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| Sears Helps Canadians Gear Up for the Grilling Season |
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| Buying guide and maintenance tips from the grill experts at Sears
TORONTO, Apr 21, 2005 (Canada NewsWire via COMTEX) -- As the sun comes out and the weather gets warmer, gas grills come out from under their covers in neighbourhoods across Canada. With the spring and summer grilling season upon us, Sears is just in time with the latest gas grill buying advice and maintenance techniques to have your grill ready and flaming for the barbecue season. Gas grills have made outdoor cooking easy and pleasant for homeowners. With just the fast click of the ignitor switch, the grill is ready to go. They offer fast and even cooking heat, with no fuel waste clean up. A gas grill is a popular choice for many, but what exactly should you look for when buying one? Helpful buying tips to finding the grill that meets your needs:
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- Size: Determine how often and how much you will be grilling. An easy
way to establish a portion size is to take the palm of your hand as
a good representation of an average portion of food. The chart below
compares the number of portions with required grill size. On average,
a 400 square inch grill accommodating 8 portions is sufficient.
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Main Cooking Grid Surface Number of Portions
(in square inches)
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240 4 to 5
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300 5 to 6
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345 6 to 7
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400 7 to 8
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450 8 & up
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- Quality: Pay attention to quality. Even if you don't plan to use your
grill often you should still consider purchasing one of good quality.
A poor quality grill will not last and will likely be frustrating to
use. Make sure the new grill you buy has features including: a sturdy
precision paint finish, high calibre casting metal, an efficient
control centre, great warranty and a commitment to globally recognized
standards.
- BTUs: Research indicates that having 35k to 62.5k BTUs is ideal for
barbecue grilling.
- Heat Control: Choose a grill with dual heat control so that the
burners are controlled separately when grilling different varieties
of foods such as meat and vegetables. Also look for heat deflecting
panels in the hood of the barbecue. These allow the heat to spread
evenly when grilling.
- Wheels: Look to make sure that the wheels on your barbecue are
flexible, yet sturdy enough that they do not wobble. Drag the floor
model around the sales floor to make sure it will move easily on your
patio or deck.
- Ignition button: Ensure the ignition is correctly located and securely
fastened to the control centre. No matter which ignition system you
choose push button, rotary, or electronic, make sure to follow the
instructions provided in the Use & Care manual to keep the ignitor
in good condition.
- Storage: Think about storage. If your region gets inclement weather,
it is pertinent that you purchase a strong grill cover. If your region
experiences extreme cold weather, ensure the grill will fit easily
into your shed for storage.
It is important to enjoy your gas grill, but do it safely. According to the CPSC (U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission), every year about 30 people are injured as a result of gas grill fires and explosions. Helpful maintenance tips to sustain grill performance and safety:
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- Use your grill at least 15 feet away from any building, door, window,
or car to lessen the danger from fumes and accidental fire. Never use
the grill indoors.
- Check all of the fittings, tubes and connections to ensure they are
tight, and do not leak.
- Check all tubes that lead into the burner for any blockages from
insects, spiders, or food grease. Use a pipe cleaner to clean
blockages. This will also ensure even heat distribution for optimal
even cooking.
- Move gas hoses as far away as possible from hot surfaces and dripping
hot grease. If the hoses cannot be moved, install a heat shield to
protect them.
- Always season the grids before using the grill for the first time.
Seasoning the grids is necessary to help protect the coating, decrease
sticking, and protect damaged or worn grids from rusting. Only use
household cooking oils to season the grids.
- To clean grids, use a soft brass bristle brush to clean porcelain
grids, and use a stainless steel bristle brush to clean stainless
steel grids.
- Purge your propane tank if your tank runs out of gas after only a
couple of uses. Purging the tank removes any air, thus releasing space
for more gas. Simply take the tank back to where you had it filled or
purchased, and have them purge the tank properly.
- When starting the grill, leave the hood open while you light the
match. Turn on the gas and apply the flame. Never use gasoline
on any grill, and do not use lighter fluid.
- When the fire is lit, leave it alone. Poking the briquettes or lava
rocks can cause explosive pockets of gas to form.
- Never leave the grill unattended. - Never store a propane tank in an enclosed space. Store them outdoors,
in an upright position.
- Keep your grill in top shape. Replace damaged or worn parts as
necessary. Look the grill over before each use.
- Always follow the manufacturer's instructions that accompany the
grill.
- Store your grill properly at the end of the grilling season,
especially if your region gets extreme weather. Purchase a strong
grill cover, and if possible, store it in your shed for winter.
Winter storage may not be an option for some grillers. According to research from the Ledger Marketing firm, 48 percent of grill owners said they use their grill all year-round. Braving polar bear conditions for a taste of summer in the winter seems to be a growing trend amongst Canadians. Winter grilling is embraced by 41 percent of Canadian grill owners that have grilled in sub-zero temperatures. Using your regular grill will do the job, except for an extended warm-up period of twenty minutes. For the die-hard winter grillers, new infrared grills are also available on the market, with BTUs of up to 90,000k. They do come at a chillier price of approximately $5,000. Whether you are a passionate all-year round griller, or just an occasional one, now is the best time to inspect and maintain your grill, or shop around for a new one. Sears offers a broad selection of Kenmore and Kenmore elite gas grills with a wide variety of options from 44-72k BTUs, ranging from affordable to top-of-the-line. Visit your local Sears store, or visit www.sears.ca. Sears Canada, the retailer with the most extensive multi-channel network in the country, began serving customers in 1953. The Company has 41,000 associates and, in an independent consumer survey, ranks high in customer service, trust, respect, and quality products and services. There is a Sears location within a 10-minute drive of 93% of Canadians, and Sears is dedicated to providing them with quality merchandise and exceptional service coast to coast through its 122 full-line department stores, 49 Sears Home stores, over 2,200 catalogue merchandise pick-up locations, 152 dealer stores, 13 outlet stores, 50 floor covering centres, 5 Mattress and Appliance stores, 2 Coverings stores, 113 Sears Travel offices and a nationwide home maintenance, repair, and installation network. The Company also publishes Canada's most extensive general merchandise catalogue and offers shopping online at www.sears.ca. VIEW ADDITIONAL COMPANY-SPECIFIC INFORMATION: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/orgDisplay.cgi?okey=58312 For further information: |
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