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Set up the grill zone
Place the grill on a stable outdoor surface with good clearance from siding, railings, overhangs and anything combustible. Keep children and pets away from the hot zone, and never use a grill indoors or in an enclosed space.
BBQ must-have items
- Long-handled tongs and spatula
- Instant-read food thermometer
- Heat-resistant grill gloves
- Grill brush or approved grate-cleaning tool
- Separate trays for raw and cooked food
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Oil, seasoning and sauces
- Paper towels and cleanup supplies
- Cooler or cold holding for ingredients
- Serving platters and utensils
A simple grilling sequence
- Clean and inspect the grill before guests arrive.
- Prep vegetables, sauces and marinades in advance.
- Preheat the grill fully before cooking.
- Keep raw meat and its utensils away from cooked and ready-to-eat foods.
- Use a food thermometer rather than judging doneness by color alone.
- Move cooked food to a clean platter, never the tray that held it raw.
- Refrigerate perishable leftovers promptly.
- Close fuel valves or shut down the grill according to the manufacturer's directions after cooking.
Safe internal temperatures
USDA guidance calls for cooking poultry to 165°F; ground meats to 160°F; and whole cuts of beef, pork, lamb and veal to at least 145°F followed by a three-minute rest. Keep cold food cold and hot food hot, and do not leave perishable food out for more than two hours—or more than one hour when the outdoor temperature is above 90°F.
Two recipes worth trying
Creative meat dish: Orange Barbecue Steak Kebabs
Food Network's version combines steak with an orange-based barbecue sauce, tomatoes, scallions and grilled orange pieces for something more interesting than standard burgers.
View the Orange Barbecue Steak Kebabs recipe →
Vegetarian dish: Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
This Food Network recipe grills thick cauliflower planks with a spice rub and finishes them with a yogurt, herb and lemon sauce.
View the Grilled Cauliflower Steaks recipe →
Useful BBQ shopping links
Browse grill thermometers at Home Depot →
Safety source: U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service, Grilling and Food Safety.