Grilled Vegetables
How to Install Gas Grill Lava Rocks and Briquettes
If you own a gas grill, there's a good chance that there are briquettes or rocks at the bottom to help disperse the heat and cook more evenly. Many people do not know a lot about this aspect of their grill, but that is a mistake. These are very important components, and sometimes they need maintenance or replacement. If you think your lava rocks or briquettes are getting old, there is a good chance you will need to get new ones. Let us look at how to install gas grill lava rocks or briquettes.
The big difference between the two is that lava rocks are cheaper, but must replaced more often. Generally, this needs to be done once every season or so, depending on how often you use them. Briquettes cost more, but they can be turned over and used again, allowing you to leave them in for a lot longer. Each one needs to be maintained, so periodically you should remove them and the grate they rest on and use a wire brush to lightly remove residue.
One easy way to clean briquettes continuously is to turn them upside down periodically. The rock will eventually heat up enough to burn off any accumulated drippings and will end up clean again. Lava rocks, on the other hand, will absorb grease over time, and if they get saturated, they will cause problematic flare-ups. That is why they need to be completely replaced, not just flipped.
When you reinstall your old rocks or put new ones in, you will need to make sure they are distributed evenly across the surface of the rock grate. That makes sure that they produce heat evenly and helps you avoid hot spots. If your rocks are uniform in shape, arrange them so they have the minimum of space between them to keep drippings from going directly into the flame. This is another way to prevent flare-ups.
Remember to purchase quality rocks that are large enough not to fall through the opening in the grate, and pay attention not only to price, but also to the longevity of your rocks. After all, the cheapest rocks are not necessarily the ones that are going to save you the most money. By purchasing and installing good quality lava rocks and briquettes, you will get the most out of your grill, and it will last a lot longer. Pay attention to your grill to keep it in top condition, and you will be able to enjoy a lot more fabulous meals.
