When you grill with propane, you can enjoy the rich, delicious flavor of the food—and not the taste of charcoal and ash. This is because propane is a clean-burning fuel source. It also cooks food more evenly. Below, discover a few tips for utilizing this kind of gas grill.

A Guide to Cooking With Propane

1. Know When to Use Direct & Indirect Heat

You can use either direct or indirect heat when cooking on a gas grill. Direct heat positions the flame directly under the food, while indirect heat positions the fire off to the sides, so the food is away from the heat source but still close enough for the hot air to cook it. 

In general, direct heat is best for preparing small or thin pieces of food quickly. For example, it will sear steaks, thin pork chops, and chicken breasts while also heating the inside. Indirect heat is designed for foods that are larger and take longer—typically, 20 minutes or more—to cook, like ribs, briskets, whole chickens, and pork shoulders.

2. Trim Excess Fat

Fat adds richness and depth of flavor to any grilled food. Unfortunately, excess fat is likely to drip off the meat into the grill and potentially spark a grease fire. Therefore, trim back any thick strips or large sections until only a small border of light marbling remains. Similarly, let foods marinated in oil drip and drain thoroughly before adding them to the grill. You can also invest in a grill mat that allows you to cook without this concern.

3. Clean the Grates After Every Use

After every grilling, once the device has cooled down, give the grates a good scrub with a brush to remove any stuck-on food particles. Every three months or so, a deeper cleaning is recommended. This will help foods cook faster, safer, and more evenly and will extend the life of your grill and propane supply. Use warm, soapy water and a soft sponge to clean all components and wipe the exterior down thoroughly.

When you need to replenish your propane tanks, contact Low Price Gas. Since 1998, they have been serving the Bulverde and San Antonio, TX, region. They provide propane sales to area homes and businesses, as well as same-day propane delivery and automatic refills. Call (830) 980-2600 or visit them online to request a quote.