Outdoor cooking provides a nice change of pace from slaving over a hot kitchen stove. But before you plunk your money down on just any kind of barbecue grill, give some thought to the type that will best suit your lifestyle needs:
1. Charcoal grills are the simplest, smallest, and in many ways easiest type of outdoor cooking appliance. From a simple brazier that can sit on a picnic table to a tripod structure that you park on the patio, a charcoal grill will be ready and waiting for the briquettes and lighter fluid. Preparation involves placing a piece of foil in the bottom of the pan and covering it with briquettes. Light these and allow them to burn to white ash before attempting to cook. Lay either a grill for food or a camping skillet atop the cinders, but don't let your food items touch the charcoal directly. Cleanup involves letting the ash cool completely before depositing it in the trash after dousing the coals with water. Wipe out the pan section of the grill and you are ready for the next time.
2. Propane or natural gas grills are one of the most popular types of outside cooking units. Most sell with an attached fuel tank that can be exchanged for a full one when it is empty. Temperature gauges allow you to control the heat level and intensity, while a lid or cover intensifies the heat and provides searing options for steak or other meat cuts. These grills are made of aluminum, cast iron, or stainless steel material, although some may include a non-stick finish. When you are done grilling, turn off the grill and let it cool before detaching removable racks or sections for dishwasher cleaning. Non-stick finishes must be washed according to manufacturers' guidelines.
3. Electric grills can be used indoors or outside. A standard five-foot cord comes with these units for plugging into outlets on your porch or in your kitchen. A rotisserie on the back portion is a useful option for roasting fowl or other large meat cuts, along with skewered vegetables. Check the accompanying recipe book for ways to experiment with several food group preparations. After cooking, unplug the grill and take apart the sections that need to be washed by hand or in the dishwasher.
4. Smokers offer a delicious variation of the traditional barbecue grill cooking method. Adding a smoked flavor and texture to meats, cheese, and vegetables provides a unique option to outdoor cooking for tailgate parties, family picnics, or camping adventures. Temperatures can be adjusted from 4,400 to more than 50,000 BTUs on this and other types of maneuverable grills.
5. Add accessories to many grill types to make your outdoor cooking even simpler. For example, lights allow you to continue using the grill after dark. You can select two-, three-, or four-burner units, depending on the amount of cooking you plan to do. Warming racks is another option when cooking for a large group of people. Ask at the stores where you shop or the online sites you visit to find out which colorful, coordinating accessories are available for your preferred grill. Don't forget to ask about a product warranty or guarantee.
Nothing beats the taste of food cooked out in the open air. Fuel costs are minimal in most cases, and clean-up is not excessive. Shop for a grill for your family to start enjoying this exciting dining alternative.
