preparing the grill
Aimee Herring

Before you rush out and grill this summer, there are a few things you should do to get your grill ready. Whether your grill has been in storage all winter or it's a brand new one, it needs some TLC before you can flip burgers.

Gas grills and charcoal grills are different beasts and have different needs. Gas grills are clean and quick to heat. Charcoal grills require the heating of coals before cooking. And afterward the ashes need to be disposed of. Charcoal grills are less expensive to buy and are small enough that they're easy to move around. Gas grills can run the gamut from affordable to very expensive. Choose the grill that's right for you and your cooking needs.

Before grilling it's a good idea to oil the grates on both types of grills to prevent food from sticking. If you haven't used the grill for a while, make sure to brush the grates with a wire brush to remove any built-up gunk. Or if the grates are porcelain- or non-stick coated, then all you need is a wash in water with baking soda to get the grates spiffy clean. Once you've got the grill ready, cooking will be a breeze.

Watch the video above to learn more about preparing your grill.

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