not unreasonably priced.  Especially, when you consider the quality of food they produce.  Dollar for dollar, you get more taste with pellets in my opinion.

Do pellet grills give good flavor

When it comes to producing delicious smoked or grilled meats, pellet grills can deliver.  Everyone has their own opinion but I seldom hear people complaining while they devour pork belly burnt ends fresh off the pellet grill.  

Defining good flavor gets trickier once you start comparing gas, charcoal and pellet grills.  

Some hardcore charcoal enthusiasts will claim that charcoal has superior flavor over all other grills.  It’s tough to argue with them too.  The beauty of charcoal is in the interaction of meat drippings with the red hot briquettes.  All that fire blasted fat, protein and sugar builds a robust layer of flavor right onto the meat.

Proponents of gas grills tout the precise control of flame and heat as the ultimate way to build flavor.  With gas, you can flame sear a steak to develop a tantalizing char and then finish off the cooking process with indirect heat.  All without the fuss and mess of charcoal.

So where does that leave pellet grills on the flavor producing spectrum?  Luckily for you, the taste of food cooked on a pellet smoker is nothing short of fantastic.  No grill is as versatile as a pellet smoker when it comes to building flavors that delight your taste buds.  You can sear meats as good as any gas grill or slow cook a brisket to the perfect tenderness. (Check out my recent post to find out how to grill steaks to perfection on a pellet grill) 

But what sets a pellet grill apart from other types of grills is the smoke.  Pellets let you customize flavors and dial up and down the intensity of the smoke until you get it just right.   

Are pellet grills expensive to operate

We’ve established that pellet grills are not overly expensive to buy and that they definitely ramp up the flavor of any grilled food.  Now let’s look at what is costs to operate one.  

Obviously, if it costs an arm and a leg to run a pellet smoker then you are less likely to enjoy cooking with it.  Luckily, it doesn’t cost a fortune to cook with a pellet grill.  In fact, a 20 pound bag of pellets costs between $10 and $20 depending on the brand.  Assuming you buy top quality hardwood pellets then $20 is more accurate.  That is roughly $1 per pound.  On average, a pellet grill burns through 1 pound per hour on low and 3 pounds per hour on high.  Therefore, expect to get 6-20 hours of burn time from one bag.  

Average it out and it costs somewhere in the ball park of $2 per hour to operate a pellet smoker.  Not bad.  That of course, does not factor in electricity costs but that is negligible anyway.  

Compared to charcoal and gas though, the cost of operating a pellet grill is going to be slightly more.  For instance, a 20 pound bag of briquettes is about $10 and provides 10 or more hours of cook time depending on the efficiency of the grill and the desired heat level.  So $1 per hour.  

With gas, it is even cheaper.  A gas grill with moderately high BTU output will burn through a 5 gallon propane tank in 8 to 10 hours on high.  That ends up being 2 hours or so per gallon.  At $2.50 per gallon (average price for propane), that is a $1.25 per hour.

It is possible to operate a pellet smoker on a budget though.  There are plenty of pellet brands that cost less than $10 for 20 pounds.  Shop around and your can get fine tasting pellets for more reasonable prices.  That will help you cut the operating cost down to about $1 per hour.  Just try them out first before buying in bulk.  

Pellet smokers vs. Electric smokers

There is a lot to love about pellet grills but at the top of the list for most adoring fans is their ability to double as a smoker.  Using a pellet grill to smoke meats opens up a whole new realm of possibilities for aspiring pit masters.  

Are pellet grills worth the cost if all you want it for is a smoker?  What about an electric smoker instead?  

Hands down, electric smokers are cheaper to operate and cost a little less up front.  There are countless options for high quality electric smokers that offer up delectable feasts when put in the hands of skilled cooks.  However, for developing well rounded flavors that rival the pros, a pellet grill far out classes an electric smoker.  Plus, electric smokers have limited versatility for other cooking styles.  So, even if you only want a smoker, pellet grills are still worth considering.  

Keep in mind that choosing between a pellet grill or an electric smoker is based largely on personal preference.  Both can achieve great tasting results.  For those who don’t want a separate smoker and barbecue grill, a pellet grill fits the bill.

Do pellet grills give a smoke ring

The pinnacle achievement for any meat eating cook is a gorgeous smoke ring.  Formed from the reaction of nitric oxide in wood smoke and the myoglobin in meat, a smoke ring is something many desire.  

For those who don’t know, a smoke ring is identified by the characteristic pink ring seen on expertly cooked meats when sliced.  While it doesn’t necessarily indicate good tenderness and juiciness, a smoke ring is never a bad thing to strive for. 

If you are chasing the dream of having beautiful smoked meats with the right mix of flavor and looks, then a pellet grill will make you smile.  

Pellet grills have adequate combustion of wood materials to produce appropriate amounts of the nitric oxide (NO) required for developing a smoke ring.  It is nearly impossible to get a smoke ring with an electric smoker or gas grill.  Even if you add wood chips to a gas grill, you’ll never get enough NO to do the job.  

Charcoal grills using briquettes or lump charcoal and wood chucks also produce good smoke rings but they are sometimes more temperamental, making a ring harder to achieve.  A pellet smoker is the easiest way for anyone to get great smoke rings every time.  

Ease of use

Pellet grills really shine in their simplicity and ease of use.  One of my favorite things about my pellet smoker is that with a flip of the switch, I can start cooking amazing food.  

It requires very little tinkering with the controls to get it dialed into the perfect cooking temperature.  Once it’s on, all you need to do is top-off the pellet hopper once in a while and the grill does the rest.  

On the maintenance side of things, pellet grills are quite easy to care for.  Occasionally, you’ll need to remove built up cooking grease and soot, scrub down the cooking grate and empty the grease pail.  You can even line the bottom drip pan with foil to simplify maintenance even more.

Just from the ease of use alone, a pellet smoker is worth every penny.

Are pellet grills bad for your health

Pellet grills are probably less harmful for you than other types of grills.  The primary concern with grilling food is the carcinogens thought to be formed through the charring process.  

Charring is something that occurs during high heat cooking.  Both charcoal and gas grills cause a fair bit of charring.  Those black sear marks are sure pretty but most health experts suggest you avoid eating it to reduce the risks carcinogens pose.

Pellet grills, on the other hand, do not put meat or other foods in direct contact with flame so charring and ash don’t build up on your food surfaces nearly as much.  

While studies are limited, there is a general consensus that pellet grills are, at the very least, not anymore harmful for your health than other forms of grilling.  In fact, they are likely a safer bet for anyone concerned with the health risks of grilling food over high heat.  

Benefits of a pellet grill

There are many reasons pellet grills are growing in popularity.  Some are more obvious than others.  If you are still not sure whether a pellet grill is right for you, consider the following benefits of owning one yourself.

• Versatile cooking styles to satisfy any cook
• Pellets are easy to store and come in a large variety of flavors
• No need to refill propane tanks
• Wide selection of sizes at prices suitable for all budgets
• Easy maintenance and simple to use
• Precise temperature control for better cooking results
• Adjustable levels of smoke to match desired results
• Short learning curve for amateur chefs looking to take their grilling to the next level

The post Are Pellet Grills Worth Buying: Here Are The Facts appeared first on Cut Stack Burn.

The typical 20 pound BBQ propane tank expires 12 years after it is manufactured. The manufacturing date is found stamped on the collar of the tank. Maintaining your tank’s condition is vital for staying safe at the grill. Over time, harsh conditions cause corrosion and rust on the tank and valve. Such damage makes it unsafe to use past the expiration.

Let’s look at why propane tanks expire, what you should do when that time comes around, and how to maintain the tank in the meantime to make sure it lasts as long as possible.

Why do propane tanks have an expiration

It might seem incredible that propane tanks can expire. After all, the propane in them doesn’t go bad, so it’s not as if the residue of propane from ten years ago is going to make the new propane work any less effectively. Why then, is it so important to keep an eye on a propane tank’s expiration date?

Well, the fact is that the tank is made out of metal, and metal doesn’t last forever. When it’s exposed to chemicals and elements, the metal can rust and corrode, damaging the quality of the tank. Plus, the valve on your propane tank is more complex than you think. Valves eventually start to fail.

This is a serious safety hazard because these tanks are meant to contain a highly flammable gas, and the last thing you want at your Fourth of July barbecue is for your propane tank to start its own firework show.

How do I know if my 20 lb propane tank is expired

The best thing to do is to make a habit of checking over your propane tank every year. Now, propane tanks last a lot longer than a year, but if you go for a few years without checking and just assume you’ll remember when it needs to be replaced, you’re bound to forget.

You can figure out the expiration date by checking around the neck of the tank. If it’s never been recertified, you’ll want to look for the manufacture date. It’ll give the date it was manufactured in MM/YY format and it is stamped into the metal. The tank will be good for 10 years after that date.

If it’s been recertified before, you’ll instead look for the retest date, which will be in Q/YY format, where Q is a letter that represents which quarter of the year the retest was done: A for January through March, B for April through June, then C and D for the last two quarters of the year. The number of years it’s good for after the retest will depend on the test.

If you don’t want to worry about forgetting when your tank expires, a good way to keep track is to label it with big numbers listing the date of expiration. Try putting a sticker or a tag on it or attaching a note to your grill. That way, you’ll always be able to see the date at a glance and realize when it’s close to the end of it’s usable life.

Do all sizes of propane tanks expire

Propane tanks of all sizes expire eventually. Even the 1,000 lb tanks for houses expire. However, they don’t all have the same expiration schedule and most can last for a long time if they’re properly maintained. Regardless of the tank size, the expiration will be clearly stamped near the fill valve of the tank.

To ensure your tank actually lasts at least until the expiration date, keep your tank out of the elements by protecting it from rain and snow. That will help prevent it from getting rusty. Try to keep it from getting dirty too. Chemicals and minerals in the dirt can eventually wear down or corrode the metal or damage the valve.

Should I exchange or re-certify my propane tank

Exchanging

If your tank is nearing the end of its life, you might just want to change it out and not have to worry about the hassle of re-certifying. Some retailers, like Blue Rhino, will give you a certified tank that’s full of propane in exchange for your empty one for just the price of the propane.

If you make that your practice whenever you need a refill, then you’ll never have to worry about your tank going bad at all.

Re-certifying

But maybe you want to take care of your own tank and make it last as long as possible, or maybe you don’t like Blue Rhino’s propane price, or maybe there’s still propane in the tank. If any of these are the case, you might be more interested in re-certifying your tank.

To do that, you’ll need to bring it to an inspector. You might find someone who can do it at your local propane retailer, or you might need to search the internet for an inspector near you.

Once you get it to the inspector, they will perform tests on your tank to make sure it’s up to the DOT standards. After the tests, it’ll be good for another 5, 7, or 12 years (the inspector will tell you which). After that time is up, you’ll want to get it re-certified again.

Can a rusty propane tank be re-certified

If your tank is rusty, you definitely need to take it in for inspection, even if the expiration date is far off. If it passes the tests, then it’s fine to use and refill.

Light surface rust isn’t likely to be a problem, and it might still pass the recertification. However, if there’s a lot of rust, you may have a serious safety risk. Even if the rust doesn’t look bad, there might be more rust inside the tank. So, however rusty your tank looks, get it tested before you refill it.

If the tank passes the recertification process, you should follow up by getting rid of the corrosion. To do this, you’re first going to want to cover up the valve and the warning labels so that they don’t get ruined by the process. You should only do this with an empty tank.

Use steel wool or fine-grain sandpaper to sand down the rusty parts. For safety, make sure you don’t use anything that might make sparks. Scrub until you’ve made a smooth area. Try not to sand into the metal. You only want to get rid of all of the loose particles.

Once it’s smooth, use a mixture of vinegar and water to clean the area, then rinse it off with water. Let it dry, and then paint over it. Use paint that can withstand the high temperatures of your grill. The paint should be white or off-white because those colors release heat faster than other colors. With that, your tank is as good as new!

How can you tell if a propane tank is bad

Signs of a damaged tank include rust and corrosion, as well as dents and cracks. You will also want to look out for signs that it’s been damaged by heat or fire, and if it’s missing any parts, like the collar or the valve cover. In addition, a stiff valve that isn’t opening or closing smoothly can indicate a problem as well.

Signs of leakage around the pressure valve are also a warning that your propane tank either needs maintenance or to be replaced.

If you suspect your propane tank has a leak, use this simple method to make sure.

• Soak a cloth with soapy water, then wipe the cloth over the place where you think the leak is. If the propane tank is leaking, you will see bubbles forming. That’s propane escaping. Take care of it immediately by moving it away from your house, the grill, and any other flammable objects. Then call the fire department so they can safely dispose of it.

Dents and bulging are other signs of a bad tank. If your tank shows any dents or buglings, you should dispose of it as soon as possible. Tanks with these damages will not pass the recertification tests, so don’t bother trying to get them re-certified.

When should I replace my BBQ propane tank

Replace your tank 10 years after the manufacture date if you don’t want to get it re-certified. Otherwise, replace it when it’s damaged and fails the inspection.

If you don’t want to worry about when to replace your BBQ propane tank or get it recertified, you can just make a habit of exchanging it after it’s empty.

Propane retailers such as Amerigas and Blue Rhino will exchange your empty tank for a full one. They do all the maintenance necessary to keep their tanks in good condition, so you can count on the safety of your tank.

You can also bring these companies expired tanks that still have propane inside. They can remove the propane, recycle the tank, and give you a new one.

Final thoughts

Propane tank safety is an essential practice for anyone who wants to enjoy grilling, so keep an eye on your tank’s dates and take good care of it. Then, you’ll be able to grill with peace of mind knowing that your tank is function properly.

The post Do BBQ Propane Tanks Expire appeared first on Cut Stack Burn.