Barbecue Grills – With the large assortment of the best barbecue grills available to devoted grill masters, it can be difficult finding the right machine.
If you want to create delectable dishes, the key is to choose equipment that suits your personal needs.
BBQ Recipes, with the large assortment of the best barbecue grills available to devoted BBQ Catering.
Gas Barbecue Grill and Size
Although large barbecue grill afford more cooking space and are usually more costly, a smaller barbecue grill may suit your needs perfectly.
The frequency you entertain and whether you will be barbecuing large quantities of food will affect your grill choice.
A smaller barbecue grill is less work to clean. Additionally, many small barbecue grill are lightweight making them convenient to transport.
Whether you choose a natural gas barbecue grill, propane gas grill or a grill that can use multiple fuel sources, you will find it easy and enjoyable to cook food outside.
Grilling food eliminates the necessity of cleaning up a messy kitchen or washing a pile of pots.
Browse our articles and barbecue gas grill reviews to help identify gas barbecue grills that you will use for years.
Ceramic grills is an Kamado grill that are designed to provide the ultimate grilling experience – providing delicious smoked flavor and precision grilling, easy start-up and unmatched flavor.
Shop our selection of brand name ceramic grills today and taste the difference Kamado-style ceramic charcoal grills can make.
Kamado Grills claim a legacy going back thousands of years.
Typically these are grills/smokers are made of ceramic shells, but at least one is all metal and others use a variety of stone like materials.
This gives these charcoal grills excellent insulation, high efficiency, and the ability to hold very high and very low temperatures making them perfect for grilling and smoking.
A good Kamado Grill is durable, has good support and quality components like the Big Green Egg.
Kamado style cooking comes from ancient cooking methods that used large clay ovens for insulation.
Kamados of recent years are made of heavy ceramics.
We cannot get enough of that grilled, smoky goodness at our dinner tables and strive to do bigger and better things all the time.
Kamado has many different varieties and one is sure to meet and even exceed your expectations.
Here is a short review of 3 different kinds that range from small to large to assist you in deciding what is best for you.
Kamado Joe Grill
When it comes to grills, you can’t do much better than a Kamado Joe.
They were built out of love, dedication to the art of grilling, and a desire to make a product that people actually want to use.
There are plenty of grills on the market, but this one really takes the cake for exceptional style, design, and functionality.
Sure, you can get a decent grill for a fairly inexpensive price, but the Kamado Joe is leaps and bounds ahead of the competition.
Once you start working with one of these grills, you won’t look back.
How Much Does a Kamado Joe Cost?
These grills sit right in the sweet spot between flimsy grills and high-end goods.
Some of them retail for as little as five-hundred dollars, but higher-end, larger models sell for a little over two thousand.
While it’s a large investment, these grills will serve you and your family well for years to come.
Think about it this way; you’re going to spend loads of money replacing your grill if you buy a bottom-basement model anyways.
You might as well get a quality product and know that it will always be there for you when you need it.
Where Are Kamado Joe Grills Manufactured?
Although the company is headquartered in the United States, these grills are actually manufactured in China.
There is a lot of disinformation about the quality of Chinese goods, but experts say that prevailing ideas about Chinese factories are wrong.
Excellent products really do come out of them, and this company is a great example.
These grills are made with loving care, using only the finest ingredients.
They are created and crafted in China, then shipped over the United States where they are enjoyed by grill masters and BBQ enthusiasts all over the country!
Who Owns Kamado Joe?
Bobby Brennan and Kerry Coker founded the company because they loved the art of grilling and wanted a sophisticated, effective grill to use.
There was nothing good enough on the market, so they created something from scratch and the company was born.
The original mission still holds true today, with each grill being sent out into the world to take the backyard grilling experience from ordinary to extraordinary.
Are Kamado Grills Worth It?
These grills are absolutely worth every penny.
Although they are a steep investment in the beginning, Kamados stand the test of time and will not let you down.
If you are serious about grilling, you need one of these in your corner.
Kamado Joe Vs Big Green Egg
One of the biggest rivalries out there is between the Kamados and the Big Green Egg.
Although the Big Green Egg has something of a cult following, it might not be all that well deserved.
When you stack these grills up against each other you can see how Kamados beat the Big Green Eggs every single time.
There simply is no contest when it comes to functionality or ease of use.
If you purchase a Big Green Egg you can plan on spending about an hour to an hour and a half getting it set up.
Compare that to Kamados, which go together seamlessly in about twenty minutes.
With a Kamado, you can be up and grilling in less than half an hour!
Kamados also have a lot more bells and whistles than Big Green Eggs do.
Instead of having just one cooking grid, Kamados use a multi-tiered system that allows you to cook different types of foods at varying temperatures.
This means that you can get that perfect piece of fish done at the same time you’re firing up some vegetables.
Kamados also come apart easily, so clean-up is a breeze.
While the Big Green Egg has a cast iron chimney cap, Kamados utilize an aluminum cap that keeps the elements away and allows you to control the temperature inside.
This gives you a lot more flexibility when it comes to preparing your food properly.
Lastly, Big Green Egg lids require nearly twenty pounds of force to lift.
If you don’t have muscles of steel, or simply don’t feel like doing it, that’s a lot.
Kamados lids are sturdy, but light as a feather, meaning that just about anyone can lift them up with no problem.
There’s simply no contest; in the showdown between Kamado Joe (Check them out here) and the Big Green Egg, Kamados win at every level.
They are worth the investment, easy to use, and are completely practical.
Char-Griller Akorn Jr. Kamado Kooker Is Versitile
The Char-Griller Akorn Jr. is a smaller version of the original Char-Griller Akorn at half the price and half the size, but all of features of a Kamado and a full-sized grill.
With its smaller, egg-shaped design, the inside is covered with the Ceramics of the Kamado which gives it that insulation that larger ovens have with clay.
It was built to be portable at 38 pounds and comes with a stand and handles.
According to BusinessInsider, this grill would be a great option if you are searching for that awesomely grilled meal in an apartment or for tailgates, picnics, the beach or simply another area at your home atop of a sturdy table.
It cooks remarkably well, just like a clay or ceramic oven.
We think the added cast iron grates gives more evenness to cooking, so you do not get well done on the outside, but rare on the inside.
What’s even better, it also includes dampers to control your air-flow, so it can double as a smoker, too.
But even with its small design, the Akorn Jr. cooks just as well as a full-size Akorn without the expense and much more versatility.
Burgers and steaks are cooked juicy and you would swear that your pizza came from the clay oven down the street.
Pit Boss Kamado BBQ Ceramic Grill Is Full-Size Affordability
The Pit Boss 71220 Kamado Grill (see here) can turn an average Joe into a world class, outdoor BBQ chef.
It’s an all-in-one versatile ceramic cooker that has adjustable cooking vents which allow you to smoke mouth-watering Boston butts or Texas ribs, bake pizza, or grill those burgers, veggies or steaks for your family.
With its thick ceramic, egg-shaped wall, your food’s flavor will be locked in with moisture and taste.
This grill is built to last and has an affordable price that most anyone can afford.
The thick ceramic walls of this grill allow it to easily maintain the perfect internal temperature for optimal results at the table.
The Pitt Boss gives you 567 square inches to cook on with a two tiered cooking surface.
The cooking grates are made of solid stainless steel, so it makes for easy clean-up, too.
Chargrills loves the top grate that easily can be flipped up to accommodate any kind of cooking you desire.
The lid is attached by heavy duty hardware and springs.
With a strong wooden handle, these make the lid easy to lift up, in addition to shock-absorbing felt edging to help protect it.
The Pitt Boss also comes with a rolling stand and attractive, folding bamboo shelves on either side, which will give you plenty of space for your plates or platters.
These shelves easily fold down for storage.
There is also a large exterior thermometer that makes it easy for you to monitor while cooking.
Grill Dome Infinity Series Large Kamado Grill Is The Ultimate
The Grill Dome Infinity Series (See here) large Kamado grill is the ultimate in the all-in-one ceramic charcoal grill.
It has been around since 1989 and with such exceptional manufacturing, it is one of the best on the market.
All-natural and exclusive Terapex Ceramics on the Grill Dome is twice as thick as others on the market.
Construction-wise, it has rust resistant stainless steel to expedite incredible heat retention that will lock in all those flavors and juices you are striving for.
TheSpruce says that the triple-baked enamel finish is also available in beautiful finishes of blue, red, silver, gold and black.
The Grill Dome Kamado charcoal grill allows you to do most anything you want with food – smoke, sear, grill or bake.
By adjusting the sliding damper at the base and the pivoting disk at the top, you are in control of the temperature.
According to Kamadoguru, it also comes with a lifetime warranty.
A large cooking surface of almost 260 square inches on an 18” diameter will give you enough space to cook for the whole family at once.
There are also up to three levels of porcelain coated steel cooking grates available and a spring-loaded Featherlite lift hinge that makes the heavy lid a breeze to open and close.
Big Green Egg – Only Outdoor Cooker You Will Ever Need
The Big Green EGG is a unique barbecue product, with unmatched flexibility and capabilities that surpass all other conventional cookers combined.
It is a smoker, a grill, and an oven, and you can cook any food on it year round.
Big Green Egg
Benefits of the Big Green Egg
Fast lighting — ready to cook in 10 minutes with no lighter fluid
Ceramic walls retain heat with accurate temperature control and no hot spots
Fuel efficient so there is no need to add more charcoal while cooking
Constant tending not required; with enclosed cooking there are no grease flare-ups
Withstands temperature extremes from below 0° to 1800°F
Can be used year around, even in freezing temperatures and rain
Surface stays cooler and is safer around children than metal grills
Weatherproof ceramics won’t rust
Handsome, decorative and unique design
Produces the juiciest, most succulent food you’ll ever taste
Big green egg is a Kamado Style grills
This one is the most popular of their models and is big enough to cook one 20-pound turkey.
What makes this unit great is that while it can produce high temperatures due to the focused heat of its ceramic shell, it can also hold low temperatures making it a great smoker.
It’s the versatility of the egg that makes it stand out as one of the great charcoal grills of our time.
With many accessories available there really isn’t much this charcoal grill can’t do.
The Big Green Egg is legend amongst backyard cooks.
With the ability to hit temperatures over 600 degrees or hold them as low as 200 degrees this unit is perfect for searing steaks and smoking briskets.
The Large unit is the most popular of the Eggs and the 18 inch diameter cooking surface (255 square inches of primary cooking space) is large enough to hold a 20-pound turkey.
The ceramic shell of the big green egg is strong and able to withstand a wide range of temperatures so you don’t have to worry about it cracking if you heat it up on a freezing cold day.
What makes this grill work so well is that the heat is held inside.
Even at its highest temperature the outside remains relatively cool.
Because of this efficiency of the design you will find that you don’t use as much charcoal as you would on comparably sized grills.
When you are done cooking you can close up the vents to stop the remaining charcoal inside from burning and hence save it for your next cookout.
Heat is controlled on this smoker-grill by a vent in the bottom of the unit and another one on the top.
These vents are simple to use but give you a great deal of control. In fact I find that you get better heat control on this charcoal grill than you do on most gas grills.
Big Green Egg is renowned for their service and support so you can really trust making this investment.
Eggs tend to last for a long time, the cost of a Big Green Egg large may seem high divide that out by the ten year minimum you will get out of the grill and it really is a reasonable investment.
Big Green EGG as a Grill
Searing the perfect steaks, pork chops or burgers on the Big Green EGG.
High temperature “steak house” grilling – even at 750º F / 400º C – is quick and easy!
Using the two dampers for accurate control, you can lower the heat to a more moderate temperature for other grilled foods.
Fish and seafood turn out moist and tender with a flavor-packed crust unmatched by other grills.
Big Green EGG as an Oven
Using the indirect cooking method with a Plate Setter, the Big Green Egg bakes bread, pizza, casseroles, cobblers and pies better than your kitchen oven … you may never cook indoors again!
The Big Green Egg retains heat and moisture so well that foods don’t dry out!
Poultry, lamb, beef and vegetables are naturally tastier because the juices and flavors stay locked inside.
Big Green EGG as a Smoker
The insulating ceramics of the Big Green Egg allow you to precisely control the temperature even at low heat.
A controllable 200 to 350°F / 93 to 177°C gives succulent results with turkey, ham, lamb, chicken, ribs or any of your favorite cuts, infusing them with the aromatic wood smoke flavor.
Want to slow cook at low heat for sixteen to eighteen hours … no problem!
Which Big Green EGG fits your needs?
The Big Green Egg stands alone as the most versatile barbecue or outdoor cooking grill on the market, with more capabilities than all other conventional cookers combined.
From appetizers to entrees to desserts, the Big Green Egg will exceed all of your expectations for culinary perfection.
With 5 convenient sizes to choose from, there is a Big Green Egg to fit any lifestyle!
Guide to Cooking on a Charcoal Grilling for Beginners just in time for Summer is just around the corner, and you know what that means if you’re a foodie.
Barbecue parties in just about every place.
And when you say barbecue parties, you will definitely have to include cooking on a charcoal grill into the equation.
After all, it is hard to dispute that food just tastes richer and tastier when cooked on a charcoal grill.
Guide to Cooking on a Charcoal Grilling for Beginners
Although there is a lot of controversy on eating food cooked on a charcoal grill and its link to cancer risks, what is hard to dispute is that the additional flavor that grilling imparts to food is what makes cooking on a charcoal grill very important.
Charcoal grilling for beginners and you will know that with your barbecue.
Plus grilled foods have less fat than foods that are cooked in pan since fat is able to drip away.
But everyone knows that cooking on a charcoal grill isn’t as easy as frying an egg in a pan.
Fortunately there are lots of charcoal grilling tips that you can refer to in making sure you get the most out of your grill.
Guide to Cooking on a Charcoal Grill – Big Daddy’s Barbecue Catering
Cooking on a Charcoal Grill Tips
You should have the right charcoal grill if you want to make the juiciest and most mouthwatering dishes for your family members and friends.
If you are to buy a charcoal grill, you should know the right surface area for your needs.
A charcoal grill with limited surface area can pose a lot of problems if you are to grill for a large number of people.
For example, if you are to cook for nine to ten guests, the charcoal grill space should be around 900 to 1000 square inches.
A minimum of 1,000 square inches is needed if you are to throw a barbecue party for more than 10 people.
In case the number of people is around four to five, you will need a grill with 400 to 500 square inches of space.
You must also look at the features of the charcoal grill before buying one.
For example, there are charcoal grills with rotisserie which would add a charcoal flavor to a rotisserie chicken.
You should also consider the type of ash removal that the grill has.
There are grills that come with pans for ease in removal of the ashes.
You’d also want a grill that has a sturdy and heavy duty steel cooking grate and charcoal grate.
Other features that you would want from a charcoal grill are built-in thermostat and grill cover.
Barbecue grills are commonplace in backyards
Charcoal Grilling Basics
The beauty of charcoal grilling is that you can grill basically every mouthwatering food out there.
From steaks, hamburgers, chops, chicken, to brisket, you can cook them on a charcoal grill.
You can also grill fish and vegetables.
And it’s fun, too, as you can watch the food get cooked.
Plus the unmistakable aroma of grilling can whet your appetite that other kinds of cooking can’t.
In charcoal grilling, the food is placed directly over the radiant heat source.
A distinct advantage is that it is the only grilling method where food can get the popular seared charcoal flavor, or char-broiled.
It’s something you can’t get from a gas grill.
A disadvantage is that charcoal grill can burn hotter than gas.
It is thus harder to control heat but there are plenty of ways to do it successfully.
Control the temperature on the charcoal grill
The flames should have died down before you put the food on the grill.
Charcoal grilling may sound simple, but try to do it one time and you’ll definitely have your hands full.
However, we listed grilling tips to keep in mind so that you can come up with a tasty and juicy dish that you can proudly serve to your guests:
Read and understand the recipe to lower the risks of food poisoning and more importantly, avoid being disappointed with the outcome of your grilled dish.
Create a checklist of the ingredients, tools, cooking times, and temperatures you will need or follow.
Before grilling, lightly coat the food and cooking grill with a cooking spray.
This should prevent the food from sticking on the grill.
The food should be spaciously laid out on the cooking grill so you can see the coals as they burn.
Also, keep a close eye on the fire.
This would help you deal with flare-ups.
If there are still food residue on the cooking grid from your previous grilling session, set the temperature to high so that the particles will be burned off.
After a few minutes, use a grill wire brush in scraping off the residue.
Then re-coat the grate with cooking oil.
Use a tong in turning food, particularly chicken, steak, and other juicy foods.
Don’t use a pitch fork to stab and turn the said food items because it can create a path for the juice to run off.
But a pitch fork is ideal for turning chops, thin steaks, and hamburgers.
Place an aluminum pan or a shallow metal under the cooking grid when you are grilling large food items.
This would be for collecting the juices.
Don’t use gasoline or kerosene in lighting the coals as this can cause explosion, resulting to burns.
In case the coals don’t light up well, stack unlit coals over the glowing ones. Fan them gently.
Don’t use a charcoal grill indoors as it is a fire hazard
Charcoals grills are very easy to tip over.
You should place yours on a flat and level surface.
Moreover, don’t leave it unattended especially if you have small children or pets in your household.
Outdoor Kitchen Design Plans – Designing your perfect outdoor kitchen may need lots of considerations.
Sometimes you need the help from professionals too considering the complicated plumbing and electricity system.
But if you really want to set up one, these simple ideas on outdoor kitchen design plans can be your starting point to get to know the future kitchen of your dream.
Outdoor Kitchen Design Plans
The most important thing for your outdoor kitchen design plans is of course the lay out.
Check up the area where you want t set your kitchen.
Make sure that your plan includes an area which is easy for you to access water and electricity.
Adding a new plumbing and electricity system is possible but it will be costly.
Do not forget to check up the landscape and the surrounding environment which benefits your setting plan.
If you have a pool, you can set your kitchen nearby it for the sake of the view and the cozy atmosphere.
If you have trees and bungalows, you can make use the available conveniences as your shading which means that you do not need a new shading system.
Decide the function of your outdoor kitchen design plans.
Choose whether you will use your kitchen for entertainment or for private use only.
If it is only for daily meals and grilling time with your family, a simple kitchen table in front of your kitchen set will suffice.
You do not need to add unnecessary thing for entertainment, only add a fireplace when it is necessary.
Add shading facility to shade your family since the kitchen will be used often.
You can apply a permanent pergola which is more durable and reliable.
You do not need to constantly set them up.
If you will use your outdoor kitchen design plans for entertaining guests only, it means that you need to consider the plans for some entertainment elements.
Besides the basic appliances for outdoor kitchens such as grill, stoves, cabinets, sinks and fridge, you need to set the position of your entertainment area too.
Set your cooking area such as grill, stoves and prepping area away from your entertaining area to prevent smoke and smell.
You can make use of any kind of lay out start from the simple on wall until G shape one.
Set an island in the middle to separate working area and entertainment area.
You can choose to set your couches, televisions and sound systems across of it or back to back with your kitchen.
Make sure that your outdoor kitchen design plans include a thorough consideration on the functional first then the style.
Further reading and researching might help you with it.
Outdoor Summer Kitchens
Summer is coming!
It is time to update your kitchen in to a more summer friendly ones.
If you are bored with your old small indoor kitchen, maybe it is the time for you to look outside the window and consider making an outdoor kitchen.
Imagine having a cheerful and happy family dinner or barbecue party on your backyard there.
If you have no idea of how to make an outdoor kitchen, here are some tricks for outdoor summer kitchen ideas for you.
Decide the site.
You have to check the available space of your backyard.
If you have only a small space, make an on wall, L or U shaped kitchen lay out.
Check out your plumbing and electricity.
Make sure that you build your kitchen nearby the plumbing and electricity lines for a cheaper cost.
Check the surrounding area of you outdoor summer kitchen will be.
Make use all of the natural elements of it.
You can set your serving area under the oak tree for shade or nearby the pool for the scenery.
Choose the appliances.
To choose the appliances for your outdoor summer kitchen, you have to think about the budget, space and functionality of your appliances.
If you have limited budget, it means that you need to choose cheaper but still durable materials such as stainless steel.
If you have smaller space, it means that you can only choose small compact appliances rather than grand luxurious appliances.
Don’t forget to think about the functionality.
If you need a grill, then set one.
It is better for you to choose the wheeled portable aluminum ones than the grand brick ones if you want to entertain more people since it can be moved to an area away from seating when grilling to avoid smoke.
Consider the material.
Outdoor summer kitchen appliances must have these characteristics: highly durable, weather resistance and portable.
Since you will set all of your appliances outdoor, they need to withstand against the harsh weather.
Materials such as stainless steel, granite, and hard rock materials are perfect.
They are highly durable and easier to maintain and clean.
Remember that your appliances will get dirty and wet easily outside.
Choose accessories or decorations which can stand wet and dirt.
Make sure that the cushions, rugs and decorations are movable so you can take them out of your cabinets whenever you need them.
A patio or pergolas for shading can be a good option to protect the appliances and your family.
Careful consideration in choosing the durable and functional materials is the key for outdoor summer kitchen ideas.
How to Design an Outdoor Kitchen
Designing an outdoor kitchen is indeed not that effortless.
Sometimes we need to consult the professionals to choose the right ideas for our new outdoor kitchen.
We have to choose the right appliances, setting of place, budget, styles and the kinds of activities we will do in it.
If you have troubles in designing the right outdoor kitchen for your summer, here are some tips on how to design an outdoor kitchen for your references.
First thing in how to design an outdoor kitchen is choosing the best area to set your outdoor kitchen up.
You have to consider the proximity and the difficulties you will get dealing with plumbing and electricity since it deals with your funding.
New plumbing means more money to spend.
Consider the environment surrounding your set.
Is it safe to set a kitchen there?
Is your weather condition allows you to build an outdoor kitchen?
Where does the wind come and how much sunlight it will get after you set your outdoor kitchen plan.
These questions will determine the necessary requirements of your kitchen such as kitchen sinks, counter tops, cabinets and roofs.
A functionality factor is essential in how to design an outdoor kitchen.
You have to consider what kinds of activities will happen in your outdoor kitchen.
If you need it for your family daily meals only, you might not need elaborated and fancy appliances and designs.
But if you want to entertain guests in it, you have to choose the luxurious and comfortable space for your guest to admire and enjoy your kitchen.
The kinds of activities will also determine the needed appliances in it such as whether you will need single or double sinks, smaller or bigger stoves, built in grills or portable smaller ones, where you set your bars to entertain guests and the grill position as not to get them disturbed by the smoke of your grilling.
The next thing in how to design an outdoor kitchen plans is choosing the right materials for your appliances.
Remember durability and easy maintenance.
Choose stainless steel or natural stones for your outdoor kitchen appliances such as cabinets, sinks, counter tops and grilling areas.
They are highly durable with different colors and designs and easier to maintain its cleanliness.
Consider also about the needed accessories and decorations.
Choose removable decorations such as removable cushions, rugs, chairs and tables to make you easier to prepare for the worst.
They only requires durable and easier to maintain appliances.
Style and designs can be adjusted with the need but the basic qualifications are the same.
Backyard Outdoor Kitchen Designs
Outdoor kitchens have their own appeals for homeowners.
Not only they give bigger space and freedom of design ideas, they also bring out the homey feeling and closer to nature sense.
Outdoor kitchens have their own set backs too.
You have to be careful in choosing the right layout, appliances and budgets according to your need.
Here are some backyard outdoor kitchen designs ideas that can be helpful for you.
Consider your budget.
Backyard outdoor kitchen designs require you to prepare lots of funds for plumbing and electricity applications and choosing high quality as well as durable appliances for your kitchen.
Since it is outside the house which means that it will be exposed to nature, your hardware should resist the harshness of nature.
Usually, they are more expensive than the regular ones.
You will also need to add your expense for shading too.
Shadings tricks such as positioning your seats under the trees is possible but if you do not have enough space for trees, you can choose a cheaper patio umbrellas which are cheaper and portable.
Choose stainless steel for cheaper kitchens, hard stone or granite materials for more expensive ones.
Choose the right appliances and ornaments for your backyard outdoor kitchen designs carefully.
Everything that you put outdoor will easily get dirty and wet.
This will distress your appliances too.
Make sure that you choose highly durable and weather resistant materials.
Do not choose wooden materials with difficult maintenance and cleaning.
Stainless steel sinks and cabinets with hard stone granite countertops are durable and easier for maintenance and cleaning.
As for decorations and everything, choose the ones that are simple and weather resistant.
Draperies, throw-pillows, rugs, cushions and other decorations are not necessary to display outside all the time.
You can keep them in a separate nearby cabinets and take them out when you need it.
Do not add unnecessary appliances for your backyard outdoor kitchen designs.
Grills although it is highly familiar in outdoor kitchen, are not a must.
However, if you still desire it to be present, choose the portable cheaper cart model grills instead of the hard stone grandeur built in grills which mostly displayed in magazines.
Make sure that you put them away from the seating area to avoid smokes from the grilling.
Do not be tricked with the grandeur pictures of backyard outdoor kitchen designs on magazines and televisions.
Most of them are set for the promotional purpose.
Be efficient and effective in designing your kitchen is important than the style.
Durability is the key for out door kitchen ideas.
Outdoor Kitchen Design Ideas
Outdoor kitchen is now gaining its popularity.
Most American families start to prefer eating and cooking outdoor than indoor since it can give them closer to nature atmosphere and bring out the sunny happy feel whenever you have your activities in your kitchen.
If you are planning to set one outside, you have lots to consider.
Some people think that an outdoor kitchen will cost more money but with a little trick here and there, budget is not a problem anymore.
Here are some outdoor kitchen design ideas that you can use as your references for your new outdoor kitchen.
Look outside the window and think about your dream outdoor kitchen design ideas.
Picture where you want to build it, what you will do in it and who will be there with you.
If you only have limited space, build a small kitchen then.
Be effective and efficient in choosing the right lay out, smaller appliances and fewer accessories and decorations.
Consider an on-wall kitchen, L or U shape when you are considering about the lay out for your outdoor kitchen design ideas. Add an island, double sinks and built in grilling station when it is necessary.
A small portable table and grill will suffice.
If your kitchen is for daily family meals only, basic appliances in a family kitchen are enough.
But if you want to entertain more guests in it, you might want to impress them with your grand luxurious outdoor kitchen and you have to mull over the things to entertain them such as setting, sound system and even a television!
The next thing to consider for your outdoor kitchen design ideas is choosing the right appliances.
They should be judge from these criterion: durability, functionality and budget friendly.
For the durability, choose highly durable materials such as stainless steel, natural stones or ceramics tile for your counter tops, cabinets, and islands.
The cheapest among them is of course stainless steel, but you have to choose the 304 ones to guarantee the quality of it.
If you want to have wide varieties of models and designs to add the natural look of your outdoor kitchen design ideas, tile is your answer.
They are less expensive than natural stones but be careful in choosing the right tile since some of them may not be made for outdoor use.
Natural stone is more expensive but it stands the weather well.
Functionality over the style is your magic mantra in creating the best outdoor kitchen design ideas.
It goes for your kitchen appliances too.
Single sink and portable grill are enough when those are what you really need in it.
Exciting and easy outdoor kitchen plans
Outdoor kitchen plans don’t have to be long and complicated.
If you want to have a party in the backyard or want to utilize an unused barn in your farmhouse, there are many ways in which you can build an outdoor kitchen.
Outdoor kitchen plans work for both temporary as well as permanent outdoor kitchens.
So if you are looking to remodel and use up the extra space outside the four walls of your house, take a look at these outdoor kitchen plans.
While building a kitchen outdoor, you need to make a list of the things you need.
These will depend of the kind of occasion you have on your hands.
Are you prepping for an outdoor barbecue?
Are you settling up a permanent kitchen?
If you are setting up a temporary kitchen, the things you’d want to keep in it would include a barbecue grill, a mini cooler and a filter.
You could also make good use of the portable kitchen islands in a temporary outdoor kitchen.
Outdoor kitchen plans would always suggest you keep one or more of these islands.
They come handy as storage as well as serving mediums.
Once done with the cooking, you can move the islands together to the center of the garden, put a tablecloth on top and use them as a table.
There are some great outdoor kitchen plans that help you in building a permanent outdoor kitchen as well.
You can have a heater stove, some wooden islands and cabinets installed.
Get some tables and chairs.
Make sure you build a roof as this will protect the kitchen appliances and furniture from the rain and snow, not to mention the dust.
Outdoor kitchen plans help you build the perfect outdoor kitchen, whether you want to keep it forever or for a short while.
Outdoor Kitchen Island Ideas – An island in an outdoor kitchen should not be a problem considering the availability of space when you built you kitchen outdoor style.
It can also create the focal point for your outdoor kitchen which will determine the look of it.
Aside from its decorative function, a kitchen island can be useful functionally as well, whether it is for storage or for serving as well as working area.
If you are planning on adding an island in your outdoor kitchen design, this info about outdoor kitchen island ideas can be your contemplation.
Choose functionality over style for your outdoor kitchen island ideas.
Decide what the function of your kitchen island is.
If your kitchen is for daily meals only, it means that you only need a small island which can also be used for working area.
With this function you only need basic regular kitchen appliances such as side burners, fridges and sink.
However, if entertainment is what you seek and you will invite some guests in it, you may need elaborated designs and advance expensive looking appliances such as grill and other accessories to mull over.
The next for your outdoor kitchen island ideas is choosing the set.
You may choose either the modular ones or the custom.
It depends on your budget.
Modular are cheaper than the custom ones since it is in a regular model and setting.
But you do not have to worry about the style.
You can add some custom touches on it by adding or changing its accent such as changing the regular tile counter top into granite or stainless steel ones.
As for a custom kitchen island, it is indeed more expensive but you can choose whatever models and designs you want for you kitchen.
Next for your outdoor kitchen island ideas is additional accessories and setting.
Consider about the use of an island in your kitchen.
If you plan on entertain your guests, you might need additional entertainment appliances such as television or sound system.
You may need some cushions, chairs or stools around your island to let them stay while you are cooking.
You can either put your grill away to avoid smoke or set an overhead range hood if possible.
Setting up a shade is also necessary.
A pergola can be set in one side of your kitchen island to protect your guests from the sun.
When we talk bout design and styles, it is all about taste and creativity.
Be creative in designing your outdoor kitchen island ideas can be really accommodating.
Try to browse for outdoor kitchen island ideas scattered around the net for more options to reflect on.
Outdoor Kitchen Island Plans
An outdoor kitchen seems dysfunctional without an island to complement your design both functionally and decoratively.
As grilling while spending your quality time together with your family is the most favorite activity during the summer, your outdoor kitchen island plays an important role in this.
You can make use your kitchen island as your serving area or even prepping area.
Although the importance of a kitchen islands is undeniable in outdoor kitchens, some people still confused about how to set one.
Here are some outdoor kitchen island plans to help you.
The most popular set for an outdoor kitchen island plans includes placing the island in the center of your kitchen set.
If you have limited space, this kind of thing will not be possible.
If you cannot do so, you always have the side of your counter top area for your island.
Make one leg of your L, G or U shape kitchen as your kitchen island by making longer or bent.
That area can be used as your kitchen island which is possible for you to use it as a prepping area or a serving area.
Add a drop leaf top, island table and small chairs or stools on it will do.
You can set your grill across your island to avoid smoke if you want.
If you have more options on space, a center some outdoor kitchen island plans is a perfect option.
You can use it as both the prep and serve area by dividing the area into two sides; one for your guest to chat while waiting for the food and one for yourself or cooking station.
Add some bar stools on the islands to add the cozy effects.
You can even make one side of your prepping area’s counter top lower than the serving area creating a ‘wall’ which keeps your prepping activities hidden from view.
To choose the best some outdoor kitchen island plans, you have to remember about the function too.
Remember the triangle working area.
Use your island according to the triangle working area which means that you have to put your sink, stove or grill, and fridge accordingly so that you have better access to your most important kitchen appliances.
You can use your island as a prepping area with sink, cooking area with grill or storage with under fridge.
Either way you choose you have to place the other main appliances according to its triangle position.
There are lost of options for some outdoor kitchen island plans around.
Make sure that you do a thorough research and consult with professionals whenever it is necessary for a better result.
Prefab Outdoor Kitchen Kits
Prefab Outdoor Kitchen Kits are quite rare.
This type of kitchen only feasible for those who have enough space in their backyard, and often hold garden party, barbecue grill, or any outdoor parties.
If you having this type of regular activities, or at least often doing an outdoor celebration, then you may should create an outdoor kitchen.
You can buy an outdoor kitchen style designed by a landscape professional or architect along with the prefab outdoor kitchen kits like lighting, plumbing, cabinetry, counter tops, sinks, BBQ packages, storage and accessories kits by more than $60.000. If you intend to design in on your own, the basic design of good outdoor kitchen consists of lighting, shelter, counter tops, hearth, materials, appliances, and layout.
The lighting needs to be designed to lighten the most active areas on the cooking areas, eating areas, including the pathway from and to the cooking area.
It usually uses the halogen track lights.
The shelter is functioned to protect your cooking process and eating time both from sunny heat, rain, or snow without block the breeze.
This can also be useful to protect
The counter tops usually set with the U shaped kitchen work floor.
Prefab heart sized for eight and half foot oven can be the focal point for the kitchen.
You can place box for wood chips, stainless steel gas grill, prefab outdoor kitchen kits and storage as standard appliances.
Use concrete slab as the flooring, poured concrete terra cotta as the counter tops and any durable material that can withstand with the weather.
Use triangle layout floor to make good movements
Prefab outdoor kitchen kits considered as the recommended kitchen appliances to complete your outdoor kitchen, because they are offer more benefits than if you choose the custom design.
Benefits of a Prefab Outdoor Kitchen Kits
Easy to be installed
Portable and easy to be move here and there
Easy to be use and placed, even if you don’t have much planning or design preparation
Doesn’t require labor cost
By using the prefab outdoor kitchen package, it will be like having portable outdoor kitchen to be carry and everything is easy to get because it is widely available in the market.
Modular Outdoor Kitchen
As the economy is getting worse by the hit from the global crisis lately, the need to be more economical becomes essential.
We have to cut off our budget for almost everything: our meals, clothes, appliances even for our kitchen.
Since the summer is coming, we cannot help ourselves from dreaming of a warm friendly and natural outdoor kitchen.
However, hiring professionals to install our appliances will cost much of our budget.
Do it yourself style by getting a modular outdoor kitchen is the best solution for it.
Here are some tricks in having your modular outdoor kitchen.
A modular outdoor kitchen should be easy to make.
Before buying one, you should consider whether you will be able to do it yourself or do you need any help from your family.
No matter how handy you are, you still need help for this one since you are building a kitchen not just painting a cabinet.
Call your friend to help you install the outdoor kitchen
Measure your available space and the modular outdoor kitchen set you need.
Make sure that you choose the right size which fit your outdoor kitchen space plan.
You do not want to throw away your modular kitchen just because you choose the wrong size for the wrong available space.
Measure your kitchen area, put them in blue print and bring it to the store where you want to buy the outdoor modular kitchen set.
Thorough measurements and the detailed ones will come in handy in the installation of your kitchen modular outdoor.
Choose the best modular outdoor kitchen product and the best materials
You have to make sure that the product you will buy is easy to install and read carefully on the detail explanations of the product.
You have to check the materials, warranty, the steps needed to install it and the complete parts of your modular kitchen.
Try to avoid woods since they are harder to handle and difficult to maintain.
It is better for you to choose stainless steel or polymer ones.
They can stand harsh weather better and easier to install and maintain.
You probably want to match your modular outdoor kitchen set with portable appliances since they are not fixed or permanent.
You can remove them when the winter is coming.
Choose cheaper stainless steel appliances ones since they are easier to install and maintain.
They come with simple kitchen designs and various shapes which goes to your kitchen too.
Do it yourself modular outdoor kitchen needs a hard work.
Do not hesitate to seek for help when you need it, make sure that you have both enough knowledge and tools to do it before you start it.
Outdoor Kitchen Counter tops
Outdoor Kitchen Counter tops – Building an outdoor kitchen is the dream of everyone but most of the times, that dream never comes true for people are afraid of the amount of budget they’ll need to install one.
It is true that an prefab outdoor kitchen kits needs more budgets for its special needs and function but we still can do some tricks here and there to tame down our budget.
One of which is choosing the right counter tops for your kitchen and your outdoor kitchen sink.
If you do not know what to do, this simple info about outdoor kitchen counter tops might help you.
When talking about outdoor kitchen appliances, durability and functionality always come before style.
Do not be tempted with the grandeur looking designs on the magazines and stick your mind on your own kitchen plan and budget.
If you only have limited budget, the best option for your outdoor kitchen counter tops is the tile counter tops.
They come with various colors and design which can be easily matched with the other appliances in your outdoor kitchen.
Nowadays, you can even have luxurious natural stone looking counter tops with cheaper price.
Tile is easier to install, clean and highly durable.
You can easily set it yourself but remember to be careful when you buy it.
Make sure that your tile is especially used for outdoor kitchen.
Otherwise, it’ll crack easily.
The next one is concrete outdoor kitchen counter tops.
This one is not as expensive as natural stones, highly durable and easier to maintain when it is finished well.
Some designs with pieces of glass or fiber-optic lighting are available to create sparkling look for your kitchen.
Concrete outdoor kitchen counter tops will cut your budget for sink too since you can set an integral sink on it.
Remember that your concrete counter top must be installed and sealed correctly to avoid cracking.
The most expensive one is the natural stone outdoor kitchen counter tops.
Be careful in choosing the right natural stones for your counter tops since not all of them are perfect for outdoor use.
Some stones are softer and cannot stand the harsh weather.
Choose the ones without pores and bumpy surface for easier maintenance and durability.
Granite can be a perfect option since it is not only good looking but also it has no pores, very strong and weather resistance.
Choose the ones with less veining and brighter colored ones since highly veined granite is not good against the UV and darker colors absorb the heat of the sun.
Practicality, functionality and durability are the key for your outdoor kitchen counter tops.
No matter which countertop you finally choose, careful maintenance and professional advice when necessary will assist.
Outdoor Kitchen Cabinets Ideas
Summer is coming and having a barbecue party in your backyard with your friends and family seems like an excellent idea, isn’t it?
It will bring the whole family and friends together and give you a bonding moment together under the warm summer sun.
It’s time to start to plan your outdoor kitchen now!
If choosing the right cabinets is your problem, these tips on outdoor kitchen cabinets ideas can be your references.
It is a public knowledge that cabinets for an outdoor kitchen is like the flour in your cookie dough.
You cannot make one without one.
To choose the right outdoor kitchen cabinets ideas, you should consider its functionality first.
Will it going to be storage for food supplies and cooking wares only or will it be the storage for your cushions and outdoor decorations?
If you only need them for cooking supplies and wares, you only need the smaller ones and the bigger ones for your cushions, which also means much more money to spend.
The next thing that you should not forget in choosing the right outdoor kitchen cabinets ideas is the material.
Remember that your kitchen will be set outdoor which means that it will stand against the harshness of nature.
Thus, your kitchen appliances including your cabinets should be durable and easy to maintain.
Choose stainless steel ones as the most durable material for you outdoor kitchen cabinets ideas.
They are presented in various coating colors and patterns even some wooden colors are available.
They are also easier to maintain than the wooden cabinets which are more expensive and harder to maintain.
After choosing the right materials, the next thing you need to do for your dream outdoor kitchen cabinets ideas is getting the style.
Decide on the kind of outdoor kitchen you will have.
If you want it to be a farmhouse country outdoor kitchen, you can choose a stainless steel cabinet with wooden pattern.
They blend well with your traditional color tone.
If you want to have a sleek modern outdoor kitchen, you might want to consider metal or painted stainless steel cabinets.
You can choose contrasting and bold colors for this kind of style to sharpen the edges of your kitchen and create the sleek impression of your kitchen.
As for your vintage outdoor kitchen, you can choose natural with bright and cheerful color for your outdoor kitchen cabinets ideas to give the cheerful feel of your kitchen.
Function over style is the thing that you have to consider in your outdoor kitchen cabinets ideas choice.
Browse some of their samples on the net will be of assistance to get your finest outdoor kitchen ever.
Outdoor Kitchen Cabinet Designs
Outdoor kitchen cabinets designs are getting more popular these days.
The idea is coming from the garden party that is quite very popular for the last few decades in European country.
The garden party usually doesn’t require large area but they don’t put the kitchen outside they need to walk quite far just to serve the food and drinks on the table outside.
BBQ party created by the Americans adapted this habit by put the BBQ grill place as the small kitchen.
This way, they should not have to carry to many things from the kitchen outside.
This later on, developed such way into outdoor kitchen designs.
The first designs of outdoor kitchen design, the kitchen area only consist of sink, the counter tops and the table.
You still have to move some of the cooking tools and equipment outside, because they do not build a kitchen cabinet there hence, you will still easily cooking.
However, this type of kitchen still considered not efficient enough to accommodate the needs of garden or backyard party.
The only way to make it at the maximum rate is by creating the whole outdoor kitchen cabinet designs.
There are many things that will hamper people in designing outdoor kitchen.
First, it is only easier if you live in a home, not in an apartment.
Every apartment has their own rules and provisions, and apartments that are allowed you to make outdoor kitchen can be very limited.
If you have a home, it should have enough space to build the kitchen.
Remember that the kitchen is not the only thing needed in an outdoor party.
You still need to set some place to eat, to sit and gather besides cooking space.
You may adjust the size, but larger yard or space is better because outdoor kitchen cabinet designs require larger spaces.
The most common material used to create the outdoor kitchen cabinet designs are stainless steel, concrete, and natural stones.
Any material use for outdoor kitchen should have to be durable and can keep up with the weather; on rainy days, summer, including the winter.
Although place and use for an outdoor activities, it will be better if you build a shelter or small roof to protect them from the weather.
This will help you maintain the kitchen and extend the life of your kitchen cabinets.
Building outdoor kitchen cabinets designs are require more things to consider.
Plan them carefully to get the best shoot.
Outdoor Kitchen Sink Hacks
Outdoor Kitchen Sink Hacks – Kitchen sinks have become an important appliance in your kitchen set.
A perfect placement and choice of kitchen sink will definitely enhance both your kitchen performance and your own performance as a cook for your family.
When choosing the right kitchen sink for your kitchen, functionality comes before styles, but for an outdoor kitchen, durability comes first.
Choosing the right kitchen sink for an outdoor requires careful considerations.
If you do not know what to do, these tips on outdoor kitchen sink ideas may help you.
Consider the plumbing system for you outdoor kitchen
Water is indeed very essential for your kitchen.
Before going out to buy a new sink, you should consider about the water access for your outdoor kitchen.
If you think that creating a water line is expensive for your outdoor kitchen sink ideas, you can use a hose to link your kitchen water system with your indoor water system.
It will be less expensive and highly practical since you just need to cut them off when the winter comes to avoid freezing.
Outdoor Kitchen Sink Hacks
The next is the functionality.
Setting up a kitchen sink will help you a lot since you do not need to run in and out of your house just to wash your dishes and food.
Use a small single sink if you think that it is enough to accommodate your need but if you have bigger space and need to entertain more people, you might need double sink or bigger ones which can hold more dishes.
An integral kitchen concrete sink is perfect for your outdoor kitchen sink ideas since it can be used as your ice box to keep beverages when you entertain more guests.
Materials are the next thing to consider for your outdoor kitchen sink ideas.
Choose stainless steel as the most durable and easiest to maintain.
In choosing a stainless steel kitchen sink, choose one which has higher resistance on corrosion and sturdy.
Make sure that you choose grade 304 or 18/8 stainless steel.
Use magnets to check the right grade, if it sticks, it means it is 304 grades stainless.
Grade 430 is cheaper and noisier but it is more susceptible to pitting and rust.
20 gauges stainless is thick enough and if sprayed with undercoating sound dampening substance, it will give the same performance as the more expensive heftier 16 gauge bowls.
No matter what kind of kitchen you have, a sink is necessary since you will need it most of the times for your kitchen activity.
Outdoor kitchen sink ideas might need thorough consideration to choose but it is worth the trouble when you start to use it for real.
Outdoor Kitchen Roof Hacks
Outdoor Kitchen Roof Hacks – Cooking outdoor is a fun activity to do, especially in the summer.
It will enhance the atmosphere in the family and it will also give you pleasure when you prepare your food.
However, having an outdoor kitchen can be problematic.
We need to be able to choose the best outdoor kitchen roof ideas.
Below are the alternatives that you can use in your outdoor kitchen.
If you need more economical outdoor kitchen roof ideas, sun umbrellas or patios are the best.
You only need not more than three sun umbrellas and set them up on the floor by using special stands.
These sun umbrellas will provide you shelter from the sun and it is portable.
Another option is retractable awning which is foldable.
For this one, you will need to hire a professional for the installation.
It works just as well as the umbrella when it is installed to your outdoor kitchen and protects your kitchen from the rain and sun.
The biggest advantage of this outdoor kitchen roof idea is that they are foldable and can simply roll them back whenever you want and enjoy the scenery.
A green shade cloth is another inexpensive option for your outdoor kitchen roof ideas.
You can easily fix it with some binding wire on nearby areas.
You can create a basic structure and then lay the cloth on it.
This cloth is commonly used for greenhouses but you can also use it to create shade for your outdoor kitchen.
This cloth is made of plastic so it is washable with water.
Pergola is made of wood and is basically a wooden logs frame which is installed on four sturdy wooden pillars.
It is better if you use the sturdy wooden materials, and then paint it according to the theme of your outdoor roof kitchen design.
You can grow some vines over the pergola and your outdoor kitchen will be shaded against the sun just like a kitchen wall.
As an alternative, you can install synthetic roof tiles or place glass or metal corrugated roofing tiles on the pergola roof.
This will protect your kitchen both from the rain and sun.
If you prefer to add greenery to your outdoor roof kitchen ideas, you can simply hang plenty of colorful plants near the roof or on the pillars of the pergola.
A solid roof is the last option for your outdoor roof kitchen ideas.
This job calls for a lot of hard work and it will cost you a lot too.
However, once you have installed a solid roof over your outdoor kitchen it will stand the natural forces better.
Outdoor kitchens offer you the sense of closer to nature and provide more inspirations and wider space for working or gathering.
Choosing the right appliances for an outdoor kitchen needs thorough calculations and considerations since you need to choose durable appliances.
Remember that you will put them against the power of nature.
For an outdoor kitchen, stainless steel sink is the best option.
Here are some tricks on outdoor stainless steel sink cabinets choice.
Before choosing the right outdoor stainless steel sink cabinets, you should decide on the budget for your kitchen budget first.
Making an outdoor kitchen will cost you more than the regular ones since you have to spend more on plumbing and electricity.
If you don’t have much fund, regular stainless steel a sink cabinet with single bowl is enough, but if you have enough budgets, a double bowls is possible too.
Better buy a single bowl sink with good quality than buying a double bowls sink with inferior quality with the same price.
The next thing to consider is the materials of your outdoor stainless steel sink cabinets.
Choose a kitchen sink which has higher resistant on corrosion and resilient.
Consider the grade.
Make sure that you choose grade 304 or 18/8 stainless steel.
But if you want the cheaper ones grade 430 stainless will suffice.
It is more susceptible to pitting and rust.
Use magnets to check the right grade, if it sticks, it means it is 304 grades stainless.
You do not need to buy the thickest outdoor stainless steel sink cabinets for durability.
20 gauges stainless can be your option since it is thick enough and if sprayed with undercoating sound dampening substance, it will give the same performance as the more expensive heftier 16 gauge bowls which performs resistance to the weight of heavy objects.
Choosing the right size and style of your outdoor stainless steel sink cabinets is the next thing to do.
Look at your kitchen lay out and the theme of your kitchen.
Although kitchen sinks do not consume lots of space, make sure that you install them according to the triangle position.
Choose the right kitchen sink’s size to go with the needed free countertops space you want.
The smallest will be bar sinks, and then single bowl sinks, double bowl sinks are the biggest.
They are provided with various shapes and models.
Adjust it with your kitchen’s style.
Applying appliances outdoor requires durability and quality of your appliances.
Adjust your outdoor stainless steel sink cabinets with your budget and thorough calculation will facilitate.
Benefits of Cooking with Infrared BBQ – With summer in full swing, the smell of barbecue is in the air.
Friends and family are gathering in backyards all across the country to enjoy the great weather and good times that summer is well known for, and nothing adds to summer fun like a good old fashioned barbecue.
It’s a pastime that is as American as baseball and apple pie.
We are going to be the internet’s best resource for all things regarding infrared BBQ grills.
Our site is dedicated to providing the public with information about the advantages of using an infrared grill, as well as a host of other barbecue related topics.
We love barbecue, cooking safely and we want to share our knowledge and experience with fellow barbecue enthusiasts.
So, whether you’re a novice griller, or a seasoned veteran, you’ve come to the right site.
Infrared BBQ’s are quickly catching up in popularity to charcoal and gas grills.
These [easyazon_link keywords="Infrared BBQ grills" locale="US" tag="rurallivingtoday-20"]Infrared BBQ grills are designed to maximize efficiency when cooking, and as a result can usually do the cooking in a fraction of the time it would take on any other type of grill.
With the right set of barbecue tools, these grills are ideal for cooking up a quick bite to eat.
As with gas grills, many people recommend that you use barbecue grill mats between the grill and the patio to keep any dripping grease from damaging the patio surface.
If you have any further questions regarding any of the topics covered in this site, please feel free to browse through our learning center.
There you will find a host of detailed information regarding a number of barbecue related topics.
Benefits of Cooking with Infrared BBQ Grills
Cooking with infrared BBQ designs is a grilling option which has been gaining much popularity in recent years.
This is because the technology for such grills was patented in earlier history. However, those patents expired in the year 2000.
This provided opportunities for companies to further expand upon the product and to offer better deals.
As opposed to cooking with infrared BBQ designs, regular grills heat food through either the intermediary of an object or a fluid.
In the former case it is referred to as conduction. In the latter, it is convection.
Infrared options, other the other hand, utilize radiant heating.
Cooking with infrared BBQ systems offers many advantages over tradition ones.
Most people associate meat cooked in such ways with a significantly juicier taste.
This is attributed to intense heating capabilities of the infrared, which are said to sear the meat’s exterior, locking more flavorful juices within.
Infrared Cooking
Infrared cooking makes use of infrared energy.
This is located on a different part of the electromagnetic spectrum than light.
Other areas of this spectrum include radio waves, microwaves, as well as UV, gamma, and x-rays.
Unlike regular cooking options, infrared cooking relies upon radiation for heat transfer.
Standard cooking means, on the other hand, use either conduction or convection.
Conduction transfers heat object to object while convection uses liquid or gas to achieve heat transfer.
Radiant heating goes directly from molecule to molecule as opposed to using a middle liquid, solid, or gas.
Infrared cooking is highly efficient for this reason.
Less energy is lost going through such hoops as having a flame heating air, a radiant, and more air before finally heating one’s food.
This latter example is the way in which a traditional grill operates.
No heat is lost when you simply make use of radiant heating.
Infrared Grilling
With infrared grilling, you can char the outside of the meat while leaving the inside rare.
One of the best things about infrared is that it sears the meat, trapping the juices inside.
While traditional grilling can dry the meat, you won’t have this issue with infrared.
A flame concentrated on a ceramic plate within the grill is what causes the infrared heat.
This can reach temperatures above 700 degrees F.
This means faster cooking time, which means less flavor and liquid loss.
This is the main reason why so many people recommend infrared grilling.
The biggest drawback to these grills is how much they cost.
For a long time their high price tag made it difficult for people to get a hold of them.
But the patent on them expired recently, so other companies are bringing out cheaper models.
Soon, many people will have access to infrared grilling.
Benefits of Cooking with Infrared BBQ Grills Mesh
Benefits of cooking with infrared BBQ grill mesh may be a part of the burner.
However, infrared options advertise their non-mesh design.
There is a significant reason for why such material choices can be considered ideal.
Radiant heating is used when cooking with an infrared BBQ grill.
Mesh, on the other hand, is generally a part of traditional options which cook foods by heating the air.
Placing food over an open grill allows the hot air to easily surround it.
For an infrared BBQ grill, mesh is likely to encourage unnecessary air heating.
This represents a loss of energy.
For that reason, burner design emphasizes more solid structures.
Of course, sometimes the mesh is part of the burner which can have another surface separating it from whatever is being cooked.
Best Resource Regarding Infrared BBQ Grills
Best Resource Regarding Infrared BBQ Grills
In the United States, barbecue history has been influenced primarily by the southern states, especially those along the Gulf Coast.
Barbecues were common for many occasions including family events, church functions and political rallies.
It is largely believed that southern barbecue, as we know it today, is a descendant of a method of cooking over hot coals, known as barbecoa and common to the West Indies.
Infrared Barbecue Grill Learning Center
From this style of cooking came a host of modern barbecuing techniques.
Many homeowners build permanent barbecue pits in their backyards in order to create a true, southern-style barbecue experience.
Barbecue smokers are also quite popular.
While these can be purchased through a number of sources, the best examples are often homemade.
A barbecue smoker can be easily built at home using a 55 gallon steel drum, some metal grating and a few pieces of angle iron.
There are numerous sources on the internet that offer plan sets and short video clips to help you build your very own backyard smoker.
Many people go “whole hog” when it comes to their outdoor cooking set-up.
Entire outdoor kitchens can be constructed to make the grilling experience that much more enjoyable.
Many of these include barbecue islands, which serve the same purpose as a common kitchen island.
Refrigerators, sinks, and ample counter space are all staples of the best cooking islands.
These are most often situated near the grill for convenience.
Infrared Barbecues Quickly Gaining Popularity With Backyard Chefs
The debate between which type of barbecue, gas or charcoal, is the best just became a bit more complicated.
Infrared barbecues are quickly gaining in popularity with backyard chefs throughout the country.
These grills are quick to heat up, reduce cooking time, and are exceptionally easy to use.
A traditional charcoal or gas grill cooks via the convection process.
A fuel source (gas, charcoal or wood) is burned, giving off heat.
This heat circulates around the food inside the grill, thereby cooking the meat.
This method has been the way backyard grills have worked since they were first invented.
However, infrared barbecues work in a slightly different manner.
Infrared Barbecues use tiles, usually made from ceramic, to quickly and efficiently cook the food.
As the fuel source is burned, the heat is focused through thousands of microscopic holes in the tiles, thereby producing an extremely hot cooking surface.
This cooking method has several advantages.
The number one advantage is a significantly reduced cooking time.
The high heat generated by this cooking method means that food can be cooking much faster than any traditional barbecue methods.
This reduced cooking time brings about the second advantage of this type of barbecue, and that is less fuel consumption.
The less time it takes to cook a piece of meat on an infrared barbecues, the less fuel is required to cook said piece of meat.
This is true whether you’re using charcoal or gas as the primary heat source.
And because it uses less fuel, it means that you will spend less money to buy fuel for your outdoor grilling activities.
It also means that the cook can spend less time slaving over the grill and more time enjoying the company of friends and family.
Cooking with infrared barbecues can also help improve the quality of your finished product as well.
Hot air can dry out a steak fairly quickly if not watched carefully.
However, the intense heat generated by an infrared barbeque is the ideal way to properly sear the outside of a thick steak while leaving the inside tender and juicy.
In most cases, this can be done in just a few short minutes, meaning less time salivating and more time eating.
If you’ve been looking into purchasing one of these infrared barbecues, there are some small disadvantages that should be considered first.
While the heat produced by these barbecues is ideal for cooking dense meats such as beef and chicken, it can also ruin a good piece of fish or any grilled vegetables.
To help meet the demands of barbecue aficionados many manufacturers are now building grills that have a section dedicated to infrared cooking techniques, and one for traditional grilling.
These grills offer the best of both worlds and make it much easier for the cook to meet dietary requests of anyone he is cooking for.
The other major disadvantage is that infrared barbecues tend to be a bit on the expensive side.
However, it should be noted that as the technology progresses, and their popularity continues to increase, it is fairly certain that these prices will eventually come down.
Infrared Barbecues and Infrared Gas – Grills
Infrared gas grills are some of the most desirable grills on the market.
Their style of cooking is leading-edge, and has been used by many restaurants for a long time.
Right now the high-end infrared gas grills will cost you over $1,000, but there are many mainstream models under $500.
But anyone who uses one will say that if you love perfect grilling, the money is well worth it.
The patent on this technology has recently expired, allowing many competitors into the field.
This has brought a lot of innovation to the sector.
Another thing is it causing is a drop in prices.
Since there is more competition, the price of one of these grills is going to drop substantially.
There aren’t that many people who understand how an infrared gas grill works.
This is mainly because these types of grills are not commonly owned by the average family.
Infrared grills are very expensive, and because of that have mostly been owned by restaurants and the wealthy.
What makes an infrared gas grill work the way it does is the ceramic plate in it.
A flame is focused on this plate, which has a multitude of tiny holes in it.
Once it is hot, it is radiating infrared heat, not unlike what we feel coming off the sun.
Now that multiple companies have access to this technology and can improve upon it, many variations are coming out.
There are now grills that have an infrared burner, charcoal firebox, and standard burner in them.
If you can spend the money to get an infrared gas grill, it is well worth it.
Infrared Heat Technology
Infrared technology is considered by many to be the pinnacle of good grilling.
It sears the meat and keeps the juices in better than other kinds of grilling.
Infrared heat is complicated, but companies that have been doing it for a long time are coming out with even better models.
The original infrared heat was created using ceramic plates.
Now all-metal infrared grills are coming out, and there are many improvements to these new models.
They last longer than the ceramic plates and provide an even better cooking surface.
Infrared heat is radiant.
The meat is not being burned by flames, and there is very little air moving around cooking the meat, which also dries it out.
There are some new cleaning techniques that are needed for the new models, but these are easily mastered.
Propane and Gas Infrared
Barbecuing and grilling with the help of an infrared grill is the latest trend among homeowners.
There are many types of propane & gas infrared grills.
The infrared technology was patented till 2000 but now you can get infrared grills being manufactured by various brands.
As compared to other types of grills, infrared grills are energy efficient and take less time to cook food.
The whole process of barbecuing on an infrared grill is done by super-heating a ceramic tile with natural gas or propane which in-turn emits infrared radiation.
There are lots of advantages while using propane and gas infrared grills.
For instance, it evenly distributes heat across the cooking surface and due to very high temperatures one can easily sear items quickly and easily.
Infrared Barbecue Grill Manufacturers
The food prepared on infrared grill is much juicer and tastes similar to that prepared on a charcoal grill.
This is because other grills heat the air to cook food but infrared radiation directly heats the food.
There are lots of benefits in using an infrared grill as these grills feature easy to clean mechanism, ignites instantly, provides better heat control and a uniform heat source.
BBQ Catering: Perfect for Any Size Party
BBQ catering is ideal for any sized party because caterers can supply as many portable barbecues and chefs as you need, regardless of the number of guests.
Similarly, if you host a small to medium-sized party, it can seem overwhelming when you are preparing food yourself.
It may be suitable to have full-service catering with cooks and servers for a large gathering.
BBQ catering may be a perfect compromise for a small party because you can purchase food that can be dropped off but does not require a lot of manpower to cook or clean up.
Additionally, you can also purchase ready-made, cold salads that can complement the main course.
BBQ Catering for Large Party
If you intend to serve a choice of entrees, a caterer will offer a selection that is prepared with different marinades or rubs.
You can select multiple dishes without taking the time to purchase the individual ingredients yourself.
Fish, poultry, meat and vegetables can be cooked on a barbecue.
Mother’s Day Lunch Menu That will Show Her Your Love
BBQ Catering Makes Variety Easy
The food can arrive already cooked on the caterer’s grills, and you can put it on warmers.
You can also reheat the barbecued entrees on your own grill.
The food is ready quickly, and you do not have to take the time to cook it completely.
This is ideal if you want to minimize the time you spend in front of the barbecue but still want to feel that you have a hands-on role in preparing the food.
BBQ Catering
Many caterers will also drop off prepared, seasoned and marinated entrees that you can barbecue yourself.
This saves time and eliminates kitchen cleanup if you plan to serve chicken or meat that requires trimming.
It also reduces kitchen odors if you are serving fish or seafood.
Additionally, the caterers will leave you detailed directions for preparing the food, so you are likely to barbecue very flavorful entrees regardless of your culinary skills.
You can request the recommended cooking times in advance, and ask the caterer questions before firing up the barbecue.
BBQ catering is really perfect for any size party.
It makes it easy to serve delicious food to your guests without a lot of work.
Whether you already own a barbecue grill, plan to purchase one or want to enjoy hosting barbecued food without a grill, BBQ catering is just what you need.
Infrared Barbecue Grill Learning Center
Barbecue Grills come in three basic varieties; charcoal, gas and infrared.
There are many BBQ grills that you can choose from so you get the one that is perfect for you.
An infrared BBQ grill will provide you with superb cooking.
While Portable barbecue grills have parts that can break, a lot of people like the ability to just put a gas bottle on their barbecue and start grilling.
Portable Barbecue Styles
There are many styles of portable barbecues, and you can find one to fit into any budget.
If you are just looking for something to go camping for a couple weekends, you can find these anywhere.
If you are looking for a grill that will last a long time, you will pay a little more for it, but you will create many memories around it.
Best Portable Barbecue Grills
Best Portable Barbecue Grills is and will always be the first and last choice of an outdoor grilling and barbecuing enthusiast.
Even though you may be having the best Portable Barbecue Grills at home but when it comes to outdoor cooking nothing can be compared to a portable grill.
These grills are compact, light-weight, easy to set-up and carry.
Moreover, these grills are designed to fit most of the vehicles.
Every brand and manufacturer of grills does carry a line of portable grills which are available in electric, gas and charcoal versions.
The advantages of having a portable grill are plenty and it facilitates in preparing you favorite barbecued and grilled food almost anywhere.
The Best Portable Barbecue Grills are the perfect option for outdoor events like camping, picnic and enjoying the sun on the beach.
Due to the size and design of the grills, it can easily be carried on any vehicle or truck.
Some of the portable grills are so light-weight that it can easily be carried on the back while hiking and camping in remote forests.
Portable Infrared Barbecue Grills
Portable infrared grill will give you all the heat and power of an infrared grill on the go.
These are great if you do a lot of traveling and camping.
They are also fairly inexpensive for an infrared grill.
There are many places where you can use a portable infrared grill.
Many people use them for camping, but they are also great for tailgating.
If you live in a small place such as an apartment, they are a great way to have a good grill without taking up a lot of space with it.
You can do some searching for different types and find the perfect portable infrared grill for your situation.
There are different sizes and options, but they will probably run about $500 dollars.
This may sound like a lot, but compared to full-sized infrared grills, they are a much more affordable option.
Portable Electric Barbecue Grill
Electric barbecue grill is a step further removed than charcoal options from the tradition method of cooking of a fire.
They are also more expensive in general. In spite of this, they have become a significantly more popular choice.
This is for a number of reasons.
The primary reason that people prefer an electric grill barbecue is due to the fact that they are significantly cleaner.
Charcoal styles create ashes which need to be regularly cleared.
They are also much cleaner for the environment.
Just a regular amount of maintenance ensures that the optimal amount of energy efficiency possible will continue to be maintained.
An electric grill barbecue is also much safer than charcoal options.
For that reason, charcoal grills may be banned by certain landlords while Portable electric Barbecue Grills are allowed.
Of course, the electric designs are a bit more complex.
Tailgating accessories are very important when living in a motor vehicle.
It doesn’t matter if you’ll be living in it for a brief period such as in camping and vacations or living in it full-time.
To be able to experience the amenities of a real home, you will need kitchen accessories.
If you’ve had experience with moving, you’ll realize that the most space-taking of all the things is not the appliances or the furniture, it’s the accessories, the little things we never knew we owned.
In a real home, we have the luxury to have random things hidden in drawers or cabinets but while tailgating, you need to have your things at a minimum.
This is why accessories must be well-thought of.
Common among is that the kitchen is small.
You have to keep in mind the little space you have to work with.
When shopping for kitchen accessories that you will be tailgating with, take only those essential to you, things you really need to have to be able to make a meal.
Appliances such as refrigerator and microwave or stove tops are a given, every tailgating must have one.
Cooking accessories for home chefs
Knives
You don’t need a professional set of knives.
3 or 4 knives are sufficient, enough to do the slicing, cutting and peeling.
Cutting Board
It’s preferable to have an over-the-sink or a pull-out cutting board.
You only use it once in a while then need a quick way to store it.
Cookware
In terms of quality, cast iron would be a good choice as it is heavy-duty and can be used on top of grills when worse comes to worst.
pot of cooking something with soup and another for frying would be sufficient.
2 to 4 pieces of cookware is enough since you won’t be cooking for a lot of people anyway.
The following are accessories for storage and organization.
Working in a small space, you’ll have to keep everything organized to make it fit.
Plates and bowls
Living on paper plates is unacceptable.
When buying plates and bowls, find a set that can easily be stacked.
Folding baskets or stackable baskets
For storing fruits or vegetables, bottles, chips or other foods that will be consumed easily.
Folding or stackable ones can easily be kept.
Racks and hooks
These are important to save space.
Add hooks on cabinet doors or additional racks inside cabinets to serve as a divider.
Mentioned above are just a few tailgating kitchen accessories that one must have to enjoy a real kitchen despite the small space.
Built in barbecue grills are inset into an outdoor counter top or island.
If you have an outdoor kitchen, a built in grill will probably become your favorite appliance because it allows you to cook a wide variety of food with minimal mess.
Best of all, inset barbecue grills are available in many sizes allowing you to choose one that suits the size of your family or your desire to entertain guests.
At a Glance: Our Recommended Best Built In Barbecue Grills
Built in barbecue grills can often be customized to complement your barbecue usage.
For example, drawers, burners and other accessories can accent your barbecue to make using it more convenient.
Additionally, a built in grill is often part of an outdoor kitchen or has work space around it, so it is not necessary to prepare food indoors or make frequent trips to an indoor kitchen when barbecuing.
In contrast, cooking on a traditional grill may require you to go inside for utensils and food.
Although many traditional grills are sturdy, the unique configuration of a built in grill is less likely to become damaged from storms, high winds or other dangerous weather conditions because it is inset into counter tops, stone, brick or another material.
The appearance of an installed barbecue is streamlined, sturdy and inviting.
Built in Barbecue Grills
Choosing a Built in Barbecue Grill
If you are purchasing a built in grill, the size of your space, the frequency you entertain outdoors and your price range will help you choose the best grill for your needs.
Additionally, you will need to decide which features are important to you.
Storage cabinets, drawers, cook tops, Barbecue Grill Grates and rotisseries are some of the many extras that can make a built in BBQ appealing.
Before purchasing a built in barbecue grills, ask about the warranty.
Barbecues with longer warranties indicate that the company is satisfied that it has produced a durable product.
Built in barbecue grills are available in almost any style, and the grill you choose will influence how the food tastes.
Choose from immovable grills fueled by electric, charcoal or gas.
Before you make your purchase, consider trying food prepared from different grills so that you select one that gives you the flavor, convenience and cooking experience you will enjoy.
Selecting Built-in Barbecue Grills For Your Patio
Your outdoor kitchen gets complete with a built-in barbecue grill.
An outdoor built-in barbecue grill on your backyard or patio is the best option for those who would like to enjoy weekend parties with family and friends.
These grills are designed is such a way that it requires little preparation and cleaning.
There are various types of built-in grills available on the market offering numerous features.
You can also select a grill from various options like propane, natural gas, electric, charcoal and/or infrared grills.
Selecting a built-in grill might be a bit tricky as you can build a grill that will be a part of your outdoor with cabinets attached to it or you can choose a simple grill that can be set into place.
Built in Barbecue Grills
Selecting Built-in Barbecue Grills
Outdoor grill with cabinets is the best option for those having a big backyard where there is enough space to conduct a barbecuing get-together.
If you have limited space but still would like to have an outdoor grill than a simple fixed built-in grill is the best option.
One important point you must always remember is to take special of your built in grill by covering it properly and protecting it from the elements.
BBQ Islands
BBQ islands can house portable grills or can permanently contain the outdoor grilling surface.
The islands not only give the backyard grill a professional appearance but they add value to the home and are great for organizing.
The best part is that these islands can be customized to fit the homeowner’s needs.
Pre-made BBQ islands save the homeowner the work of having to build one.
They are designed to provide plenty of prep space in addition to cupboards and other storage.
Some islands even have refrigerators and dishwashers built in.
Most BBQ islands will need plumbing and electrical lines ran to them.
This means that a professional installation is probably best.
They do add considerable value to the home but keep in mind some of the best islands can run upwards of $10,000 dollars.
BBQ Pits
Pit barbecuing is a method of slow cooking meats in an airless hole or pit, thus smoking the meat while it still retains its delectable moisture.
BBQ pits can be made from brick, steel, or even can be simply a hole dug in the ground.
The meat cooks slowly for several hours- usually fifteen to sixteen hours.
It may be difficult to decide which of the three types of BBQ pits to put in the backyard.
Brick pits means the homeowner will have to be familiar with masonry so that the pit withstands weather and heat; also it’s important there are no holes for the smoke to escape.
Ground pits mean the homeowner will be digging a fairly large hole at least three feet deep and three feet wide.
Steel pits are probably the easiest of the BBQ pits to obtain.
Traditionally these steel pits were made from old fifty-five gallon steel drums cut lengthwise.
Today pits with a similar design can be bought online and have many features that can enhance the experience.
Whichever kind of pit is chosen, it’s sure to turn out the most delicious meat the family has ever eaten.
Outdoor BBQ Island Frames
Having an island for the BBQ adds a touch of class to the backyard.
The islands not only provide an attractive place to keep the grill but also provide storage for accessories and back up fuel sources.
Homeowners can easily build their own islands with BBQ island frames.
BBQ island frames provide the beginning structure for the islands.
The homeowner can then complete the island with materials that match their home.
Building a BBQ island instead of purchasing one can save a lot of money.
BBQ island frames should be made from steel or iron for durability and heat resistance.
The islands are often completed with tile, stucco, or even brick.
The convenient thing about the frames is the holes for wiring and the grill are already in place so no measuring and configuring is required.
Barbecue Grill Grates – When purchasing a barbecue grill, you may not pay careful attention to the barbecue grill grates, but it is important to learn the differences because grill grates aren’t all the same.
The surface size of the barbecue grates directly affects the quantity of food you can prepare on your grill.
Learning about the grill grate and paying attention to its size will help ensure that the barbecue performs well and meets your usage needs; cooking for a crowd will require a large cooking grate.
However, size is not the only factor when comparing barbecue grill grates.
Barbecue Grill Grates Aren’t All the Same
Barbecue cooking grids are made out of different materials that influence your grill’s performance.
Popular materials used to manufacture barbecue grill grates are chrome, cast iron, porcelain covered cast iron, and stainless steel.
Each material has different pros and cons, so it is essential to learn about barbecue grate surfaces before you make your purchase.
Grill Grates and Cooking
The material of a barbecue grill grate affects the evenness of your cooking.
Cast iron cooking surfaces heat more evenly than stainless steel or chrome grates.
Cooking Grates and Durability
A cooking grid’s thickness and surface material impacts its durability.
Heat destroys metal over time, so thin or flimsy grids may bend, break or erode faster than thick grids.
Cast iron grates are the most durable, but stainless steel can also last for many years and washes well.
Porcelain can chip, crack, and exposed cast iron can rust, but well-maintained porcelain protects cast iron from rusting.
Chrome grills, usually the least expensive, also rust and can be difficult to clean.
However, they may be an option if you plan to use your grill infrequently and have a limited budget.
Caring for your grill grates will enhance its life.
All barbecue grill surfaces should be cleaned according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Use a still brush on durable grates, but grates that can chip will need less abrasive cleaning supplies.
Keeping the hood down when the grates are not being used will help the grids last because they will be protected from adverse weather conditions.
Seasoning Barbecue Grill Grates
Seasoning a barbecue grate keeps food from sticking to it.
Good quality stainless steel and porcelain coated cooking grids do not require seasoning.
Cast iron cooking grates require seasoning, but they can be purchased pre-seasoned.
However, if food begins to stick to the barbecue grill grates, it may be necessary to season them again.
If you plan to season a grill yourself, read the suggested manufacturer’s instructions.
The process involves applying a coating of grease to the barbecue grill grates and heating the grates.
Eventually food may begin sticking to the cooking grids again, and it may be necessary to repeat the process.
Evaluate the quality, material, and heating ability of a grill grate to make an informed decision that ensures your purchase is a satisfactory one.
Good quality barbecue grill grates will help you create delicious food for many years, and the right grate surface will improve your cooking experience.
Tips for Cleaning your Barbecue Grill Grates
Most people would never make food in a dirty pan, but some individuals do not clean their grill grates after each use.
Follow these Tips for Cleaning your Barbecue Grill Grates will help keep food sanitary, enhance the life of your grill, and even improve your cooking experience.
Why would you cook on a barbecue grill that contains hardened, old food?
Dirty Barbecue Grill Grates cause food to stick to the grill, and debris can block the heat.
Therefore, it is essential to know the right way to clean your cooking grates.
Tools for Cleaning Cooking Grates
The material of your grill grates determines the tools you use to clean them.
Some surfaces can be cleaned with stiff, wire brushes, but others may chip if they are not washed with less abrasive tools.
Generally, a stiff brush is suitable for cleaning cast iron cooking grids, and a soft or brass brush will clean porcelain coated grill grates.
A brass brush, steel wool, or a wire brush can clean stainless steel grids.
If you are unsure, use the cleaning tools recommended by the manufacturer.
Cleaning Cast Iron Barbecue Grill Grates
Soften food particles by closing the grill and burning it for 10 to 15 minutes until the debris becomes ash.
When the grate cools, use a stiff, wire brush to wipe the charred debris off the cooking grates.
Massage a small amount of oil around the grid to prevent food debris from sticking to the surface.
Use a cloth to remove any excess oil.
Cleaning Porcelain Coated Grills
Loosen debris from the grates with a soft cloth.
Then soak the cooking grids in soapy, warm dish water for 30 minutes.
Use a soft brush to remove additional debris.
If food remains, remove the grates from the sink before coating the particles with a light paste of baking soda and hot water.
Let the paste sit for 20 minutes.
Then remove the debris with a soft mesh or brass brush.
Dry the grates with a towel.
Cleaning Stainless Steel Grids
Heating a stainless steel cooking grate is an excellent way to loosen food.
Use a wire brush to push warm, charred particles off the grid.
When the barbecue grill grate is cool, soak it in warm, sudsy water.
Steel wool and a sponge will remove most of the debris from the grates.
For a deep cleaning of the entire grill, spray a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar on the grates and inside the grill.
Close the hood, and let the vinegar solution remain in the grill for at least an hour.
Then wipe the surface.
Be careful to remove all the vinegar to avoid a lingering taste on your food.
Tips to Maintain Clean Barbecue Grill Grates
Close the barbecue hood when it is not in use.
Use a barbecue cover to protect your barbecue and cooking grates from weather, debris, and insects.
Remember, cleaning a cooking grate is simple.
The effort will enhance the taste of your food, make the grill easier to light and the durability of your cooking grids.
BBQ Grill Accessories for Successful Grilling
Becoming a grill master doesn’t take much but practice.
Certain BBQ grill accessories are almost required for successful grilling though.
Often times these Outdoor Cooking Tools and Accessories can even be purchased in sets for convenience.
A good pair of tongs that can grip meat without cutting into it will prove to be invaluable.
A bbq fork is the fastest and easiest way to flip meat.
A spatula is also critical to flipping hamburgers and should slide easily under food without breaking it up.
Some other common bbq grill accessories include a basting brush and skewers.
Besides cooking utensils there are also other bbq grill accessories that help maintain your barbecue grill.
To keep the grate clean a good grill brush in necessary and items like a propane gauge come in handy often.
BBQ Grill Tips
For those new to barbecuing it can be a real challenge, especially when cooking with charcoal.
Follow these bbq grill tips to become a grilling pro:
The grill should be at a safe distance from buildings, trees, and plants.
Clean grill racks with a grill brush before grilling for the best flavor and the best heat.
Charcoal needs at least thirty minutes to heat up; the briquettes should have a layer of gray ash.
In general use about thirty briquettes per pound of meat.
Start the charcoal in a pyramid formation, allow the lighter fluid to soak in for several minutes before lighting, after the briquettes are hot then they may be moved to a single layer.
Chimney starters make lighting charcoal a breeze.
Never leave food unattended because of flare-ups.
Sauces containing sugar and fat will cause flare-ups so wait to apply them until the last ten minutes of cooking.
Windy days make for hotter grills.
Don’t puncture meats- they will lose their moisture.
Meat thermometers are the best guide for telling when meat is done.
BBQ Grill Rotisserie Accessories
Meats cooked on a rotisserie are juicer and have delectable slow-roasted flavor.
Most people cannot afford a large rotisserie oven but with bbq grill rotisserie accessories the backyard grill can produce delicious meals.
Rotisseries cook the meat evenly by slowly turning it near an open flame or other heat source.
Traditional bbq grill rotisserie accessories have skewers attached to a motor that turns the skewers slowly.
The skewers hold the meat horizontally over the grill, allowing fat to drip away while the meat self-bastes.
The trickiest part to these rotisseries is balancing the meat on the skewers and not allowing wings or legs to be scorched by the flame.
Bbq grill rotisserie accessories that use a basket or locking racks are easier to use.
They hold the meat securely in place, preventing the meat from flopping through the fire.
The best rotisseries also have powerful motors that are capable of turning large, heavy cuts of meat.
BBQ Tools
Having the right BBQ tools is crucial for any job, and barbecuing is no exception.
Those who have tried to flip a burger without a spatula know how important the right accessories can be.
Any decent grill master should have at least a basic set of bbq tools for your Kamado Grill.
Cooking utensils are the first thing most think of when it comes to tongs, spatulas, and bbq forks make turning and transferring meat much less difficult.
A basting brush allows the cook to keep the meat moist and evenly coated with tasty sauces.
Other bbq tools may not directly handle the food but are just as important.
A grill brush scrapes off built up char, while some char is good for flavor too much can affect the heat and cause a build-up of lye which is not good for flavor.
A propane gauge will also save the griller time- he can monitor gas levels so that there are no surprise shortages during the family cook out.
Quality BBQ Tools
If you do even a moderate amount of barbecuing, you need to get yourself some quality BBQ tools.
There are certain things every grill cook should have.
These will make you grilling easier and more enjoyable, along with keeping you safe.
One of the main items that you should have for grilling is a good set of tongs.
You don’t want to be stabbing your food every time you have to turn it, and tongs will fix this.
Other quality BBQ tools that you will want include a grilling glove to protect you from flame-ups, and a wire brush for cleaning your grill.
If you are looking for a great gift for the grilling enthusiast in your life, you can often find quality BBQ tools in a set.
These sets often have tongs, a brush, a basting brush, a glove, and sometimes an apron.
You can find these in many different stores and online.
BBQ Hot Dog Tools
Cooking hot dogs on the grill can be tricky. Hot dogs burn quickly and are hard to turn without them rolling away.
There are several bbq hot dog tools on the market that make the challenge of hot dogs much easier.
The most basic of these bbq hot dog tools is a hot dog stand for the grill.
These stands hold the hot dogs several inches above the heat source preventing scorching.
The hot dogs will still need to be turned to ensure even cooking.
Hot dog rollers and rotisseries are the most convenient bbq hot dog tools.
The rollers can be manual or battery powered and allows all the hot dogs to be turned at once.
The rotisseries attach to existing rotisseries and turn the hot dogs automatically while holding them far enough above the heat.
Stainless Steel BBQ Accessories
You must have some good tools when you are grilling, and many people prefer stainless steel BBQ accessories.
Stainless steel products last a long time, are strong, and look great.
If you are looking for some of these, there are many places you can look for them.
When you are shopping for stainless steel BBQ accessories, you want to make sure you are getting tools that are a good quality.
While everyone wants to get a good deal, you don’t want to buy cheap tools.
Even if they say they are stainless steel, give them a good once over to see if they really are of a good quality.
Stainless steel BBQ accessories make excellent gifts for the grill enthusiast in your life.
They can be bought individually or in sets.
A search through a cooking store or online will yield many options for these tools.
BBQ Grill Accessories For Enjoyable Grilling
BBQ grill accessories are now widely available and there’s no question they can help, because while having a quality grill is necessary, the right grilling accessories will enhance the experience.
Even if you’re not a gifted griller, there are certain items that can make you a better one, but first, you have to know what makes for successful grilling.
There are two basic types of grills, propane and charcoal, which is the fuel used for the grilling.
Accessories for both are generally the same, so the list given in the BBQ Accessories section of this article will work for both.
However there are some accessories that are specific to charcoal and propane, such as the following.
BBQ Grill Accessories For charcoal grills:
Cooking fuel: you’ll need charcoal briquettes or lump charcoal, and they’re both sold in different variants.
Lump charcoal are made of wood and burn faster and hotter compared to briquettes.
Charcoal briquettes on the other hand, burn more evenly and longer and suitable for indirect and slow burning.
Regardless which fuel you use, use wood chips made of mesquite, hickory or others to enhance the flavor.
Chimney Starters: if you’re having trouble with a lighter fluid, use a chimney starter instead as it allows you to start up a charcoal grill with a match and a few newspaper sheets.
Propane grills:
Unlike charcoal, propane grills are quicker to start up and you don’t have to clean up any charcoal.
To make the grill even easier to run, the following accessories ought to be considered.
Propane cylinder: gas grills rely on propane as fuel, and these tanks are handy because they’re reusable and may be refilled at home improvement stores or at home.
Do note that some smaller grills don’t have a reusable cylinder though.
Lava rocks: though you can directly cook over the flame, most gas grills have lava rocks that provide more sustainable heat, and the indirect heat from these lava rocks emulates the typical charcoal grilling experience.
However, these rocks cannot be reused, but they don’t require clean up or preparation.
Barbecue Grill Accessories
Regardless whether you’re using charcoal or propane, there are some common accessories you will want to use:
Wood chips:
wood chips add a smoky flavor to lava rocks or charcoal, and they’re especially handy for gas grills since they don’t have the usual smell that comes with grilling.
You can use different kinds of woods for flavor that will give your grill a unique taste or smell.
The most widely used though are apple wood, mesquite and hickory.
Skewers Grills can do more than just cook barbecue, steaks or burgers as they’re also great for sirloin tips, mushrooms, onions and pineapple.
You’ll find skewers handy for grilling veggies and meats that are hard to turn or fall through the grill.
There are basically two types: metal and bamboo (metal is reusable and bamboo is not).
Look for thin and flat skewers because it makes turning the food around easier compared to the round and square ones.
Cooking baskets and grill toppers are necessary if you grill small food items and don’t want to have them fall through the grill or break up.
For mushrooms and delicate stuff like fish, hinged wire baskets are ideal.
Grill toppers on the other hand, are set over your grill and have the same function as cooking baskets.
Grill covers: grill covers are an essential part of grill maintenance, especially if the weather fluctuates in your area.
No matter how well designed a grill is, changing weather will take its toll. If your grill is stored outdoors, get a cover for it for protection.
Fire extinguishers: spilled charcoal and grease flare ups can lead to a fire so to be safe make sure there’s a fire extinguisher close at hand.
Make certain the fire extinguisher is classified A and B so it can take out flammable liquids and grease and combustibles.
BBQ Grill Tips
BBQ grill accessories can help, but there are certain things you always need to keep in mind, whether you’re a beginner or a long time griller.
First you have to know the minimum internal temperatures for the meat.
The US Department of Agriculture has released a guideline, but remember that you can take the meat off the grill even if it’s a few degrees of the recommended level as the meat will continue to cook.
Grilled Stuffed Eggplant
The minimum temperatures are:
Ground poultry, chicken breasts, thighs, wings, whole bird: 165 F Pork: 145 F Ground Meat: 160 F Shellfish and fish: 145 F Veal, lamb and beef: 145 F Medium steak: 140 F Steak medium rare: 135 F
Once you’ve removed the meat from the grill when it has reached the minimum temperature, cover the meat with an aluminum foil for 5 to 10 minutes, giving the meat time to rest and soak in the juices, essential for juicy, moist meat.
Here are some other suggestions:
You should oil the grates so food doesn’t stick too much, and this will make it easier to clean afterwards.
Just fill a small bowl with canola oil, get a small paper towel and dip it and wipe on the grates prior to starting a fire.
Create indirect and direct heating zones in your grill. Setting up these zones allows you to use the entire surface and create various dishes simultaneously.
At the same time, understanding how these heat zones operate will allow you to use the grill in various ways.
To avoid confusion, direct heat means cooking over the flame. i.e., the heat source, while indirect cooking is more like baking.
If the meat is cooking too fast on direct heat, move it to the indirect heat zone so it will still cook, albeit at a slower pace and won’t burn up.
By using these zones you’ll be able to grill directly or indirectly, thus roasting meat the same way you would in an oven.
With indirect heat you can smoke meats and cook at a lower heat setting for extended periods.
That’s basically what you do with a smoker, and with direct and indirect zones you can essentially use a grill as one.
To summarize, direct heat is grilling on the heat whether it is charcoal or burner.
With indirect heat you cook at the grill side with an unlit burner or the cool or empty side of the grill.
To create direct and indirect zones, turn half of the burners to medium or medium high while the other half is low or off.
If you’re using a charcoal grill, set the charcoal pile to one side so the direct zone has all the fire and another one is clear.
Finally, use the best ingredients possible.
Depending on what you’re grilling, make sure that high quality sea salt, olive oil, ground pepper and other herbs are used.
BBQ Accessories
Here are the essential accessories, in no particular order:
Locking tongs: 16 inch locking tongs will provide you with a solid grip on the food, and the good ones are easy to squeeze and should quickly bounce back.
Look for tongs that let you hold on large and small items without crushing them.
You’ll also want to look for tongs with a gripping edge that doesn’t cut the meat.
Waterproof Thermometer: one of the keys to successful grilling is a waterproof digital food thermometer.
These aren’t that expensive and are accurate, reliable and provide the information you need.
Barbecue Digital Thermometer
If you want steaks and barbecues grilled properly, a digital thermometer is necessary.
Stainless Steel Spatula: you don’t need a fancy spatula, just one that can easily slip under food, turn it around and burn, that’s all.
Of course if you’re looking for something fancier, there are all-purpose spatulas that come with a bottle opener and cutting blades.
Leather Gloves or Mitts: you can’t grill without a good pair of quality gloves, and if you have to grab something hot, leather gloves are the most appropriate.
Make sure though that the gloves are heavy duty and won’t just protect your hands but also the lower arms.
If you handle a lot of BBQ skewers and hot pots, these are mandatory.
Barbecue Brushes
Quality BBQ Brushes: avoid BBQ brushes that come with scrappers on the front part because it makes reaching the back grate nearly impossible.
Often, a simple but well-designed brush is sufficient, and brass is safe and won’t damage the grates.
At any rate, you should look for a brush that lets you clean all areas of the grill, including the corners.
What should make things easier for you is the number of products that are now available online.
In addition, you can read product reviews and get detailed descriptions so you can compare their features and see which ones meet your requirements.
While price is a factor, you should place more emphasis on quality and durability, particularly if you’re going to grill on a regular basis.
BBQ grill accessories are no longer the “fillers” that they used to be, because in terms of functionality and making sure you get the results you want they deliver.
By following the tips and advice here you will be in prime position to make an informed decision insofar as purchasing these accessories go.
Best Barbecue Grills – Grilled culinary fare has become a staple in many people’s lives.
As more food aficionados show interest in barbecued creations, grill manufacturers improve their products.
With the large assortment of the best barbecue grills available to devoted grill masters, it can be difficult finding the right machine.
If you want to create delectable dishes, the key is to choose equipment that suits your personal needs.
Before beginning your hunt for the ultimate barbecue grill, consider what you will be using it for.
Don’t splurge on superfluous extras that you’ll never utilize.
If you only intend on cooking outdoors occasionally or for a small crowd, choose a basic grill with very few frills.
To feed large groups or for major barbecue undertakings, a bigger grill with features such as multiple racks and rotisseries may be Best Barbecue Grills.
Once you have an idea which size you prefer, do some comparison shopping.
Consumer review sites are ideal, but you can also simply read the specs on various products.
Not all barbecue grills are designed the same, and some are easier to use, better built and more convenient than others.
Look for one that distributes heat evenly, is constructed from durable materials and has spacious racks for cooking.
In addition to considering the practicality, it’s essential to factor in safety.
Many products are user-friendly, but they aren’t safe.
Choose a grill that is sturdy and solid with a lid that remains open even when the grill is jarred.
In order to avoid burns, opt for a lid that has wooden or plastic handles.
You should also look for a well-designed drainage system as an additional safety precaution.
For most outdoor cooks, basic, un-fussy mid-size barbecue grills suffice.
If you want to explore the vast universe of barbecue, you may need some trimmings.
Side burners provide plenty of extra room for preparing multiple dishes, and a steamer attachment offers versatility.
Cast iron or stainless steel grates are ideal for consistent heating, and high-quality fuel gauges indicate if there is enough gas to feed the flocks.
By selecting a fuel efficient, well-made and quality-guaranteed product, you can avoid getting stuck with a grill that constantly needs maintenance.
Choose a size you will want to work with, and customize it with accessories that fit your requirements and skills.
Once you find the ultimate grill, you can impress your family, friends and neighbors with your mouthwatering masterpieces.
Types of Barbecue Grills
Barbecue Grills by Type
Although gas versus charcoal ignites fiery debates, this issue is only one of the primary factors that you must consider when evaluating barbecue grills by type.
Another important subject is the grill grates, which are available in stainless steel and cast iron.
Each material has a unique set of characteristics that affect how your meat cooks and the level of maintenance required to prepare or clean the grates.
These grates are heavier and usually more difficult to maneuver than their stainless steel counterparts.
Because it is a denser material, cast iron has superior heat retention characteristics.
This quality is readily apparent when you initially place cold meat on the grill.
Cast iron requires some additional maintenance because it is susceptible to rust, which can cause the metal grate to fail.
Before and after you cook, you must create a waterproof barrier by spraying or wiping the grate with vegetable oil.
You must also clean the grill with a wire bristle brush after each use to remove any food that adheres to the metal.
Instead of regular cast iron grates, you can use grates with an enamel coating that prevents moisture from contacting the metal.
Enamel-coated grates also prevent food from adhering to the surface and eliminate the requirement to apply vegetable oil before and after cooking.
Stainless Steel Barbecue Grills
Various models and types of barbecue grills are equipped with stainless steel grates, which do not require the same level of maintenance as cast iron.
As their name implies, this metal is not susceptible to rust.
The grates are lighter and easier to move, but they do not retain heat as well as cast iron.
This may cause food to adhere to the grill grate if the temperature of the metal suddenly drops when cold food is placed on the surface.
Thicker versions of these grates retain heat better and are less susceptible to warping.
The best way to remove excess grease and food residue from a stainless steel grate is soapy water and a wire brush.
Portable Versus Built-In
How will you use your barbecue grill?
Do you want to invest in a permanent, built-in one?
Would you prefer one on wheels that you can move around, perhaps out of the weather when necessary, with ease?
Does it make sense for you to buy a tabletop version?
This might make more sense if you want to take it with you on picnics and outings or for camping.
Before buying, there are many sizes to fit your needs.
When selecting from the wide number of available barbecue grills by type, ensure that you choose the one that best fits your lifestyle.
Although gas and stainless steel grates are easier to use, it is commonly believed that charcoal and cast iron are worth the additional work because they produce the best flavor.
Which BBQ Grill is Best for Your Family Time
For many families, having a BBQ grill is a must.
They are the ultimate in family cookouts, allowing everyone to be outdoors and have a good time while the food is cooking.
Most people can’t picture summer without a grill.
Using a BBQ grill to cook food is fun, easy, and fast, especially if you have an infrared grill.
There are different types of these grills, so you can pick the right one for you.
They are cleaner than a charcoal grill, and have all the benefits of gas and then some.
With an infrared grill you get more evenly distributed heat than with other types.
The food cooks faster and more evenly, and is less prone to drying out.
This is especially important with meat.
Nobody likes meat that is dry and stringy.
An infrared BBQ grill generally has a ceramic plate in it that would be heated.
This is done by focusing a gas flame on the ceramic.
The ceramic plate has thousands of tiny holes in it which are what distribute the heat evenly.
These bbq grills can reach temperatures nearly twice what a traditional gas bbq grill can reach.
Some grills have infrared on just part of the cook top.
This allows the cook to sear the meat, sealing the juices in, and then move the meat away from the infrared burner to cook more thoroughly.
One of the biggest drawbacks to infrared grills for a long time was that they only had high temperatures.
This wasn’t good for people who like to slow-cook their foods.
But this has been remedied by some BBQ grill makers, who now have low heat options for their grills.
Now the same grill that can reach over 700 degrees can be set at 300 as well.
If you are looking to buy the latest and greatest thing in barbecue grills, there are infrared BBQs that have metal plates instead of ceramic.
These are expensive and somewhat rare due to their newness, but they are reputed to be even better than their ceramic-plate predecessors.
The metal plates have a wider range of temperature that they can cook at, are easier to clean, and cannot break like the ceramic plates can.
This makes for easier maintenance and less replacing parts.
If you are interested in a Char-Broil Patio Bistro Tru-Infrared Electric Grill (Buy it Here), you can find these with a quick online search.
There aren’t very many options, but the ones that are available are good quality and will last for years with the proper care.
There are many places you can buy an infrared BBQ grill.
Some specialty barbecue stores carry them, or at least can order one.
You can find these stores in person and online.
While you are looking for an infrared grill you may want to buy some new grilling tools to go with it.
This is because the high temperature of these grills can ruin some tools.
You will want to buy a grilling glove and some heat-resistant BBQ tongs as well.
Once you have your new infrared BBQ grill you are sure to enjoy the high quality of cooking that it provides.
How do you decide which BBQ Grill you are going to get?
If you are thinking about buying a grill, you may be daunted by the selection of BBQ grills that are available.
Even at a home and garden store there will be many, ranging in size and price.
Then if you look online, you will find even more.
There are quite a few factors you can bring into account in order to narrow your search results.
One of the first things to do is to decide what your price range is.
A lot of online stores that sell BBQ grills will either allow you to arrange the results according to price, or will have an option to only see grills within a certain price range.
Figuring out how much you are willing to pay will really cut down on the number of grills for you to choose from.
A lot of people seem to think that if you want a cheap grill you have to get charcoal, and if you want an infrared grill you will be paying many thousands of dollars.
This isn’t true anymore.
Many gas grills are very inexpensive, and you can also find charcoal grills that cost just as much as gas grills.
While infrared grills do generally have a high price-tag, they are beginning to drop.
Smaller grills and those that only use partial infrared to cook the food are becoming quite affordable.
Another thing you are going to need to decide is the kind of fuel you are going to get.
Many people have used a specific type for a long time, and are hesitant to use anything else.
It is easy to get any kind of fuel in a good quality grill.
The third major deciding factor when choosing BBQ grills is size.
If you hardly have a patio to grill on, you may want to get a portable grill that you can put away once you are done with it.
Portable grills come in any fuel option.
Likewise, if you have a large patio with plenty of space for grilling, you will probably want to get a bigger grill.
If you want your grill to be at least somewhat portable you can get a cart-style.
This way it can be moved if needed. If you are not concerned about the grill being mobile, you may want to look into built-in grills.
These can go on your patio, but many people like to make them their own space off to the side.
These are just some of the options available to you when it comes to BBQ grills.
While you are shopping for bbq grills, be sure that you buy the proper grilling tools to go with it.
You need some heat-resistant barbecue tongs, and a good grill mitt.
Also check into what kind of cleaners you need for the type of grill you get.
Since everybody has specific needs when it comes to their grill, there is no shortage to the different options available.
You will know when you find the right grill for you, and with the proper care it will last for many years.
Barbecue Gas Grills
Barbecue gas grills enhance cooking by combining convenience with the delicious aroma and taste of outdoor cooking.
Lighting gas grills are effortless, and they are available in prices ranging from one hundred dollars to thousands of dollars.
Some small barbecue grills or outdoor gas grills purchased at the end of the season may be less than one hundred dollars.
Thus, almost everyone can find a barbecue gas grill that is affordable.
Fuel for Barbecue Gas Grills
Gas barbecue grills use propane or natural gas.
Propane gas barbecue grills have an advantage of not needing a gas line.
Furthermore, you can transport propane fuel almost anywhere.
Imagine enjoying a barbecue at the beach, by the pool or tailgating in a parking lot before the big football game.
Nevertheless, there are also disadvantages to using propane barbecue gas grills.
A propane tank can become empty at an inconvenient time.
Therefore, propane gas barbecue grills can leave you in a lurch by requiring you to leave your home to purchase fuel in order to make a meal for your guests or family members.
Thus, where you intend to use your barbecue gas grill and the importance of its portability may determine which barbecue gas grill you purchase.
Of course, if you happen to have a gas line already installed in your yard that may make natural gas barbecue grills appealing.
Even if you need to install a gas line, natural gas barbecue grills use fuel more cost-efficiently over time.
Additionally, if you are concerned about the environment, you will prefer using natural gas because it creates less pollution.
Barbecue Gas Grills – Big Daddy’s Barbecue
Gas Barbecue Grills and Size
Although large barbecue grills afford more cooking space and are usually more costly, a smaller barbecue grill may suit your needs perfectly.
The frequency you entertain and whether you will be barbecuing large quantities of food will affect your grill choice.
A smaller barbecue grill is less work to clean.
Additionally, many small barbecue grills are lightweight making them convenient to transport.
Barbecue Gas Grills: Conversions
Many barbecue gas grills can be converted to natural gas barbecue grills, and there are natural gas barbecue grills that can also be converted so that they operate using propane.
Thus, recognize that your needs and preferences may change.
Before purchasing a gas barbecue grill, read the box information or manual to learn whether the unit can be converted to accept another fuel.
Often you can buy a conversion kit that will provide most items needed to make the conversion, but you may need to buy regulators, new burners and necessary burner parts separately.
If you are not skilled in converting gas appliances, let a professional complete the conversion for you.
Never attempt to convert a barbecue grill so that it operates using other fuel unless the manufacturer specifically indicates that the barbecue grill can be converted.
Gas Grill Features
Some barbecue gas grills also offer the ability to use charcoal or wood chips, so the cook can enjoy a barbecue flavor that is closer to the taste of a charcoal grill.
These types of barbecue gas grills can be more work to clean, but they allow the cook to vary the flavor of the food.
Depending on the barbecue gas grill, it may have multiple cooking surfaces.
Some gas barbecue grills include a ribbed grill and a BBQ griddle.
A BBQ grill griddle can be convenient for cooking small items or thin fish that may flake or fall through the cracks of a ribbed surface.
You can also find barbecue gas grills that offer side burners and rotisseries.
All these features increase your ability to cook a wider variety of food.
Additionally, you will be able to cook side dishes outside that may not be suitable for cooking on a barbecue gas grill.
For example, a noodle dish can easily be watched and prepared on a burner while you are grilling a main course or vegetable.
Most built in barbecue grills, and some barbecue grills on carts, have cabinets, warming trays and drawers for utensils.
Expensive barbecue grills are also likely to offer these convenient extras.
Natural Gas Barbecue Grills, Propane Barbecue Grills and Your Safety
Gas is highly flammable, but there are differences that make some people believe that using natural gas is safer than using propane.
The odor of natural gas is easier to smell than propane gas if there is a leak.
Under the right circumstances, propane tanks can be more dangerous than natural gas because the propane tanks need to be disconnected, connected and transported.
Moving and handling the tanks creates more opportunities for accidents.
Nevertheless, the majority of gas barbecue grills use propane tanks.
Whether you choose a natural gas barbecue grill, propane gas grill or a grill that can use multiple fuel sources, you will find it easy and enjoyable to cook food outside.
Grilling food eliminates the necessity of cleaning up a messy kitchen or washing a pile of pots.
Browse our articles and barbecue gas grill reviews to help identify gas barbecue grills that you will use for years.
Oil Drum BBQ Grill
An oil drum BBQ is a common do-it-yourself building project for many barbecue enthusiasts.
These grills are heavy-duty (when properly constructed) and are often passed down from one generation to the next.
Many people have oil drum grills that are over 50 years old and are still working as well as they did they day they were built.
The primary components needed for building an oil drum BBQ are an oil drum, some angle iron (or similar material) and some kind of metal grate for use as a grilling surface.
The oil drum should be as rust free as possible, which means it might take some extensive searching in order to find one in a workable condition.
Once a drum has been located, it will need to be cut in half length-wise.
It is highly recommend that you find someone with the proper tools and no-how to do this part of the process for you.
Finally, the two halves will need to be joined on one side using some heavy duty hinges, which will create a “clam shell” design, allowing the lid to be easily opened and closed.
Stage two is to build the frame.
It is highly recommended that the frame be built from a heavy, metal material.
Angle iron works quite well for this application.
The frame should be designed as a rectangle, with the interior large enough for the oil drum to sit securely, but small enough so that the drum doesn’t fall through.
Once the frame is built, legs will need to be attached.
The legs should be securely welded to the frame, and the use of some additional cross beams between the legs is recommended for stability.
The length of the legs is determined by how high you want the grill to be situated.
Once the frame and legs have been assembled, the oil drum should be seated inside.
While it is possible for a properly constructed frame to securely hold the drum without any reinforcement, it is sometimes recommend that a few small welds be used to ensure the drum doesn’t move during use.
This is an important safety precaution that should not be overlooked.
An essential element is the grilling surface itself.
These can be created from any number of metal grate or mesh materials.
If you choose not to create a lid for your barbecue, than the metal mesh can be cut slightly wider than the grill, and then the edges bent downwards.
This can then be simply placed over the top of the half-barrel.
However, if you choose to make a lid, the grilling surface will have to be cut to fit inside the barrel, which will need to have some small L-shaped brackets welded inside to hold the metal grate material.
In either case, the material used should be heavy-duty enough to withstand the extreme temperatures needed for cooking.
Steel or cast iron is often recommended.
Once completed, an oil drum BBQ can be the focal point for any weekend or holiday party.
A homemade barbecue is often a source of pride for the owner, and can be used for decades if properly maintained.
What are the best barbecue grills on the market? What is the best grill for the money? Which BBQ brand is the best? What is the best brand of propane grill? Who makes the best outdoor gas grill?
Our Recommended Best BBQ Grills
Char-Broil Performance TRU Infrared 500 3-Burner Cabinet Gas Grill (Buy it Here)
Blackstone 36 inch Outdoor Flat Top Gas Grill Griddle Station – 4-burner – Propane Fueled – Restaurant Grade – Professional Quality (Buy it Here)
Many people can help with the Barbecue Grilling process, which is another way to bring everybody together.
People love to eat barbecued food.
Whether it is a hamburger or hot dog, these foods just taste better hot off the grill, than they do on a stove or oven.
Steaks on the grill are unbelievable.
The flavor is intense, and the steak stays juicy and delicious.
Cooking a steak over a hot flame is the absolute best way to cook steaks each and every time.
Barbecuing encompasses three distinct types of cooking techniques.
One type is charbroil-grilling over direct dry heat on a ribbed surface, usually a hot fire for a short time.
A similar technique is griddle over direct dry or moist heat on a flat surface over a hot fire, at the same pace as charbroiling.
Grilling may be done over wood, charcoal, gas (natural gas or propane), or electricity.
Braising
Another technique is braising, which combines direct dry heat charbroil-grilling on a ribbed surface with a broth-filled pot for moist heat, cooking at various speeds throughout the duration (starting fast, slowing down, then speeding up again, lasting for a few hours).
Indirect heat
The other technique is cooking by using indirect heat or low-level direct radiant heat at lower temperatures (usually around 240°F) and significantly longer cooking times (several hours), often with smoke.
BTU ratings
While the number of BTUs that a grill generates contributes to the maximum heat that a grill can reach it is not the only factor.
It is very difficult to determine the heat output of a grill from just the BTU rating.
Size, materials, design all play a role in how much heat you are going to get so don’t buy a grill simply because it has a high BTU rating.
Compare that number to the square inches of primary grilling area to get an idea of how well this Barbecue Grill might heat.
As a very general rule of thumb you want to see about 100 BTUs for each square inch, or at least somewhere in that range.
For example, a barbecue grill with 500 square inches and 50,000 BTUs from the main burners probably produces a good amount of heat.
Barbecue grill
A barbecue grill can cook food using gas, charcoal, pellets, or electricity.
Choosing the right grill is partly a matter of preference, grill safety and also a matter of cost.
A grill choice will usually be based on taste, cost, and fuel source.
For those concerned most with taste, a charcoal or pellet barbecue grill is best.
Charcoal gives food a great grilled flavor, the disadvantages charcoal is that it takes a while to heat up and charcoal briquettes cost more than propane refills.
A pellet grill uses hardwood pellets as the fuel source and provides the ultimate in wood-fired flavor, the pellets and the grill are expensive and hard to find though.
Cost is usually the main determiner for most people when buying a barbecue grill.
Gas grills cost just a little more initially (ranging from$100- $10,000) but save money on fuel in the long run.
Charcoal grills are relatively inexpensive (from $50- $2,000) but the briquettes are not.
Gas grills are the most common in the United States and some of that has to do with the fact that they can heat up quickly whereas charcoal takes twenty to thirty minutes to heat up.
Barbecue grills are commonplace in backyards
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 a family get together, 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.
Barbecue grills are commonplace in backyards
Infrared barbecue
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.
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.
Types of barbecue grills
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.
Cooking on a barbecue grill may remind you of summer holidays and mild weather.
The scent of mouth-watering food teases your taste buds and naturally makes you hungry.
Sometimes cooking on a barbecue grill is done individually, but often multiple people are thrilled to share the responsibility of standing near the grill to make sure the food is cooked to perfection.
Grilling can be more social than cooking in an oven.
However, there are many other reasons why making food on a grill is a wonderful way to cook.
Prepare various foods on a barbecue grill
Some many foods to cook on a barbecue grill
You can cook a wide variety of foods on a barbecue grill.
Whether you want a juicy steak, succulent chicken or a seafood entree, it can be prepared effortlessly on a grill.
Even a novice can use a recipe and a barbecue grill to prepare a flavorful meal with little effort.
People often use barbecues to prepare hot dogs and burgers, but a diverse array of recipes can make it easy to use your grill to make many other exciting meals.
In addition to cooking the main dish on the grill, skewers or vegetable baskets make it simple to prepare side dishes on a barbecue.
Barbeque Grilling: Perfect for Company
Grills vary in sizes, but you can find inexpensive barbecue grills that make it effortless to cook a lot of food at one time.
Additionally, outdoor cooking can encourage guests to eat outside, so there are no spills or crumbs indoors.
However, if you decide to serve your food inside, cleanup is likely to be easier than if you cooked in the kitchen.
Outdoor Grilling
Outdoor grilling also has the advantage of keeping lingering scents outside.
For example, some people prefer to make fish or seafood on a barbecue because the interior of their home will not smell fishy.
Additionally, storing a barbecue grill outdoors saves valuable inside space.
A cover will sufficiently protect the grill, so you can enjoy using it for years.
Whether you have limited space or just want an extra cooking surface to use outside, cooking on a barbecue will please a simple or sophisticated palate.
Outdoor Barbecue Grill
Outdoor Barbecue Grills
Are a popular cooking alternative for nearly everyone.
They allow the cook to enjoy being outside while preparing a meal.
Additionally, outdoor barbecues are available in a wide range of price ranges and fuel options.
Gas Outdoor BBQ Grills
Gas outdoor barbecue grills are among the most widely purchased.
Some gas grills use propane and others operate using natural gas.
Propane gas grills will require you to purchase a tank of propane, which will need to be periodically refilled.
Although less common, some gas barbecue grills use natural gas, but this requires a natural gas line in order to obtain fuel from your gas company.
Many grills can be modified so that they can operate using natural gas even if they were originally designed for propane fuel.
Natural gas is convenient because you will not have to worry about running out of fuel or transporting a propane tank.
Propane and natural gas grills heat quickly, but they do not provide the opportunity to obtain the smoky flavor a charcoal grill can produce.
Electric Outdoor Barbecue Grills
Electric Outdoor Barbecue Grills
Electric outdoor barbecue grills require an outlet and heat originates from electrical currents. Hot plates create seared grill marks on food.
Electric outdoor grills are frequently used in city residences or apartments where people use their outdoor barbecues on a porch or are not permitted grills that use fire.
Provide a smoky flavor that many people love when enjoying barbecued food.
Additionally, the cook can vary the food’s taste by using soaked wood chips with the charcoal or mesquite flavored charcoal.
However, charcoal can be costly and messy to clean.
Additionally, a charcoal grill heats more slowly than a gas or electric grill.
Portable Outdoor Grills
Portable Outdoor Grills
Portable outdoor barbecue grills
Are lightweight and can be fueled by electricity, charcoal, wood or propane.
Portable grills often have limited grill space, but they are perfect for picnics, sports events and other outdoor activities and easy cleaning Barbecue Grill Grates
It’s great to consider alternate means of cooking, especially for emergency preparedness and prepping scenarios.
Light a Charcoal Grill – Summer is just around the corner, and you know what that means for many foodies.
Roasting meats over flames and feasting on sausages, burgers, seafood, and even veggies.
Everybody knows that a good barbecue starts with lighting a charcoal grill.
If you don’t have any idea on how to light a charcoal grill, then read on and find out how to do it.
Most die-hard fans of barbecue would agree that charcoal grill beats propane grill when it comes to flavor and aroma.
Charcoal barbecue emits the rich smell and leaves a delicious carbon flavor on the meat.
And for most cooks, there’s no better feeling than serving perfectly charred food.
Sure, charcoal grill has its disadvantages like the annoying need to clean up ashes and grease.
You also have to replenish the coals every hour or so, especially if you’re throwing a barbecue party.
And heat can really be challenging to control.
But charcoal grill remains very popular because it leaves a deep, smoky flavor on any food.
It is best suited for searing meat like steak because it creates a hotter flame than gas grill, aside from the fact that it is less expensive.
Barbecue grills are commonplace in backyards
Lighting a Charcoal Grill
While it may sound like an easy task, lighting a charcoal grill is not as easy as it may seem.
You certainly don’t want to look like dumb in front of your friends at your summer barbecue party.
Worse, you don’t want to be given curious looks by your girlfriend’s dad just in case you come to their own summer get-together.
While you can always pull out your smartphone and look for a YouTube video on how to light a charcoal grill, it is still better to know beforehand how to pull off the task.
And knowing how to light a charcoal grill is one skill you want to learn so that your guests will be confident about your grilling skills just in case you host your own barbecue party.
In lighting a charcoal grill, you’ll need the following tools, a lighter fluid, a stiff wire brush, a barbecue lighter, and charcoal.
Start by emptying old ash which can obstruct vents and make it difficult for you to control the temperature.
Get rid of leftover ash in the bottom of the grill, putting it into a bag and dispose it properly.
This is very importantly especially if you are using a public grill as whatever mess left behind by the previous user should be removed, unless you want those particles to get into your food.
No, don’t believe into what others may say about the leftover grease and food particles making your food more delicious and flavorful.
The truth is that these particles will only make your food stick to the grill, resulting into a less than flavorful food.
Using a stiff wire brush, scrape off the ash and food particles that were left from the last use of the charcoal grill.
It is easier to clean the grates when the iron is still warm.
But if it has been a long time since the grill was last used, be patient in removing the leftover grease and particles.
You can also place the grill rack back in to a hot charcoal, as the heat should loosen the grease.
In case you can’t find a stiff wire brush, you can ball up an aluminum foil.
If there’s stuck on food that you can’t get rid of, there is a solution to that.
A mixture of baking soda and vinegar should work together in breaking apart burnt-on food.
Simply mix a cup of baking soda with two cups of vinegar in a plastic bag then seal the grates in the bag with a rubber band.
Let it stand there overnight.
Remove the grates then rinse them thoroughly. Leftover food should fall off.
You may also scrub off the rest if there is still anything still stuck on the grates. Rinse with cool water before patting dry.
The technique here is to fill the bottom of the grill with charcoal, arranging them in a pyramid shape.
The apex should be at the center of the grill.
How to Light a Charcoal Grill Using a charcoal chimney starter
Lighting a charcoal chimney or charcoal grill used to be a daunting task for me.
Normally I’d have to douse a bunch of newspaper or paper towels in lighter fluid and cross my fingers to hope it worked.
Fortunately, I discovered how a charcoal chimney starter can really change the game, and they’ve made my life much easier.
Charcoal starters take the guesswork out of using your charcoal grill and they’re really simple to use.
The starter looks like a thick, stubby pipe with a grate at the bottom.
All I need to do is fill the charcoal starter with the briquettes that I want to use and put the lighter cubes or flammable material right on the top.
To get started, I simply place an additional grate over the apparatus and light the material on the top of the starter.
The charcoal starter acts a lot like a funnel, drawing hot air up from the grill itself and concentrating it right on the material that I need to light.
Since there’s a smaller surface area to work with, the grill is able to heat much more effectively and get started within minutes.
Once I have a fire going, I simply transfer the coals from my starter right onto the grill and I’m able to cook my food pretty much immediately.
Starters are great for big groups of people, or when I need to cook lots of food to order.
This method saves me a lot of energy and time, as well as minimizes the chance that I’ll have an accident from using too much lighter fluid.
I’ve noticed that my food also has a better flavor and much less of a chemical aftertaste.
I know that excess lighter fluid can lead to some serious chemical buildup in my food, and using a starter eliminates the need for so much gas.
The food is savory and chemical-free. Additionally, it’s cooked much faster than with traditional methods.
Cleaning up my grill after cooking is also easier with a starter because there’s less burnt surface area to deal with.
The starter will also collect most of the ash in one spot.
When I remove my starter from the grill, I always make sure to put it in a secure place.
The starter remains hot for a while after cooking, so it’s best to keep it away from children and pets for at least an hour.
Light Charcoal Grill
Then apply lighter fluid to the top briquettes.
Spray it in an outward, circular motion until all the briquettes have been covered.
Don’t over soak.
You should leave enough fuel to properly light the charcoal.
Let the liquid soak into the coals by waiting for five minutes.
After five minutes, use a barbecue lighter to light the bottom of the pyramid.
To distribute the heat evenly, you should light in several different spots.
It could take as much as 30 minutes until the coals have been properly heated.
They would die down after burning quickly at first.
Just give them time to light up.
Lighting Charcoal Grill Using Lighter Fluid
In lighting a charcoal grill, you need to have charcoal briquettes or char wood.
Place sheets of aluminum foil at the base of the grill before you put and light the coals.
This would make it easier for you to clean the grill and disposed the used coals and its ashes.
Now place the coals, stacking them in a pyramid shape right in the middle of the grill.
This would also allow for air to flow and enable the coals to burn more efficiently and with less smoke.
Spray lighter fluid on the charcoal; light enough just to get the briquettes soaked.
As you get used to it, you will learn how to light the coals without the use of a lighter fluid by using plain old newspapers.
Give it a minute or so for the coals to be soaked in fluid.
Then using a match or a long-neck grill lighter, start the fire.
Light the opposite sides of the stack quickly.
Give the coals around 20 minutes or so to light and burn.
You need them to be hot and glowing prior to grilling.
You would know that you can start cooking when the coals get that familiar ash gray color.
There should be no smoke.
Fan the coals gently so they would burn, or give it a few minutes before you start cooking.
Using tongs, evenly spread the hot coals on the grate.
Never spray lighter fluid with the aim of heating up the coals faster.
You’d end up having barbecue tasting like gasoline.
Once you notice that the coals are covered with white ash, use your tongs to spread the coals.
Put the grate in position and remove any gunk.
But how would you tell how hot the fire is?
Simply hold your palm five inches above the fire.
You would know that the temperature is somewhere between 400 and 500 degrees F if you can hold your palm for 2 to 4 seconds.
If you can hold it for 5-7 seconds, the temperature is in ‘medium’ while if it is around 8 to 10 seconds, it is in ‘low’.
If you can hold your hand for more than 10 seconds, you need to add more coal.
Now your charcoal grill is ready to start grilling up those meats and vegetables.
As you can see, lighting up a charcoal grill isn’t as complicated as it seems.
Now that you know how to light up a charcoal grill, you don’t have to fear to be in a barbecue party next summer.
