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Summer is Barbecue Season!

Summer is here, and its the season most of us get out our barbecues and start cooking outdoors! But before lighting your barbecue this year, you should give it a complete servicing. The following will ensure that your barbecue is safe to use.

Propane Cylinder: All propane cylinders have a 10 year life. After 10 years, from the date of manufacture, the cylinder is not allowed to be refilled again. You must either have the old cylinder re-certified, or purchase a new one. You should be aware that all new propane cylinders are sold with the new safety valve, named the Quick Connect Cylinder (QCC-1) and many stores are only handling cylinders also equipped with an Overfill Protection Device (OPD).

The Cooking Grills: Are your grills rusty and/or thin? Remember, you are putting the food you eat on them! New grills, coated with porcelain can be purchased for most barbecues. When cleaning these new grills, use an abrasive sponge, not a wire brush.

The Rocks: If your barbecue is continually flaring up, or your burner rocks are crumbling, you should replace them with either lava or porcelain rocks. The porcelain rocks are a good choice because they do not soak up fat drippings, which cause flare-ups.

The Burner: If your barbecue is heating unevenly, or if you see large yellow flames from any part of your burner, you should replace the burner. Examine the burner for rusty and worn areas by the flame ports, and replace if you see any wear.

Appearance Maintenance: Thoroughly wash your barbecue with soap, water and an abrasive sponge to remove all the old food drippings and grease. If the metal stand, shelves or cylinder are starting to look old and rusty, you can purchase specific paints for these items. Sand the worn and rusted areas, and apply paint according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Other Parts you can buy to keep your barbecue looking and working like new included burner valves, hoses, regulators, handles, rock grates, rotisseries and covers. Remember, if you do not know how to properly replace a part, or hook up a new cylinder, seek professional help. Propane can be dangerous if not handled properly!

Safety Tips

An early season check up and maintenance will extend the life of your barbecue and ensure a trouble free outdoor cooking season.

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