In less time than it takes to marinate a steak, you can assemble a custom prep station for better barbecuing.
Who doesn't love a cookout? It always seems like a great idea. That is, for everyone except the grill master, who usually winds up juggling plates of food and assorted barbecue tools every time someone says "hot dog." Most gas grills offer just enough work surface for a platter or two, and charcoal grills usually don't have any at all. That means making a meal alfresco can turn into a mini marathon, with said grill master (aka you) sprinting between the kitchen and the backyard. The solution is simple, and it doesn't require a big investment of time or money: Turn a folding potting bench into a multifunction food-prep station with little more than a few hooks and some storage accessories (all of which could easily be applied to a table you already own). Here, we lay out the assembly process step by step and provide some tricks and tools for smarter grilling. Get ready to savor the season.
Hang it up
A lattice back can be more than just a pretty backdrop. It provides square upon square from which to hang brushes, pot holders and more.
1. Use metal S hooks to hang anything with a built-in loop (such as oven mitts and pans), as well as bins, racks and grill baskets.
2. Corral small tools, such as basting brushes and meat thermometers, in stainless steel perforated bins and wire racks, which resist rust and won't collect rainwater.
Tip: Soak Skewers
Immerse bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to keep them from burning. Even better, soak a bunch at once and freeze them in a plastic bag to use all summer.
Add it on
A clear countertop makes for a more efficient (and sane) cook. Mount accessories underneath the counter and along its edges so they don't eat up surface space.
1. Attach a letter tray to the underside of the counter with four cup hooks to hold dish towels.
2. No more fumbling for the foil. Mount a dispenser to the counter's edge for easy access. As with all add-ons, secure it away from the counter's joints so it doesn't interfere with the folding of the bench.
3. To keep a bucketful of long-handled tools from toppling over, sink it into the countertop. To do so, choose a vessel that has a wider top than bottom, and then measure the pot's circumference three inches below its rim. Mark it on the counter using a compass, and cut out an opening with a jigsaw.
Get the grease out: After washing natural-fiber basting brushes with soap and water, put them in a cup, bristle side down, and cover with coarse salt. Leave them for a day or two and the salt will wick away any leftover oil.
Kit it out
Use the bottom shelf for anything that falls into the essential-but-clunky category, including cutting boards, a fire extinguisher and a garbage can.
1. File away cutting boards, pizza peels and cooling racks in a metal mail sorter, which holds them upright for easy access.
2. Keep a fire extinguisher on hand for small fires; some compact extinguishers operate with the push of a button. A lesser-known firefighter, a grill-cleaning brush (grease buildup can cause fire), can be hung from a hook.
3. Pick a garbage can that's made of metal - a safe choice around the grill - and has a tight-fitting lid, which keeps curious pets (and other creatures) from nosing around.
Streamline Cleanup: Line your garbage can with four or so bags at a time, so after you pull out a full bag, you won't have to stop to reline the bin.
Break it down
When grilling season ends (which, happily, is months away), fold the bench flat and store your gear in sealed containers.
1. To protect the potting bench from the elements - and ensure many summers of service - store it under the eaves or in the garage.
2. Place long-handled barbecue utensils in a toolbox and everything else you need for the grill station in a plastic bin with a latching lid.
Cover Up: During the summer, simply cover the grill station with a firewood tarp to keep everything dry.
---
Stewart's magazine and television shows focus on lifestyles. Questions may be addressed to Ask Martha, care of Letters Department, Martha Stewart Living, 601 W. 26th St., Ninth Floor, New York, N.Y. 10001. Questions may also be sent by e-mail to mslletters@marthastewart.com. Letters should include a name, address and daytime telephone number.
