There’s nothing quite as comforting as warming up to a glowing fire on a cold evening. Cooking over that same fire is a treat that harkens back to our primal beginnings. Outdoor cooking is one of America’s great pastimes.
According to the Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association, 7 out of 10 U.S. adults own a grill. Isn’t it time you did too? Read this post for expert tips on types of grills and how you should use them!
1. Gas Grills
Gas grills are popular for their convenience and safety. They are easy to get started and bring up to temperature. They usually have from 2-4 adjustable burners, so the temperature is easy to control.
Unfortunately, gas grills do not impart much flavor to the foods cooked with them. They also tend to be more expensive than the other types of grills. This is because gas grills are more complex with many parts.
Gas grills are available as free-standing or built-in models. Most gas grills are made of aluminum or steel. They are designed to run on either natural gas or propane.
Gas grills may be the best grills to use for outdoor cooking at home. This is because they require a natural gas line or propane tank, so they are not easy to move around.
2. Wood-Fired Grills
Wood-fired grills are growing in popularity. They are versatile and allow you to impart the natural flavors of the various woods used. The result is the most flavorful method of cooking available.
The most common type of wood-fired grills today are pellet grills. These use wood pellets in a hopper to feed the fire. The wood pellets are fed into the grill with an electric auger producing long-lasting continuous heat. This is great for preparing brisket, ribs, or roasts.
Pellet grills tend to be large in size making them difficult to transport. Also, because they require a power source they are not practical for camping.
3. Charcoal Grills
Charcoal grills are a favorite of outdoor cooks for many reasons. They are inexpensive, easy to operate, and portable.
Charcoal grills take longer to light than gas grills, but once they get going they cook at a higher temperature. They also impart the classic smokey flavor that people associate with barbecue. This makes them ideal for hamburgers, hot dogs, steaks, and vegetables.
Another advantage of charcoal grills is that you can use wood in them if you want to add more flavor to your cooking. Grills such as the barebones cowboy grill give you the best of both worlds. Allowing you to cook with both wood and charcoal, in one fire pit.
Charcoal grills are great for camping or backyard barbecues where friends and family can gather around the natural warmth they create.
4. Electric Grills
Electric grills are usually portable and easy to move. They are a good option if you live in a condo or apartment, where the use of other grill types may be prohibited.
Electric grills are easy to use but require longer cook times. They do not impart the smokey flavor usually associated with barbecue grills.
Now Is the Season to Know the Types of Grills
Don’t wait for grilling season to start planning your outdoor cooking adventure. Now is the best time to make your move.
You now have the knowledge to choose the best types of grills, so find the grill that’s right for you. Then check out our other blog posts for more tips and tricks to improve your life!
