Now that temperatures in the UK are finally rising, it’s time to get out the barbecue, but there are a few things you need to know before you fire it up. One mistake could cost you a lot of flavour.
Temperatures are finally rising in the UK after what has been a disappointing start to summer so far, which means it’s time to get out the barbecue.
The Met Office has warned that Friday will be “very hot”, a welcome change from the unseasonable showers we have had so far in July. This marks the start of a mini heatwave in parts of southern and eastern England, with yellow health warnings issued.
So, with a few days to spare, Brits will no doubt be wanting to have a barbecue to celebrate. And in anticipation of the number of barbecues taking place this weekend, consumer experts at Which? have shared “five things you should never do when having a barbecue”.
And there’s a little-known mistake Brits are making that’s causing them to lose “moisture and flavour” in their food, while other things are dangerous to their health. On TikTok, experts urged people to “check this out before you fire up the barbecue”.
They warned: “Never press down on burgers as this will just force all the juices out of them. Not only will this make the cleaning process more difficult, but it also means you’ll lose a lot of moisture and flavour.”
Experts also recommend not giving in to the temptation of spreading the embers all over the barbecue, as “as they burn only in one area, the other part can be used as a heating rack.” Or if you have a hood, you can close it and use it as an area for roasting or baking food.
“Never light a barbecue with ashes in the bottom or without using the vents,” warns Which?. “Ash build-up can alter the glow of the coals and make it difficult to keep them burning, so dispose of them after each use.”
Once you’ve lit your barbecue, you should leave the vents open to allow oxygen to filter through them; this should speed up the whole process. Once the coals are “burning white” you can close the vents.
Although you don’t want to think about it just as you’re about to tuck into your juicy barbecue meal, you shouldn’t put off cleaning the appliance. According to Which?, it’s best to clean it immediately after it has cooled down.
To do this, you’ll need rubber gloves and a steel-bristled brush or a crumpled ball of aluminum foil. Other options include oven cleaner or warm water and white vinegar. It’s important to check your barbecue’s manual in case any of these methods are not recommended for your appliance.
Finally, you should never leave your barbecue wet after cleaning it, as this can cause rust. Simply wipe it with a lint-free cloth to dry it.
