A portable barbecue is an essential instrument in the quiver of any carnivore. There are many different types of portable barbecue grills available on the market, but not all are created equal. Portable barbecue grills come in many shapes and sizes, from the simplest charcoal barbecue grill to elegant propane-powered digitized works of art. Portable barbecue grills can range in price from $5 for a home DIY project to over $200 for the most advanced portable barbecues in the world. Typically, a grill is equipped with a lid, a grill pan that houses the heating component, either charcoal or gas, and a grate for placing food over the flames. There are some very distinct characteristics of each type of grill, and it is important that one knows and understands these characteristics before deciding to step up and become a master of the portable barbecue grill. These are some of the most relevant differences that you should pay attention to before taking the plunge…
portable charcoal grills
From the simplest design, such as a single-serving dorm-style portable barbecue grill made from a recycled Altoids container, to larger versions capable of cooking 20 or 30 burgers at once, these grills have one thing in common: they require charcoal. As fuel! Fortunately, charcoal is a widely available and inexpensive fuel source and is fairly easy to use and clean up afterwards.
When looking for a portable charcoal barbecue grill, be sure to select one with a sturdy base and barbecue grate. These are the two most important criteria for buying smaller portable barbecue grills because these two grill items are used most frequently. Purchasing a heavy-duty grill will ensure a long life without safety concerns. For this reason, it is also important to ensure that the grill uses a minimum amount of plastic. Due to the size of these grills and the close proximity of the handles and similar items to the heat source, it is very easy for the plastic to get hot and/or melt and ruin your prized grilled treat!
Charcoal grills take longer to preheat. Once the coals are lit, it usually takes 10-15 minutes to allow a thin layer of white ash to form on the coals, indicating that they are ready for your tasty meats and vegetables to cook. Be sure to arm yourself with a meat thermometer to avoid undercooking meats. After the evening is over for your portable grill and you and your guests have had plenty of soda to wash down all that wonderful food, cleanup is as simple as tossing and dunking any leftover coals in a safe place and hitting the grill. and the grill pan a quick pass with a heavy-duty grill brush.
Gas Portable BBQ Grills
Portable gas-powered barbecue grills are quite convenient because the gas cylinders are usually quite small and lightweight, allowing you to lug less bulk to your barbecue location. Gas canisters are usually quite cheap, ranging from $3-4 per canister. Typically, a pan will last for at least two and a half hours of consecutive use, or seven to eight grilling sessions.
Just like choosing the right portable charcoal barbecue grill, choosing a gas-powered one is again based on our two most important criteria: a strong grill grate to hold your grilled food, and a sturdy grill pan to hold your grill pans. embers. Because gas grills can carry more heat than charcoal grills, it’s even more important when shopping for this style of grill to make sure the grill doesn’t use plastic parts that easily warp with heat and can cause the grill to crack. portable barbecue grill may need premature repair. replacing
There are many advantages that portable gas barbecues have over portable charcoal barbecues. They can be more precisely controlled thanks to the gas flow knobs that control the size of the flame. They can reach a higher temperature at a faster rate, which means less waiting for those rowdy bellies! Typically these grills either have an ignition button that creates a spark or require the use of matches or a grill lighter. Once the burners are lit, food can be added in a matter of minutes. Be sure to check meats with a thermometer to make sure they are fully cooked. Once the food has been cooked, cleanup is as easy as turning the grill off and allowing it to cool, and taking a sturdy brush to the grill grate. Be sure to check and recheck that the knobs that control the flow of gas are in the “OFF” position to prevent fires.
Armed with this information, you are now more than capable of researching and purchasing a portable barbecue grill to add to your culinary kit and enjoy the portability of its use. Now you can enjoy one of these types of grills whether you’re camping, attending your favorite sporting event, or just want to reconnect with your inner caveman.
Happy BBQ!