5. MAINTAIN THE GRILL

While most people are too lazy to clean their grills after every single meal, you should at least clean it once every couple weeks, especially if you're using it on a regular basis. Unless you want your grilled corn on the cob to taste like ribs, you should follow these tips:

  1. To keep your grill from getting crusty, either spray it with non-stick cooking spray (like Pam) or brush it with vegetable oil before using it.

  2. Try lining the cooking grates with heavy-duty aluminum foil to make cleanup easier and extend the life of your grill.

  3. Be sure to change your charcoal frequently (if you have a charcoal grill or hibachi, of course), and make sure the grill doesn't get wet. When leftover, half-burned charcoal gets damp, it forms an acid. And acid is bad.

  4. If you have a gas grill, after removing the food, close the cover and place the control knob on the "high" setting for a few minutes. This will allow any sauce that stuck to the grill to "burn off," making cleaning the grill easier.

  5. Soak the cooking grates in warm, soapy water after use. If the burned-on food is being stubborn, attack it with oven cleaner and a wire grill brush or a steel wool pad (like Brillo). But be sure to read the instructions on the oven cleaner, and don't overdo it. Grill surfaces can be sensitive.

Like most food preparation techniques, grilling is not rocket science. Grill the way you live - with reckless abandon. Getting to know your grill and how various foods taste when prepared on it will make your barbecue experience a pleasant one. And your friends will feel better at that Fourth of July barbecue knowing an experienced chef is at the helm. Oh, and we'll take a cheeseburger, medium-well.