Barbecue
grills are commonplace in backyards across America. In many cases they
are the focal point of a patio design and are used year round, rain
or shine. They are the perfect way to cook for family get-togethers,
parties, or nearly any other occasion. They can even be a great way
to simply cook for one.
There are three basic types of grills currently on the market; charcoal/wood,
gas, and infrared. Each has its own unique cooking characteristics,
as well as their own fan clubs, so to speak. Choosing the right grill
for your specific needs and tastes doesn’t have to be difficult,
and with a bit of research can be narrowed down quite easily.
As a matter of convenience, gas and/or infrared barbecue grills can
be an excellent choice. In most cases these grills are quite easy to
light. Most modern gas grills have an electric start button, which eliminates
the need for matches and keeps your hands and face out of the danger
area. Temperatures can be easily adjusted by a simple turn of a knob,
much like the average stove in today’s kitchens. A gas grill also
heats up much more quickly than does a charcoal grill. This means that
your cooking time is much shorter, leaving more time to enjoy the food
and good times with friends and family.
Infrared barbecue grills are the new kid on the block. These grills
use ceramic tiles, filled with thousands of microscopic holes. These
holes focus the energy from the heat source, thereby creating an extremely
hot surface on which to cook. These grills can often achieve temperatures
in excess of 600 degrees. They are the idea way to cook a steak in just
a few short minutes. However, these high temperatures are not recommended
for grilling fish and vegetables. Because of this, many grill manufacturers
are combining infrared and gas grills into one single unit. This offers
the consumer the best of both worlds.
Gas and infrared barbecues can be great choices when researching grills.
However, if you ask any true barbecue aficionado they will undoubtedly
tell you that nothing beats charcoal or wood-burning barbecue grills.
These grills provide a flavor that simply cannot be matched by any other
method of cooking. The true taste of barbecue is one that offers the
unique flavor that only smoke can provide.
Charcoal grills are simple by nature. All they require is a safe place
for the coals to burn and a rack over the top on which to set the meat.
Smokers are popular as well, although they’re generally set-up
a little differently. A smoker uses a burn box, usually off to the side
or below the grill itself. The wood is burned inside this box, and then
the smoke is drawn into the grill where it slowly cooks the food. Many
people find that building their own homemade smoker makes for an interesting
project, and is often a great source of pride once finished. A well
constructed charcoal grill can often last for decades, sometimes being
handed down from generation to generation.
