When the sun comes out and the weather heats up it means one thing: barbecue season is here. Call your friends, fire up that grill, and prepare whatever food fits your fancy for some backyard summer shindigs. Here's a look at the grills, food and accessories you'll need to make this summer one you, and your friends, will remember for a long time.
Grills
When you pick a grill there are a few things you must consider. The first, of course, is what kind of grill will work best for you plans. There are three types of grills -- gas, charcoal and pellet.
Gas Grills: Gas grills offer convenience and control of what you cook. They heat up within 10 or 15 minutes and are hassle free. Most gas grills have multi-control burners so you can cook at different rates on different parts of the grill and after your food is done, gas grills are a cinch to clean with a wire brush. Mid-range gas grills have a max temperature of about 500 degrees, while higher-end grills with searing capabilities and double hoods can reach near 900 degrees.
Charcoal Grills: The best reason for a charcoal grill is that they can get hotter than gas grills without the added cost of infrared burners. This extra heat keeps stakes seared and crispy on the outside, yet moist and red on the inside, if you like your meat rare. Charcoal also smokes and adds more complex flavors to whatever you cook. While charcoal grills may not have the convenience of a gas one, there are still many reasons a hardcore grill master would want one.
Pellet Grill: Pellet grills are versatile. You can barbecue, smoke, roast, and grill with these wood pellet fed barbecues. Similarly to gas grills, pellet grills only take 10 or 15 minutes to heat and some pellet grills allow control of the heat in 5-degree increments which gives you complete control over your food. Also, pellets come in many flavors, so smoking food with a desired outcome is simple and precise.
Backyard Games
No backyard shindig is complete without some yard games. Wipe the dust off that old croquet set. Break out the bocce ball. Also, cornhole and bean bag toss are favorite yard games on the market which promotes team play and smack talk. Make your own yard games like giant Twister, Bananagrams, or lawn bowling. Homemade bubbles and sprinkler play works for the kiddos. Keep safe in the sun with sunblock, plenty of shade, and a good pair of sunglasses.
Precautions
At any good summer barbecue, alcoholic drinks are in high demand. However, it's important you, as the griller, drink responsibly. While barbecues are safe in and of themselves, intoxication and fire don't mix well. Not only this, but when you prepare meat, and especially red meats, like pork, you must have your wits about you, cook everything thoroughly, and clean utensils when needed. For example, all poultry should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees, ground meat 160° F, and steaks to 145° F.