Outdoor grills come in various shapes and sizes, with the primary distinction being the fuel used: charcoal grills, gas grills, electric grills, and wood pellet grills.
1. Charcoal Grills:
Charcoal is one of the most primitive barbecue fuels, adding a unique flavor to the food and enhancing the ritual of grilling. It's cost-effective and easy to store, making it suitable for beginners.
Lighting charcoal to the right temperature requires skill and time, and beginners may use tools such as charcoal chimney to accomplish this step.
There are 2 main types of traditional charcoal grills: kettle-style and barrel-style.
- Kettle-style charcoal grills usually have ash collector, making cleaning convenient, and require regular cleaning of the grill grate and lid after use.
- Barrel-style charcoal grills, in addition to the barrel-shaped body, often come with a bottom shelf and side work table. This type has also evolved into charcoal smokers with strong sealing, suitable for smoking large food items. Regular maintenance involves clearing ash buildup in the charcoal pan and ensuring grill grate cleanliness.
2. Gas Grills:
Gas grills are modern and convenient, eliminating the need for complex preparation. They provide precise heat control, with some models featuring side burners for additional food preparation.
Battery-powered ignition is common, so have the right batteries on hand before use. Gas grills are easier to maintain compared to charcoal grills, requiring care to prevent grease buildup and burner blockages.
3. Electric Grills:
Electric grills are the easiest to operate, simply plug in and heat to the desired temperature to start grilling. They are usually small in size, suitable for countertop use, and some smokeless models are also suitable for indoor use. Given that electric grills are vulnerable to malfunctions as electrical appliances, pay attention to the warranty for the heating element.
4. Wood Pellet Grills:
These grills are like electric smokers, using wood pellets for fuel, providing temperature control for long-term food smoking. It's also important to cover the grill during rainy days to avoid circuit damage from moisture.
Wood pellets add diverse flavors to the food and ignite more easily than charcoal. Popular flavors include maple, apple, nutmeg, and hickory, so be sure to choose food-grade pellets.
