Barbecues
Your barbecue options
When it comes to cooking outdoors, nothing beats a barbecue. Sure, cooking over a fire has a certain rustic charm and primal appeal, but it can be messy, clumsy and time-consuming. Barbecues represent the evolution of outdoor cooking and you have many different options to choose from, depending on your needs and preferences.
Portable Barbecues
Portable barbecues have become increasingly popular of late, especially at outdoor events like tailgate parties. As a result of the rising consumer interest, there many types of portable grills available, from tabletop models to those that have wheels and fold up to easily fit in your trunk. While most of these barbecues function with the smaller-sized disposable propane tanks, there are tank adapter kits that allow you to hook up a full-sized 20-pound propane tank. There’s no need to settle for one of the ancient built-in barbecues that are used in many state parks and camping grounds; instead, just bring along a portable barbecue and enjoy the convenience of your home grill while you’re on the road.
Rotisserie Barbecues
Rotisserie barbecues are for people who want to go beyond cooking burgers, sausages and steaks and move onto bigger game – like whole chickens or turkeys. By incorporating a motorized rotisserie into a barbecue, you get a slow and evenly cooked chicken or roast that is both tender and juicy. The key to making the most of rotisserie barbecuing is to regularly apply a basting mixture; this helps to create an even caramelized glaze on the meat. The other trick to rotisserie cooking is to make sure that the weight of the food is evenly distributed on the metal spit. If not, the food won’t cook evenly and you’ll cause additional strain on the motor.
Stainless Steel Barbecues
These barbecues are high-end and tend to be the most sought-after type on the market. No matter whether you choose a portable, rotisserie or a natural gas barbecue, you’ll notice that those with the greatest number of stainless steel construction features are also the ones that cost the most. This is because stainless steel is known for both its longevity as well as its attractive appearance. However, it won’t stay that way without some work on your part.
To extend the life of your barbecue, you need to clean off the grease and bits of food that accumulate; given time, these will corrode even the best-built barbecue grills you can buy. You’ll also want to invest in a barbecue cover that allows moisture to exit, but not enter.
Stainless steel does have some drawbacks:
- It scratches easily
- It prominently displays fingerprints
- It discolors over time from exposure to heat (lids are especially prone)
There are two types of stainless steel on the market: 304 and 430. The 304 type is more expensive, looks great and cleans with little effort. The 430 type will stain and rust and requires more upkeep; it’s often used in entry-level models. You can determine which type of stainless steel is on your grill by using a magnet; if it sticks, then you have the 430 type of stainless steel. If not, you’ve got 304.
