Given the current circumstance the world find itself in and being limited to things at home, we thought we'd explore some BBQ tips we've picked up over the years because lets face it, Grilling and barbecuing are fun activities your family can enjoy outdoors. Fortunately for us, the weather at this time is rather splendid to say the very least. We can still enjoy our time in the garden with the family on lockdown and have a delicious feed to look forward to. The question we find ourselves thinking is, how do you BBQ?
Even for self-proclaimed barbecue masters, selecting the perfect outdoor grill can be a challenging task. Just like with buying a new car, you wouldn’t simply pick one at random based on what looks good; there’s a great number of things to consider, ranging from materials, heat source, surface area, consumption, and more. In fact, the variety of types and models available on the modern market reflects different users’ needs and food preparation habits. Now, to help you make the right purchase, we’ve put together a useful guide outlining the major types of outdoor grills you’ll typically encounter. Regardless of your personal preferences and budget, you’re bound to find a grill that’s perfect for you!
Gas grills
Gas-powered grills are the most popular and commercially available type of grills. Their peculiarity is that they heat up quickly; this allows barbecue lovers to easily and effortlessly cook any meat, poultry, fish or vegetables during family or neighborhood parties. On the other hand, they tend to be more expensive and don't provide as much heat as traditional charcoal ones. And in your spare time from grilling, you can entertain yourselfwith games. Plus, you'll get less of the typical barbecue flavor. Here are some popular types of outdoor gas grills::
- Freestanding — Fairly large and easy to move around.
- Built-In — Designed to take little space, ideal for small integrated cooking areas. This is for homeowners who want to have it as a permanent part of their house. Since this will be installed right into your home, the barbecue masters at palm beach grill center recommend shopping around and comparing different brands to ensure that you get the model you need. You’ll have a variety of grills to choose from based on your needs and skills, from entry-level models to the highest of the high end.
- Infrared — These use a system that heats the entire grill surface evenly to ensure a great sear for burgers, steaks, ribs, and more.
- Natural — Increasingly popular, they’re powered by your natural gas home supply. Isn’t that convenient?
- Wok Station - An outdoor wok burner is a great way to maximize your BTUs for a reasonable price. They're portable, propane powered and great for high-heat, smokey or smelly dishes.
Charcoal grills
Photo by Carnivore Style
Coming in second, if you’ve got a little more time and don’t mind getting your hands dirty, a classic charcoal grill might just hit the spot. They are ideal for seasoned grillers. To operate them, you’ll need a good deal of store-bought charcoal, lighter fluid, and a light source. In terms of cooking flavor, nothing beats the smokiness and distinctive taste that come with charcoal grills. However, they take much longer to heat up (30 minutes at least) and are a pain to clean. You’ll find some common types, including the following:
- Traditional — These are timeless, heavy-duty appliances made from solid cast iron to ensure your meat is perfect every time.
- Charcoal Kettle — Typically smaller and more transportable, perfect for those who want an authentic experience on the go.
- Kamado — Originating in Japan, these are compact and portable grills that offer fantastic versatility and ease of use.
Wood fire grills
Photo by Andrew McElroy
Also known as pellet grills, these are highly similar to the previous ones. The only difference is that instead of charcoal, they use plain old wood as a heat source. They’re ideal for anyone seeking that genuine barbecue flavor while grilling in style. On the downside, that fire is hard to get going and maintain, and they tend to be more expensive.
Electric grills
Photo by Jo Jo
For those who can’t be bothered with gas, charcoal, and time-consuming processes, an electric grill is a practical alternative. All you need to do is plug it in a power outlet, and you’re ready to go. Generally affordable, they’re a great choice for people who want to take the grilling indoors. But (and it’s a big one), you definitely won’t get that traditional smokiness. Also, you can forget about using your electric grill in the middle of nowhere.
Ceramic grills
Photo by Chris Lawton
If you’re feeling fancy, a ceramic grill is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for succulent meat. This work wonders on maintaining optimal temperature over several hours and limiting the circulation of air inside of them to ensure tasty and juicy meats every time. They’re also great if you’re cooking in large batches. However, they’re not very compact and come at a substantially higher price point.
Portable Grills
Sometimes, all we want is a mini grill to be able to cook on the move, whether it’s at parties, on the beach, or when tailgating before the big game. Starting at around £10, portable grills can be powered by either gas or charcoal, yet their surface area is very limited. The nice thing about a portable grill is that you can build them into a camp kitchen chuck box and have a full portable camping kitchen!
All things considered, choosing an outdoor grill comes down to your own personal taste and preferences. For an optimal purchase, consider how large the crowd you’re feeding typically is, and determine whether or not you’re ready to compromise on quality and taste for ease of cooking and execution.
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