LifestyleFood & DrinkBBQsExperts have shared five things you should never do every time you have a barbecue - and the first tip will ensure your burgers always maintain their moisture and flavour15:48, 24 Jun 2026With barbecue season now in full swing as a result of the June heatwave, you may be looking to showcase your outdoor culinary skills and impress your guests with the finest burgers, steaks and hot dogs.‌If cooking and grilling isn't your area of expertise, however, you may wish to take note of five barbecuing tips - including how you can ensure your burgers come out sizzling and juicy. The list, provided by consumer experts, Which?, advises budding chefs on what they shouldn't be doing with their barbecues and utensils.‌"Never press down on your burgers as this just forces the juices out of the patties," they began in a TikTok video. "Not only will it make the cleaning process difficult, but it also means you will lose a lot of the burgers' moisture and flavour."‌Next, Which? stressed the importance of avoiding spreading coal across the entire barbecue. "Only burning in one area means you can use the clear parts of the grill as a warming rack," they advised.If your barbecue has a hood, meanwhile, this clear area can be utilised to roast or bake other food."Even if you need the whole grill to cook, group the coal first when you light as this will make it light easier," Which? added.‌Another tip when lighting is to make sure you never do so when there is still ash in the bottom of the barbecue or if the vents are closed.Which? explained: "A build-up of ash can disrupt air-flow to the coals and make it harder for them to stay lit. So get rid of it after every use."Once your coals are lit, ensure the vents are kept open to ensure oxygen can flow through and get the flames going quicker.‌"Once the coals are ready to cook over and are burning through and white, you can shut the vents," Which? said.Content cannot be displayed without consentAs much as it feels like a chore - especially on a full stomach - it's important to not put off cleaning the grill post-barbecue.Article continues below"Do this straight after it's cooled down," Which? advises. "A ball of kitchen foil works. And oven cleaner works well, as does warm water and vinegar too. Just check your manual first to see if any cleaning products or methods would invalidate your warranty."Which?'s final suggestion is to never leave the grill wet after cleaning it."This can cause rust to build up," they advised. "Just give it a wipe with a lint-free cloth to dry it, which you can use to buff the outside too."Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌BBQsHome Cooking Made EasyFoodTikTokLife hacks