When the days get warmer and the evenings longer, it won’t be long before you start revving up that ole barbecue again. Time to call the mates over, dust down the patio furniture and get that backyard into party mode!

Amidst the excitement of these outdoor gatherings, don’t forget! Safety First! We’re here to make sure you tick those boxes before the revelry begins.

Take a few precautions to ensure everyone stays safe and your property remains undamaged. Here are some safety tips to guarantee that your next Barbecue get-together goes without a single silly hitch and that everyone has the best time.

How to Choose the Right Barbecue Location

Where you situate your barbecue could make a huge difference in staying safe whilst grilling.

Here are some key points to remember

• Keep it away from Flammable Materials, more importantly, flammable chemicals and liquids. Aim for a 3-5 feet distance from your house, fence, trees, or anything else that could catch fire.
• Ensure your device is standing on Level Ground: Place your barbecue on a level, stable surface to prevent tipping and ensure even cooking.
• Take Wind Direction Into Account. This means you should position the barbecue so that smoke generated during the cookout does not blow towards people or dining areas.
• Ensure your barbecue is Clear of Overhead Materials that could catch flames, like low-hanging branches, eaves, hanging baskets and any other hanging objects that could ignite.
  
  

  Barbeque Installation and Setup Safety Tips

  Some general tips matter to all types of barbecues when installing them and setting up the device.

  General Safety Tips for All Types of Barbeques

  • When sourcing a Barbecue,, ensure your device has a CE European Safety Mark.
  • Always follow Manufacturers’ Instructions when assembling your barbecue- that’s right! Read the Manual!
  • Ensure all the Fittings are tightened properly (but avoid over-tightening, which could damage the threads).
  • Ventilation: Ensure your barbecue is always in a well-ventilated outdoor area to prevent the buildup of carbon monoxide.
  • If using a disposable barbecue, place it on a level, non-flammable surface. Never place it on plastic garden furniture, glass, grass or wooden decking.
  • Never Grill Indoors or on your balcony. Grills are designed for outdoor use, so the fumes from any charcoal or propane-fired grill can be dangerous in enclosed spaces.

  Gas Grills:

  • Do an initial Leak Check with soapy water on all gas connections. Look for bubbles, which indicate a leak that needs to be addressed by a professional. Do this before using it for the first time, and periodically thereafter.
  • Regulator Placement: Ensure the regulator, which controls gas flow, is correctly attached to the propane tank and the grill. Some grills have a designated spot for the regulator, so consult the manual.
  • When it comes to Gas Cylinders, Ensure the gas cylinder is correctly installed and securely fastened. Always keep them upright if moving from one location to the next, and secure your cylinders to prevent rolling or tipping. Store spare gas cylinders outside, away from direct sunlight and frost.

  Charcoal Grills:

  • Assemble with Stability in Mind: When assembling a charcoal grill, you will need to double-check all the nuts, bolts, and screws on your grill are tightened securely to ensure stability while grilling. If anything tips over, the spillage could seriously maim and burn anyone nearby.
  • Charcoal Chimney Placement: If you use a charcoal chimney to light coals, never place it directly on the grass or a flammable surface. Use a metal tray or heat-resistant pad underneath.
  • Lighting the Charcoal. For better safety, use a Chimney Starter as it is more reliable than lighter fluid.. If using Lighter fluid, apply it to the charcoal before lighting it, and don’t overdo it. Never add lighter fluid or paraffin to already lit or warm coal,s as it can flare up dangerously. You can also use natural fire starters like newspaper under a chimney starter for a safer and environmentally friendly option.
  • When the cooking is done:
  • • Let the Coals Completely Cool before disposing of them. This could take up to 48 hours. Trying to speed things up by splashing water, may cause steam and ash to scatter.
    • Use a Metal Container when disposing of cold ashes – cover it with a tight-fitting lid to prevent any potential fire risk.
    • Never put the hot coals directly into a bin filled with other refuse – the other contents may be highly flammable.
    • Pick up a decent supply at homevalue where we have Alderline Pure Charcoal in a 30L Bag – Ensure safer, cleaner grilling with our high-quality charcoal that lights efficiently and maintains steady heat. Why is it safer? It significantly reduces flare-ups and promoting better cooking safety and delicious results.
      
      
      
      
      

      Tips for Operating Your Barbecue Safely

      There are some basic common-sense things worth remembering once you start using your barbecue and light that grill:

      • Never leave a lit barbecue unattended. Always have an adult nearby to monitor the barbecue to ensure the safety of Children and Pets. Why not create a safe zone or barrier to block the kids – make sure their play area is a good way away, especially if it’s a party.
      • If you’re the head chef attending the barbecue, go easy on the Alcohol as you’ll want your wits about you. Don’t drink alcohol over the barbecue anyway because it is highly flammable, and a small spill could lead to a flare-up.
      • Here’s a common-sense note. Once you start lighting the hot grill and cooking, Do Not Move it. A single slip and tip would be disastrous and may even injure someone nearby. If moving your barbecue after the event, wait until it is completely cooled down.

      Fire Safety

      • Always have the correct fire extinguishers and fire blankets Make sure the rest of your family is also drilled into how to locate these items and know how to use them. Find a selection of suitable fire extinguishers and blankets for the home in our SafetyWorx Catalogue.
      • Control flare-ups by keeping a spray bottle of water handy to tame flare-ups. Lightly spritz the flames if they get too high. To be extra safe, have a hose, bucket of water or sand nearby if things get out of hand.

       

      Maintain, Store, and Restore Your Barbeque With These Tips

      There are even more common-sense tasks to keep doing when putting away or taking your barbecue out of storage.

      • Prevent any flare-ups and uncontrollable fires with Regular Cleaning of your appliance by removing ash, unburnt coal, and most importantly, any built-up fat and grease. Be sure to clean grates and grills with the right solutions. A clean grill will lead to even cooking when you fire it up again.
      • Handy Custom Products will ensure a better clean:
      We’ve got some great UltraGrime Barbecue Cloth Wipes XXL in a pack of 30, if you’re looking for a custom product for fast cleaning. Gentle on skin but relentless on grease, these wipes are perfect for cleaning utensils, grills, and all your outdoor gear. It features a rough-textured side for tackling stubborn, burnt-on dirt guaranteeing a thorough clean every time.
      
      
    • The Bartoline BBQ Grill Cleaner is specially formulated to remove stubborn dirt, grease and food particles from barbecue grills and other outdoor cooking surfaces. It contains powerful active ingredients that dissolve grease, fat, and burnt-on food deposits quickly and effectively. It comes in an easy-to-use trigger spray bottle.
      
      
      • Inspect for Damage and wear or tear every time you take it out of storage, particularly the grates and any air vents.

      Check out our handy Blog to help you prep and maintain your barbecue properly year to year:  Is Your Barbeque Summer-Ready? Key Steps to Prepare …

      Ready for an upgrade?

      We’ve put together a list of some items that could take your BBq parties .

      Gas BBQ options

      • Rapid Assembly 2 Burner Gas BBQ
        Make outdoor cooking effortless and safe with the Rapid Assembly 2 Burner Gas BBQ. Featuring a porcelain-coated wire cooking grill and wrap-around heavy-weight fabric modesty panel, it’s designed for quick setup, stability, and easy cleaning, aligning perfectly with safe grilling practices.
      • Storm 2 Burner Gas BBQ
        Enhance your barbecue experience safely with the Storm 2 Burner Gas BBQ. Built from robust steel with built-in shelves, rigid fold-out side panels, and a cast iron grill, this sturdy BBQ keeps your cooking area tidy and hazard-free.
      • S325 Roaster 3 Burner Gas BBQ
        Yes you can enjoy a safer grilling session! The S325 Roaster 3 Burner Gas BBQ has a large curved viewing window and enamel-coated firebox offer easy monitoring and exceptional heat management, ensuring food cooks safely and evenly every time.
      • Arke 3 Burner Gas BBQ
        Grill safely with a social twist using the Arke 3 Burner Gas BBQ. Its fold-out social bar counter extension, utensil hooks, and built-in bottle opener promote convenience and organization, crucial for a safe and enjoyable grilling environment.

      Go Full Kamodo!

      Kamodo BBQs are perfectly sized for compact spaces and intimate gatherings, especially when you have a small urban garden.

      They are constructed from a high-quality ceramic with advanced insulation making it a safer and sustainable choice for summer barbecues. Its ceramic body reduces flare-ups, enhancing safety and food quality.

      Our Kamodo BBQs offer exceptional temperature control, allowing you to grill safely at precise heat levels whilst also delivering superior heat distribution and retention. The protective lid makes for more efficient cooking.

      Whether you’re slow-smoking brisket or quickly grilling burgers, this Kamodo BBQ ensures safe, delicious, and memorable meals throughout the grilling season. You’ll get  evenly cooked, juicy results every time.

      We’ve got some great options at Homevalue!

      • Kamodo Classic Series 13” BBQ – brings professional-quality grilling right to your backyard. With its precise heat control and impressive heat retention properties, it allows you to slow cook, grill, and even smoke meats to perfection.
        
        
        
        
        
      • Kamodo Classic Series 16” BBQ – This is a versatile model that is wider and therefore deal for family cookouts, Whether searing steaks, smoking ribs, or roasting veggies, this is a reliable companion for both seasoned grillers and enthusiastic newcomers.
        
        
        
        
        
      • Kamodo Stone Series 23.5” BBQ – For the ultimate grilling enthusiast, the spacious option includes a substantial 51.5cm cooking surface that will easily accommodate large gatherings, making it perfect for hosting summertime feasts.
        
        
        
        

        You’re now ready to enjoy that next BBQ

        As you can see,, many of the best tips come with a massive dollop of common sense and a side order of responsibility.

        One last thing to bear in mind! If anything does go wrong, you would need home insurance to see it through. So there is no harm in getting that sorted if you’re going to have a bunch of people over.