Practically all modern braziers have mobile designs that allow them to be conveniently carried. Retain a certain interest of manufacturers and stationary models, but representatives of this segment are not so practical in operation. As a rule, these are heavy cast iron units, the advantages of which can only be attributed to durability and a high degree of reliability. In turn, portable barbecues in the best designs provide both a high working resource and comfort during use. However, this category also has its own nuances of choice that you should pay attention to.
What are the features of portable barbecues?
When disassembled, portable structures are practically indistinguishable from stationary counterparts. As a rule, the base is formed by the same metal box with legs. During operation, portable braziers provide similar opportunities for cooking on charcoal using skewers and grates. Actually, this is where the similarities with classical stationary models end.
The main feature that distinguishes the collapsible design is the ability to move. At the same time, the collapsible brazier not only allows you to change the location, but also to carry outtransport with maximum convenience. True, there are also negative aspects of the use of such structures. Still, the integrity of the unit as such affects the reliability characteristics. In addition, some models may be difficult to install.
Optimal design execution
The simplest option involves the presence of metal racks that are connected in pairs and make it possible to stack skewers over the fire. This design is located above the finished fireplace, takes up a minimum of space and is easy to carry. Ease of use is due to the fact that the collapsible brazier in this design does not have side walls and a bottom. However, the truncated design also has its drawbacks. It is characterized by instability and a minimal set of additional options.
Standard portable barbecues still provide a full-fledged metal base, which is disassembled into separate segments. The barbecue suitcase is also very convenient, allowing the owner to carry it like a massive bag with the help of a special handle. Another thing is that the weight of the structure, even when folded, can cause certain inconveniences.
Select by material
If the design scheme of collapsible models initially loses to stationary counterparts in terms of reliability, then the material of manufacture fully meets the requirements for strength and durability. The most common brazier is made of stainless steel, the thickness of the sheets in which is from 0.5 to 3 mm. Steel is the best choicefor folding structures due to the lightness and the possibility of using thin panels. But the weaker the power base of the brazier, the easier it is to maintain and at the same time less reliable.
If the operation of the structure is calculated for decades, then you should focus on cast-iron models. This metal is more durable, stronger and better retains heat. But you will have to pay for these advantages with difficulties in transferring, since such units are heavy. In addition, the cast iron brazier requires special storage conditions, due to its susceptibility to corrosion.
Dimensional parameters
The main parameters in this case are the length and depth of the structure. As experienced grillers note, the optimal distance from the product to the coals is 10 cm. Therefore, the depth of the brazier should be approximately this. It is important to take into account that not the entire wall will be the “working” distance. Approximately 3-5 cm should be left for technical holes and grooves. As for the length, portable barbecues can have different indicators - on average from 40 to 80 cm. Of course, the very concept of mobile installations tends to be more small in size, but in choosing it is still advisable to focus on the amount of meat being cooked.
Protective coating requirements
It has already been noted that cast iron requires special protection from external influences. First of all, he is afraid of moisture, which can start negative corrosion processes. But also mangalstainless steel is difficult to attribute to invulnerable structures that can withstand external threats without additional protection. In this case, we are talking about thermal exposure.
Even at the factory, metal surfaces must be coated with a special black paint, which, depending on the composition, can provide a barrier to temperatures of about 600-800 °C. The quality of this layer is evidenced by its durability even under conditions of long-term operation. It is impossible to evaluate this property in advance, so experts still recommend not to purchase portable barbecues with refractory colorful coatings. The fact is that the action of high temperatures, sooner or later, will still lead to a backlog of the coating, and its particles will crumble directly into the food. As an alternative, another method of metal protection is proposed. Modern models have galvanic coatings that are not destroyed by contact with fire, but at the same time provide reliable metal protection.
Which company's products to prefer?
Forester offers a wide range of designs for different needs. Within 500-1000 rubles. in the line of this company you can find high-quality models in the form of simplified installations with support posts and slats for grills and skewers. For 3-4 thousand rubles. available and barbecue-suitcase in different versions. For example, the BC-781 modification is compact in size, but it includes all the necessary elements, including a pallet, walls and support legs.
Good braziers are also produced by the manufacturer Kraftool. Folding designs of this brand can be transported in a car, leaving for a picnic. The well-thought-out technical device of such barbecues eliminates unnecessary difficulties in the process of installation and cooking. Worthy of attention and domestic products. For example, a prefabricated brazier from the Technolit company with parameters of 70x30x70 cm can be used to cook large amounts of meat.
What else to consider when choosing?
In choosing a brazier, in addition to the main criteria, it is worth considering additional design features. So, in the lower part of any modern unit of this type, holes are provided for the supply of oxygen. At the stage of ignition of coals, their presence is mandatory, however, in the midst of cooking meat, a special valve for regulating gaps will be a good helper. Also, for the preparation of some dishes, you may need a brazier with a lid that completely covers the work area. Classic models, as a rule, do not have such an addition, but in extended trim levels, such devices are becoming more common. Also, as the braziers become more complex, auxiliary manual devices are added to the kits.
Conclusion
The design of the brazier looks simple and quite affordable for self-production. Therefore, many home craftsmen decide to save money by making such units with their own hands. But, as practice shows, it is possible to take into account all the design features by correctly calculating the gaps and completing the connection points.few. Especially if a cast-iron brazier is planned, which is much more difficult to manufacture due to the characteristics of the metal. On the other hand, manufacturers have not limited themselves to simple models for a long time, endowing the units with modern functions. Braziers with automatic rotation of skewers, ergonomic ventilation controls, etc. are increasingly appearing on the market. Another thing is that such designs are much more expensive than their basic analogues.
