Mishaps occur everywhere; no matter how conscious you are, you cannot forecast them but at least try to manage or prevent them. Inviting your friends or family for a barbecue is undoubtedly enjoyable if you enjoy cooking. But what happens if your grill fails and you end up with grease flames instead of delicious meat and a joyous occasion?
Looking for quick ways to put out a grease fire or can you use a grill after a grease fire? When this unexpected incident occurs, and you have prepared your mind for a steak or arranged a party already.
Can You Use a Grill After a Grease Fire?
The answer depends on the intensity of the fire but mostly you can use your grill after a grease fire as this is a common phenomenon with oil with it gets intense and hot. However, this happens to the grill it mostly involves food and other surrounding stuff to catch fire as well. If the grill just got messy with the fire then it’s a good sign and you will use your grill even after the grease fire.
1. Let the Grill Cool Down
When the grill experiences long flareups it gets intensely hot and it is not a better option to clean the grill right after the vanishing of the flareups. Give the grill enough time to attain normal temperature so you will not burn your hands. Check the handles before touching the body as it cools down instantly after the grease fire.
2. Scrap the Charred Food and Grease
When the grill gets cooled down, open the lid and remove the burned-out food. You will find out that the food will be spread all over the grill and most of them will be stuck to the body.
The next step is to clean the grill and it will take time. The charred food and the grease buildup are hard to remove by simple washing. Take a scrapper to the body, grates, and lid to remove every bit of the food particle and the grease.
3. Wash the Grill
When you have removed all the burned-out food and grease it’s time to wash the grill thoroughly. If you had used a fire extinguisher on the grill then it’s better to unscrew the grill and wash each part. Take a bucket of water and a dish detergent to clean the grill thoroughly.
4. Do a Visual Check
After drying the grill, give it a complete visual check. It is better to inspect each and every part of the grill, such as components, burners, valves, gas hose, etc. If any of the parts don’t look right, do not start grilling again as it will cause many problems. If your grill has a hole in the bottom, it needs to be fixed before proceeding to finish the grilling.
5. Light the grill
If the inspection goes well and our grill looks perfectly well as it was before try to test by lighting the grill. If the grill gets lighted and you find no issue with the grill, then proceed to finish your grilling. It is important to apply a thin layer of oil on the grill and heat up for some time. Place the lid on the grill and heat it up at a high temperature for 15-20 minutes before placing the food. It will make the grill prone to rust and make the grates non-stick.
How to Put Out a Grease Fire on a Grill?
The smoking point is different for various types of oil ranging from 370°F for animal fats to 520°F for different vegetable oils that start from 450°F. When you take extreme precautions on grilling meat there are chances that you will come across such fires. So, it’s better to know how to put out a grease fire to protect your grill and enjoy a secure grilling.
Turn off the grill
Try to turn of the grill so the fire will not get enough heating fuel and the fire comes under control. If you are using a gas grill it is necessary to disconnect the gas line or the tank. If you are using a gas tank close the regulator and remove the tank and place it in a secure area.
Cover the lid
Use a tongue and take out the food from the grates as it will be an additional source for the fire. If the fire is getting intense leave the food where it is and cover the grill with the lid. If your grill does not come with a lid try to buy it in advance as it is the first line of defense to putout fire on a grill.
Clear the Surroundings (flammable objects)
After covering the grill with a lid so its flares will not spread in the surrounding areas, remove the grilling materials and other things from the area so it will be secure.
Use Fire Extinguisher
Always keep a fire extinguisher near the grilling area as it is the best and easiest option to extinguish grease fire. It is necessary to use the right type of extinguisher and know how to use them. The easiest way of using the fire extinguisher is to remember the word P.A.S.S for extinguishing the fire.
If Uncontrollable Call the Fire Department
If you are grilling in a closed area like in the kitchen or in a garage and the fire is unattainable, it’s better to leave the area. Close the door and call 911 for professional help. The personnel will ask some questions and will handle the situation according to the information they asked from you.
Conclusion
Grease fires are an uncommon occurrence that can happen to any griller, expert or novice, using any grill. However, if you maintain your grill correctly, it should never happen to you. You should always clean your grill and brush the grates after using it, as per the expert’s advice. Additionally, you should go the extra mile and empty your drip pan, or at the very least, make sure it hasn’t gotten to the point where it could catch fire. Keep a box of baking soda under your grill as well; it is the fastest way to put out a grease fire on a grill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use water to put out a grease fire?
Avoid using water on a grease fire because water and oil don’t mix. When you put water to extinguish hot burning oil, it will start splashing and spreading all around the grill, and the fire will exacerbate, making it hard to control. The water, when coming in contact with the fire, will produce steam and cause severe burns to the people surrounding the grill. This way of extinguishing a grease fire on the grill is dangerous for the grill’s life too. The fire already makes the metal so hot, and when you put cold water to put out the fire, it might crack the grill and the porcelain-enamel finish will wipe out.