We have to admit that kitchen rugs have gotten somewhat of a bad rap over the years. People have expressed their concern about these room adornments for quite some time now, but they’re mostly misplaced. If the consumer purchases the best area kitchen rug for their room, they’re not going to have a problem with adding one. The only problem that they’re likely to have is if they’re a messy cook. In that case, the homeowner will likely have to launder their rug regularly to keep it looking good.

To show all of our readers that rugs are not only a functional but also a decorative choice for a kitchen, we’ve decided to write this article on it. We’re going to go over some of the pros of using a rug in your kitchen and we’re also going to cover some of the basics that consumers should think about before purchasing a new rug for their kitchen.

The Pros Of Kitchen Rugs

When we first started using kitchen rugs we were quite skeptical about them at first—like many people tend to be. We’ve heard all of the stories about them begin an unsafe choice, so we did have a bit of trepidation. However, once we began to actually do some research and find out how kitchen rugs could be safely used, we immediately began using them. And do you know what? We don’t regret our decision at all. Below are some of the pros of using rugs in your kitchen.

How To Use A Kitchen Rug Safely

Although we feel that kitchen rugs are safe, they’re only as safe as the person using them. What we mean is that the consumer is going to have to purchase the best kitchen rug for their kitchen, and they’re going to have to deploy that rug properly. Before we talk about purchasing the best rug for your kitchen, it’s important to go over some basic kitchen rug safety tips so that you can use these rugs properly.

[wc_fa icon=”star-o” margin_left=”” margin_right=”10″ class=””][/wc_fa]Tip One: Use A Rug Pad

One of the first things that you can do to make sure that they’re using a kitchen rug safely is to place a rug pad underneath it. A rug pad will add a bit of friction to the rug and prevent it from slipping around on the floor.

[wc_fa icon=”star-o” margin_left=”” margin_right=”10″ class=””][/wc_fa]Tip Two: Use Rug Tape

Another thing that you should do to make the kitchen rug safer to use is to use rug tape. Rug tape will keep the rug from moving, especially when used in conjunction with a quality rug pad. This will prevent the rug from becoming a hazard that someone trips over.

[wc_fa icon=”star-o” margin_left=”” margin_right=”10″ class=””][/wc_fa]Tip Three: Avoid “Cheap” Rugs

The last tip that we would like to offer is to tell you to avoid cheap rugs. Cheaply made rugs tend to fray along the edges and that can present a tripping hazard. Cheap rugs also don’t have the same thickness as quality ones, and this can lead them to move more easily than they should.

What To Consider When Buying A New Kitchen Rug

Now that we’ve gone over some of the ways that kitchen rugs can be used safely, now we’re going to cover some of the other things that you should think about before purchasing a new kitchen rug. Although we’ve covered some of the basics elsewhere on our site, we wanted to go over some key points in this article. So with that said, below are some things for you to think about when shopping for a new area rug for your kitchen.

[wc_fa icon=”star-o” margin_left=”” margin_right=”10″ class=””][/wc_fa]Tip One: Think About The Size Of The Kitchen Rug

One of the first things that you should think about when choosing an area rug for a kitchen is to choose one that fits the floor. After all, this is an area rug, so it should cover the area where it’s used. If the rug is too big for the area, then it will leave curled edges that are unsafe, and if the rug is too small, it just won’t look right in the area. That’s why it’s important to measure the floor and then purchase a rug that adequately fits the area.

[wc_fa icon=”star-o” margin_left=”” margin_right=”10″ class=””][/wc_fa]Tip Two: Think About The Design Of The Rug

It’s easy to get lost in the details when purchasing a kitchen rug, but that shouldn’t mean that you should gloss over one of the most important aspects to consider when buying a kitchen rug—the design. The rug should have a design that ties the room together, not one that’s so busy it pulls a person’s eyes towards it. In other words, it should be subtle, not overpowering.

[wc_fa icon=”star-o” margin_left=”” margin_right=”10″ class=””][/wc_fa]Tip Three: Choose A Stain-Resistant Rug

Take our advice and do yourself a favor by choosing a stain-resistant rug. You might be the cleanest cook on the planet, but spills are still going to happen. By choosing a stain-resistant rug you can assure that those stains don’t ruin the rug that you spent hard-earned money on.

[wc_fa icon=”star-o” margin_left=”” margin_right=”10″ class=””][/wc_fa]Tip Four: Choose A Slip-Resistant Rug

It’s also a good idea to choose a rug that’s slip-resistant. Although you should still pair a slip-resistant rug with a rug pad and rug tape, it being slip-resistant in the first place will add just another layer of safety to the rug. However, you should also keep in mind that some rugs already have rug pads and they recommend that consumers not use an additional rug pad. If that’s the case, then make sure to follow the rug’s instructions before any advice given here.

[wc_fa icon=”star-o” margin_left=”” margin_right=”10″ class=””][/wc_fa]Tip Five: Have Fun With The Process

The last recommendation we have for you is to just have fun buying a new area rug for your kitchen. There are rugs in a wide assortment of colors, shapes, and sizes, so go ahead and browse through some of them before making your purchase. Find a rug that suits you and you’ll be more than happy with your new kitchen area rug.

Before a person gets a new candy thermometer, they might not think that they need one. After all, how many of us actually make candy on a regular basis? However, believe me when I tell you that once you buy a candy thermometer, you will find about 1,001 uses for it. These thermometers are some of the most versatile kitchen tools to have in the home, and it’s our firm belief that everyone should have one in their kitchen.

To show our readers just how invaluable having the best candy thermometer can be, we’ve decided to go ahead and write this article. In this article, we’re going to talk about not only the intended uses for a candy thermometer but also all of the other things that can be done with them. We’ll also explore how these thermometers should be used.

What’s A Candy Thermometer?

Before we kick things off, it’s probably a good idea for us to define our terms. One of the things that we’re frequently asked is just what a candy thermometer is, followed by the second most common question we receive: how does a candy thermometer differ from a meat thermometer. So, let’s define what a candy thermometer and what actually makes it different from other types of thermometers.

The first thing we’d like to say about candy thermometers is that they’re longer than meat thermometers. That’s so they can be used in boiling oil or sugar without the cook worrying about burning themselves. Candy thermometers also have a higher temperature range than meat thermometers. That’s because they have to measure significantly higher temperatures. Most meat thermometers only go up to 200-250 degrees Fahrenheit, while most candy thermometers will go up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

The last difference between meat thermometers and candy thermometers is that meat thermometers have a pointed end, while most candy thermometers have a rounded end. This is obviously because meat thermometers have to be stuck into the meat, while candy thermometers have to usually be placed into boiling liquids.

How To Read A Candy Thermometer

The next thing that we like to talk about is how the consumer can use the candy thermometer. When consumers read candy making recipes, they will often have to know a few terms that outline how they should use their candy thermometer. Below are some of the stages that consumers should know when they’re using a candy thermometer to make candy.

[wc_fa icon=”star-o” margin_left=”” margin_right=”10″ class=””][/wc_fa]Thread Stage

The first stage of the candy-making process is the Thread Stage. This stage is approximately 230 to 234 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the stage that is often used for making simple syrups.

[wc_fa icon=”star-o” margin_left=”” margin_right=”10″ class=””][/wc_fa]Soft Ball Stage

This stage is approximately 234 to 241 degrees Fahrenheit and it’s at this stage that the sugar begins to form a sticky ball. This is the stage where fondants and fudges are started.

[wc_fa icon=”star-o” margin_left=”” margin_right=”10″ class=””][/wc_fa]Firm Stage

This stage is between 242 to 248 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the stage when sugar begins to become flexible yet firm. This is the stage where nougats and caramels are made.

[wc_fa icon=”star-o” margin_left=”” margin_right=”10″ class=””][/wc_fa]HardBall Stage

This stage is between 250 to 266 degrees Fahrenheit. This is when sugar begins to hold its shape and can be worked into a hardball. This stage is ideal for making marshmallows or gummies—and it can also be used for making rock candy.

[wc_fa icon=”star-o” margin_left=”” margin_right=”10″ class=””][/wc_fa]Soft-Crack Stage

The soft crack stage is approximately 270 to 289 degrees Fahrenheit and this is the stage where sugar forms flexible yet firm threads. This stage is good for making saltwater taffy and for making butterscotch candies.

[wc_fa icon=”star-o” margin_left=”” margin_right=”10″ class=””][/wc_fa]Hard Crack Stage

This stage is between 295 to 309 degrees Fahrenheit and is a stage where cooked sugar begins to form brittle threads. It’s good for spinning sugar, and for making brittle candies.

Tips On Using A Candy Thermometer Properly

Now that we’ve covered the differences between meat and candy thermometers, and have gone through some of the candy making stages, now it’s time to turn our attention to keeping the candy thermometer in good condition.

[wc_fa icon=”star-o” margin_left=”” margin_right=”10″ class=””][/wc_fa]Hand-Wash Your Candy Thermometer

The one thing that you should think about when using a candy thermometer is how you wash it. As a general rule, you want to make sure that you don’t wash it in a dishwasher. Although modern candy thermometers are more durable than ones made in the past, they are still pretty easy to break. That’s why you should always hand wash your thermometer with mild dish soap.

[wc_fa icon=”star-o” margin_left=”” margin_right=”10″ class=””][/wc_fa]Properly Store Your Candy Thermometer

It’s also extremely important for you to properly store your candy thermometers. This means not just throwing it in a drawer with a bunch of other kitchen accessories. It also means not throwing it in the junk drawer of your desk (and yes, we’ve seen that happen). Candy thermometers should be stored standing straight up and away from other kitchen utensils.

[wc_fa icon=”star-o” margin_left=”” margin_right=”10″ class=””][/wc_fa]Buy A Spare Candy Thermometer

No matter how well you care for your candy thermometer, however, it’s going to end up breaking at some point. It’s almost inevitable. It might not be tomorrow or even 5-years from now, but at some point, it’s going to happen, and that’s why everyone should keep a spare candy thermometer on hand. This will ensure that you have a candy thermometer available to you when one breaks.

Tips For Reading A Candy Thermometer

When using your candy thermometer, you’re going to want to make sure that you read it properly. Making candy is very precise, so even being off a degree can result in some bad results. That’s why everyone using a candy thermometer should keep the following in mind.

We have to admit that spice grinders are pretty basic in their design and execution, but that doesn’t mean that they are basic devices. These grinders can be used for more than just grinding spices and can be used for a variety of different projects. That’s why we’ve decided to write this article. We wanted to not only help our readers find the best spice grinders for their needs but also tell them the other uses for these grinders as well. With all of that said, let’s jump right into this article and start with what our readers should think about when choosing the best spice grinder for their household.

Choosing The Best Spice Grinder

Let’s kick off our discussion on spice grinders with a look at what consumers should look for when choosing a new spice grinder. Let’s go through a few tips before looking at what other things grinders can be used for—other than grinding spices.

[wc_fa icon=”star-o” margin_left=”” margin_right=”10″ class=””][/wc_fa]Tip One: Choose Between Manual Or Electric Models

One of the first things that consumers should do is choose between manual or electric spice grinders. Both of these grinders work well, but there are some significant differences between them. For example, electric grinders are easier to use, but manual grinders tend to provide the best spice grinding. Of course, how well the grinder works also depends a lot on the type of blades that are equipped on the grinder. We’ll take a look at the blades found on spice grinders, next.

[wc_fa icon=”star-o” margin_left=”” margin_right=”10″ class=””][/wc_fa]Tip Two: Consider The Spice Grinder Blades

The next thing the consumer is going to want to do is to consider the blades on the spice grinder. When it comes to these types of grinders, the consumer generally has two choices when it comes to grinder blades: conical burr blades and flat blades. As a general rule, conical burr blades do the best job of grinding spices, and flat blades are usually found on cheaper spice grinders.

[wc_fa icon=”star-o” margin_left=”” margin_right=”10″ class=””][/wc_fa]Tip Three: Consider Capacity

If the consumer is going to use the grinder for grinding spices, then they will probably only need a smaller model. However, if the consumer decides that they’re going to use the grinder to grind coffee or other things, then the consumer is going to want to think about perhaps purchasing a larger grinder.

[wc_fa icon=”star-o” margin_left=”” margin_right=”10″ class=””][/wc_fa]Tip Four: Consider Other Features

Before concluding this section on choosing spice grinders, we’d like to talk about a few other features that the consumer might want to consider before buying a new one. We don’t have the space to go into each point in detail, but we would like our readers to keep the features at the forefront of their minds when they purchase their next grinder.

What Other Things Can Spice Grinders Be Used For?

One of the most frequently asked questions about spice grinders that we receive is what other things they can be used for. Fortunately, we have the answer to that question and can give it to all of our readers. The following uses prove that spice grinders are a kitchen tool that everyone should have—regardless of whether they grind their own spices or bought pre-ground store-bought spices.

[wc_fa icon=”star-o” margin_left=”” margin_right=”10″ class=””][/wc_fa]Grinding Sea Salt

One trend that’s been on the uptick the last few years is people buying course sea or pink salt in bulk and then mixing it in their spice grinder with herbs and/or spices. This is a great way to create a seasoning salt that can be used for adding flavor to the meat.

[wc_fa icon=”star-o” margin_left=”” margin_right=”10″ class=””][/wc_fa]Grinding Flaxseeds

More and more people are adding flax seeds to their diet. And why not? These seeds are filled with a ton of nutrients. They’re high in fiber, Omega 3 fatty acids, magnesium, phosphorous, and potassium. The problem with adding them to oatmeal or cereal, however, is that they can be tough to chew. Fortunately, they can be ground up in a spice grinder and then added to food.

[wc_fa icon=”star-o” margin_left=”” margin_right=”10″ class=””][/wc_fa]Grinding Rice

Another use for spice grinders is to use it to grind rice. Why grind rice? Well, rice is ground so that it can be turned into rice flour. Rice flour is a gluten-free alternative to wheat flour that more and more people are enjoying. Of course, you can always purchase a grain mill to grind rice, but those tend to be a lot more expensive.

[wc_fa icon=”star-o” margin_left=”” margin_right=”10″ class=””][/wc_fa]Grinding Poppy Seeds

A lot of people are beginning to grind up poppy seeds to add a little bit of that nutty flavor to dishes. Although poppy seeds can be a little tricky to grind thanks to their small size, a quality spice grinder should accomplish the job pretty easily.

[wc_fa icon=”star-o” margin_left=”” margin_right=”10″ class=””][/wc_fa]Grinding Dried Insects

While dried insects might not be on everyone’s menu, quite a few people are finding that adding ground insects to their dishes adds protein without increasing the dish’s calorie count. Sure, it’s not for everyone, but for people who want to try it out, a good spice grinder works quite well for this purpose.

Tea kettles are great tools that come in a variety of different styles and are made from a variety of different materials. There are stovetop and electric tea kettles, and they’re made in everything from copper to cast iron. They’re great tools for heating water either for cooking or making tea, and every household should probably have one in their kitchen.

Unfortunately, a lot of people are using and/or taking care of these tea kettles in the wrong way. Many people confuse them with teapots—pots in which the tea is brewed inside. Tea kettles are different, however, and need to be used in a certain way to avoid ruining them. It also needs to be properly maintained so that it lasts a long time—otherwise, even the best tea kettle won’t last very long. That’s why we’ve decided to talk a little bit about using and taking care of tea kettles.

How To Use A Tea Kettle

We’re going to start things off by talking about how to properly use a tea kettle. For our purposes, we’re going to talk about using a stovetop tea kettle, so if you need information on using an electric one, then you’re going to have to rely on your electric tea kettle’s instructions. Now, let’s go through the steps of making the perfect pot of tea using a tea kettle.

[wc_fa icon=”star-o” margin_left=”” margin_right=”10″ class=””][/wc_fa]Step One: Fill Up The Tea Kettle & Put It On The Stove

One of the biggest misconceptions about tea kettles is that tea is brewed in them. That’s false. They’re only used to heat tea. That’s why the first step is to place water into a tea kettle and then place that tea kettle on the stove.

Although this seems like a very basic step, it’s worth mentioning that the quality of the water is very important. We recommend using filtered water in the tea kettle. Remember, the higher quality the water, the better tasting the tea is going to be when it’s all said and done.

[wc_fa icon=”star-o” margin_left=”” margin_right=”10″ class=””][/wc_fa]Step Two: Heat The Water To The Proper Temperature

Once the tea kettle has been filled, heat it until it reaches boiling temperature. On some models, that will be indicated by a whistling sound, but not all tea kettles are whistling kettles, so the consumer might have to keep an eye on it. Once the water has reached boiling, allow the water to sit for approximately 20-seconds. That will bring it to the perfect temperature for making tea.

[wc_fa icon=”star-o” margin_left=”” margin_right=”10″ class=””][/wc_fa]Step Three: Prepare The Tea To Accept The Water

While the water is being boiled, you should take the time to get your tea ready. For some people, that means placing tea bags into a cup, and for other people that means placing tea leaves into a strainer of some sort.

[wc_fa icon=”star-o” margin_left=”” margin_right=”10″ class=””][/wc_fa]Step Four: Pour The Water Over The Tea & Steep

Carefully pour the water through the strainer or into the cup and allow the tea to steep. For tea bags, that can be anywhere from 3-5 minutes. For loose tea, that can be anywhere from 5-7 minutes. If you’re using loose tea leaves without a strainer or tea bags, be sure to remove them before enjoying your nice hot cup of tea. You deserve it.

How To Keep Your Tea Kettle In Good Condition

Okay, now that we’ve cleared up any confusion surrounding how to use a tea kettle properly, we want to shift our attention to how the tea kettle should be properly cleaned. That’s because we’ve found that there are quite a few people who improperly care for their tea kettle, so we thought that we’d give some helpful advice.

[wc_fa icon=”star-o” margin_left=”” margin_right=”10″ class=””][/wc_fa]Cleaning Supplies Needed:

[wc_fa icon=”star-o” margin_left=”” margin_right=”10″ class=””][/wc_fa]Step One: Everyday Cleaning

The tea kettle should be cleaned daily, or at least every other day, to keep it in good condition. To accomplish this goal, you should use a soft sponge and mild dish soap with hot water. Don’t use steel wool on most tea kettles because it can scratch stainless steel or enamel.

[wc_fa icon=”star-o” margin_left=”” margin_right=”10″ class=””][/wc_fa]Step Two: Regular Descaling

The tea kettle should be descaled every once in a while—particularly if you live in an area with hard water. How often should it be descaled? Well, that depends on the hardness of the water. Some people can get away with it every 6-months, and some people will have to descale once a month.

To descale the tea kettle, add 1/4-cup of white vinegar and two cups of purified water to it. Then it should be allowed to simmer for approximately 15-20 minutes. When that’s done, pour out the descaling solution and then rinse the tea kettle.

[wc_fa icon=”star-o” margin_left=”” margin_right=”10″ class=””][/wc_fa]Step Three: Heavy-Duty Cleaning

To deal with a tea kettle that’s been neglected and has both rust and mineral deposits in it, you should do a heavy-duty cleaning. Place two tablespoons of baking soda, purified water, and two tablespoons of lemon juice in the kettle.

Bring the kettle to a boil and allow it to boil for half an hour. Do not boil away the water during this process. If the water level falls low, add some more, but boil for the whole 30-minutes. After 30-minutes, dump out the kettle and allow it to cool. When it’s cool, rinse it out and make sure it’s dry.

[wc_fa icon=”star-o” margin_left=”” margin_right=”10″ class=””][/wc_fa]Step Four: Clean The Kettle’s Exterior

Most of the time, and with most tea kettles, the exterior should be cleaned with mild dish soap and a soft sponge. However, what happens since the tea kettle is often left on the stove, it tends to get grease on its exterior. In these instances, you’re going to want to de-grease the kettle’s exterior.

To degrease a stainless steel or enamel tea kettle, make a paste of baking soda and white vinegar and apply it to the exterior of the kettle. Then use a soft sponge to scrub away grease. If using a copper tea kettle, cut a lemon in half and dip it in salt. You then should use the lemon half to scrub the exterior of the pot. Make sure to thoroughly dry the kettle once it’s been de-greased.

There’s been an alarming trend when it comes to popcorn. It seems as if fewer people are making their own popcorn at home and more people are buying pre-popped and pre-flavored popcorn at their local grocery store. And we have to admit that we find that to be a complete shame. Although there is nothing wrong with grocery store popcorn, it just doesn’t taste as good as the popcorn that people can make at home. Popcorn made at home blows away store-bought pre-popped popcorn every single time.

So why are more people just grabbing a bag of popcorn instead of popping up their own? Well, we think that it’s because a lot of people think making popcorn at home is difficult, or maybe they’ve tried making popcorn and didn’t have satisfactory results. We can understand these points, so we’re not going to dismiss them outright. However, we will urge our readers to try to make popcorn at home and we’re going to give them the tools to do it.

We believe that everyone can make perfect popcorn at home if they know the steps to make it. To help our readers create perfect popcorn, we’ve decided to list some of the steps they will need to get the job done. So without further ado, we’re going to show all of our readers just how easy it is to create delicious popcorn that can’t be purchased in any grocery store.

Step One: Gather Your Supplies

Before thinking about popping your own popcorn, you’re going to need to gather some supplies together. And we do mean the proper supplies and not trying to improvise on the fly because you didn’t purchase what you needed in the first place. What do you need to make perfect popcorn? Well, below are some of the things that you’re going to need to make it.

Step Two: Let’s Get Popping!

The next step is to actually start popping the popcorn. Place the Dutch oven on the stove and add 3-tablespoons of oil for every 1/2-cup of popcorn kernels that you’re intending on popping. Yes, that does seem like a lot of oil, but trust us when we say it isn’t. The process is going to need that much oil in order to build up the steam in the pot. And it’s the steam that’s going to create perfectly popped popcorn.

Place the pan with the oil in it over medium heat and then pour in the popcorn kernels. No, there’s no need to wait for the oil to come to temperature—just pour it right into the pot. Now, give the kernels a stir with a wooden spoon to coat them all with oil. Keep stirring the kernels until they begin to sizzle. Once they begin to sizzle, it’s time to put the lid on the pot and move the dial on the stove between medium and medium-high heat.

During this step, it’s important to never leave your popcorn, not even for a second. Listen to the kernels and wait for them to begin popping. Once they’ve begun popping, wait a minute and then pick up the pot and shake it with the lid closed. This will prevent kernels from becoming duds and not properly popping.

Place the pot back on the stove and let the popping continue. If you begin to see any smoke, immediately lower the heat to medium, otherwise leave it where it is. Keep listening to the popcorn and once they have begun to pop only every couple of seconds then turn off the heat. Now, move the corner of the lid so that some of the steam is released but the popcorn is still mainly covered.

About a minute after moving the lid, dump the popcorn into the widest mixing bowl you have available, or onto a baking sheet. Now take about a 1/4-cup of butter and pour it immediately over the popcorn—preferably while it’s still hot. Then immediately add kosher salt over the popcorn. Congratulations! You’ve just made the perfect popcorn.

Step Three: Personalize Your Popcorn

Before we conclude this article, we would like to give our readers a few other pieces of advice that will help them create the best popcorn they can at home. Although we believe that all a person really needs to create great popcorn is to use butter and salt, some people like to personalize their popcorn with other things. Some people like their popcorn to be savory, so they will add seasonings and spices to their popcorn, and some people like their popcorn to be sweet, so they use sugary toppings. Below are topping in both categories that consumers might want to use on their popcorn to take it to the next level of goodness.

Savory Popcorn Toppings

Sweet Popcorn Toppings

A question that we’ve been fielding a lot lately is what makes lump charcoal so great. Fortunately, that’s a pretty easy question to answer and one that we wanted to answer for our readers. However, once we started writing we knew that we just couldn’t answer the question as to what makes lump charcoal superior to briquette charcoal, that we had to do a deeper dive into the subject. The result is the guide that you’re reading right now.

In this guide, we’re going to do an in-depth expose on lump charcoal. We’re going to talk about what it is, what makes it superior to other charcoal products, and how to use it. Yes, we know that charcoal briquettes are still the best selling form of charcoal right now and millions of people enjoy using them. We’re not trying to take away from that fact. All we really want to do is to illuminate the positive aspects of lump charcoal and hopefully entice a few people to try it out for the first time. Okay, let’s begin examining lump charcoal a little bit closer, shall we?

What Is Lump Charcoal & What Makes It Special?

Lump charcoal is simply firewood that’s been charred and packaged. That makes it different from most briquettes that have to be formed by compressing charcoal made from wood byproducts and sawdust, with a binder and other additives. Lump charcoal is only made from firewood, so there’s no additives or binders added to it. That makes it healthier charcoal in our opinion.

What Should I Look For In A Lump Charcoal?

The next thing that we want to talk about is what people should look for when they’re purchasing lump charcoal for the first time. The first thing that you should think about when buying lump charcoal is the type of wood that it’s made from. There are a variety of different woods used to make lump charcoal, and we’ve examined a few of them below.

Consider The Lump Charcoal’s Wood Composition

Look For Large Lumps

When buying lump charcoal, it’s also a good idea for you to look for the largest pieces that you can find. The larger the pieces, the hotter it will burn and the longer it will burn. Therefore, you should always examine any lump charcoal you intend on buying in person or read the product’s reviews when buying online. You’ll want to make sure to buy large pieces that don’t have a lot of dust in the bottom of the bag.

Look For All-Natural Lump Charcoal

To make sure that the lump charcoal you purchase hasn’t been adulterated with chemicals or unnecessary ingredients. It should say on the label that the product is all-natural.

How Should Lump Charcoal Be Stored?

Another question we’re frequently asked is how lump charcoal should be stored. After the charcoal bag is opened, you should place the unused charcoal into a container that can be sealed. This will help to prevent the unused charcoal from absorbing moisture. It’s also important to keep it as dry as possible. Store the sealed container in a shed or garage for safekeeping. If the charcoal gets wet, it will not only burn poorly but may also mold and that can cause it to pass terrible flavors to your grilling food.

Want to know which brands have the best lump charcoal? Check out this article for my reviews!

People like to argue over what grill is better: a gas grill or a charcoal one. They say the grill they prefer is the easiest one to use, produces the best tasting food, or is the easiest to clean up. Although we can’t speak to those first two points, the one thing we can say is that both of these grill types can be easy to clean. But you must take the time to prepare them properly and take a few steps to clean them up.

As you may have realized by now, this article is dedicated to helping you keep your grills clean. While gas grills are the easiest to maintain, charcoal grills can also be easy if you are willing to plan ahead and purchase the right tools for the job. With that said, let’s jump into things and find out how both gas and charcoal grill owners can keep their grills in good condition for a long time.

Set Up Your Grill Properly

One of the first things that you can do is to make sure your grill is set up properly. This means placing the grill in a well-ventilated open space that’s at least 10-feet away from your home. Make sure there are no limbs or other combustible surfaces overhead and that the legs are properly installed and firmly in place.

If you have a gas grill, you’re also going to want to check over some safety protocols before using the grill. This includes making sure that the propane tank is properly installed or the natural gas connection is secure. For propane users, make sure that you check hoses for abrasions. Make sure there are no gas leaks at connections every single time you use your grill. When lighting the gas grill, always make sure that the lid is open to prevent flash-off that can occur from gas buildup. And finally, do not attach or disconnect your propane tank while the grill is in use or while it’s hot.

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If you’re using a charcoal grill, there are a few things to check too. If the grill’s been used before, be sure to check that the previous charcoal debris has been removed from the grill and that the vents aren’t blocked. Also, make sure that the grill grate is clean and ready to go.

Regardless of whether you’re using a charcoal or gas grill, however, it’s important to make sure that the grill grate is properly seasoned. Seasoning the grates doesn’t mean that you’re altering the flavor of the food placed upon them, but only that you’re making sure the food doesn’t stick to them. If you’re grilling for the first time, add canola oil to the grates while they’re cold, and then turn on the grill for 15-minutes. The oil will begin to smoke and will eventually burn off. Now, your grill grates are seasoned.

Clear Away Grease & Ash

Much of the maintenance that gas and charcoal grills require isn’t all that different. For gas grills, make sure to remove the bottom tray and use a plastic scraper to scrape the grease into the trash. If using a charcoal grill, make sure to dump out the charcoals after they’ve cooled into a metal can.

Keep The Grill Clean

The next thing you’re going to want to do is to clean the grill inside and out. For that job, you’re going to need a few tools. One of the most important tools to use is a grill cleaner made specifically for your type of grill. It’s also a good idea to have a microfiber cloth available, a sponge, a grate scraper, and depending on the type of grill you own either a window cleaner or stainless steel cleaner. The grill should be cleaned thoroughly after every 5 to 10 uses. Remember, a clean BBQ grill will not only last longer but will also be more effective.

Cleaning Grill Grates

To clean your grill grates, use a grill brush (preferably not a wire one as they can be dangerous) or grill stone. Scrape off any stuck-on food and grime to avoid bacteria from building up on the grill surface or food ending up getting stuck to it.

To clean gas grills, make sure that the burners are off and scrub them thoroughly. When they’re clean use cooking oil to season the grates. Charcoal grills should have their grates clean while they’re hot. Sprinkle on a little water on the grates and then use a grill brush to steam clean the grates.

Clean The Exterior Of The Grill

Next, you want to make sure the exterior of the grill is clean. How you clean it is going to depend a lot on the type of grill that you use. Below you can learn how to clean grill lids made of various materials.

Stainless-Steel Lids

If the grill has a stainless-steel lid, then you should clean the exterior with soap and water or a suitable grill cleaner. Use a sponge and scrub with the grain of the stainless-steel to avoid marring it. Once the grill is clean, rinse it off completely and then use a clean cloth to dry it.

Porcelain-Coated Lids

Porcelain-coated lids have to be treated like glass. They’re very fragile and if mishandled will crack. Therefore, the best way to clean them is to use plain dishwashing soap and water. Rinse and dry it thoroughly after cleaning, and then polish it with a window cleaner and microfiber cloth.

Powder-Coated Lids

Powder-coated steel lids can be cleaned with dishwashing soap and water, and then dried with a microfiber towel. Never use a stainless-steel polish on these lids. Some might have a stainless-steel look to them, but they aren’t stainless steel and you’ll end up marring their surface.

Painted Lids

The problem with painted lids is that the paint tends to wear off and then they rust. If this hasn’t happened yet, then the grill can be cleaned with a microfiber cloth and dish soap. Just make to thoroughly dry it after cleaning it. If the surface has begun to rust, then use sandpaper to remove the rust before washing the surface. After that’s been done, the surface should then be dried and new paint applied to it.