The Edinburgh Realty eNewsletter

Six top tips: Looking after your barbecue

Nothing screams “summer!” like snarlers on the barbie. Who doesn’t love the thought of cooking outside – beer in one hand and barbecue tongs in the other. But it’s easy to take the trusty barbecue for granted – to flip down the lid after we’re done and walk away. Here are some pointers that will help you get maximum pleasure from your faithful barbie.

1. Immediately after you’ve served up, give the grill plate a quick scrape across the surface to remove the excess fat and stray pieces of onion rings.

2. If tip #1 isn’t realistic, then here’s a back up plan. Before your next fry up, crank the heat right up and simply burn off the excess fat and food.

3. And, if your barbecue is so disgusting that tip #2 doesn’t cut it, try this: mix up equal parts of baking soda and water, scrub it into the grill, leave to dry, then wipe off. Make sure you then give the barbecue a good burn off before you next cook on it. (Baking soda is an acquired taste).

4. Keep a can of spray-on oil handy. A quick spritz across the hot grill makes for an extra slick cooking surface.

5. An oldie but a goodie… Heat the grill plate a little, then run half an onion over the surface. Works a treat.

6. Finally, at the end of summer, wheel the barbecue into the back of the garage, so it can sit out the ravages of winter in comfort.