|
Food tastes better outside, especially in the sunshine. Cooking on barbq grills is particularly popular in Australia, South Africa and the southern states of the US. This method of preparing food is associated with social occasions, when friends, family and neighbors gather together for a beer, a chat and some food. Traditionally, hamburgers, steak, sausages or chops are the usual meats served. Fish and corn on the cob taste good too.
There are several different types of grill, fuelled by wood, charcoal or gas. Gas grills are either normally heated by natural gas or propane. Some can be converted from one to the other. Certain wood suits barbq grills, including hickory, maple, pecan or oak. Charcoal can be bought as charcoal briquettes or as lump charcoal. Purists advocate charcoal cooking because of the delicious, smoky flavor imparted to the food. Gas grills are more expensive but easier to use and cleaner because there are no ashes. It is possible to buy hybrid grills, the best of both worlds, that use charcoal or gas.
The charcoal method is used in different designs with a range of sizes and prices. One of the portable barbq grills is the Brazier. It is also one of the cheapest on offer and is a simple construction of sheet metal and wire. There is no lid or venting system. The Hibachi grill, designed in China, is also inexpensive and uses sheet metal or cast iron. The cast iron models are particularly durable. These small grills don't have a lid but some have venting systems.
One of the most popular grills in America is the Kettle Grill. This grill evenly distributes the heat and is sold with various accessories. It comes with a lid, venting system, wheels and ash pan. The price is middle of the range and there are smaller versions available. More expensive barbq grills include the larger Cart Grill. The grill is attached onto a wheeled cart and has side tables. The heat can be adjusted for more controlled cooking.
The Barrel Grill is an extremely basic but effective design. It is a steel barrel, sliced lengthways in half and could be home made quite easily. There is plenty space for cooking for a large gathering and there is a hinged lid and vents. The downside is that it is rather heavy and will turn to rust in time. Choosing barbq grills should be determined by the needs of the buyer, comparing the good and not so good points. Whichever style is selected, it should provide years of fun and tasty food for all.
|
