Outdoor Grilling in a Community

There’s something inherently American about firing up the grill and gathering around it with friends and family. Even if you’re living in a condo or apartment building, there’s still a sense of belonging when the summer grilling season rolls around. In this post, we’ll explore the cultural significance of grilling in America, along with some essential safety tips and techniques tailored for communal settings.

Did You Know These BBQ Facts?

1. Three out of four American households own an outdoor grill or smoker.
2. Independence Day tops the list of grilling holidays, with nearly nine out of ten Americans lighting their grills. Coming in second is Labor Day, followed by Memorial Day, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day.
3. More than half of grill owners (63%) use their grills year-round, with 43% even grilling in the winter.
4. Although men typically take the lead in grilling, women are more likely to try new recipes while cooking.
5. Hamburgers remain the most popular choice, but chicken, steak, and hot dogs aren’t far behind.
6. While most barbecues happen in the afternoon or evening, 11% of grill owners admit to enjoying a barbecue breakfast.
7. The main reasons people love outdoor grilling include personal enjoyment, enhancing flavors, socializing, and having fun.
8. Common barbecue styles include Texas, Memphis, Kansas City, and Carolina-style.

Why Gas Grills Dominate the Market

Gas grills are the most popular type of outdoor grill, thanks to their convenience. Unlike charcoal grills, which require more prep work and cleanup, gas grills can be ignited with the flick of a switch and run on either propane or natural gas. While some traditionalists argue that charcoal imparts a superior flavor, the difference isn’t as noticeable as many might think.

Gas grills typically come equipped with one to five burners. The cooking surface may consist of stainless steel sheets, porcelain-covered steel rods, stainless steel rods, or iron grates. Top-rated models in this category include the PSG A-Series and T-Series Grills.

The A-Series grills are crafted from permanent mold aluminum, high-quality commercial-grade stainless steel, brass, and porcelain-coated steel components. Prices vary based on the BTU output and cooking area.

The T-Series grills are designed for maximum reliability and safety in a commercial environment. Their durable materials ensure they can handle daily use. A built-in 60-minute gas flow timer automatically shuts off the gas supply if the grill is accidentally left on. This feature prevents potential hazards associated with leaving the gas running unattended.

PSG also provides customizable options such as access doors, drawer storage sets, and beverage centers for their grills.

Grilling Safety Tips for Apartment Living

California’s mild climate makes it ideal for outdoor cooking, especially for those living in apartments. However, it’s crucial to follow local regulations regarding the use of grills on patios and balconies. According to the California Fire Code:

1. Open-flame cooking devices cannot be used on combustible surfaces like patios or decks, nor within 10 feet of a structure.
2. Units equipped with automatic sprinklers on balconies or decks are exempt from this rule.
3. Some restrictions also apply to gas grills, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with the specific guidelines in your area.
4. Many apartment dwellers opt to use the community grill, usually located in a safe communal area. This eliminates the hassle of transporting your equipment elsewhere.
5. The golden rule of grilling is never to leave your grill unattended. This is particularly important when children are nearby. If you need to step away, ask someone else to watch over your cooking.
6. Most gas grill fires result from obstructions in the fuel line. Regular inspections by property managers can help identify issues early—whether they’re caused by debris or pests blocking the gas flow. Always shut off the control valves and fuel tank before troubleshooting.
7. Before using a neglected community grill, double-check it for leaks, proper assembly, wear-and-tear, and any blockages in the burner.
8. Avoid overfilling propane cylinders. Fill them only to 80% capacity to allow room for expansion.
9. When not connected to the grill or being transported, the cylinder valve outlet should be capped. This does not apply to quick-connect or close-coupling cylinder valves.
10. Always keep the lid open when lighting a gas grill to avoid gas buildup and potential flashbacks.
11. Teach inexperienced users not to lean over the grill while cooking.
12. Overloading the grill with food increases the risk of flare-ups caused by excess fat dripping onto the flames. Small flare-ups can be managed with water (keep a spray bottle handy), but large ones require caution.

Of course, knowing how to operate the equipment safely is paramount. According to the National Fire Incident Reporting System, misuse of equipment and operational errors account for 47% of grill fires. When using a gas grill, remember these key points:

• Always confirm that the propane tank is securely connected.
• Turn off the propane after finishing your session. The PSG T-Series grills offer peace of mind with their automatic timer, but if you’re using another model without this feature, set a mental reminder.
• Clean the grates regularly to remove grease buildup.

As a responsible community grill user, remember to clean up thoroughly after your event. Maintaining a tidy, safe, and inviting shared space ensures everyone enjoys the benefits of communal grilling.

Seasoning Your Commercial Grill

A newly acquired commercial grill needs to be "seasoned" before its first use. Properly seasoned grates heat up faster and distribute heat more evenly. Seasoning removes residual contaminants from the manufacturing or shipping process and helps seal the pores of the metal.

The grates that require seasoning include stainless steel or cast iron grates and their emitter plates.

1. With the grill turned off and the grates cold, apply a thin layer of peanut oil, canola oil, or another high-heat cooking oil to all surfaces of the emitters and grates. Make sure the coating is even.
2. Use a paper towel to blot off any excess oil.
3. Turn the grill on and heat it for about 15 minutes or until the oil begins to smoke.
4. Once cooled, the shiny finish should turn bronze or dark brown.
5. After each subsequent use, lightly coat the grates with oil to prevent rust.

Regular cleaning is also essential. Refer to the owner’s manual for specific instructions. Some commercial grills can be cleaned with a grill brush, while others require specialized cleaners and soap solutions to avoid damage.

Choosing the Right Meat for Grilling

There’s nothing quite like biting into a perfectly grilled piece of meat. The foundation of a great barbecue lies in selecting high-quality ingredients. Whether you’re an experienced griller or just starting out, here are three fundamental rules for choosing meats for your next barbecue.

1. Color: Fresh, flavorful steaks should appear deep red without any brown or gray spots.
2. Marbling: Marbling refers to the fat distributed within the muscle fibers. Look for white streaks of fat, as more marbling generally means juicier and more tender meat.
3. Thickness: Thin cuts may not cook evenly and tend to dry out easily. Opt for steaks at least one inch thick for optimal results.

If you’re looking for premium-quality meat, choice-grade beef is an excellent choice. It strikes a balance between affordability and flavor. Prime beef is pricier but worth it, as only two out of every 100 cows produce this grade. Select-grade meat, while cheaper, lacks the depth of flavor offered by higher grades.

Get Ready for BBQ Season

There’s no excuse not to master the art of grilling on your community grill. Familiarity with the equipment is only half the battle; knowing your tools is equally important. Essential items include a meat fork, spatula, tongs, cutting board, marinade brush, meat thermometer, and slicing knife.

No barbecue is complete without condiments like sauces, marinades, and spice rubs. With countless options available, you can either purchase pre-made varieties or experiment with homemade recipes. Public grills foster social connections that private setups rarely achieve. So take advantage of your apartment complex’s facilities and host your next barbecue!