Summer is upon us, and for us that means it’s time to fire up the grill! We bet a lot of you are too. Grilling is a great way to cook and spend time with loved ones, and it’s very popular with guests! 

Here are 5 tips to help you prepare your grill and grilling area for the summer:

1. Location, Location, Location: Grills need to be in open air! Keep them away from low hanging limbs and structure overhangs (like covered porches) – you need at least 10 feet of overhead clearance from the top of the grill. They also should be 10 feet from your home and other structures. Grills also should be level – no one wants their hot dogs to roll off while they’re cooking! We like gravel to level up the grilling area if needed.

2. Prepare for Flame Ups: having a fire extinguisher or other method of extinguishment (like a bucket of sand or a garden hose) for your grill is key – keep it at the ready and easy to access when you’re grilling, just in case!

3. Check those connections: make sure all the valves, tubes, and connectors are in working order with no leaks. This is so important and often overlooked! Save yourself time, frustration, and money by checking them now if you haven’t this season.

4. Pairs and Spares: if you have a gas grill (which we recommend over charcoal), make sure you have a full spare gas bottle that’s easy to get a hold of when you need it!

5. Better Ways To Clean: have you ever had one of the wire bristles from a grill brush end up in your teeth? Not fun! We use balled-up aluminum foil to clean grills at our homes – it’s easiest to do when the grill is hot (just watch your fingers!) Depending on the size of your grill, you may also have success with wooden grill cleaners or plastic bristle brushes (just don’t use the plastic while the grill is hot!) 

We hope these tips are helpful and that you have a summer full of good eats fresh off the grill! 

More articles on safety, fun stories, and recommendations on local things to see and do can be found on our website in the Maine Travel Guide and the Owner’s Blog!