Summer is here, the weather is on our way, time to barbecue. Tips for safe use of the barbecue:from safely lighting a fire to food safety. Use the tips to optimally enjoy your barbecue evening with family or friends.
Barbecues come in various sizes, models and colours. Which barbecue you should choose strongly depends on your own wishes and requirements. A gas barbecue is useful if you want to enjoy quickly and easily. More authentic is of course a charcoal barbecue. Ideal if the barbecue is movable, because it makes cleaning up easier. Not sure which barbecue to choose? Read my tips on which barbecue to buy and then make a choice.
The best way to light a barbecue fire explained in three steps:
1. Place a layer of aluminum foil on the bottom of the grill to allow the heat to reflect back and make cleaning easier.
2. Place a layer of about 5 cm of charcoal on the bottom of the barbecue. Form a small charcoal pyramid in the center. Put 1-2 firelighters in this or pour about 45 ml of lighting liquid over the pyramid. The lighting liquid must be absorbed for a minute or two for optimal results.
3. Now the whole thing can be lit. Let it burn untouched for 15 minutes. Only then spread the coals and let it stand 30-45 minutes before you start grilling, until the coals are covered with a layer of ash.
In principle, barbecuing is a very safe and fun way to prepare food. Make sure you follow the safety tips.
1. If you have a portable barbecue, make sure it is secure and stable. Do not move it once lit.
2. The wind can not only be a major bummer, but can also be dangerous. Therefore make sure that your barbecue is wind-free, away from trees, shrubs and other combustible objects.
3. Read the user manual carefully and actually follow the instructions.
4. Barbecuing takes time, especially to get it up to temperature. NEVER pour flammable substances on it, this can cause a lot of trouble.
5. If children and/or pets are present:keep an extra eye on the barbecue and keep children and animals at a safe distance.
6. Foods that can go bad should be kept in the refrigerator until use.
7. Keep a bucket of sand and a bottle of water near the grill in case something goes wrong. A fire extinguisher is also an option.
8. Remove excess fat from meat and limit the use of oil in marinades. Grease and oil can cause dangerous flare-ups, with all the associated consequences.
Barbecuing is fun and tasty, but you are working with raw meat/fish. Therefore also pay attention to food safety and your personal hygiene with the tips below:
1. Wash your hands if you come into contact with raw meat or fish.
2. Do not allow raw food to come into contact with already cooked food.
3. Use different cookware for raw food than for cooked food.
4. Use long-handled barbecue utensils to turn and sprinkle food. Also keep oven gloves handy
Do you have any additional tips for safe use of the barbecue? Let me know in the comments below.
