Gas grills: pros and cons

Most outdoor travelers are not at all happy about the prospect of looking for firewood or carrying coal with them, which takes up a lot of space in the trunk when they want to try a barbecue. In this case, a gas grill can be a real find, which is suitable for preparing the most juicy, mouth-watering and aromatic dishes.

In its appearance, a gas grill resembles a kitchen cabinet on which a metal grate is placed. The back wall acts as a lid and protects the walls from splashing hot grease. The gas grill is powered by gas. It is fed into the roaster using a LPG bottle, which is placed directly under the grill. A burner is hidden on the surface, through which the grill heats up.

The mechanism of action of a gas grill is similar to that of stoves. Therefore, the brazier is always ready for use. The only requirement is a propane or butane tank. When the device is turned on, gas begins to be supplied from the cylinder to the built-in burners, where the fuel is burned and external heat is released.

Special flame deflectors are installed above the burners. They contribute to an even distribution of heat over the functional surface. At the same time, the temperature level is regulated by the burner, as in the stoves. Heating is very fast, so the speed of frying food is quite high.

The range of models is varied, but the basic design details are identical for all models. The body is usually made of stainless steel, therefore it is quickly cleaned and resists rust. The working surface is made of a cast iron grate, below which there are grease collectors and flame deflectors. The gas cylinder is placed inside the pedestals (directly under the functional surface).

The control panel makes it possible to effectively regulate the degree of gas supply, as well as the temperature on the operating burners. The grill is activated by simply switching the handle. At this moment, the ignition mechanism is triggered. After a couple of moments, you can start preparing the dish.

Gas grills have won acceptance from consumers around the world. This is not surprising, because the quality of the dishes cooked on them is in no way inferior to a charcoal or wood-fired grill. Country models powered by gas allow you to cook meat with a golden crust, which at the same time remains juicy and tender on the inside. The cooking time for grilled dishes of all modifications is approximately the same. The time required to bring the structure to working condition in gas models is much shorter. They are better than electric, coal products.

Among the advantages of a gas grill, there are several that are especially important.

• Instant heating of the unit. For best results, it takes 10 minutes to prepare the frypot.
• Heat level control. The temperature remains constant throughout the entire period of use. In this case, the user can increase or decrease it at his own discretion.
• Versatility. The gas grill is used to prepare a wide variety of dishes (meat, vegetables, fish).It can be used to make soup and boil tea.
• Taste. Since the frying process takes place on the work surface, there is not much difference in what exactly is used to heat the surface itself.
• Easy to clean. This is a particularly significant advantage of gas models. They do not need to remove coal and ash. To clean the firebox, it is enough to raise the temperature for 10-15 minutes (to burn all the fat), and then scrape off the remains with a wire brush.

There are also disadvantages to gas grills. This is a high price to pay. Such models are much more expensive than coal ones. In addition, a gas grill itself does not give off a smoke flavor.

There are many types of grills: camping, infrared, mobile, compact, contact and others.

However, they can all be divided into 3 types.

• Embedded. They belong to professional kitchen appliances, therefore they are often used by owners of large mansions, as well as in restaurants. They work from the main gas supply.
• Portable. Models on a trolley with two wheels, contain a reservoir for attaching a cylinder, often additionally equipped on the sides with drawers and shelves.
• Tourist. Mini grills to take for a picnic. The performance is not great, but they also weigh a little.

Gas grill manufacturers offer a wide range of products. Products can be outdoor and desktop (home), placed at home, in an apartment, in a country house or balcony. These structures are stationary and portable. Grills have one burner or 3 or more. Each is equipped with a control knob. Portable models are compact in size. However, they retain all the functionality of the stationary model.

Lava models are a separate type of gas grills. They allow you to cook food without the participation of fat. These models include a grate with a tray, a heating element and volcanic stones (lava elements). This structure allows heat to be distributed evenly. In this case, all the dripping fat is absorbed into the stones, the smells of dishes cooked in turn do not mix. All nutrients are retained in full.

Grills can be divided into contact and non-contact models. Contact models are clamping modifications. They consist of an upper and a lower part. The top panel can be lowered and pressed firmly against the food. The advantages of the models are small dimensions, low noise level. Food is prepared without the use of excess fat and oils.

The disadvantages include the number of servings. It is really possible to cook no more than two at a time. Non-contact models allow you to cook food without directly exposing the product to a heat source. The workpiece can be above or below the thermal element.

Gas grills differ in the type of coverage. There are 3 varieties.

It is based on the use of environmentally friendly ceramic components. It is a durable coating that is resistant to mechanical stress and scratches. It can withstand temperatures up to 400 degrees.

Durable double marbled finish. Non-stick components allow you to keep heat for a long time. Made from environmentally friendly materials.

For such a coating, high quality stainless steel is used. It does not corrode, heats up quickly, retains heat well. Does not contain substances hazardous to life and health.The stainless steel coating with a non-stick component is durable, wear-resistant and environmentally friendly.

Many companies around the world are engaged in the production of grills. Finnish companies are represented in the rating of the leading grill manufacturers, consumers give good reviews to the products of Chinese companies. Products from several manufacturers are in greatest demand.

Canadian company that has been making grills for over 30 years. The assortment list of products of this manufacturer includes a wide variety of models (from travel portable options to multifunctional modifications for catering establishments).

Typical features of braziers:

• an abundance of innovative technologies;
• the ability to light up in rain and wind;
• option to evaporate fat droplets;
• protection of burners from contamination.

Another Canadian company that successfully mastered the production of braziers 40 years ago. A distinctive feature of the Napoleon grill is ceramic burners that can withstand temperatures up to 800 degrees.

A manufacturer from Australia that has received many prestigious world awards for its exceptional design and high-tech products. Grills from this manufacturer are distinguished by increased heating safety due to a special ignition technology. There is no open fire here; gas burners heat the metal plates above them.

Company USA, it was here that the familiar chicken grill was created. The assortment list of products includes convenient and multifunctional gas models, equipped with cutting tables, side burners and spits.

South African manufacturer that has established itself as the creator of miniature models with high functionality. The weight of this grill is no more than 4.5kg. The design combines a grill, oven, as well as a smokehouse and a double boiler. The product does not heat up, so you can install it anywhere. This is a product for travel and long trips in a small company.

To get the right grill, you need to answer a number of questions.

The grill surface can be grooved or completely smooth. The first is used for cooking meat. The second should be used for hamburgers, as well as vegetables and fish.

A grill with two or more burners allows you to cook several dishes at once. If you plan to regularly meet with a large company, you should give preference to just such models.

The simplest grill models can grill meat. More sophisticated ones offer options for using the oven as a smokehouse, and also have motorized skewers for meat and poultry.

There are several factors to focus on.

• Burners must be made of stainless steel, brass or cast iron, and their lids must be made of solid steel coated with special porcelain enamel.
• The structure must be stable. Try pushing the grill slightly. If the product sways and rattles, you should not purchase such a model.
• The lid should open quickly and smoothly without any effort, but should not fall off from a slight push.
• The grilles should be made of cast iron, or preferably cast iron. Ideally, they are coated with a porcelain powder.

You can clean such products only after the porcelain has cooled down, since it is easy to spoil it when hot. Wheels should be smooth and stable.

You can learn how to make a gas grill with your own hands from the video below.