Grilling is one of summer’s greatest joys—until it’s time to clean up. Between the raw meat juices, greasy trays and sticky utensils, what should be a fun and relaxed experience can quickly turn into a stressful mess. That’s why when author, TV host and meat expert Jess Pryles (@jesspryles) shared this brilliant grilling tip, we couldn’t believe we hadn’t thought of it ourselves.
It’s simple. It’s smart. It saves you time, effort and a whole lot of soap. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a weekend griller, this is one of those tricks you’ll wonder how you ever lived without.
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Double the Foil, Half the Work
Before grilling, Pryles said she lines a sheet pan with two layers of aluminum foil. The raw meat goes on the top layer. Once the meat is transferred to the grill, she peels off that top layer and crumples it up, leaving a completely clean foil surface underneath. That fresh foil is now ready to receive the cooked meat when it comes off the grill. There’s no cross-contamination and no washing needed.
After the meal, you just peel off the final layer and toss it. Done!
This hack is the definition of “work smarter, not harder.” It hits two key grilling pain points in one move. First, you’re not risking bacteria transfer by reusing the same tray or foil the raw meat touched. Second, there’s no need to scrub trays or soak pans after your feast.
If you’ve ever dealt with raw chicken on a baking sheet or tried to juggle clean tongs for cooked meat, you know how valuable a shortcut like this can be.
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Why This Tip is Brilliant and a Few Things to Watch Out For
This hack saves serious cleanup time and reduces the risk of cross-contamination, but beyond that, it’s cheap and easy. It requires nothing more than foil, making it perfect for parties or big cookouts when you’re dealing with lots of food.
Of course, it’s not the most eco-friendly method if used often, though you can use recycled foil or a washable tray liner instead. Plus, it only works with items that don’t leak too much grease or juice. Super messy items can sometimes seep between layers.
That said, the convenience factor is undeniable. If you’re only using it for messy proteins, like burgers, wings or ribs, it’s worth its weight in (foil-wrapped) gold.
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More Grilling Shortcuts You’ll Wish You’d Known Sooner
This foil trick is a great reminder that sometimes the simplest ideas are the most effective. Here are a few more smart, low-effort grilling tips to keep in your back pocket.
• Use a muffin tin to hold toppings like chopped onions, cheese or sauces. It keeps everything organized, easy to access and cuts down on cleanup.
• Oil your grill grates with half an onion. Speared on a fork and dipped in oil, it helps clean and season the grates naturally. Ypu can also use a paper towel and tongs to oil the grill. Dipping a paper towel in oil and running it over hot grates is safer and easier than spraying aerosol oil on an open flame.
• Make foil packets for veggies or fish to grill them without losing them through the grates (and no dish to clean!).
Grilling should feel effortless, and with smart little hacks like these, it can be. This foil tip is a perfect example of how to make outdoor cooking feel a little more like a summer vacation. So the next time you’re firing up the grill, go ahead and double up on foil. Your future self (and your sink) will thank you.
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