How to Choose the Right Grill Size

(Family Features) If you’re shopping for a new gas grill, one of the most important aspects to consider is its size.

“There are more things to think about than simply how many hamburgers you want to cook at once,” said Russ Faulk, grillmaster and chief designer for Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet, maker of outdoor kitchen equipment. “To a great extent, more size offers more cooking flexibility. Few people need a giant grill, but most people can take advantage of having a bit more cooking space.”

Here are some helpful tips he recommends for choosing the right size grill.

Understand the true size of the cooking surface. Total cooking area for grills is measured in square inches. This figure often includes the warming rack and cooktop areas, so do a little digging to identify the square inches of the primary grill grates alone. A minimum of 450 square inches is a good starting point to meet the needs of most people. For example, a 500-square-inch grill grate can accommodate about 24 hamburgers at one time.

Think about indirect cooking. When you envision cooking on the grill, you probably think about grilling the food right above the fire. This is called “direct heat” grilling, which is good for small or thin foods than can be cooked quickly. Larger foods, such as whole chickens, potatoes or roasts, are best cooked with “indirect heat.” This means the burners below the food are actually turned off. You need a grill large enough for the active burners to generate the right amount of heat and have enough space left over to place the food in an indirect zone.

The magic really happens when you combine direct and indirect techniques, Faulk said. Some call it “sear and slide” cooking, which is an indispensable method for grilling a thick steak. Sear it over high, direct heat then move it to indirect heat to slow down the cooking. A grill with at least 700 square inches is recommended for cooks who frequently embrace indirect grilling techniques.

Stay in control. Most gas grills have multiple, individually controlled burners. Larger grills tend to have more burners. For indirect grilling, you will need at least two burners, but more control zones offer increased cooking options. Individual temperatures can be set for grilling different kinds of food simultaneously. At least three burners are recommended for the best control and flexibility.

Don’t crowd the grill. When you try to squeeze too much food onto the grill at once, it can become difficult to manage the cooking. You need room for turning and flipping. Faulk also recommends maintaining a low-heat “safety zone” to move food to when the action gets a little too hot and fast. A good rule of thumb is to keep at least 25 percent of your grill grates clear at all times.

For more tips on finding the right grill for your cookouts, visit kalamazoogourmet.com.

SOURCE:
Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet

Protect Your Tailgate Party from Pests

(Family Features) Whether it’s before a football or baseball game, most sports fans share one thing in common: tailgating. No matter the event or the teams playing in the big game, few things create as strong a sense of camaraderie and community as tailgating. While most fans prepare for the food, drinks, music and games, many overlook or ignore an ever-present threat of the great outdoors: flies and other pests crashing the party.

When you prepare that mouthwatering tailgate menu of burgers, wings and dips, remember – your guests aren’t the only ones craving the snacks. Flies are attracted to food left out in the open, and they are more than just a nuisance. Many people underestimate the health threat they pose. Research shows flies are twice as filthy as cockroaches. Each time a fly lands on food or utensils, it can leave behind thousands of germs that can cause illnesses such as diarrhea or food poisoning.

Despite the contamination risk, most people simply wave flies away and continue eating what they’ve touched. In a recent Orkin survey, 61 percent of respondents said that they would still eat their meal after a fly touched it, but only 3 percent said they would continue eating after a cockroach came in contact with the food.

To help protect tailgate guests from flies, follow these tips from Dr. Ron Harrison, entomologist and technical services director for Orkin, a leader in the pest-control industry.

• Cover food that isn’t being eaten in tightly-sealed containers, keep dishes as cool as possible and dispose of uneaten items immediately.

• Flies are also attracted to odors other than food. Certain fly species can move easily from rotting, disease-laden garbage to exposed food and serving surfaces. To help avoid a fly frenzy, choose a parking space away from trash cans and portable restrooms, empty trash cans near the tailgate regularly, and keep trash can lids tightly closed.

• Creating an air flow around food at the tailgate may also help prevent invading flies. Like mosquitoes, most flies are not strong fliers and a fan blowing near food may help keep them away.

Enjoying outdoor events with friends and family requires planning. By taking a few simple steps to avoid conditions that help pests thrive, sports fans can enjoy themselves and be free of pest problems. Find more tips to keep your parties pest-free at orkin.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

SOURCE:
Orkin

Elevate Your Camping Experience

(Family Features) If a break from the sights and sounds of the city is calling your name, it may be time for a camping getaway to rest and recharge. Fortunately, if roughing it isn’t your idea of a good time, there are several ways you can elevate your campsite for a less primitive experience.

Screen out pests. Even the most avid nature lovers can appreciate the need to keep pests away from their sleeping area. Using a tent with a screened patio area is one way to help cut down on the flies, mosquitos and other guests inside your sleeping quarters. The screen helps keep the majority of potential pests away from the main tent entrance so you can come and go more freely.

Power it up. A generator makes it possible to enjoy some comforts from home while you’re soaking up the fresh air. Electricity can help power practical uses (fans and phone chargers, for example) and other nonessential but enjoyable purposes such as personal electronics and cooking devices. If you’re thinking your camping neighbors may balk at the large, noisy version you use for emergency backup power, you’re probably right. Fortunately, inverter generators, like Briggs & Stratton’s PowerSmart Series, are designed for quiet operation – perfect for a campsite. Some inverters operate as low as 59 decibels – quieter than a normal conversation. Look for models with technology that allows you to power mobile devices safely and offers campers multiple power options and outlets for greater versatility.

Keep comfy at night. Many campers pack with a minimalist approach, but your bedding is no place to skimp. Even one night of uncomfortable sleep can put a damper on your getaway and leave you achy and irritable. If a cot or inflatable mattress isn’t practical, at least consider an extra layer for a softer cushion below you.

Cut cooking time. There’s something hypnotically calming about the sight and sound of flames dancing in the night. But when your stomach is growling, the fire pit can be your worst enemy. A propane or electric stove can help ensure you won’t go hungry.

Clean things up. After a hot, sticky day of hiking, a shower may be just what you need to refresh and revive. Fortunately, if your campsite doesn’t offer a bathhouse, there are dozens of options when it comes to portable showers. Make sure you have a dry towel at the ready by using a microfiber blend that is not only lightweight for transport but also dries quickly between uses.

Portable generators emit carbon monoxide and are dangerous if not operated properly. The only safe place to operate a portable generator is outside and away from the campsite. To learn more about how to safely operate a portable generator, visit takeyourgeneratoroutside.com.

Camping doesn’t have to be a rugged affair, especially with the variety of accessories available to help create a home away from home. Learn more about options to help power your next camping excursion at briggsandstratton.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (family of four)

SOURCE:
Briggs & Stratton