Welcome to 'grills for me'

When it comes to grills there are two kinds, those purposed for indoor use, and those for outdoor use.

Indoor

Over the past decade they have become very popular. Largely due to the lean mean grilling machine, the 'George Foreman' grill, which was introduced in 1995. An example of these grills is shown on the site's logo. Portable, they simple plug into the nearest socket, and can be easily stored away in a cupboard. However, they appear to be a domestic version of a commercial electric griddle.

Restaurants up and down the UK use griddles to cook a wide variety of food. One example is the 'Little Chef', which has used griddles to cook the majority of it's menu for the past thirty years. A typical commercial griddle has a flat cooking service, but for meats such as steak, some have grooves. The 'Beefeater' chain of restaurants uses large grooved grills to cook it's steak and chops.

The majority of 'George Foreman' grills are contact grills, the advantage being, that food is cooked on both sides, simultaneously. This apparently helps to seal in the flavour of the meat, lowers the cooking time, and cooks the food evenly. Most of these grills are also nonstick, therefore, no oil or butter need be placed on the surface. The grills are also sloped, which allows juices to drain away, and a drip tray collects the runoff.

The downside is lack of choice, it appears the 'George Foreman' home portable grills have a near monopoly. When it comes to inexpensive, domestic, small, portable grills, virtually every major retailer only stocks this brand. To find an alternative you need to search for 'commercial' alternatives. However, these are larger and more expensive. The cheapest alternative is to simple buy a griddled frying pan. Although it's not as quick, nor as convenient, it will produce similar results.

Outdoor

Outdoor grills are also commonly referred to as barbecue's. There are a multiple variety of outdoor grills, but the most popular are: charcoal and gas-fueled.

Charcoal

Charcoal is the most popular fuel source for outdoor grills. Their popularity stems from being inexpensive, and feeling more natural. Many people also derive alot of fun from charcoal grilling, because it differs a great deal from indoors grilling, something outdoor gas-fueled grills cannot claim.

Grilling enthusiasts also place great importance on the type of charcoal used. The major choice is between charcoal briquettes and natural lump charcoal. Briquettes are artificially manufactured, are cheaper, burn longer, easily maintain a constant temperature, but contain chemicals and compressed wood. Natural lumps are not altered, light faster, burns hotter, provide increased smoky flavours, and appeal to purists.

The variety of charcoal grills are a strong selling point. You can buy disposable drip tray bbq's and barbecue buckets for under ten pounds. They can cook for one-two people, are ideal for picnics, and come with charcoal ready provided for convenience. They simply light with a match, and are ready to go after twenty minutes.

Disposable Barbecue

Flat pack home assembly barbecues are similarly inexpensive. Costing between ten and twenty pounds, you will get a chrome plated cooking grill, condiment tray, windshield, all you need basically. What you pay more for, is a larger cooking grill, quality materials, and a more attractive appearance. But, the price of a BBQ does not dictate how well it will perform. BBQ's are simple in nature, all you need is some quality charcoal and meat, the job of the barbecue is simple to hold the burning charcoal in a safe and sturdy manner. At most, an expensive BBQ will feature a good venting system

Some popular design styles

Brazier

Simple and cheap, comes without a lid or vents.

Kettle
A classic design shape, people claim this shape provide the best cooking ability of any design.

Gas-fueled

They are typically more expensive than their charcoal counterparts. No doubt, in part, due to the more complicated nature of it's design.

- A gas burner

They are usually slightly larger than charcoal grills, it's certainly rare to find a small gas burner. They can cook on average for around 4-8 people. The larger the grill surface, the more gas burners it will require. A medium sized grill will usually contain two main burners and one side burner. The gas used is either natural or propane gas, some may not be compatible with butane gas.

Nearly all gas burning grills feature a cart design. With wheels for portability, a cabinet under the grill, a roasting lid and a warming rack. Most manufacturers therefore tend to conform to an expected style. Gas burning BBQs do offer increased flexibility, containing a temperature gauge, and all the controls you would expect to find in a domestic household grill.

There are safety issues however, it's advisable to have a propane regulator. Gas bottles are usually not included in the purchase price, but many gas burners are packed flat for home assembly. This may turn off some incompetent DIYers. The danger which comes with gas bottles, and improper assembly, may put off many prospective purchasers.