GAS GRILLS FAQ
How do I care for Cast Iron Cooking Grids?
Cast Iron Cooking Surface needs to be protected before cooking the first time. If Cast Iron is left unprotected, it will absorb moisture from the air and start to rust. Cast Iron should be cleaned off with warm soapy water, then covered liberally with Cooking Oil and baked in the Grill on Med-High heat for 20-30 minutes. Then turn off the Grill and allow to cool down. You are now ready to cook for the first time! Every time you start your Grill, you should oil the grill with a mister or oily rag, and again when you turn off your Grill.
What is a better cooking surface; Porcelain Steel, Porcelain Cast Iron, or Stainless Steel?
Porcelain Steel is the most basic cooking surface, and will be the first to wear out. As the Steel expands and contracts with cooking temperature, the Porcelain will chip off and the bare steel will rust. Porcelain Coated Cast Iron is considered the best cooking surface because of heat retention. However, Cast Iron takes a lot of care to keep the surface from rusting. (see step above) Because of the extra steps to care for Cast Iron, many people prefer Stainless Steel Cook Grids because they are easier to care for.
Why does my burner appear to be running on low even when control knobs are set to high?
Both Propane and Natural Gas burners are a big attraction for spiders! During grill down time, spiders love to crawl inside gas burners and build webs and nests. This spider construction leads to reduced gas flow through your burners. A simple cleaning of the burner with a Venturi Brush will solve the issue. The flexible Venturi Brush is available at our showroom, and is a quick fix to the problem. Another issue that is more common after several years is residue build up. Natural Gas and Propane do not burn 100% clean, over time the gas can leave a deposit that builds up around the ports on the burner and closes off the openings. This leads to reduced temperature's in the Grill. A quick cleaning with a drill bit or pin will open up the holes again.
How do I keep my Grill looking like new?
A quality Grill is designed to be outside in the Canadian Weather! But that doesn't mean you can just leave it sitting for years without any TLC and expect it to last. Just like a new car needs a good cleaning a waxing to keep it's finishing looking Great for years to come, your new Grill needs some special attention a couple times each year. We recommend giving your Grill a good thorough cleaning twice per year, Spring & Fall. A good degrease spray and a Grill Brush goes a long way to clean up the inside of your Grill, and a good Stainless Steel Cleaner will shine up the outside and keep it looking Great for the Long-Term!
Is a cover for your Grill really a good idea?
A cover is a Great idea to keep your investment looking and working for years to come, but only if its a good quality cover. Plastic covers with soft cotton insides are a moisture trap. When you get moisture trapped on the inside of your cover, it starts to eat away at your metal Grill and will greatly shorten the lifespan. On the other hand, a good canvas cover with venting strips will allow air to flow through the cover and keep your grill nice and dry.
What is in-direct cooking, and can I do that on my Grill?
In-Direct cooking is the technique of cooking without direct heat under your food. If you have a grill with 2 or more burners, you can enjoy the quality of a in-direct cooked meal. By placing your food over a burner that is turned off, and turning on your other burners, you create a "oven" like cooking effect on your Grill. This type of cooking is ideal for Whole Chickens, Roasts, Pizza, and Turkey (just to mention a few). The concept is to keep the direct heat of the burner under your food turned off, and instead cook with the heat created in the grill by the other burners. This type of cooking gives you the ability to leave the lid closed without the need to flip your food for long periods of time. You'll end up with a juicy, flavourful dish, that is still filled with the BBQ flavour your used to with Grilling!
