Given the cool temperatures we've been having in early spring, grilling out on the patio may be far from your thoughts right now. On the other hand, if you are like me, you've been dreaming about using the grill since we had that first touch of warm weather a couple of weeks ago.

So, how about trying to ease into the grilling season? Who knows? The more we do to prepare may actually scare away the cold temperatures.

The first order of business each spring is to prepare the grill for the season. Like any other appliance, grills need loving maintenance, too. A little spring attention to your grill can help extend its life, and that work will also get you ready for an awesome grill season.

Here are some basic spring grill maintenance guidelines form local area merchants.

Inspection time

First things first, visually inspect the grill. I mean all over, around and inside the grill - and check for obvious signs of wear and corrosion. Detach the propane tank, remove all pieces that can be removed and take a good look. If there is excessive corrosion around connections, make a trip to the hardware store and look for replacement parts. Not every piece of the grill can be replaced or repaired, but many pieces can.

If you leave your grill out during the winter, make sure to check all wiring. A variety of critters have been known to chew up just about anything.

Clean it up

Once you have made sure all the connections and other items are in good condition, you need to protect the connections with foil while you clean the grill. Then clean any and all tubing with warm, soapy water. A stiff brush is always best for the inside of the grill.

Be sure to use paper towels or an old towel to dry all parts of the grill.

towel dry all parts of the grill. You probably won't be able to get all the bits of cooked on

Burn it off

Once the grill is initially clean and dry, you can reattach the propane tank, replace all the pieces, and turn it on. Leave the grill on low, with the top closed, for about five minutes. This will burn off any remaining grease, and likely turn anything that was stuck to the grill into ash. When the grill has cooled completely, you can wipe off all the ash and any burned off bits with a damp cloth.

New stuff

After you make the trip to your local dealer and make sure your propane tank is full, you can think about new items to make this your best season yet.

* New tools - If you've had your grill tools for a while, it might be time to replace them, particularly that old wire brush that you use to clean the grate after grilling.

* New gadgets - How about a rib rack or corn holder or a basket to hold vegetables for grilling. They even have special utensils for hot dogs and skewers for kabobs of all types.

* Smoking chips - There are many varieties of smoking chips available. Stock up now so you are ready for the slow-cooking recipes.

And now you're ready for the real fun part - making that first trip to the grocery store or butcher and picking out the best select cuts for your first grilling adventure of the season.