There are many ways to cook kebabs on special constructions, but cast iron barbecue deserves special attention. Such a device is unique in its properties and has a high decorative index. There is a huge demand for cast-iron barbecue for summer cottage. Hence the high cost. Before you purchase it, you need to analyze in detail all the shortcomings and advantages of the cast-iron barbecue.
Distinctive features and properties of the material
Braziers for summer cottages must be selected 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 protects food from sticking to the surface of the 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.
The benefits of cast iron barbecue
Any material has its pros and cons in operation. Cast iron barbecue grill has the following advantages:
- Durability and durability.
- Heat capacity and fire resistance.
- The material is resistant to all atmospheric influences.
- There are various models.
- Resistance to corrosion.
- Can be used as a decorative piece of land.
The main positive points must be taken into account when choosing the cast-iron barbecue "Hephaestus".
Product disadvantages
There are several main shortcomings of a barbecue made of cast iron:
- quite a lot of weight;
- the cost of the material is high;
- mobility is low.
The disadvantages can be eliminated by replacing certain parts of this design. It is permissible to use only cast-iron grilles for barbecue. The remaining parts can be made using bricks or durable stainless steel.
How to choose the right one?
Before choosing a barbecue made of cast iron, you must decide on the model of the product. There are various types of barbecues on sale, so choosing the optimal model is real. Several main groups:
- Brazier portable.
- Product grill.
- Normal stationary barbecue (open).
- Indoor construction.
The best option is to choose a portable model. It includes lightweight materials, and the number of parts there is much less. Convenience of operation at the highest level, since you can take it with you anywhere, takes up little space in the car.
Another affordable and convenient option is a cast-iron grill for grilling on the grill. It is used as an additional accessory for various home-made barbecue stoves. The average weight is about 6-9 kg, and full barbecues are heavier than 95 kg.
Conventional stationary open structures are located in open space. In addition, they have a lid. This model of the barbecue is dimensional and heavy, so immediately you need to think about where to place it. It is possible to transfer the device, but this will require a lot of effort and time.
Indoor structures are installed in the grill zone (they are the most dimensional 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 grill to another place. In most cases, such barbecues complement decorative forging. But the price of such a 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 about the origin of 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 barbecue 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 should not have any cracks. Since there is 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 be the same size for mounting the structure on a flat surface.
The final choice of the best barbecue
It is necessary to focus on indicators that we have already reviewed and studied. The main steps for choosing are as follows:
- Decide on the type of suitable design.
- Examine all dimensions.
- Identify and weed out products of poor-quality assembly.
For the final selection of the barbecue, it is recommended to pay attention to additional functions. For example, a mobile barbecue on wheels. It is worth considering that it is not suitable for installation on the ground. Wheels should have clamps. Additional features may include:
- a shelf for storing firewood;
- place for dishes;
- cap;
- thermometer;
- auxiliary small work surface;
- hooks or a special shelf for storing skewers, tongs and other devices for cooking meat on the grill.
Before choosing a cast-iron barbecue, it is necessary to analyze the presented models. In order to choose a quality appliance for cooking, it is worth paying attention to all the joints and seams. Consult the seller, study thoroughly the quality characteristics and sheet thickness.