The pinnacle of culinary art performed by most ordinary inhabitants is considered to be the preparation of juicy toasted meat with a “haze” in nature. However, this can be not only meat in the form of a barbecue or steak, but also fish with vegetables - the main thing is that the product is prepared in natural conditions, above a “live” fire or coals. You can implement this venture in improvised ways, armed with a standard set of skewers. However, in order to comply with all the subtleties of preparing such dishes, as well as rid yourself of unnecessary inconveniences, it is worth purchasing a charcoal grill, which will make the cooking process more convenient and expand the culinary possibilities. For those who are not familiar with this unit or want to learn more about the proposals of modern grill manufacturers, this review is offered.
Grill design and arrangement
There are many variations of this equipment. Grills include the elementary model with a grill and a lid, on which it is easy to cook the same meat, fish or vegetables. In contrast, they can be called electrical cabinets, the principle of which is based on the work of infrared rays. The classic charcoal barbecue grill is distinguished by a deep round frying pan, on which frying occurs. This design ensures uniform distribution of thermal waves over the entire working surface from different sides. An important component in such a device is the grill. More truly, two lattices. On one is meat, and on the other is fuel. To provide the possibility of adjusting the air flow, special dampers are provided in the grill. Actually, this is a key difference from barbecues.
Pros and Cons of Charcoal Grills
One way or another, a coal grill is outdated by its principle of operation. Electric and gas analogues look more modern and in some respects provide higher functionality. And yet this does not stop buyers from choosing a charcoal grill for barbecue. Grilling connoisseurs prefer it for the following reasons:
- Possibility of cooking regardless of the weather.
- You can use the unit as a furnace or tandoor.
- There is the possibility of smoking.
- The grill can maintain the temperature mode for a long time, while saving coal fuel.
- Perhaps the main advantage of such models is the provision of unique taste. Neither gas, nor electrical analogues are capable of endowing meat with the aroma that coals and “live” fire give.
If we talk about the shortcomings, then they are few. You can, of course, note a small list of options, but this flaw is rather due to the technological development of competitive devices and does not particularly affect the quality of the preparation. Nevertheless, the obvious disadvantages that a traditional grill for a summer residence may have include the time spent on igniting the coals and regular cleaning of the grill and the surfaces of the appliance.
Fuel consumption
For grills, special briquettes should be used. They provide quick ignition without harming the equipment and with convenience for the user. This fuel is produced from different types of wood, after which the blanks are pressed. The volume of material is determined by the dimensions of the grill itself - accordingly, the larger it is, the higher the level of fuel consumption should be. At the same time, it is also important to determine the manufacturer who produces coal briquettes for grilling. Of the most respected brands in the circles of grillers themselves, Weber, Rainbow and Kamado are worth noting.
Why are these products better than analogues? First of all, such coal is economically viable. That is, a small amount of fuel is enough for one cooking session. In practice, this means that coal burns longer, while providing more heat. At the same time, the design of the unit also affects fuel economy. So, experts note that coal briquettes burn longer in rounded ceramic models. Conversely, metal rectangular versions quickly “eat up” the bookmark, providing the same thermal effect.
Cooking features
Models for barbecue provide a lot of opportunities for cooking different dishes. Previously, these were devices with a simple design, which allowed to brown sausages and grill meat in the open air, then the modern barbecue grill is a multifunctional unit that can delicately bake waffles and cook Thai noodles. It is enough to say that it can fulfill all the basic functions of a wok, tandoor and the same barbecue.
As for the barbecue, then, of course, the main emphasis is placed on it. First of all, manufacturers supply the coal grill with an air regulator, due to which it is possible to control the meat cooking parameters. As you know, barbecue is cooked outdoors, but in some cases a lid may be required. With its help, the user will be able to ensure uniform temperature effects.
Char Griller Model Reviews
Already the budget version of this brand is praised for its wide configuration, quality of materials and ergonomics in the settings. As the cost of the units increases, the functionality also increases - as users note, this directly affects the quality of the preparation for the better. Although most grills of this "family" are positioned as a tool specifically for barbecue, Char Griller demonstrates the best culinary delights in working with steaks and fish. Advantages make you forget about store products, and fish in the process of cooking is typed with juice and retains a full range of aromatic qualities.
But it was not without criticism. Such grills require care. Moreover, this applies not only to cleaning off the remains of meat or fish, but also to special measures to combat metal corrosion. Owners recommend after each operating session to process the charcoal grill with vegetable oil and be sure to provide for it a permanent storage place under a canopy and with protection from moisture.
Landmann Product Reviews
Products of this brand deserve attention at least for the fact that it offers a wide selection of grills, among which there are many options at affordable prices. For example, the standard rounded design is equipped with a small set of additional devices and is estimated at 3 thousand rubles. According to users, such a Landmann grill provides optimal operation in the main modes, including excellent barbecue cooking. Of course, if you compare with premium models with a price of 20 thousand rubles, then this line will be unattractive. Simple devices at the same time have many positive reviews for the convenience of transportation, ease of assembly and, oddly enough, the provision of decent gastronomic qualities of food. You can say this is a classic solution for cooking meat on charcoal.
Weber Product Reviews
Using Weber models as an example, we can conclude one more advantage of charcoal grills as such. This is independence from electricity. Why is it in the units of this brand that such dignity is especially noticeable? The fact is that many praise the Weber charcoal grill for its mobility, ergonomics and at the same time good functionality. That is, for outings beyond civilization, where there is no power supply network, such models can be considered as the optimal solution. The owners also note the thoughtfulness of the little things and the original design, which is not uncommon for such equipment for a long time, but still the Weber company manages to delight its fans with aesthetic features. What can not be said about the price - these products can also compete for the status of the most expensive in their niche. By the way, it is worth recalling the Weber branded coal, the quality of which speaks of the serious approach of the manufacturer to the development of its products.
Big Green Egg Reviews
If the company Weber stands out from the general range of manufacturers due to ergonomics and original design, then Big Green Egg produces models that many call a real technological miracle. The unique grill design, which really resembles a large green egg, provides incomparable tastes that other charcoal grills cannot replicate. Reviews also note that you can make in it not only traditional meat dishes, but also pizza, and some users also praise borscht cooked in the Big Green Egg unit. Unfortunately, the cost of such equipment is more than consistent with the quality. Nevertheless, owners recommend at least purchasing a Medium model, which provides the ability to connect a microcontroller with a fan. These supplements expand the functionality of grills, which affects the taste of food.
Prices
A variety of designs, materials, design features and functionality determines the breadth of the price spectrum. In the budget segment, simple grill designs reign, which can be purchased for 3-5 thousand rubles. These are the same models from the manufacturer Landmann in the basic versions. If you need a full-fledged charcoal barbecue grill with enhanced functionality, thoughtful ergonomics and a modern design, then you should count on the amount from 15 to 25 thousand rubles. By the way, in this category are the best models from Weber. Further, the price level rises to premium and even exclusive options, which include Big Green Egg products. Such grills are estimated at 50 thousand rubles. and higher.
Grill accessories: what to consider?
Regardless of the basic equipment of the unit, an experienced griller always has at hand a set of accessories that includes baskets and nets for frying whole large fish or large pieces of meat. Skewers will not be superfluous. They should be selected only from stainless steel and do not forget about the twisted section. Especially if you plan to use the grill for a summer residence, where kitchen tools may not be enough, then special tongs for food will be required. Do not exclude the need for a brush with which you can apply sauce or marinade to the surface of the product. Those who want to get closer to equipping professional cooks should also recommend a digital thermometer. In Russia, this device is still rare, but in Europe, even amateurs with its help determine the degree of meat preparedness.
Conclusion
The culture of cooking meat in nature in recent years is again gaining popularity. An extensive assortment in which everyone can choose a suitable barbecue grill confirms this trend. It would seem that there are many alternative options, including low-cost models of barbecue facilities and more technically advanced electric grills. Why are coal models still in demand? This is partly due to the quality of the prepared dishes. But it is worth recalling the traditions of frying meat in nature, as well as the authenticity of the grill as such.