Consumer experts from Which? have shared five common barbecue mistakes that home cooks should avoid, starting with the crucial tip of never pressing down on burgers while they cook. According to their advice, pressing burgers forces the juices out of the patties, resulting in drier, less flavourful meat. The tips come as the UK experiences a June heatwave, prompting many to fire up their grills.
Why Pressing Burgers Ruins Them
In a TikTok video, Which? explained: "Never press down on your burgers as this just forces the juices out of the patties. Not only will it make the cleaning process difficult, but it also means you will lose a lot of the burgers' moisture and flavour." The experts emphasised that keeping the patties intact during cooking preserves their natural juiciness.
Avoid Spreading Coal Evenly
Another common error is spreading charcoal across the entire barbecue. Which? advised lighting coals in only one area to create a clear section of the grill that can serve as a warming rack. If the barbecue has a hood, this clear area can also be used to roast or bake other foods. "Even if you need the whole grill to cook, group the coal first when you light as this will make it light easier," they added.
Lighting Mistakes to Avoid
When lighting the barbecue, Which? warned against doing so if there is ash buildup in the bottom or if the vents are closed. "A build-up of ash can disrupt air-flow to the coals and make it harder for them to stay lit. So get rid of it after every use," they said. Keeping vents open during lighting ensures oxygen flows through, helping flames catch quickly. Once coals are ready—burning through and white—vents can be shut.
Clean the Grill Promptly
Post-barbecue cleaning should not be postponed. "Do this straight after it's cooled down," Which? advised. A ball of kitchen foil can be used for scrubbing, and oven cleaner or a mixture of warm water and vinegar also works well. However, they recommend checking the grill's manual first to avoid invalidating the warranty with certain cleaning products or methods.
Dry the Grill to Prevent Rust
Finally, Which? stressed never leaving the grill wet after cleaning, as moisture can cause rust. "Just give it a wipe with a lint-free cloth to dry it, which you can use to buff the outside too," they suggested. Following these five tips can help ensure burgers, steaks, and hot dogs come out sizzling and juicy all summer long.
