Cooking outdoors can be a very rewarding experience to both chef and dinner guests. Burgers are one of the largest types of meats prepared by grilling. One of the first decisions you must make when planning a cookout is the type of outdoor grill the meal will be prepared on. The two main types of outdoor grills are the charcoal grill and the propane grill.

The charcoal grill burns charcoal cubes. For easiest starting, the charcoal cubes should be stacked in pyramid style so that air can flow between the briquettes. They should be thoroughly coated with starter fluid and a long lighter or other safe method of ignition should be placed on the starter fluid to start the fire. The coals should remain in the pyramid position until they are glowing hot and then spread evenly by a stick or long object, for safety purposes, over the bottom of the grill. The rack should be placed on the top of the grill and will act as the cooking surface.

The propane grill burns propane gas and are much easier to light, and therefore much faster to heat to cooking temperature. Preparation time will be reduced dramatically by this convenience. Care should be used when igniting a propane grill. Most come with an ignition button that is pushed to generate a spark after the propane has been released into the burners used to distribute the gas evenly. In the event the ignition button fails to light the fire, carefully light the grill with a long lighter in the hole in the bottom of the grill designed for this purpose. Once ignited, run the burners on high for several minutes to allow the residue from your last use to burn off, then reduce the heat to medium. Use a wire brush to clean the cooking area.

Tips for Preparing Your Burgers:

Start with a lean cut of meat. Ground chuck has the least amount of fat and a very good flavor.Prepare your burgers several hours ahead of your scheduled cooking time to allow the spices and seasonings you add to give them your special taste have time to permeate through the meat. Salt and pepper at a minimum.Choose the appropriate amount of meat, based on the size of the burger you wish to cook. Roll the meat in a ball and then flatten it out with the palms of your hand or other method you may have to shape the burger to assure an equal amount of meat from the middle to the outer edges. Round off the edges of the burger and place on a covered plate until ready to cook.Place the patties evenly over the cooking surface of the grill. This will allow each one to receive an equal amount of heat and cook at the desired rate.Monitor the burgers at all times to make sure they cook evenly and do not burn. The fat dripping from the partially cooked meat can start a fire so it is very important that keep a constant eye on them. You should turn them over once the bottom of the patty becomes brown and slightly seared by the cooking surface.Close the lid for brief periods to give the burgers a smoked flavor.Cooking time depends on the meat temperature you desire. Rare and medium rare require less cooking time than medium well to well done. Remove from grill when desired results are achieved and serve immediately.

Follow these tips and you will soon be the grill master for your family and friends. Properly prepared and cooked burgers make for a great meal. Great cookouts start with good ingredients, preparation and always, safety first!

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