There are many ways to cook barbecue on special structures, but a cast-iron grill deserves special attention. Such a device is unique in its properties and has a high decorative effect. There is a huge demand for a cast-iron brazier for summer cottages. Hence the high cost. Before you buy it, you need to analyze in detail all the disadvantages and advantages of a cast-iron barbecue.
Distinctive features and material properties
Barbecues for giving must be chosen in accordance with the price. Cast iron is a durable material, so its cost is quite high.
This type of metal is able to acquire non-stick properties, which is extremely useful and necessary in cooking. It is the use of vegetable oil that will protect food from sticking to the surface of the barbecue grill. It is also worth noting that the heat inside the device itself is distributed fairly evenly, retaining heat due to the heat capacity of cast iron for a long time.
Benefits of a cast-iron brazier
Any material has its pros and cons inoperation. Cast iron barbecue grill has a number of the following advantages:
- Durability and strength.
- Heat capacity and refractoriness.
- The material is resistant to all influences of atmospheric phenomena.
- There are various models.
- Corrosion resistant.
- Can be used as a decorative piece of land.
The main positive points must be considered when choosing a cast-iron brazier "Hephaestus".
Product flaws
There are several main shortcomings with a cast-iron brazier:
- quite a lot of weight;
- material cost is high;
- Mobility is low.
It is possible to eliminate shortcomings by replacing certain parts of this design. It is permissible to use only cast-iron grills for the barbecue. The remaining parts can be crafted using bricks or durable stainless steel.
How to choose the right one?
Before choosing a brazier made of cast iron, you need to decide on the model of the product. There are various types of barbecues on sale, so choosing the best model is real. Several main groups:
- Portable barbecue.
- Grill product.
- Regular stationary barbecue (open).
- The construction is covered.
The best option is to choose a portable model. It includes lightweight materials, and the number of parts there is much less. Ease of use at the highest level, since you can take it with you anywhere, it takesthere is not enough space in the car.
Another affordable and convenient option is a cast-iron grate for grilling on the grill. It is used as an additional accessory for various homemade barbecue ovens. The average weight is about 6-9 kg, and full-fledged barbecues are heavier than 95 kg.
Ordinary stationary open structures are located in open space. In addition, they have a lid. This model of the brazier is overall and heavy, so it is immediately necessary to think about where to place it. It is possible to transfer the device, but it will take a lot of effort and time.
In the grill area, covered structures are being installed (they are the largest of the existing models). To provide additional stability, the legs of the structure can be buried in concrete. But these actions exclude the possibility of transferring the brazier to another place. In most cases, such barbecues are complemented by decorative forging. But the price for such decor is quite high.
Key quality criteria
When choosing a finished device, first of all, you need to pay attention to the characteristics that determine the quality. Check with the seller the origin of the cast iron. Since very often unscrupulous manufacturers use low-grade metal.
Pay attention to the thickness of the sheet. The product will last longer if you choose a brazier with a wall of at least 7-9 mm. It is known that thin material does not retain heat well, burns out and is able to deform.
Connected elements also play a very important role in long-term operation. Welds must not show any cracks. Since there will be a risk that all connections will burst. The best option is a cast iron grill for barbecue. This method is also common in the manufacture of decorative walls. An important point when choosing a cast-iron barbecue is the length of the legs. The sides must have the same dimensions to install the structure on a flat surface.
Final selection of the best barbecue
It is necessary to focus on such indicators that we have already considered and studied. The basic steps for choosing are as follows:
- Determine the type of suitable structure.
- Study all dimensions.
- Detect and weed out poor quality products.
For the final choice of the brazier, it is recommended to pay attention to additional functions. For example, a mobile barbecue on wheels. It should be noted that it is not suitable for installation on the ground. Wheels must have locks. Additional functions can be:
- shelf for storing firewood;
- place for dishes;
- cap;
- thermometer;
- auxiliary small work surface;
- hooks or a special shelf for storing skewers, tongs and other tools for cooking meat on the grill.
Before choosing a cast-iron brazier, you need toanalysis of the presented models. In order to choose a quality appliance for cooking, you should pay attention to all the joints and seams. Consult the seller, study thoroughly the quality characteristics and sheet thickness.