Meat Master

The Ultimate Guide to Setting up the Grill

Name: The Meat & Wine Co
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Have you been wanting to try your hand at grilling steak but you’re unsure of how to even use a grill? Grilling is one of life’s greatest pleasures that everyone should experience for themselves. And, while it may seem confusing at first, grilling can be a great hobby once you get the hang of it.

From choosing the right grill to perfecting temperature control, this Ultimate Guide from The Meat & Wine Co.’s very own Meat Master will provide useful tips and advice to help you become a grill master in no time.

Choosing the Right Grill for Your Needs

To begin learning the science behind the grilling of meat, there are three main types of grills to familiarise yourself with: charcoal, gas, and electric.

Any of these grills will get the job done, but they each offer different cooking experiences. Certain grill types might be more suitable for certain preferences and so on.

Charcoal Grills

Grilling food over charcoal is a beloved tradition that brings out that lovely smoky flavour. Charcoal grills are usually the least expensive but require more time and effort to set up and clean.

Gas Grills

Gas grills are popular because they’re modern and easy to use. They heat up quickly and provide heat via a propane tank.

Although you won’t get the same smoky flavour from a gas grill, the temperature gauges and adjustable knobs make them great for grill masters-in-training.

Electric Grills

Electric grills are the most convenient way to grill meat. They are also the easiest to clean and maintain.

Electric grills don’t pose the same ventilation concerns as gas or charcoal because they don’t produce smoke or use propane, which makes them suitable for indoor use.

Grilling Steaks Time Chart

For advice on how long it takes to grill steak, refer to our grilling steaks time chart below:

Doneness	Minutes per Side	Temperature (°C)
Rare	2-3	48
Medium-Rare	3-4	52
Medium	4-5	58
Medium-Well	5-6	62
Well-Done	6-8	68

Please note: these times are approximate and may vary depending on the thickness of the steak and the heat of your grill.

Essential Grill Accessories

A grill master is nothing without their handy accessories. These include must-have and cleaning tools like tongs, grill brushes, thermometers, and chimney starters.

Must-Have Tools

Every grill master should have a set of durable tongs, a meat thermometer for doneness, and a spatula for flipping. A grill mitt or other appropriate gloves will protect your hands and you can use a basting brush for glazes and marinades.

If you have a charcoal grill, chimney starters light charcoal quickly and easily.

Cleaning and Maintenance Accessories

Keeping your grill clean is an important part of being a grill master. Start by getting a good grill brush or scraper, cleaning spray, and oil to keep your grill grates clean before and after cooking. Grill covers protect your grill from the elements, and an apron will keep your clothes protected from grease and spills.

Preparing Your Grill for Cooking

Cleaning the Grill

To clean the grill, preheat it to a high temperature first. Then use a grill brush to scrub the grates clean. If necessary, use a grill cleaner to remove tough residue.

Arranging Charcoal

For charcoal grills, arrange the charcoal briquettes into a pyramid-shaped pile and leave a small gap in the centre to allow for airflow.

Use enough briquettes to make an even, consistent layer when spread out.

Preheating the Grill

Preheat the grill for 10-15 minutes to get it to the correct temperature before cooking. If you have an electric grill, plug it in and set it to the desired temperature.

Creating Cooking Zones

Direct and indirect cooking zones refer to different areas on your grill that can be used for more precise control over how your food cooks.

By setting up direct and indirect cooking zones, you can sear steaks over high heat and cook larger cuts of meat slowly without burning them.

Direct Cooking Zone

This zone is located directly over the heat source and works best when searing steaks, burgers, or other thinner cuts of meat.

Indirect Cooking Zone

The indirect cooking zone is further away from the heat source and is perfect for slow-cooking larger cuts of meat, such as roasts and whole chickens.

Temperature Control Techniques

Whether you’re using an electric grill, vents on a charcoal grill, adjusting burners on a gas grill, or monitoring heat with a thermometer, understanding temperature control is key to becoming a successful grill master.

Different grills require different methods for maintaining the correct temperature and you need to understand how your grill’s temperature control works so your food cooks as evenly as possible.

Controlling Charcoal Grill Temperature

Control the temperature on a charcoal grill by adjusting the vents and controlling the airflow to the coals.

Opening the vents increases airflow and heat while closing them reduces it. Move the coals closer together to increase heat or spread them out for lower heat.

Managing Gas Grill Heat

Controlling the temperature on a gas grill is easy. Adjust the independently controlled burners to create direct and indirect cooking zones on your grill.

Many gas grills also have built-in thermometers to help you manage the temperature.

Using a Grill Thermometer

To use a grill thermometer, insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat and wait for a stable reading. Cook until the food reaches the desired internal temperature.

Preventing Flare-Ups

Flare-ups happen when fat or grease from the grill drips onto the hot coals or burners. They can burn your food, or worse, and should be considered dangerous.

To prevent flare-ups, trim excess fat from your meats, use a drip pan to catch excess fat, and use a drip tray so marinades don’t drip into the flames.

If a flare-up does occur, move the food to a cooler area of the grill and close the lid until the flames subside.

Common Grilling Mistakes to Avoid

When you’re just getting started grilling, a lot can go wrong. Some common mistakes to avoid include:

Not preheating the grill
Not properly cleaning the grill
Overcrowding the grill
Overcooking
Flipping food too often
Using a fork to turn food (use tongs instead)

Experience Perfect Grilling at
The Meat & Wine Co

By following The Meat Master’s Ultimate Grilling Guide, you can become a grill master, too. Remember, grilling is an art form that takes time to be good at. Don’t expect a perfect outcome every time.

In the meantime, if you desire a perfectly grilled steak, book a dinner with The Meat & Wine Co. Here, you can enjoy a steak that is expertly grilled to perfection.