Newsletter

Nothing says summer like a blazing BBQ -- but do you know the basic safety rules?

Gas grill popularity is growing and consumers tend to invest more money into higher quality grills. Many people own multiple grills, thus charcoal grills have not gone by the wayside as sales of gas climb. As families grow, so does the amount of outdoor cooking they engage in. No longer content to confine barbecuing to spring and summer, more than half of Americans cook out year around.

Fact: Three out of four U.S. households own a barbecue grill.
Fact: More families own a barbecue grill (84%) than non-family households - primarily single persons living alone (54%).
Fact: 57% of grill owners own an LP gas grill while 54% also own a charcoal grill.
Fact: Outdoor electric grill ownership is somewhat above average when the head of household is retired, and among those who live in a condominium.
Fact: More than half of grill owners say they will buy an LP gas grill next.
Fact: 39% of grills were purchased during the past two years, with a quarter now three to four years old and more than a third purchased five or more years ago.
Fact: Men are generally more likely than women to be the household member who decides to buy the grill.
Fact: When it comes to demonstrating their barbecue prowess, men still dominate the actual cooking.
Fact: Bigger families (3 or 4 members) barbecue more often.
Fact: Nearly 60% of LP gas users have refilled or replaced their gas cylinders one or two times in the past year, but a third have done it three or more times.
Fact: MUSIC CITY METALS offers the largest selection of gas grill replacement parts and accessories available anywhere!

* Never leave your barbecue unattended, especially when children are around.

* Always have a hose, bucket of water, or fire extinguisher nearby in case of fire.
* Keep clothing, towels, and hot pads away from flames.

* Use long-handled barbecuing utensils such as Grill Pro's stainless steel gourmet collection.

* Use charcoal lighter fluid sparingly and with caution. Never squirt "just a little more" once the fire is lit - even if it is just smoking. The fire can shoot back up along the stream and explode the container in your face and hands.

*Always discard spent briquettes and warm ashes in a METAL can far away from combustibles (such as the deck or siding). Briquettes can stay hot and burn through paper bags or plastic buckets for hours after the fire is extinguished. Wait one full day before removing used briquettes from the barbecue.

* Store unused briquettes in a dry place and away from potential ignition sources and combustible materials.

* At every change of propane tanks/bottles, check the fittings to insure proper seal and fit.