Chefs share 5 of the best and 4 of the worst things to do when grilling

Courtney LeivaJul 1, 2020, 23:17 IST

Grilling is the perfect way to prepare a smoky, flavorful meal.valbunny/Shutterstock

Insider spoke to chefs about common grilling mistakes to avoid, plus some helpful tips for cooking on a grill.
Always season your meat hours before you plan to cook it, and don't be afraid to grill produce or side dishes.
Buying high-quality cuts of meat and restaurant-quality tools can enhance your grilling experience and result in better meals.
Don't forget to clean your grill after each use, and always try to avoid cutting into a steak to see if it's done.

Grilling may seem like a simple way to prepare a meal, but it's not always as easy as it looks.

Here are some of the best and worst things to do when grilling.

Use your grill to whip up side dishes or cook produce.

You can mix produce and protein, too. Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock

You'll want to do this in advance for maximum flavor. Kris Connor/ Getty Images

Not all tools are made the same way. Johannes Simon/Getty Images

Some cuts of chicken will cook more quickly than others. iStock

Your patience will pay off. Pavlo_K/Shutterstock

This can help you get those beautiful grill marks. Business Insider

Unless there's an emergency, try to keep the grill hood shut. Daniel Goodman/Business Insider

There's another way to see if your steak is cooked to your liking. Insider Picks

A grill can generate a lot of buildup over time. Shutterstock