Outdoor Grilling in a Community

Barbecuing is deeply ingrained in American culture, a cherished pastime that brings families and friends together. Even those living in apartments or multi-unit dwellings often find ways to participate in the grilling festivities, especially during summer. In this article, we’ll explore the nation’s passion for outdoor cooking, along with essential safety tips tailored for communal settings.

Fascinating Facts About American BBQ

1. Three-quarters of Americans own either a grill or a smoker.
2. Fourth of July reigns supreme as the top grilling holiday, with nearly nine out of ten Americans firing up their grills. Coming in second are Labor Day, Memorial Day, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day.
3. A surprising 63% of grill owners use their equipment year-round, and a significant 43% even grill in the colder months.
4. While men tend to be more enthusiastic grillers, women are more likely to experiment with unique recipes during their sessions.
5. The most popular items grilled include hamburgers, followed by chicken, steak, and hot dogs.
6. Interestingly, 11% of grill owners enjoy BBQ breakfasts, proving that grilling isn’t limited to lunch or dinner.
7. People fire up their grills for various reasons, including personal enjoyment, enhancing flavors, fostering social connections, and simply having fun.
8. Common barbecue styles attempted by enthusiasts range from Texas to Memphis, Kansas City, and Carolina styles.

Gas Grills Dominate the Outdoor Grill Market

Gas grills are by far the most favored type of outdoor cooking equipment, thanks to their convenience and ease of use. They rely on propane or natural gas to ignite and cook food, eliminating the time-consuming prep work and cleanup associated with charcoal grills. While traditionalists might argue that charcoal imparts a distinct flavor, the difference is negligible for most users.

Gas grills typically come equipped with one to five burners. The cooking surface may consist of stainless steel sheets, porcelain-covered steel bars, stainless steel bars, or iron grates. Leading brands in this segment include the PSG A-Series and T-Series Grills.

The A-Series grills are crafted from permanent mold aluminum, commercial-grade stainless steel, brass, and porcelain-on-steel components. Their price varies based on BTU output and cooking area.

The T-Series is designed with unmatched reliability and safety in mind, making it ideal for heavy-duty usage. Its durable construction withstands the wear and tear of daily use. A 60-minute gas flow timer automatically shuts off the gas supply if the grill is inadvertently left on. This feature prevents potential hazards that could arise from forgetting to turn off the gas after cooking.

PSG also provides built-in solutions such as access doors, drawer storage units, and beverage centers.

Apartment Grilling Safety Tips

California’s pleasant climate makes it perfect for outdoor cooking. For apartment residents, this means experimenting with diverse recipes and showcasing their culinary prowess. However, it’s crucial to adhere to local regulations regarding grill usage on patios and balconies. According to the California Fire Code:

1. Open-flame cooking devices cannot be used on combustible patios, decks, or within 10 feet of structures.
2. Apartments fitted with automatic sprinklers on the balcony or deck are exempt from this rule.
3. Gas grills are subject to additional guidelines, so familiarize yourself with the dos and don’ts.
4. Many apartment dwellers prefer using the community grill located in a safe communal area, eliminating the hassle of transporting equipment elsewhere.
5. The cardinal rule of grilling is never leaving your grill unattended. This is particularly important when children are nearby. If you need to step away, ask someone else to supervise.
6. Most gas grill fires result from obstructions in the gas flow pathway. Inspect the grill regularly for issues, including insect infestations that could interfere with gas flow. If a problem arises, shut off the control valves and gas tank before troubleshooting.
7. If the community grill remains unused for an extended period, check it for leaks, proper assembly, deterioration, and blockages before resuming use.
8. Avoid overfilling the propane cylinder. Fill it only to 80% capacity to allow room for liquid expansion.
9. Ensure the cylinder valve outlet is capped when disconnected from the grill or during transportation unless using quick-connect or close-coupling valves.
10. Always keep the lid open when lighting a gas grill to avoid gas buildup and flashbacks.
11. Warn novice users not to lean over the grill while cooking.
12. Overloading the grill with food increases the risk of flare-ups due to drippings from fatty meats. Minor flare-ups can be managed with water (keep a spray bottle handy), but large ones can be alarming.

It’s imperative to understand the equipment thoroughly. According to the National Fire Incident Reporting System, misuse and operational errors account for 47% of grill fires. When operating a gas grill, remember these key points:

• Always verify that the propane tank is securely connected.
• Turn the propane off after using the grill. PSG’s T-Series models offer peace of mind with their automatic timers, but if you’re using another model without this feature, set a mental reminder.
• Clean the grates to eliminate grease buildup.

As a responsible community grill user, ensure the area is tidy after cooking and eating. Maintaining cleanliness ensures everyone enjoys a safe and enjoyable shared space for future gatherings.

“Seasoning” Commercial Grills

A commercial grill must undergo a “seasoning” process before its initial use. Seasoning grates improves heat retention and promotes even cooking. The primary goal of seasoning a new grill is to eliminate contaminants like dust or metal shavings left over from manufacturing or shipping. Additionally, seasoning seals the pores of the material.

The grates that require seasoning include stainless steel or cast iron grates and their emitter plates.

1. With the grill turned off and the grates cool, generously coat all surfaces of the emitters and grates with peanut oil, canola oil, or another high-heat cooking oil. Ensure the oil is applied evenly.
2. Use a paper towel to wipe away any excess oil.
3. Turn on the grill and heat it for 15 minutes or until the oil begins to smoke.
4. The shiny finish should darken to a bronze or dark brown hue.
5. Allow the grill to cool completely, then apply a light layer of oil after each use to prevent rust.

Regular deep cleaning is also advisable. Refer to the owner’s manual for specific instructions on maintaining your commercial grill. Some models can be cleaned with a brush, while others require specialized cleaners and non-abrasive soaps.

Choosing Meat for Grilling

One of life’s simplest pleasures is savoring a juicy piece of perfectly cooked meat. The foundation of a great barbecue lies in selecting the right cuts. Whether you’re already a seasoned griller or new to the art, revisiting the three essential rules for choosing meats can enhance your grilling experience.

1. Color: Fresh, flavorful steaks should be a deep red color without any brown or gray patches.
2. Marbling: Marbling refers to the fat distributed within the meat and among muscle fibers. Look for white streaks of fat – the more marbling, the juicier and more tender the steak will be.
3. Thickness: Thin steaks may not cook evenly and often end up dry and bland. Opt for cuts that are at least 1 inch thick.

For premium-quality meat, consider choice-grade beef. It strikes a balance between tenderness and marbling without being overly expensive. Prime beef, while pricier, is exceptional, as only two out of every 100 cows yield this grade. Select-grade beef, though cheaper, lacks the depth of flavor offered by higher grades.

Getting Ready for BBQ Season

There’s no excuse not to sharpen your BBQ skills on your community grill. Familiarity with the equipment is key, but so is having the right tools. Essential gear includes a meat fork, spatula, tongs, carving board, marinade brush, meat thermometer, and slicing knife.

Of course, no BBQ is complete without condiments like sauces, marinades, and rubs. There’s an endless variety to explore, whether you prefer store-bought options or homemade creations. A communal grill fosters social interactions that a private setup can’t replicate. So, take advantage of your apartment’s shared grills and host a barbecue!