It’s time to fire up the grill—unless you’re one of the nearly 50 percent of people who grill year-round! With the Memorial Day weekend just around the corner, many of us will be planning an outdoor gathering with grilling as the center of attention. According to the 19th annual Power of Meat study, Americans average 13 grilling occasions between Memorial and Labor Day.

Of course, as we get ready to grill out, many people think hamburgers and hot dogs, but did you know that, according to USA Today, filet mignon is the meat of choice for Pennsylvanians when they fire up the grill? Whether you’re making a simple burger or grabbing your favorite cut of beef, it’s important to make sure your grill is up to par before throwing a big bash. Follow these simple steps to ensure a safe and stress-free cookout with family and friends.

Do a Safety Check
Has your grill been sitting for months without any use and perhaps exposed to the elements? It’s important to give your grill a once-over before starting it for the first time. If you have a gas grill, make sure the hose is attached correctly and check for leaks. Make sure your tank is also full. Nothing is more disappointing than to run out or not have enough gas when it is time to grill!

Clean Your Grill
After taking a winter hiatus, it’s a good idea to give your grill a deep clean. This should be done with a simple wire brush and water. Using soap on your grill could leave a taste on the grates that is difficult to wash off. Remember, it’s important to give all aspects of the grill a good scrub, including the grease trap. Pro Tip: Line the grease trap with aluminum foil once it’s clean for easy future clean-up!

Take a Test Run
Before you plan a big party, why not take your grill out for a test run? This will ensure you have everything clean and in working order. If using a gas grill, you will want to make sure all the burners work and, again, check for leaks in the hose.

Enjoy Yourself
Once you’ve done a safety check, cleaned the grill and taken it for a test run, it’s time to plan your party. Remember, the most important thing to do when grilling is to enjoy a great meal—that includes beef—and your time with family and friends. Be sure to visit our friends at the Pennsylvania Beef Council for recipes, grilling and nutrition information at www.pabeef.org. Have a wonderful summer grilling beef!