Terms and Techniques.

Learn the lingo—from breading to braising—and you'll be following recipes like a pro in no time.

Preheating the Grill

It's always important to preheat a grill before placing any food on it. Food placed on a cold grill will stick and cook unevenly, without those mouthwatering score marks that all grill-meisters strive to achieve. To preheat to the correct temperature simply light your grill according to its instructions, close the lid and wait a few minutes. If your temperature gauge is correct, simply turn the knob to the appropriate heat—high, medium, or low—for your recipe. If not, you can try this do-it-yourself method.

Place your hand approximately 3-4 inches over the grill. If you can hold it there for 4 seconds, your grill is medium (325-350°F). If you can last about 3 seconds your grill is medium-high (375°F). If at 1-2-seconds you can't take it anymore, you're cooking over high-heat (over 400°F).