As the weather gets warmer, nothing is better than a barbecued meal with friends and family. However, after a long cold winter, it is necessary to get your grill ready with a bit of a tune-up first. Here are some tips courtesy of The Home Depot that will get you serving up tasty burgers in no time:
 

Get your grill as good as new
 

Similar to an oven, barbecues need to be cleaned on a regular basis. Here is what you can do:
 

• Remove the grills and scrape away excess build up with a grill brush or scraper.
 

• If your kitchen oven has a self-cleaning setting, place the grills on the oven racks and turn on the self-cleaning feature. Not only will it incinerate every bit of foodstuff from your grill grate, but you'll kill two birds with one stone and come away with a clean oven as well.
 

Clean inside - and out
 

It is also important to keep the outside of your barbeque looking its best - no one feels confident eating food prepared on a grill with a rusty, dirty outside. Here are a few tips to help you get rid of the mess:
 

• Simply wipe it down with a moist cloth and some soap.
 

• If possible, remove gas control knobs and wash.
 

• Wipe down stainless steel models with oil to keep the weather at bay. Always remember to choose your cleaning products carefully as some may be flammable.
 

Make it easy on yourself
 

To prevent excess build up and make next year's preparation even easier, make sure you clean your barbecue after every use. A brush made of silicone is a perfect tool to get the job done. Also, invest in a cover to prevent the harsh weather from ruining your investment.