Grill: varieties and functions

Grilled food can be classified as healthy because it does not use oil. Therefore, the equipment for creating such dishes will be a very profitable purchase. Having understood the varieties and features of the grill unit, you can easily choose the right model.

A grill is a device for cooking food using heat. In addition to using charcoal to obtain the required temperature, there are other ways of extracting heat - from electricity or gas.

There are a large number of devices with different technologies for grilling food. Various models are designed for outdoor or indoor use. Some of them are easy to transport, others are stationary. Modifications to the unit may include the presence or absence of a cover.

People have long fallen in love with aromatic meat, fish or vegetables cooked over charcoal. However, it is not always possible to get out into nature. With the help of modern technology, this issue is easily resolved.

The products have other advantages as well.

• The benefits of eating such dishes are justified. Indeed, when cooking, you do not need to use oil, unlike frying in a pan.
• The preparation technology involves the formation of a crust, which retains all the juice with vitamins and microelements inside.
• The benefits of food can be preserved when cooking at home. Modern electric grills with infrared radiation allow you to prepare the most dietary and easily digestible food.
• The grill setting helps to diversify the poor diet of people with problem stomachs or those who are watching their weight. In this case, the food should be cooked without a fried crust. Fish and vegetables prepared in this way are especially useful.

However, such a device has its drawbacks. Some of them can cause significant harm to the human body.

• Foil is often neglected when cooking meat outdoors. However, this can lead to spoilage of the dish. Flames ignited in coals can burn food, and dripping fat impregnates the meat with harmful carcinogens.
• A large proportion of nutritionists believe that the constant use of grilled meat products is dangerous to human health. The crust loved by many on a piece of meat can lead to sad consequences for the body.
• Rotten branches and logs emit harmful substances during combustion, therefore they are not suitable for obtaining coal.

• The use of ignition fluids is also harmful. These substances will spoil the taste of the product and impregnate it with chemicals that are in the mixture and become more harmful when burned.
• Using newsprint to light the cooked food will harm. Printing ink contains lead, a substance that settles in the lungs and accumulates in the body.
• Grilling food from the microwave does not provide any benefit. Microwaves penetrate the food and deprive it of all nutrients.

The modern market presents a wide range of various grill models suitable for home and outdoor space.They can be classified according to the way the heat is supplied.

Mains powered appliances are popular for home use. Electric models prepare the dish without grease as it drains into the built-in compartment. The advantages of an electric grill include the fact that it is smokeless. A multifunctional grill is convenient for the hostess, which, in addition to the main function, makes it possible to heat, stew and even bake pastries using replaceable attachments. Products are prepared in these electrical appliances using heating elements, the power of which ranges from 0.7 to 2.2 kW.

All electric models are divided into contact and non-contact.

• Ease of use at home or in small eateries is distinguished by a tabletop version of the device with a clamping contact mechanism. This kitchen appliance consists of two surfaces that fold together, and the pressure can be adjusted to your liking. The surface of the sides of the appliance can be smooth or grooved. The second is more difficult to clean, so it is better to choose combined varieties. The positive aspects include quiet operation and the fact that they fit on the kitchen table without any problems. Of the minuses, it is worth noting low performance and high power consumption.
• The second group excludes food contact with heating elements. The product is located between the heating elements, above or below them. The advantage of these models is the ability to prepare several portions at once.

Depending on the method of placing food, contactless models are divided into several types.

• Skewers. An electric skewer maker involves placing food on skewers that rotate during operation and ensure even cooking. In the electric BBQ grill, in addition to meat, it is possible to prepare sausages for hot dogs, sausages, seafood, as well as drying mushrooms, vegetables and fruits.
• In the carousel form of an electric grill, food is folded into removable baskets that rotate along a certain trajectory. The frying surface is stationary, but maintains the temperature along the entire line of motion.
• The previous design formed the basis for planetary grills. Only in these models, in addition to the general movement, each basket rotates independently, which allows you to bake food more evenly.

• A salamander grill usually has heating elements at the top. It can be either a heating element or a quartz or infrared heating element. Devices with the second type are more expensive, but they allow you to cook food faster and not increase the room temperature. There are special food grids at the bottom. The heat level is manually adjusted by raising or lowering the top panel or food grate.
• Vapo grills are an innovation in the market, but have already received approval from restaurateurs. A water grill resembles a steam bath. For food, the grill has a special grooved surface, and a container with water is located under it. With the help of heating elements, water is converted into steam, on which the dish is cooked. Such models allow not to overdry the product, preserving its original weight, while the nutrients remain unharmed.

Such models are very popular in catering places due to the speed at which the required temperature is reached. Gas appliances allow you to cook food without an open fire, while maintaining the taste and not being saturated with smoke.

Gas models are designed for cooking and heating a large number of dishes. At the same time, the heat temperature can be easily adjusted. Models are equipped with gas cylinders with safety valves.

Such devices have volcanic stones heated by current or gas, from which heat is emitted.The food is evenly fried and tastes like cooked over an open fire. At the same time, the beneficial properties of the product are not lost, and the flowing fat is absorbed into the stones. The disadvantages of such models include the emitted smoke and high air absorption.

These models are designed for outdoor cooking. At the dacha, you can install a stationary brazier with a grill grill or a portable barbecue on wheels, and for a picnic it is better to choose a compact model. The kit usually includes a cast iron or steel bowl for charcoal or firewood and a grate.

Cast iron is often used to make a grill. This material retains heat well, reducing fuel consumption, and evenly distributes heat. A cast iron grill can be enameled, which protects the device from rust, but the enamel cracks over time, so it is more practical to choose an uncoated model. But they must be washed immediately, wiped with a dry cloth, and ignited. Of the minuses of cast-iron models, only heavy weight can be noted.

Easy to transport and inexpensive stainless steel models. Steel is also able to retain heat for a long time, is resistant to external factors and is easy to clean even after a while. The steel grate may darken over time, but it is easy to clean without affecting the taste of the food.

A reliable option can be called models made of stone or refractory bricks. They tolerate high temperatures well and keep warm.

When choosing the dimensions of the grill installation, it is necessary to take into account the dimensions of the room in which the device will be used. A mini electric grill is suitable for home, which does not take up much space. In the restaurant business, a small grill is not able to provide a proper output of dishes, so industrial models are chosen. If you plan to transport the device, then you should choose a collapsible small copy.

In addition, it is worth considering the number of servings that the grill can cook in one go. For 3-4 people, you should choose a 35x26x2 cm grate, and a company of 5-7 people who need to cook 3-3.5 kg of meat will need a model with dimensions of about 70x45x4 cm.

Usually, all types of grills have a standard rectangular shape, you can also find square models. The popularity of these forms is explained by the fact that, in addition to the grate, it is convenient to place skewers on such a model. In addition, they have a spacious surface for food.

The round grill has no corners, which makes it more reliable and safer. However, it has less space for placing food. An egg-shaped or spherical barbecue grill with a lid that creates a closed space will allow you to cook a dish faster.

Often, the choice of model is influenced by the accessories in the kit. All components are divided into those that are indispensable in the cooking process, and those that facilitate this process. Special tongs will help to gently lay out the food on the wire rack, remove the finished dish from it and turn the coals over while frying. The included baking sheet will allow you to cook the most delicate and small pieces of vegetables or fish, and the volcanic stone will allow you to easily get a dish of the required roasting.

The set may include a starter for igniting coal, an electronic thermometer for food, brushes, mittens and shovels. Some models are equipped with means for ignition and special matches, polymer-composite cylinders for gas models.

The choice of a grill directly depends on where and for how many people it will be used. For domestic use, a desktop contact electric grill would be the best option. When buying, you should give preference to more powerful models that cook faster. The surface for cooking should be non-stick so that oil does not need to be used. The enamel coating will not last long.

The body of a good electric grill is made of metal. Cheap options are made of plastic, which must be heat-resistant. Additional functions in the form of a delayed start or automatic shutdown, regulation and maintenance of temperature can facilitate the cooking process.

For those who like to get out into nature, a folding folding version of the barbecue is suitable, which has in the kit skewers for making barbecue and a grill. Such models are lightweight and easy to operate. It is preferable to choose coal or wood-burning models, since this type of fuel can be obtained at any time. The presence of an accessory in the form of a carrying bag will significantly speed up your picnic preparations.

For lovers of baths and summer cottages, it is better to choose solid stationary equipment. Depending on the financial capabilities, you can choose materials and the completeness of the device. It is not recommended to install a charcoal grill close to your home. Gas models are conveniently located near the summer kitchen, and it is easy to install any type of appliance in a specially designated gazebo.

The Russian market of grill installations is widely represented by both domestic and foreign manufacturers. The price of the device varies greatly due to the brand and the completeness of the models. A brief overview of some of the manufacturers will help you make your choice.

Italian manufacturer of small household appliances Ariete offers affordable, but original models for the home. At the same time, the price of the models is significantly lower than that of analogues with a big name. Buyers note the compactness and ease of use of the grills, excellent work with a rather small functionality. The Party Grill 733 model will become an indispensable assistant in the country when there is no time to make a fire for frying.

Russian-British company Scarlett manufactures goods of the middle segment, taking into account the needs of the Russian market. Many small household appliances from this brand can be ranked as the best budget appliances. Grill model SC-EG350M01, having a basic package and good power, copes with its task. Although the panels are not removable, the grill is easy to clean. But the drip tray can be removed and washed.

Turkish manufacturer Sinbo specializes in the manufacture of inexpensive equipment of small dimensions. The typical SSM 2530 grill is an easy-to-use and inexpensive option. Limited functionality and the use of inexpensive materials provide a low price, but also affect the durability of the device. The disadvantages include the fact that the fat from the food does not always drain into the container. Upon visual inspection, you can also notice the low build quality, but this does not affect the operation of the grill.

Domestic manufacturer Forester specializes in the production of products and accessories for grills and barbecues. High manufacturing standards ensure the proper quality of the devices. Grills for grilling are especially popular. At a high cost compared to other models, most buyers choose this brand for its non-stick coating, strength and good hold. About the charcoal grill on wheels, users say that paint peels off quickly, the body can rust, and the price is clearly overpriced.

Brand name Green glade widely known to Russian buyers for its dacha goods.Green Glade charcoal barbecues with smokehouse function have earned only positive user reviews. Convenience of transportation, ease of use and maintenance, as well as the unsurpassed taste of the dishes are perfectly combined with the more than affordable installation cost.

For true connoisseurs of barbecue and smoked meats, a Canadian company Bradley smoker offers electric smokehouse. Most recently, the company presented its goods to the Russians. A rather high price hides a professional smoking technology without human intervention. You just need to set the parameters and wait. The disadvantages include only the need to purchase special briquettes for the grill.

Sometimes you want to taste smoky meat, but the weather or circumstances do not always allow you to get out into nature. In such a situation, a brazier with a grate for the balcony will become a real salvation.

A household electric contact grill is the most convenient for an apartment. The use of a double-sided appliance with heating elements in the upper and lower parts allows you to cook the dish faster by frying it on both sides at once. If necessary, the grill can be expanded and used on two planes at once, which allows you to cook more food in one go.

A spacious suburban area makes it possible to show imagination to the fullest and install the most unusual options for a barbecue with a grill.

Find out how to make the perfect grilled steak below.