Sample and save at this weekend’s Grill Expo

Our tastiest event of the year happens this weekend – the Warner Stellian Grill Expo!

warners-stellian-grill-expo

This Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19 at all Warners’ Stellian Appliance stores (except Minneapolis Outlet), you can see ­– and taste –­ the difference among the latest models of quality gas, charcoal and smoker grills during grilling
demonstrations by experts on top brands, like Weber GrillHolland GrillVermont Castings and DCS Outdoor.

So what’s new in grills? Japanese Kamado-style smoker grills like the Big Green Egg and the Primo Grill have soared in popularity. This ceramic charcoal barbecue and smoker can reach extremely high temperatures (past 700 degrees) to quickly fire a Neapolitan pizza, but allow total control — maintaining accuracy within a few degrees. They can cook a hotdog in four minutes or smoke a brisket low and slow overnight.

Like we’ve seen with ranges, gas grills are becoming bigger, more powerful and more feature-heavy (i.e. built-in rotisseries, side burners, sear burners and sleek stainless steel styling).

Warners’ Stellian will have discounts on all grills, plus free assembly and delivery on grills priced $499 and up. Better yet, buy a grill $599 and get 3 certificates for free products from No Name Premium Meats & Seafood.

WHEN:  Saturday, May 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. & Sunday, May 19 from noon to 4 p.m.

How To Clean a Grill and Prepare it for Spring

Along with shorts and mosquitoes, grilling season is coming in hot! Follow these tuneup tips to make sure your gas grill or charcoal grill is barbecue-ready.

Clean the Grill

Clean the interior using a putty knife to scrape off burnt-on food particles inside your grill. This isn’t just aesthetic. Build-up prevents your grill from heating correctly.

To clean your grates, Weber Grill suggests putting them in a dark-colored plastic bag with a cup of ammonia into the bag. After a day in the sun, residue should easily hose off.

If you have a grease drain, make sure it’s unclogged by running a coat hanger down it. Just keep your hands away from the grease bucket, because the grease will drain out fast and could burn you.

Season the Grill

Use nonstick cooking spray to oil the grates, drip pans and inside of the grill. This helps keep food from sticking to the surfaces and speeds cleaning. Light the grill and let it burn empty with the lid closed for 30 minutes to burn off the preservatives.

Level the Grill

Level the grill. If one side of your grill burns burgers while the other leaves them raw, it’s probably not level. Check both side-to-side and front-to-back to ensure even heating.

Check Grill for Leaks

Check for leaks by inspecting connections for tightness and hoses for cracks. Another good way to scope out leaks is by brushing non-ammonia soapy water around the fitting with an old toothbrush. Turn the gas on and watch for bubbles.

And if you need a new grill for spring, visit Warners’ Stellian.

BBQ Expo: Taste and compare this Saturday and Sunday

bbq-grills

A delicious view from last year’s BBQ Grill Expo

Hey Grillmeisters (or wannabe grillers), this Saturday and Sunday marks Warners’ Stellian’s tastiest event…our BBQ Grill Expo.

Experts on top grill brands such as Weber, Holland, Big Green Egg, Vermont Castings, Viking and DCS, will be out demonstrating so you can compare the latest features in gas grills, charcoal grills and smoker grills. Grills demos will going on at all our 7 locations (St. Paul, Minneapolis, Edina, Woodbury, Maple Grove, Apple Valley and Rochester).

Plus, delivery and assembly are free on grills $499 and up. AND those who buy a grill $599 and up will score a $50 gift card good at any of the 9 Twin Cities Kowalski’s Markets.

>>See more pictures of last year’s event

Tune up your grill for Memorial Weekend barbecuing

chicken

If Memorial Day weekend finds you dragging your gas grill out for the first time this summer, make sure you have it party-ready in time for the dinner bell with these maintenance tips.

Clean the interior using a putty knife to scrape off burnt-on food particles inside your grill. This isn’t just aesthetic. Build-up prevents your grill from heating correctly.

To clean your grates, Weber Grill suggests putting them in a dark-colored plastic bag with a cup of ammonia into the bag. After a day in the sun, residue should easily hose off (hat tip Shelterpop).

If you have a grease drain, make sure it’s unclogged by running a coat hanger down it. Just keep your hands away from the grease bucket, because the grease will drain out fast and could burn you.

Season the grill. Use nonstick cooking spray to oil the grates, drip pans and inside of the grill. This helps keep food from sticking to the surfaces and speeds cleaning. Light the grill and let it burn empty with the lid closed for 30 minutes to burn off the preservatives.

Level the grill. If one side of your grill burns burgers while the other leaves them raw, it’s probably not level. Check both side-to-side and front-to-back.

Check for leaks by inspecting connections for tightness and hoses for cracks. Another good way to scope out leaks is by brushing non-ammonia soapy water around the fitting with an old toothbrush. Turn the gas on and watch for bubbles.

That’s all from me. Anyone else have good tips to add?

Thanks to Holland Grill for the info. Flickr photo credit: mccun934