When cooking outdoors, whether hot and fast grilling, or low and slow barbecue there are a few things you need to know to make sure nothing goes wrong and how to get the most out of your cooking.
1. Fire
Fire is the most destructive force in the universe and you are inviting it into your backyard for a little cookout. First thing you need is a fire extinguisher.
2. Food Safety
Bacteria eat every kind of food you can think of, even brussel sprouts. The basic rulesare: Suspect Everything, Keep it Covered, Keep it Cool, Get it Hot! and Use your Head. Remember you are more likely to get food poisoning than you are to get the flu.
3. Instructions
Please, read the manual. Follow all the safety restrictions to the letter. One hint: You can find the manuals to most grills and smokers on the manufacturers’ website.
4. Location
Location is everything when it comes to placing your grill or smoker. Make sure there isn't anything (buildings, trees, etc.) in that space.
Also make sure your unit isn't going to require people to walk too close to hot surfaces and children won't be playing nearby.
5. Gas Safety
The number one cause of gas grill fires is an obstruction in the path of the fuel. This means you need to regularly inspect your gas grill for problems. At the first sign of problems turn off your control values, turn off the fuel tank, and disconnect everything. Assume everything is third degree burn hot.
6. Charcoal Safety
Charcoal grills are the cause of far more fires than gas grills. The number one problem with charcoal grill is lighting the charcoal. Follow the instructions exactly and don't ever let lighting charcoal become a game.
7. Grease
Bad enough you are using flammable materials to cook, but the food itself is creating more. Flare-ups are more than a nuisance, they are potentially lethal. Keep your grill clean. A clean grill is a safer grill whether it is gas or charcoal