1. The art of using sauces in grilling is easy to master. Apply grilling sauces when the meat is done. Any earlier and the sauce can burn and prevent smoke from penetrating the meat. Continue to cook just until the sauce is heated but not burned. If desired, you can sear the meat at the end of cooking to caramelize the sauce, but be careful not to overcook during this delicate process.
2. Don't overdo sauce on your ribs or you'll cover up all the smoky meat flavor you worked so hard to achieve. Apply a single coat before cutting the ribs, and provide extra sauce on the table for people who want more. Or, forego sauce completely and just enjoy the natural taste of the meat.
3. Always be safe when using grilling sauces. Pour sauce into a bowl, dip your brush into the bowl for painting the meat, and then throw out any unused sauce when you are done cooking. Even if your meat looked done, bacteria and spores from uncooked juices may have contaminated your bowl. Only use fresh sauce for dipping.
4. Once your thermometer says the meat is ready, try to exercise a bit more patience and let the meat rest for about 10 minutes. During this time the temperature will rise about 5F degrees, a phenomenon called carryover. Resting also allows the juices that were forced to the surface during cooking to be reabsorbed into the meat. Just a few extra minutes of delayed gratification will reward you with moist, tender, delicious meat.
5. Grill accessories like a grill cover will allow you to safely keep your grill outside year round. Almost any gas grill cover will do the job of protecting your beloved gas grill. Waterproof vinyl exteriors keep out the elements, while a felt lining helps to protect the finish. Just remember to only put the gas grill cover back on when the gas grill is completely cool.
6. Every griller needs grill accessories like the right set of grill tools in order to achieve great results and have fun cooking, and a good pair of tongs is absolutely necessary. They need to be easy to squeeze yet bounce back quickly. Look for tongs that have a gripping edge to hold onto but not cut into meats. Tongs must be long enough for you to use without putting your hand over the fire, yet shouldn't be too heavy.
7. If you aren't using a silicon basting brush in your grilling adventures, then it is time to upgrade and join the 21st century. These grill accessories easily transport large amounts of sauce to your meat and leave it there. Easy to clean and heat-resistant, these perfect brushes don't shed and are great for a variety of cooking tasks.
8. BBQ aprons do more than keep your clothes clean and your skin protected while grilling. Most have pockets so you can keep your grill tools handy, and many are waterproof and machine washable. BBQ aprons are available in a variety of styles. Grill accessories link a fire-proof bbq apron with flame-retardant cotton sateen makes a great gift.
9. Whenever you are grilling, make sure you have some sort of barbecue mitt nearby. A heavy towel will do, but a fireproof barbecue mitt is the best. When wearing one of these, you can pick up flaming hot metal cooking equipment. Also, if you get too close to the flame, these barbecue mitts won't catch on fire - always a plus.
For more grilling resources, check out our Electric Grilling information.
