Some parts of the UK are finally seeing a rise in temperatures after a rather wet start to summer, so some may want to dust off the barbecue.
The Met Office has forecast that parts of southern and eastern England will experience a minor heatwave, a welcome change from the unseasonable showers we have experienced so far in July. However, the same sadly cannot be said for Scotland.
While there will be very little change in Scotland other than temperatures feeling a little cooler, people might be keen to get out the barbecue. After all, that’s what shelters and covers are for.
So if you’re going to brave the weather, consumer experts at Which? have shared “five things you should never do when barbecuing”. There’s one lesser-known mistake Brits make that results in a loss of “moisture and flavour” in their food, while other errors could damage your appliance. The experts took to TikTok to advise people to “check this out before you fire up your 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.”
Furthermore, experts recommend not spreading the embers all over the barbecue, since “if they burn only in one area, you can use the other part as a heating rack.” If your barbecue has a hood, you can close it and use that space to roast or bake your food.
Which? recommends that you “never light a barbecue with ashes on the bottom or without using the vents”. They warn that a build-up of ash can interfere with the airflow to the coals, making it difficult to keep them burning. Therefore, it’s best to dispose of the ashes after each use.
Once the barbecue is lit, keep the vents open to allow oxygen to circulate – this should speed up the whole process. When the coals are “burning and white” you can close the vents. Although cleaning may be the last thing on your mind when you’re about to enjoy your delicious barbecue meal, don’t delay cleaning the appliance. Which? suggests cleaning it immediately after it has cooled down.
For this task, use rubber gloves and a steel-bristled brush or a ball of crumpled aluminum foil. Other alternatives include oven cleaner or warm water mixed with white vinegar.
However, it is essential to check your barbecue’s manual to ensure that these methods are suitable for your appliance. Finally, never leave your barbecue wet after cleaning it, as this could lead to rust. Simply wipe it dry with a lint-free cloth.
