GRILLING TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT GUIDE

Just like indoor cooking, outdoor cooking also requires the right Grilling Tools and Equipment. When you are just starting to learn in grilling, you only need a few key tools and equipment, but as your cooking expands beyond patties and steaks, you may want to include additional accessories and tools for cooking vegetables, fish and ribs.

Not all tools and equipment are made equal and for that same reason, we have included some tips and information on what to look for when buying a Grill. We begin with the most important equipment, the grill, and offer tips for deciding what type of grill suits your needs.

Tips for Buying a Grill

The first step in buying a grill is to decide if you want to use a gas grill, charcoal grill or electric grill. They all produce delicious food and there isn’t much of a price difference between the three. So deciding which grill suits for you comes down to how you want to grill. Here are some key tips for buying a grill.

• A Lid Is Important

Always look for a strong, sturdy grill that can stand up to strong wind and has a lid with it. A lid is required for indirect grilling, the lid will keep the heat on either side of the food rather than directly below it, and smoking with wood chips. Additionally, closing the lid helps air circulation, providing for more even result.

• Bigger is Better

Consider purchasing a larger grill than you think you need. The more you grill, the more you’ll want to cook on your grill. You may even like to cook large racks of ribs and turkeys on your grill, so it’s a good idea to invest in a larger grill to accommodate your needs and wants.

• Don’t Over accessorize

When it comes to accessories, such as side burners and rotisseries, think about what you will really use before paying extra money for the extras. You should be aware that extra shelves may not be removable and could keep you from grilling larger meat.

Types of Grills

Charcoal grills. Charcoal grills are compact and easy to move. The equipment requires building and maintaining a fire in the charcoal as well as disposing of the ashes and regular cleaning of the equipment. It takes 25 – 35 minutes to get a charcoal grill ready to use. The flame can be very hot and inconsistent. Charcoal grills often cost less, but they require purchasing charcoal every use.

Gas Grills. Unlike the charcoal grills, gas grill doesn’t maintain a live fire. Gas grill lights quickly and easily, and are ready for cooking for about 15 minutes. This equipment delivers consistent heat and require very light cleanup or maintenance. Another advantage of a gas grill is that it has a large cooking surfaces.

Electric grills. This equipment not only make grill marks on the food, but catch the grease in a drip pan which makes it easy to dispose of. This grill heats up quickly and cools down fast and its non-stick grids makes it easier to clean. You can use this grill outdoors, but you will need to be next to an outlet.

GRILLING TOOLS

Tongs

You can do 90/% of your grilling work with tongs alone. Look for a tong that is made of heavy-duty stainless steel with a scalloped or oval tip, which makes it easier to grip and hold your food. Tongs should have a soft and comfortable grip.

Spatula

 Look for a durable stainless steel spatula with a beveled edge and a deep offset handle which allows you to get under the food and lift it from the surface without tearing your food. For most grilling, you may use a spatula that is shaped like a duck’s foot, but for fish grilling you will need a rectangular-shaped spatula that can slide under and hold a whole fish or long filets.

Brushes

Brushes are used for saucing, basting and mopping the food. Look for a brush with an angled long handle, which will keep your hand away from the heat and help you get into all the nooks and crannies of your grilled food.

Skewers and Kabob Holders

The easiest way to grill shrimp, vegetables and small cuts of meat is to pierce them with skewers or kebab holders. Look for ones made of stainless steel metal, it won’t rust, easy to clean and is dishwasher-safe. Whatever you’re grilling, it may be scallops, whole mushrooms, chunks of lamb, using a skewers and kabob holders, the food will stay in place and be evenly cooked.