With the June heatwave in full swing and barbecue season at its peak, many home cooks are eager to impress guests with perfect burgers, steaks, and hot dogs. For those less confident in their grilling skills, consumer watchdog Which? has shared five essential tips to ensure burgers turn out sizzling and juicy.
Never press down on your burgers
Which? warns against pressing down on burger patties with a spatula during cooking. In a TikTok video, they stated: "Never press down on your burgers as this just forces the juices out of the patties. Not only will it make the cleaning process difficult, but it also means you will lose a lot of the burgers' moisture and flavour."
Coal placement and lighting
Which? recommends not spreading coal across the entire barbecue. "Only burning in one area means you can use the clear parts of the grill as a warming rack," they advised. If the barbecue has a hood, this spare area can also be used for roasting or baking other food. "Even if you need the whole grill to cook, group the coal first when you light as this will make it light easier," Which? added.
When lighting the barbecue, never do so with ash still sitting at the bottom or with the vents shut. "A build-up of ash can disrupt air flow to the coals and make it harder for them to stay lit. So get rid of it after every use," Which? explained. After the coals ignite, keep the vents open to allow oxygen to circulate and accelerate the flames. "Once the coals are ready to cook over and are burning through and white, you can shut the vents," Which? said.
Clean the grill immediately after use
It is vital not to postpone cleaning the grill after a barbecue. "Do this straight after it's cooled down," Which? advises. "A ball of kitchen foil works. And oven cleaner works well, as does warm water and vinegar too. Just check your manual first to see if any cleaning products or methods would invalidate your warranty."
Never leave the grill damp
Which?'s final recommendation is to never leave the grill damp after cleaning. "This can cause rust to build up," they noted. "Just give it a wipe with a lint-free cloth to dry it, which you can use to buff the outside too."
Discount on Texas Smoker BBQ
For those needing a new grill, The Range has launched a substantial discount on the Texas Smoker BBQ by BARBECUE Chef, reduced from £169.99 to £99.99 – a saving of £70. Shoppers describe it as "very sturdy" and "great value for money." Designed for both classic grilling and low-and-slow smoking, it features a built-in lid thermometer and an adjustable charcoal tray with a convenient crank system for greater heat control.
