As summer starts to near and the weather begins to warm, grilling outside is becoming the preferred way to prepare a meal. Grilling with propane is great way to bring your dinner together while requiring minimal effort. With its easy temperature control and simple clean up, grilling with propane is a convenient and efficient way to cook your food all summer long.
Benefits of Grilling With Propane
Convenience
Propane provides ease when grilling with its instant ignition and quick preheat time. Propane grills light up immediately and only take a few minutes to preheat. Simply ensure the connection to your small propane tank is secure, then lighting your grill at the push of a button or turn of a knob, you can heat up and start cooking in no time. When using an alternative fuel like charcoal, the grill will take longer to heat up which can delay your serving time. Grilling with propane is the preferred choice when in a time crunch to get a meal prepared. Just turn the burner knob, get it heated, and start cooking.
Control
Grilling with propane gives you more control over what you are cooking. The easy-to-use knobs allow you to adjust your heat control for multiple different uses. Precision temperature control and even cooking are a few reasons why so many people lean towards propane grills. When using a charcoal grill, it can be more difficult to adjust and control the temperature. Also, when grilling for long periods of time, charcoal can start to lose its heat, requiring more to be added during the process. Propane grills, however, can cook for long periods of time without sacrificing heat or efficiency.
Clean Up
Grills powered by propane tend to offer a much easier cleanup process compared to a charcoal grill. Because propane burns cleaner than coal, there is less soot and debris left behind. With propane, you don’t have to worry about disposing the charcoal ash when done cooking, making it a much cleaner job.
Safety Tips for Grilling with Propane
Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind when grilling with propane, courtesy of PERC:
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions- follow your grill manufacturer’s instructions for assembly, use, maintenance, cleaning, or storage.
- Position the grill in a safe place- keep your grill outdoors and at least 5 feet from the house on a level surface that is clear of outdoor furniture, overhead trees, or other potential fire hazards.
- Check for leaks- Check connections to your small propane tank for leaks using a soapy water solution. Expanding bubbles indicate a leak.
- Follow proper lighting/relighting procedures- Follow your grill manufacturer’s instructions and owner’s manual for proper lighting and relighting procedures.
- Be present- stay close and never leave your grill unattended.
Grilling Recipes for the Summer
Lastly, grilling is a great way to cook any meal. Whether it’s the main course or dessert, cooking on a grill connected to a small propane tank can help you nail any of your summertime recipes. Try out these simple and tasty recipes made easily on a grill.
Appetizer/Side dish
Grilled Vegetable Skewers
These tasty vegetable skewers make the perfect appetizer or side dish any time of year, but especially during the summer. This recipe from Love and Lemons is both flavorful and colorful with its variety of squash and peppers. Throw them on the grill for about 15 minutes and you have yourself perfectly charred and flavorful veggies.
Main Course
Grilled Pork Chops with Honey Garlic Glaze
This simple yet delightful pork chop recipe from Food & Wine will have you reaching for more. Made with ingredients you most likely already have at home, the sweet and savory glaze will add just the right flavors to bring the dish together. In order to achieve the most evenly cooked pork with delicious char and grill marks, it is suggested to flip the pork frequently over high heat for the first several minutes.
Dessert
Grilled Strawberry S’mores
Everyone loves s’mores during the summer. These grilled strawberry s’mores from For the Love of Food are the perfect way to treat your summer sweet tooth while being easy to assemble and clean up. Better yet- they don’t require a fire pit and can be made right on the grill! By lining the ingredients in a pan and heating them on the grill for a few minutes, you will be met with a warm and delicious dessert to enjoy with family and friends. You can even change up the ingredients to match everyone’s tastes!
Grilling with propane tends to be the most convenient way to grill your food. Being simple to light, quick to heat up, and easily adjustable for cooking, there is a reason so many people use propane grills at home.
Additional Sources:
Visit PERC for more information on propane grills