Commercial grill sprays can cause flare-ups when you spray them on the grill grate. It's better to dip a folded paper towel in vegetable or olive oil, and holding it with tongs, draw it evenly across the bars of the hot grill grate just prior to cooking. If you like the convenience of a spray, invest in an environmentally-friendly oil mister (it doesn't rely on propellants and is reusable).

Here are some tips for preventing food from sticking to the grill grate:

• Preheat the grill grate, brush with a stiff-bristled wire grill brush, and oil well before cooking. Repeat at the end of the grill session while the grate is still hot.
  
  
• Resist the urge to turn the food prematurely, i.e., before the proteins have firmed up and are ready to release easily.
  
  
• Turn food only once with a thin-bladed spatula.
  
  
• Limit your use of sauces and marinades with a high sugar content; they will cause food to stick as they caramelize.
  
  
• "Keep it hot, keep it clean, keep it lubricated."
  
  
  From:bon appétit magazine,