The pinnacle of culinary art performed by most ordinary people is the preparation of juicy browned meat with "smoke" in nature. However, it can be not only meat in the form of a barbecue or steak, but also fish with vegetables - the main thing is that the product is cooked in natural conditions, over a “live” fire or coals. You can implement this idea in improvised ways, armed with a standard set of skewers. However, in order to observe all the subtleties of cooking such dishes, as well as save yourself from unnecessary inconvenience, it is worth buying a charcoal grill, which will make the cooking process more convenient and expand your culinary possibilities. For those who are not yet familiar with this unit or want to learn more about the offers of modern grill manufacturers, this review is offered.
Design and device of the grill
There are many variations of this equipment. Grills also include a model of an elementary design with a grate and a lid, on which it is easy to cook the same meat, fish or vegetables. In contrast, they can be called electrical cabinets, the principle of operation of which is based on the operation of infrared rays. The classic charcoal barbecue grill is distinguished by a deep round frying pan, on which thefrying. This design ensures uniform distribution of thermal waves over the entire working surface from different sides. An important component in such a device is the grid. Or rather, two grids. On one is meat, and on the other is fuel. To ensure the possibility of adjusting the air flow, special dampers are provided in the grill. Actually, this is the key difference from barbecues.
Pros and cons of charcoal grills
Anyway, the charcoal grill is outdated by its principle of operation. Electric and gas counterparts look more modern and in some respects provide higher functionality. And yet this does not prevent buyers from choosing a charcoal grill for barbecue. Grilling connoisseurs prefer it for the following reasons:
- Able to cook regardless of the weather.
- You can use the unit as an oven or tandoor.
- There is the possibility of smoking.
- The grill can maintain temperature for a long time while saving coal fuel.
- Perhaps, the main advantage of such models is to provide unique taste. Neither gas nor electric analogues are able to endow meat with the flavor that coals and "live" fire give.
If we talk about the shortcomings, then they are few. You can, of course, note a small list of options, but this flaw is rather due to the technological development of competitive devices and does not particularly affect the quality of cooking. However, to the obvious disadvantagesthat a traditional garden grill can have include spending time on lighting the coals and regularly cleaning the grate and surfaces of the appliance.
Fuel consumption
Special briquettes should be used for grills. They provide fast ignition without harm to the equipment and with the convenience of the user. This fuel is produced from different types of wood, after which the blanks are pressed. The volume of material is determined by the dimensions of the grill itself - accordingly, the larger it is, the higher the level of fuel consumption should be. At the same time, it is important to decide on the manufacturer that produces coal briquettes for grilling. Some of the most respected brands in grilling circles are Weber, Rainbow and Kamado.
Why is this product better than analogues? First of all, such coal is economically profitable. That is, a small amount of fuel is enough for one cooking session. In practice, this means that coal burns longer, while providing more heat. At the same time, the design of the unit also affects the efficiency of fuel consumption. So, experts note that coal briquettes burn longer in ceramic rounded models. Conversely, the metal rectangular versions will quickly "eat up" the bookmark, providing the same thermal effect.
Cooking Features
BBQ models offer a wide variety of cooking options. If earlier these were devices with a simple design that allowed browningsausages and fry meat outdoors, the modern barbecue grill is a multifunctional unit that can delicately bake both waffles and cook Thai noodles. Suffice it to say that it can perform all the basic functions of a wok, tandoor and the same barbecue.
As for the barbecue, then, of course, it is the main focus. First of all, manufacturers supply the charcoal grill with an air regulator, through which you can control the parameters of meat cooking. As you know, barbecue is cooked outdoors, however, in some cases, a cover may also be required. With its help, the user will be able to ensure the uniformity of the temperature effect.
Reviews of Char Griller models
Already budget versions of this brand are praised for their wide range of equipment, quality materials and ergonomic settings. As the cost of the units increases, the functionality also increases - as users note, this directly affects the quality of cooking for the better. Although most of the grills of this "family" are positioned as a barbecue tool, the Char Griller still demonstrates the best culinary delights when working with steaks and fish. The advantages make you forget about store-bought products, and the fish is filled with juice during cooking and retains the full range of aromatic qualities.
But not without criticism. These grills require maintenance. And this applies not only to cleaning from the remnants of meat or fish, but also to special measures to combat metal corrosion. The owners recommend that after each operation, treat the charcoal grill with vegetable oil and be sure to provide for it a permanent storage place under a canopy and protected from moisture.
Landmann product reviews
Products of this brand deserves attention, if only for the fact that it offers a wide selection of grills, among which there are many options at very affordable prices. For example, a standard rounded design is supplied with a small set of additional devices and is estimated at 3 thousand rubles. According to users, this Landmann grill provides optimal performance in the main modes, including excellent barbecue cooking. Of course, when compared with premium models priced from 20 thousand rubles, this line will be unattractive. Simple devices at the same time have a lot of positive feedback for ease of transportation, ease of assembly and, oddly enough, providing decent gastronomic qualities of food. We can say that this is a classic solution for cooking meat on charcoal.
Weber product reviews
On the example of Weber models, we can conclude another advantage of charcoal grills as such. It is independent of electricity. Why is it in the units of this brand that such dignity is especially noticeable? The fact is that many praise the Weber charcoal grill for its mobility, ergonomics and at the same time good functionality. That is, for sorties outside civilization, where there is no power grid, such models can be considered as the optimal solution. The owners alsothey note the thoughtfulness of trifles and the original design, which is not uncommon for such equipment for a long time, but all the same, the Weber company manages to please its fans with aesthetic features. What can not be said about the price - this product can also compete for the status of the most expensive in its niche. By the way, it is worth recalling Weber's branded corner, the quality of which speaks of the manufacturer's serious approach to the development of its products.
Big Green Egg reviews
If Weber stands out from the crowd with ergonomics and ingenious design, Big Green Egg produces models that many call a real technological miracle. The unique design of the grill, which truly resembles a large green egg, provides an incomparable taste that other charcoal grills are not able to replicate. Reviews also note that you can make not only traditional meat dishes, but also pizza in it, and some users also praise borscht cooked in the Big Green Egg unit. Unfortunately, the cost of such equipment more than matches the quality. Nevertheless, the owners recommend at least purchasing the Medium model, which provides the ability to connect a microcontroller with a fan. These add-ons expand the functionality of the grills, which affects the taste of the food.
Prices
Variety of designs, materials, design features and functionality leads toand the breadth of the price spectrum. In the budget segment, simple grill designs reign, which can be purchased for 3-5 thousand rubles. These are the same models from the manufacturer Landmann in basic versions. If you need a full-fledged charcoal barbecue grill with enhanced functionality, well-thought-out ergonomics and modern design, then you should count on the amount from 15 to 25 thousand rubles. By the way, this category presents the best models from Weber. Further, the price level rises to premium and even exclusive options, which include Big Green Egg products. Such grills are estimated at 50 thousand rubles. and above.
Grill accessories: what to consider?
Regardless of the basic configuration of the unit, an experienced griller always has a set of accessories at hand, which includes baskets and nets for frying whole large fish or large pieces of meat. Shampoos will not be superfluous either. They should be chosen only from stainless steel and do not forget about the twisted section. Especially if you plan to use the grill for a summer residence, where there may not be enough kitchen tools, then you will need special tongs for food. Do not exclude the need for a brush with which you can apply sauce or marinade to the surface of the product. For those who want to get closer to the equipment of professional cooks, a digital thermometer should also be recommended. In Russia, this device is still rare, but in Europe, even amateurs use it to determine the degree of readiness of meat.
Conclusion
Culture of cooking meat onnature has been gaining popularity in recent years. A wide range of barbecue grills for everyone to choose from confirms this trend. It would seem that there are many alternative options, including inexpensive barbecue models and more technically advanced electric grills. Why do coal models remain in demand? This is partly due to the quality of the dishes prepared. But it is worth remembering the traditions of roasting meat in nature, as well as the authenticity of the grill as such.
