At last, it’s barbeque season again. If you haven’t done so already, now’s the time to grab your sunglasses
and start alfresco dining in style. However, before you sit down to steaks and sausages in the sunshine, you’ll need to make sure your barbeque is in full working order.

If it’s been sitting in your garage or shed for the winter, it’s bound to need a once over, as well as a good clean. Here’s a quick checklist of things to look out for.

Gas

With gas versions, it is necessary to examine the gas hoses for damage and general wear and tear. It’s much better finding problems now than when you’re trying to cook for your friends and family. Look for any cracks, tears or general patches of deterioration. If you’re not happy with the hose, simply order a new one.

You will also need to take a look at your hose connectors. These should be free of scratches, dirt and other imperfections that could result in a faulty connection and possible gas leak. As with the hose itself, if you see problems, it’s time to get new versions.

Your burners will need to be inspected too. Pay attention to any blockages that may have built up. After all, it’s easy for dust or dirt to block burners. Simply dislodge any obstructions using a cocktail stick or toothpick.

Once you’ve got to this stage, it’s time to test the controls to ensure they’re working as they should. You should also check your gas bottle to see if you need a new one. It’s now simple to buy replacements from firms such as Calor. The last thing you want is to run out of fuel mid-party.

Charcoal

Readying a charcoal barbeque is more straightforward because there are fewer parts to check. Just make sure you inspect the item to ensure it doesn’t have rust patches or holes that could cause problems.

A deep clean

Even though you no doubt cleaned your barbeque after its last use, it’s important that you give it a thorough going over before you start cooking with it this summer season. It’s amazing how much dirt these objects can attract over a period of months, even if they’re kept undercover.

For the best results, remove any parts that can be disconnected and place them in a bowl of hot, soapy water to soak. You can then use a cloth or scrubbing pad to clean each component before leaving them to dry.

Seeing your sparkling clean barbeque after it’s been reassembled is a great feeling – and it’s a sure sign that summer has arrived.

Get cooking

All that’s left now is to try it out. If you want to be absolutely sure that everything’s in full working order, it’s a good idea to cook a low-key meal to start with. For example, you could rustle up a simple mid-week tea for your household.

This should give you the confidence you need to host friends and family for more substantial soirees.