Do you plan to turn your backyard into an even more inviting place? Perhaps you have some extra space where you can get an outdoor grill and cook your favourite meals for yourself and your loved ones. Outdoor barbecue should meet your needs, but also be made of materials that will last; there are many different types, so what you're choosing depends mainly on your preferences, but also budget. Before you get your outdoor BBQ, make sure to know what you're looking for and how large of a grill you need.
Types of BBQ Grills
Electric BBQ Grill
This is the most common option for outdoor barbecue; it's the perfect one if you don't want (or don't know how) to deal with charcoal, propane, or cleaning after grilling. The only thing this grill requires is to adjust the temperature and time and let it grill the food for you. If you're investing in a smart model, you can get an app where you can set the grill and let it do the job for you.
Electric smokers can be purchased in any store; they are built vertically and the heating element is placed at the bottom (it includes wood and water pans between it and the food racks). The water pan produces water vapour that enhances the smokey flavour of the food and it forms an indirect cooking environment that protects the meat from the direct heat of the element. This way food gets cooked at a low and slow temperature and time.
Pellet Grills
These grills are a mix of an oven and a smoker. The extra smokey flavour of the combustion combines with the best convenience of an electric smoker. Pellet grills can work like an oven, grill and smoker; they are using compressed sawdust where the pellets go into a hopper on the side of the smoker and are fed into a firebox by the auger drill. Inside the firebox, there is a heated metal rod that makes the pellets combust, simultaneously making smoke and heat.
Charcoal Grills
These come in various shapes and sizes and require a bit of effort. Charcoal grills will also demand cleaning, setting-up and maintenance. Once the wood is superheated, the non-carbon organic compounds burn off, so the 'char' left behind won't create too much smoke. Then it will turn into small briquettes (charcoal); the smokey flavour will occur when the charcoal burns the chemicals (carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide). The extra smoke comes from wood chips that are set above the charcoal to smoke. The more air gets into the firebox, the hotter the charcoal will burn.
Gas Grills
These are ideal if you are not a fan of maintenance or cleaning; these grills only need natural gas or propane and a direct hookup of gas.
Most of these smokers come with a built cabinet where the burner and vents are located at the bottom and the chimney and the dampers on top. The gas travels from the bottom through a manifold and down to the cooking part where it's burned as it flows out of the valves. Gas smokers don't create smoke naturally, so you'll have to add some wood chips to create that smokey flavour.
Kamado BBQs
These are perfect for various cooking tasks from grilling burgers to slow cooking ribs, roasting chicken, smoking fish or even baking bread. Kamado BBQs reach cooking temperature in a few minutes and gives perfect temperature control and moisture saturation for tender cooking. This model will bring the flavour of fire cooking just like you got your girl from the restaurant.
What to Consider
Materials
The first thing to consider when buying your grill is the materials and if they are durable and quality. If you spot any sharp edges or sturdy wheels and legs, chances are the grill isn't a good investment. Pay attention to the paintwork; your grill will remain outdoors, so make sure these parts of it are waterproof and rustproof. When checking the grill in the store, observe it from all sides and if something seems breakable, then you might want to check the next model.
Temperature Range
Don't forget to check the temperature range. It should be able to reach at least about 160 Celsius degrees (this only refers to chicken). For making steaks, however, the grill should be able to reach about 260 Celsius degrees. The temperature is essential because if it can't reach certain degrees, you won't be able to use get the maximum of your grill. This way your cooking will be limited to only certain foods, while others won't taste as expected.
Safety
BBQ grills should be safe for children and pets but also for anyone who uses them. Get a smoker that has wheels that lock to prevent potential accidents. Always check if the electric parts are shielded from the elements as well. The handles of the smoker should be heat-resistant; wooden handles won't last for a long time. Always go for stainless steel handles. Don’t forget the barbecue grill; when it's closed it will deflect the heat and smoke evenly around the food. Some hoods incorporate a thermometer to check if you're cooking your food at the right temperature.
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