AUSTRALIA Day is upon us and that means barbecues, friends and fun in the sun while we pay tribute to this great country.
But, before you throw a shrimp on the barbie, make sure it’s clean and ready to go with these top six tips thanks to barbecue and cleaning expert Craig Jones from eco-friendly cleaning company White Magic.
Check your gas/burner
For a simple way to see how much gas you have left in your gas bottle, pour a cup of boiling water over the tank and feel the metal with your hand to find areas that are still cool to the touch.
Areas that have warmed from the hot water indicate empty areas, whereas cooler areas are where there is still gas inside.
Check the date of manufacture stamped on your gas bottle to ensure that it is a safe age (less than 10 years old).
Most burners only last about two seasons so make sure that your burners are clear and supplying an even flame.
Areas to clean
It’s important to clean your barbecue after each use and to also give it a thorough cleaning at least once a year.
Avoid using cleaning products that contain toxic chemicals as they can damage your barbecue and absorb into the food that you are cooking, and instead opt for eco-friendly products.
Spot the leaks
Inspect the tank by running a leak test, which involves coating the regulator, valves, and hoses with soapy water, then turning on the tank to pressurise the system.
If you see bubbles, this means that gas is escaping and you will need to tighten the connections.
Out with the old
Replace any parts that aren’t working well and make sure to replace old or dirty lava rocks with new ones. Treat yourself to some new cleaning brushes, barbecue mitts and utensils that will make cleaning up a breeze.
Find the hot spots
To check where the hot spots are on your grill and see how even the heat patterns are, cover your barbecue grates with slices of white bread and run burners on high for a few minutes. Turn off the flame and flip the bread, the slices that are the most toasted indicate where the hot spots are.
Ready to cook!
Ensure your sausage sizzle doesn’t end up getting stuck on the barbecue plates with this simple tip. After cleaning and replacing the plates, coat them with oil and heat for 15 minutes to avoid food getting stuck while cooking.
Make cleaning up after easier by lining the drip tray with aluminium foil and running the burners on high for five minutes with the hood open after you have finished cooking to burn off the grease.
