Taste of Home
When warm weather comes around, it’s time to start grilling! Whether you’re a grill master or just purchased your first one, there’s something so satisfying about firing up the grill and enjoying a char-kissed meal.
To make this the most successful grilling season yet, we rounded up all of our need-to-know grilling information—from grill types and cleaning to irresistible recipes—in one convenient grilling guide. Keep reading to get grilling tips and tricks from our Test Kitchen experts.
Grilling 101
Types of Grills
Sydney Watson/Taste of Home
From basic charcoal to an automated wood pellet grill, there’s a whole range of grills you can purchase, with enthusiasts in each camp. When choosing between the types of grills, find one that matches your cooking style. Consider aspects like price, fuel type, the space you have available and the flavor each can impart.
Charcoal Grills
When you think of an old-school grill, you’re probably picturing a charcoal grill. They tend to be durable, round or rectangular grills that burn different types of charcoal which then heat the grill. Since the fuel needs to be burned down before food is added, using a charcoal grill will add to your total cooking time. On the plus side, the charcoal gives food a wonderful smoky flavor that just can’t be beat. These grills are usually on the smaller side, so they’re great for grilling wings, hot dogs and sausages, veggies and smaller cuts of meat. Here’s a full guide on how to use a charcoal grill.
Gas Grills
These large grills are fueled by a separate tank of propane or line of natural gas. Because of this, gas grills are incredibly easy to use. Simply open the gas line, ignite, let the grates heat up for about 15 minutes and you’re ready to start cooking. Although they don’t impart as much smoky flavor to foods, gas grills are still a great option for everyday cooking. If you’re on the fence, we’ve broken down the differences between charcoal vs. gas grills.
Smokers
If you’re a home grilling pro, a smoker is the perfect way to take your grilling to the next level. These grills cook food at a low temperature over a long period of time to create a rich, smoky flavor that varies depending on the type of wood used. Smokers are a favorite of professional grill masters and barbecue restaurants, and can be more pricey.
Wood Pellet Grills
For those who love the flavor of a smoker but don’t want to watch their grill for hours on end, a wood pellet grill is an excellent compromise. It’s an electric grill that is programmed to release wood pellets (a byproduct of wood manufacturing) into a firepot, which creates smoke. This grill is almost completely hands-free and is a good choice for novice grillers. Since they’re a newer type of grill, wood pellet grills and wood pellets can be a bit more expensive or harder to find.
Electric Grills
There are two main types of electric grills: outdoor and indoor. Aside from wood pellet grills, outdoor electric grills are slightly smaller versions of gas grills that plug into an outdoor outlet. These grills work well for those with balconies or small backyards.
Indoor electric grills are small, countertop appliances that either fold to cook food from both sides or are flat and have a lid. Because of their small size, they’re best for cooking one to four portions at a time.
While electric grills are easy to use and clean, they aren’t the best for cooking large cuts of meat, like brisket or pork shoulder. If you’re deciding whether this grill is right for you, check out our comparison guide to indoor vs. outdoor grills.
Portable Grills
If you’re big on cooking while camping, tailgating or hanging out at the beach, a portable grill is for you. Most are powered by a small propane tank, but there are some that use charcoal. These small grills tend to be the most inexpensive and are usually under $80.
Want to make the most of the great outdoors? Our friends at Family Handyman have brought together a complete guide to camping with tips for everything from backyard glamping to restoring a vintage 1972 Avion Camper.
Types of Grill Grates
In addition to the range of grills, there are also several different kinds of grill grates. These are the most popular:
- Stainless Steel: These shiny silver grates are usually the type of grate that comes with a grill. They’re relatively durable, inexpensive and are incredibly easy to clean.
- Cast Iron: Just like your cast-iron skillet, these grill grates are slow to heat but retain that heat very well. Because they get so hot, cast-iron grill grates are awesome at achieving grill marks on just about anything and easy release foods when properly seasoned.
- Porcelain-Coated: The grates are typically steel, cast-iron or wire grates that are coated in a layer of porcelain. This layer makes the grates nonstick and very easy to cook with. The only downside is that porcelain can be a little delicate and tricky to clean, so you should always refer to the instruction manual for best practices.
Grilling Recipes
Taste of Home
Believe us when we say that almost anything can be grilled. While you may find grilled chicken, steak, pork or burgers at your average cookout, grills can do so much more. Some of our favorite unexpected grilling recipes include fresh fruits, french toast and cobbler. If you can cook it, you can grill it!
Grilled main dishes are a go-to when it comes to summer. Beyond fall-off-the-bone grilled ribs and creative kabob recipes, use the warm summer months to grill up pizza, whole chickens and tender seafood.
Test Kitchen tip: If your meats aren’t lifting easily from the grill grate, let them be! Once a nice sear (and grill mark) has formed, your food will lift like a breeze.
Make sure you save room on your grill for some grilled side dishes, too. Use aluminum foil to help keep smaller foods, like asparagus, chopped onions or mushrooms, from falling through the grates. And if you’re ending up with scorched or raw veggies, read up on our tips for grilling vegetables.
Of course, you don’t have to wait for dinner to turn your grill on. Grilled appetizers are some of the best ways to start a meal. From grilled romaine for a smoky salad to grilled avocado guacamole, the smoky flavor a sizzlin’ hot grill imparts can really upgrade your apps.
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Not to mention, grilled desserts are worth experimenting with, too. Stone fruit like peaches and plums hold up well to a grill’s heat and caramelize beautifully. Or try grilling bananas with this recipe for grilled banana brownie sundaes.
You can even use the grill to cook up breakfast recipes, like hearty potato packets and scrambled eggs. A camper’s dream!
Test Kitchen tip: Take your smoothie to the next level by grilling your fruit. Just toss some fruit on the grill after you’re done cooking your meal, pop it in the fridge and then add it into your blender. You can also use grilled fruit in this grilled peach and pineapple sangria. Yum!
Want even more grilling ideas? Check out our top 100 grilling recipes.
Margarita Chicken
You're going to be drinking margaritas this summer anyway, so why not take it a step further? By marinating your chicken in margarita mix, you get a really nice lime flavor that's enhanced with garlic.
Go to Recipe
Kentucky Grilled ChickenKentucky Fried Chicken? What about Kentucky grilled chicken! The basting sauce is a simple combination of Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce that's the perfect complement to any outdoor meal.
Gourmet Burgers with Sun-Dried TomatoGuests will never see this coming! The goat cheese filling in these burgers is a pleasant and refreshing surprise. In comparison to American cheeseburgers, these really do feel gourmet!
Grilled Corn in HusksYou know it's summer when you can finally enjoy a nice corn on the cob. No need for anything crazy; some butter and parmesan are enough to make this side dish a masterpiece.
Feta Salmon SaladThis simple
grilled salmon salad is a whole meal. The light but effective spice blend brings out a garlic and ginger flavor. It all comes together beautifully on a bed of spring mix salad!
Steak Sandwiches with Crispy OnionsSteak with a chimichurri-inspired mayo sauce and a side of onion crisps sounds like a delightful meal. But all of that combined in a sandwich with a side of fries sounds even better! This mouth watering sandwich is a grill master's dream lunch.
Grilled Caesar Chicken BreastsMarinated overnight in creamy Caesar dressing, this chicken is tender and full of flavor. This easy grilled recipe is as good as it gets!
The Best Grilled Sirloin Tip RoastThis lean but flavorful meat is going to be the star of your next cookout! You won't regret trying it with the optional horseradish-thyme butter.
Salmon Grilled in FoilTin foil grilling isn't exactly a new technique, but this curry salmon will make you feel like you've been doing it wrong this whole time! The flaky fish is best served with potatoes or a nice salad.
Grilled Elote FlatbreadHere's a topping you haven't thought of! This fun twist on a classic Mexican dish will be your go-to snack of the summer.
Grilled Romaine SaladYou can grill a steak so why shouldn't you be able to grill a salad? The simple dressing really sends it over the top.
Grilled Onion & Skirt Steak TacosThinking about a steak taco is enough to make your mouth water. But thinking about these beer marinated tacos is enough to get you up and on your way to the store! Use leftover meat for quesadillas the next day.
Grilled Chicken SaladNever underestimate the power of a good salad. This perfect picnic meal will be your summer showstopper!
Halibut Soft TacosThese halibut tacos are almost too pretty to eat! The sweet and spicy mango salsa will have you looking up what else you can put it on. Spoiler alert: it doubles as a nice salad dressing.
Grilled Flank SteakThis sweet and tangy marinade is used for both the veggies and meat. You'll find yourself coming back to this recipe, especially when you have company coming over.
Brined Grilled Turkey BreastThis sweet and spicy turkey is super moist. The flavors are subtle, but present enough where you'll think of this recipe even around Thanksgiving.
Grilled Mahi MahiWant a change of pace at your next cookout? Grill up this mahi mahi with tropical fruit salsa and watch as everyone asks for the recipe. It's sweet, tangy and delicious!
Beef ‘n’ Pork BurgersAdding pork to your burgers is a grill master's best kept secret. The bacon really drives home the smokiness.
The Best Baby Back RibsThey're the best for a reason! The zesty ribs are always what you need them to be: tender, flavorful and great for a party.
Chicken Strawberry Spinach SaladThis sweet poppy seed dressing is everything you want in a salad and more. The grilled chicken, strawberries and almonds are the perfect combination of savory, sweet and crunchy!
Grilled AsparagusGrilled asparagus makes a perfect side dish for grilled meats. It's ready in just 20 minutes and has a nice barbecue sauce taste.
Grilled Chorizo and Shrimp PaellaThis easy shrimp and chorizo paella is a must have this summer. The mango and lime give it a tangy flavor that goes along perfectly with the grilled chicken sausage. You won't want to miss out on this colorful meal.
Artichoke Steak WrapsReady in just 30 minutes, these artichoke steak wraps are a must have! Artichokes are rarely the main event in a meal, but these wraps will have you second guessing that notion.
Lemon-Dijon Grilled Salmon Foil PacketThis tin foil salmon is a winner! With almost no clean up, you can just focus on stocking up your pantry for the next time you make this lemony dish.
Easy Grilled Corn with Chipotle-Lime ButterYou had us at easy! This Memorial Day corn has a wonderful flavor with only five ingredients! If you're not a fan of cilantro, parsley is the perfect replacement.
Grilled Steak TacosSummer goes hand in hand with steak tacos. But this recipe ranks amongst the best. With a spicy aioli and ribeye meat, you can't ask for better!
Grilled Fruit Phyllo TartFruit salad on a flaky crust? Don't mind if we do! The sweet cream cheese and lemon flavor on such a colorful spread makes it the perfect addition to any summer table.
California Burger WrapsBurgers can sometimes seem heavy, but these wraps are completely void of that feeling. With fresh ingredients and a lettuce wrapping, you won't miss the bread at all!
Bratwurst and Chicken KabobsYou can get the best of both worlds with these double meat kabobs! The chutney packs a bit of heat with the pepper jelly.
Aloha BurgersBurgers and fruit might just be your new go-to debate topic. As for us, we can't get enough of it! These Hawaiian-inspired burgers are smoky from the bacon but fresh from the pineapple. See for yourself!
Grilled BruschettaThis appetizer is perfect at any party. It's the right amount of sophistication while still remaining simple. It'll really dress up a table!
Martha’s Fish TacosAll hail Martha! These tacos are light but filling. The best part is you can serve them hot or cold.
Big John’s Chili-Rubbed RibsYou can't go a whole summer without ribs. It's impossible! So why not just have the best of the best? Now we don't know Big John personally, but we'd love to thank him for this Asian-inspired recipe.
Cajun Grilled ShrimpThis Cajun marinade is made spicy with cayenne pepper. That heat is cut through with the lemons for an explosion of flavor. You'll find yourself coming back to this recipe for sure.
Grilled Pork and Poblano PeppersThis spice-rubbed pork is not for the faint of heart. It's a party in your mouth and a party at your table! Guests will request you make it every cookout.
Grilled Lobster TailsLobster tails aren't reserved for restaurants. And they're easier to make than you think! If you find yourself ordering lobster out a lot, give this recipe a spin.
Grilled Stone Fruits with Balsamic SyrupA balsamic glaze can turn any dish from good to great. Well, maybe not any but a case can be written for salads and toast and fruit and huh, maybe that is everything. The grilled fruit practically melts in your mouth. So what are you waiting for!
Grilled PattypansIf you've never tried pattypan squash, now is the time! This side dish will change the way you think about fruits and veggies and how they can come together.
Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Cherry Salsa MoleChocolate, cherries and pork? Say no more! The hint of spice in this dish is drool inducing.
Grilled Veggie PizzaIf you have any leftover veggies on hand, toss them together on a veggie pizza. It's a fun lunch—or even dinner—for the whole family!
Lime and Dill Chimichurri ShrimpThis lime and dill chimichurri shrimp has a brighter flavor than other chimichurri dishes. This makes it all the more enticing for summer cookouts.
Grilled Italian Sausage SandwichesIf you're in the mood for Italian, you've come to the right sandwich. This meal might seem more laid back but that's exactly what makes it perfect for a hot summer day.
Spiced Grilled Chicken with Cilantro ButterOnce you've had cilantro lime butter, you'll immediately start wondering what other amazing butter flavors you might've missed out on. The spiced chicken is nothing short of a crowd pleaser.
Easy Grilled SquashThis recipe is as simple as it gets. With produce, it's best to just bask in the natural flavors and that's exactly what this side dish highlights.
Shrimp ‘n’ Scallops Tropical SaladThis zippy fruit salad is cut through with smoky shrimp and scallops. If you love seafood, you'll love this salad!
Steak Sandwich KabobsThere's nothing more fun than putting food on a stick. With bread, steak, peppers, onion and cheese, you can enjoy a whole meal on the go!
Cedar Plank Salmon with Blackberry SauceThis salmon is a nice balance of sweet, smoky and spicy. Maybe you've never thought about salmon and fruits before this moment, but now you'll only wish you'd thought of it sooner.
Grilled Basil Chicken and TomatoesThis quick basil chicken comes together with tomatoes to make a dish reminiscent of a deconstructed salad. The recipe is simple, easy and perfect for a busy weeknight.
Grilled Angel Food Cake with StrawberriesThis patriotic dessert introduces our favorite summer ingredient, balsamic vinegar, to the world of desserts. After trying this cake you'll really believe an angel made it.
Lemony Shrimp & TomatoesLemon and shrimp go together like peanut butter and jelly. This quick marinade makes for a great lunch on the go!
Grilled Huli Huli ChickenThis overnight marinated Hawaiian chicken is well worth the wait. With brown sugar, ginger and soy sauce, you can use this marinade for anything!
Tacos on a StickThese taco kabobs are as fun to assemble as they are to eat! A sour cream dipping sauce is must.
Mango & Grilled Chicken SaladWhen it's hot out, you want nothing more than to bite into a juicy piece of fruit. This mango chicken salad gives all of that and more with added crunch from the snap peas.
Beef SuyaSuya is a spiced skewer dish from West Africa, namely Nigeria. This more mild, but still spicy, version pays homage to the peanut and ginger present in a more traditional beef suya.
Grilled Vegetable PlatterYou really can't go wrong with grilled veggies. This simple honey and balsamic vinegar marinade proves once again that balsamic vinegar is the secret to a great cookout.
Cola BurgersPeople soak their meat in sodas all the time so why not just put it in a sauce? French salad dressing and cola meet to make a smash hit!
Grilled Honey-Balsamic Glazed FruitSweet and salty lovers unite! We might have just found your new favorite dessert. Peaches with honey and balsamic vinegar is the best way to end a barbecue.
Easy Marinated Grilled Flank SteakThis three-ingredient marinade will be your new go-to for steak. You probably already have the ingredients in your pantry!
Grilled Chicken and Mango SkewersThese skewers bring all the best flavors of summer together. This colorful plate is as Instagram-worthy as it is tasty.
Fresh Artichokes with Lemon-Yogurt DipArtichokes are made to be enjoyed simply and with this tangy lemon-yogurt dip you can do just that. The perfect appetizer for an epic cookout, you won't want to underestimate the veggie again.
Grilled Peach, Rice & Arugula SaladOne reviewer wrote that she'd give the recipe 10 stars if she could, and we couldn't agree more! This summer salad is not a want but a need. The grilled peaches are an impeccable touch.
Hawaiian Beef SlidersYou wear a jacket when it's cold just like you eat pineapple when it's hot. And what better way to enjoy it than in one of these dynamite burgers? They're sweet and savory with a nice kick from the jalapeños.
Ginger Salmon with Cucumber Lime SauceWe're always looking for more ways to dress up salmon. And you can't disappoint with lime and ginger! This winning combination is well seasoned and colorful.
Grilled Figgy PiesA figgy pie is exactly as it sounds: a combination of figs, maple, walnuts and creamy mascarpone. These hand held pies will go fast!
Key West Flank SteakAnyone from Florida knows you can't have a steak without onions and lime. Even better if it's served with a side of rice and fried plantains.
Bacon & Swiss Chicken SandwichesThis chicken sandwich is restaurant quality! And just when you thought it couldn't get any better, you can make extra honey mustard on the side for dipping.
Grilled Brussels SproutsI don't know about you, but I'm feeling like I could eat all four servings of these kabobs myself! The Brussels sprouts and peppers are light with a bit of a kick.
Cake & Berry Campfire CobblerYou know what cookouts need more of? Desserts! This cobbler is the best way to close out the night.
Chicken Skewers with Cool Avocado SauceThe slightly hot chipotle-lime chicken skewers cool down immediately with the avocado sauce. The sauce is creamy and addictive!
California Burger BowlsLike Chipotle, you can choose whether to have your burgers as is or in a bowl. The difference is that in a bowl you can really load them up! Veggies and even fruit can adorn your hamburger bowl.
Grilled Sausage-Basil PizzasThese little pizzas will change the way you plan a cookout. Made on flatbreads or naan, they're fun for the whole family. So go as crazy as you want with toppings!
Grilled Jerk Shrimp Orzo SaladStarting with the orzo and ending with the shrimp, this salad has everything we love! It's easy, delicious and made with any veggies and meats that you have on hand.
Tarragon AsparagusAsparagus is an underrated veggie that rarely sees new ways to eat it. Until now! This tarragon-honey marinade is exactly the change of pace we were looking for.
Honey Chipotle RibsThese honey chipotle ribs are lip-smacking good! The sauce can be made up to a week in advance for the perfect grilling experience.
Stuffed Grilled ZucchiniThese zucchini boats are stuffed with cheese, garlic, onion and breadcrumbs. They're the perfect accompaniment to your favorite grilled meat!
Tomato, Avocado and Grilled Corn SaladSomething about this salad feels like laying on the beach. It's refreshing, it's warm and it feels like summer!
Chicken Alfredo with Grilled ApplesYou wouldn't normally think that Alfredo and apples go together but once you try it you won't go back.
Sweet Sriracha WingsThese sweet and hot wings are going to make a splash at your next outdoor party. They're made sweet with orange juice and honey. It sounds unlikely but somehow makes perfect sense!
Cilantro Lime ShrimpThis garlic and lime marinade will wow at your next cookout. The flavor is spot on and the preparation is easy enough to add it into your meal rotation.
Chicken and Zucchini Foil PacksYou can make this foil wrapped dinner with any vegetables you have on hand. But over the summer, we can't resist a zucchini dinner! It's nice and simple with the tomato paste giving it a spaghetti sauce flavor.
Honey-Mustard BratsThis honey mustard is given an extra bite with mayo and steak sauce. The quickly assembled brats make for a simple but unforgettable meal.
Bruschetta from the GrillYou can't go wrong with this five-star recipe! Dijon mustard, mayonnaise and oregano make a magical spread.
Lemon Garlic MushroomsThese lemony grilled mushrooms might take some of the spotlight off the main course. They're just that good! Skewers ensure that they're grilled to perfection.
Jalapeno Popper Mexican Street CornCombine your two favorite summer snacks in one with this jalapeño popper corn! It's the BOGO you've been waiting for with all the crunch and spice you could ask for.
Crab & Shrimp Stuffed SoleTurn your cookout into a five-star restaurant with this seafood stuffed sole. Just add a salad and baguette, and you're all set.
Grilled Chicken Salad with Blueberry VinaigretteYou've seen peaches on burgers and mangoes in salsas, get ready for the best of the best. This contest-winning blueberry vinaigrette will change the way you view fruit in salads.
Grilled CabbageYou'll be surprised by how good this is. Gone are the days of begging your kids to eat their veggies. With this on the side, their plates will be cleared!
Grilled Southwestern Potato SaladThis potato salad is the best side dish for some classic steak tacos. With sour cream, corn and lime, it has a nice pop to go with your Tex-Mex dinner.
Spicy Grilled EggplantThis Cajun grilled eggplant is the most versatile dish of the season. It pairs well with any meat and takes up way more space than your average veggies.
Grilled Apple Tossed SaladApples and bleu cheese? Yes please! This salad is a beautiful storm of crunchy, sweet and savory toppings. The balsamic dressing is the glue that ties it all together.
Grilled Steak and Mushroom SaladSteak and mushrooms are an unbeatable combination. This light dinner is packed with protein while still tasting like a vinegar-Dijon dream. If you enjoyed this, then you must try our favorite
vegetarian grilling recipes.
Bratwurst SupperLooking for a cozy campfire dinner? Well look no further! This all-in-one meal is made special with a secret ingredient: love! Just kidding, it's an onion soup packet. But close enough, right?
Fruit ‘n’ Cake KabobsWe love grilling and we love cake. So grilled cake has to be a stroke of genius, right? These fruit and pound cake kabobs are everything you didn't know you were missing.
Burger AmericanaEver had peanut butter and bacon on a burger? What about coleslaw? Try out any toppings that strike your fancy with these versatile, everyday burgers.
Grilled Loaded Potato RoundsMeet your new go-to recipe for outdoor potlucks! These easy sides can be topped with anything you like on your baked potatoes.
Grilling Tips & Techniques
Taste of Home
Before you throw dinner on the grill, read up on these tips so it goes off without a hitch. And whatever you do, don’t make these grilling safety mistakes!
Getting Started
- When setting up your grill for the first time, check that it’s level. This way, your brats and hot dogs won’t roll around.
- As tempting as it can be to use lighter fluid to speed up charcoal grilling, don’t! Chemicals from the lighter fluid can change the flavor of your food and make it taste off. Invest in a chimney starter to get cooking more quickly. Learn how to start a charcoal grill the right way with our expert guide.
Control the Heat
- Our number-one grilling tip is to lower the heat! While it’s tempting to add food straight to the fire, using too high of heat can dry out your food. If you can’t hold your hand over the grill for at least four Mississippis, step away from the grill and let it cool down a bit.
- Learn the difference between cooking with direct and indirect heat. In most cases, you’ll want to cook foods with indirect heat, where the food placed adjacent to the flame, then finished off over direct heat to get a sear. With this method, your food will have time to cook through without burning. One exception is grilling smaller foods, like fruit and veggies, which cook quickly enough to handle direct heat.
Master New Skills
- Marinades are key to tender, flavorful grilled meats. If you’re using one, be sure to stick to the time that the recipe suggests to marinade food for. When meats are marinated for too long it can overwhelm the tasty flavors from the grill.
- Believe it or not, you don’t have to buy a separate smoker to enjoy smokey authentic barbecue. You can turn your grill into a smoker with just a few steps.
- Want deep, wood-smoked flavor? Try plank grilling. This method works by placing food on a wooden board that has been set over indirect heat on a grill. While the most common use for cedar planks is to cook salmon, you can use them to cook almost any meat. Their flavor pairs well with beef, chicken and fruits.
Don’t miss even more grilling tips for every type of food.
Grill Cleaning, Care & Storage
Taste of Home
Ensure your grill lasts for years by taking proper care of it. That means keeping it clean, using the proper tools and keeping it covered when not in use. For step-by-step cleaning instructions, take a look at our grill cleaning guide.
- While there are plenty of fun grilling gadgets and toolsets, the best instrument for cleaning a grill is a basic wire brush. They’re strong enough for scrubbing, can get into tight corners and are inexpensive. However, flimsy bristles have a small chance of ending up in your food. Eek! Wire brush alternatives include aluminum foil or tools like this affordable pumice-like grill stone.
- You should clean the grill grates each time you grill. Stuck-on bits will continue to burn and cause your food to stick, too. And, don’t forget to scrub the other side of the grill grate.
- If you grill a lot of foods that are high in fat, like sausages and burgers, you might experience grease buildup on the walls of your grill. Clean off the grease frequently to keep it from igniting.
- Whenever your grill is not in use, it should be covered. Grill covers last about four years and can prevent moisture from sitting on the grill. No moisture means no rust—the most common killer of grills.
- Before putting your grill away for the winter, give it a top-to-bottom cleaning. Not only will this help prevent rusting and staining, but it will increase the grill’s longevity and make opening it up in spring painless. Here’s more on preparing a grill for storage.