‘Tis The Season For … Grilling?

Indoor and outdoor electric grills seal in flavor and juices without the fuss of charcoal or propane. Photo courtesy Kenyon International, Inc.

(HIT) - Once a hallmark of the summer season, grilling has become a year-round experience for more and more Americans. In fact, according to a survey by the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) more than 60 percent are now grilling all year long. Many brave the elements to cook on an outdoor barbecue, while others are enjoying the convenience and safety of new indoor electric grills.

Regardless of their chosen tool, nearly 80% of survey respondents said they prefer grilling over other cooking methods for the added flavor that grilling provides. The favorite choices for grilled food? Burgers were cited by 87 percent of survey respondents, while steak came in a close second at 83 percent.

Another reason for the growing popularity of all-season grilling is the convenience and safety offered by the latest generation of portable and built-in electric grills. Whether you choose an indoor or outdoor model, electric grills eliminate unpleasant chores like changing out and disposing of old charcoal, or lugging heavy propane tanks back and forth to a refill station. Some electric grills, like the portable and built-in Kenyon Custom All Seasons Grill models, also eliminate the smoke and grease flare-up hazards associated with grilling over an open flame, providing grilling opportunities for those living in areas with open flame ordinances.

Kenyon Custom All Seasons Grills feature a unique, nonstick grilling surface to help keep clean up time to a minimum. They also save time by eliminating lengthy preheat times, and offer more precise control over the heat source.

Tips for Successful Grilling All Year Round

Regardless of which grilling method you choose, or where you choose to do it, the following tips can help make your next "any season" grilling effort a success:

• Coat the cooking surface of your grill lightly with cooking oil to help keep foods from sticking (this isn’t necessary on grills with a nonstick cooking surface).
• If you’re marinating overnight (a great way to add flavor), save some fresh marinade in a separate container and use it to baste your food as you grill. This helps seal in flavor and prevents food from drying out.
• Use grilling tongs to turn your food on the grill. Forks will puncture the food and contribute to a loss of moisture.
• If you’re grilling over an open flame, use lean meats and trim all visible fat to minimize flare-ups on the grill. Locate your grill in a wind-protected area to make lighting easier and flare-ups on the grill easier to control.
• Clean your grill’s cooking surface as soon as possible after it cools. This will lengthen the life of your grill and save time when you’re ready to begin your next grilling adventure.

To learn more about the benefits of all-season grilling, visit the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association online at www.hpba.org. For more information about the convenience and safety of Kenyon Custom All Seasons Grills, visit the Kenyon Custom website at www.kenyonappliances.com or call the company at 1-860-664-4906.

Courtesy: Home Improvement News and Information Center