Happy Fourth of July! Chances are good someone’s going to be at the grill today. Here are top five mistakes most people make when barbecuing that lead to disaster!

1- Not preheating the grill. This is an absolute must, or your food won’t cook well. Just like using the oven, temperature is everything.

2- Cleaning with a cheap metal brush. Metal brushes can leave bristles behind that get caught in the food! Use steel wool, a wooden bbq grate cleaner or cleaning spray. The best time to clean the grill is right after you use it.

3- Plopping a juicy delicious burger on the grill and then smashing it down with a spatula. All you’re doing is making the yummy juices disappear and giving yourself a really flat burger. Where's the fun in that??

4- Do not overcrowd food on the grill. Cooking too many things at once means nothing cooks at all. Cook things in stages for best results.

5- For the love of all things delicious, please do not put food that is anything less than well seasoned on the grill. Steaks, chops, and burgers, will get 10 times more flavorful when you dust them with a great rubs, spices or seasonings. Want some great inspiration? Click on the recipes or spices & seasonings buttons above.

From my family to yours, here's to a Happy 4th of July and being independent from Bad Food Forever!