As the warmer months approach, the irresistible aroma of sizzling meats and smoky flavours drift from our neighbours’ gardens.
In the United Kingdom, where unpredictable weather can put a dampener on best-laid plans, when you do manage to get the BBQ going, you want it to be perfect.
Having the right barbecue setup will help make the most of those cherished sunny days, whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a novice seeking to ignite your passion for alfresco cooking.
But with so many different types, brands and models out there, how on earth are you supposed to know what to buy?
This comprehensive guide will bring you up to date and allow you to select the ideal grill that complements your preferences, outdoor space, and lifestyle.
Charcoal Grills
Charcoal grills have long been the epitome of authentic barbecuing, offering a unique smoky flavour that tantalizes the taste buds of even the most discerning palates.
These classic grills rely on the time-honoured method of burning charcoal briquettes or lump charcoal, imparting a rich, unmistakable aroma to your chops and steaks.
Advantages of Charcoal Grills
- Unparalleled Flavour: The smoky essence infused into your food is the hallmark of charcoal grilling, creating a depth of flavour that gas grills struggle to replicate.
- Versatility: Charcoal grills offer a wide range of cooking temperatures, allowing you to sear steaks at high heat or slow-cook larger cuts of meat to perfection.
- Affordability: Compared to their gas counterparts, charcoal grills tend to be more budget-friendly, making them an attractive option for those seeking value without compromising on taste.
Considerations for Charcoal Grills
- Ignition and Preheating: Charcoal grills require more time and effort to ignite and reach optimal cooking temperatures, often necessitating the use of chimney starters or alternative lighting methods.
- Temperature Control: Maintaining consistent heat levels can be challenging, as charcoal grills lack the precise temperature control of gas grills, requiring practice and vigilance.
- Cleanup: Dealing with residual ash and disposing of spent charcoal can be a messy endeavour, not to mention cleaning the grill itself.
Gas Grills
Gas grills have gained widespread popularity due to their ease of use and efficient cooking capabilities.
Fuelled by propane or natural gas, these grills offer a level of convenience that appeals to those seeking a hassle-free experience.
Advantages of Gas Grills
- Instant Ignition: With the simple turn of a knob or push of a button, gas grills ignite instantly, eliminating the need for lengthy preheating or tedious lighting procedures.
- Precise Temperature Control: Advanced gas grills often feature multiple burners and temperature gauges, allowing you to maintain precise heat levels for various cooking techniques.
- Cleanliness: Gas grills produce no ash and minimal residue, making cleanup a breeze compared to their charcoal counterparts.
Considerations for Gas Grills
- Fuel Costs: While gas grills offer convenience, the ongoing costs of propane or natural gas refills can add up over time, potentially offsetting the initial investment.
- Flavour Profile: Purists argue that gas grills lack the distinctive smoky flavour imparted by charcoal, although modern models often incorporate smoker boxes or wood chip trays to enhance the taste.
- Maintenance: Regular cleaning and inspection of gas lines and burners are required to ensure safe and efficient operation.
Hybrid Grills
In recent years, manufacturers have introduced hybrid grills that combine the advantages of both charcoal and gas grilling, offering versatility and convenience in a single unit.
These innovative grills often feature separate chambers or compartments for charcoal and gas, allowing you to switch between cooking methods seamlessly.
Advantages of Hybrid Grills
- Versatility: With the ability to use both charcoal and gas, hybrid grills cater to a wide range of cooking styles and preferences, from searing steaks to slow-smoking ribs.
- Convenience: The gas component provides instant ignition and temperature control, while the charcoal section delivers that coveted smoky flavour.
- Fuel Efficiency: By combining fuel sources, hybrid grills can optimize efficiency, reducing overall fuel consumption and associated costs.
Considerations for Hybrid Grills
- Initial Investment: Hybrid grills tend to be more expensive than their single-fuel counterparts, reflecting the added features and complexity.
- Maintenance: With multiple fuel sources and components, hybrid grills may require more frequent cleaning and maintenance to ensure optimal performance.
- Learning Curve: Mastering the use of both charcoal and gas components can involve a steeper learning curve, especially for novice grillers.
Pellet Grills
Pellet grills have emerged as a popular choice for those seeking the perfect balance between smoky flavours and modern convenience.
These grills utilize compressed wood pellets as fuel, imparting a distinct wood-fired taste to your meat.
Advantages of Pellet Grills
- Consistent Temperature Control: Pellet grills feature advanced temperature regulation systems, ensuring consistent and precise cooking temperatures throughout the cook.
- Versatility: With the ability to smoke, grill, roast, and even bake, pellet grills offer unparalleled versatility, and giving you more options.
- Fuel Efficiency: Wood pellets burn efficiently, reducing fuel consumption and associated costs compared to traditional charcoal or gas grills.
Considerations for Pellet Grills
- Initial Cost: High-quality pellet grills can be a significant investment, often exceeding the cost of standard charcoal or gas grills.
- Pellet Availability: Finding somewhere to buy quality wood pellets can be a challenge in certain regions, potentially limiting fuel options.
- Maintenance: Pellet grills require regular cleaning and maintenance to prevent pellet buildup.
Kamado Ceramic Grills
Originating from Japan, Kamado grills have gained a devoted following among outdoor cooking enthusiasts.
These egg-shaped ceramic grills are renowned for their exceptional heat retention and precise temperature control, making them a versatile choice for a wide range of grilling techniques.
Advantages of Kamado Grills
- Superior Heat Retention: The thick ceramic construction of Kamado grills allows them to maintain consistent temperatures for extended periods, ideal for low-and-slow cooking or high-heat searing.
- Fuel Efficiency: Due to their excellent insulation properties, Kamado grills require less fuel to maintain desired cooking temperatures, reducing overall fuel costs.
- Versatility: With the ability to grill, smoke, roast, and bake, Kamado grills offer a multitude of cooking options in a single unit. You can even use them as a pizza oven.
Considerations for Kamado Grills
- Weight and Mobility: Kamado grills are typically heavy and bulky, making them less suitable for frequent relocation or transportation.
- Learning Curve: Mastering the precise temperature control and airflow management of Kamado grills can involve a steeper learning curve compared to other grill types.
- Initial Investment: High-quality Kamado grills can be very expensive, even into the thousands of pounds, reflecting their superior construction and performance.
Portable Grills
For those with limited outdoor space or a penchant for outdoor adventures, portable grills offer a convenient solution for enjoying grilled delicacies on the go.
These compact and lightweight grills are available in various fuel types, including charcoal, gas, and even electric options.
Advantages of Portable Grills
- Mobility: Portable grills are designed to be easily transported, making them ideal for camping trips, picnics, or tailgating events.
- Space-Saving: With their compact size, portable grills are perfect for small patios, balconies, or even indoor use (for electric models).
- Affordability: Portable grills are generally more budget-friendly than their larger counterparts, making them an accessible option for those with limited funds.
Considerations for Portable Grills
- Limited Cooking Space: Due to their compact size, portable grills often have smaller cooking surfaces, which may not be suitable for larger gatherings or extended cooking sessions.
- Fuel Capacity: Depending on the fuel type, portable grills may require more frequent refuelling or battery changes, limiting their overall cooking duration.
- Stability: Some portable grills may lack the stability and sturdiness of larger, more permanent models, requiring extra caution during use.
Infrared Grills: Searing Perfection with Intense Heat
Infrared grills are a bit of a game-changer in the world of outdoor cooking, utilizing advanced infrared technology to deliver intense, evenly distributed heat.
These grills are renowned for their ability to achieve restaurant-quality sear marks and rapid cooking times.
Advantages of Infrared Grills
- Intense Searing: The intense radiant heat produced by infrared grills allows for superior searing, creating a beautiful crust on meats, vegetables, and other grilled items.
- Rapid Cooking: With their ability to quickly reach extremely high temperatures, infrared grills can significantly reduce cooking times, making them ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
- Even Heat Distribution: Infrared technology ensures even heat distribution across the entire cooking surface, eliminating hot spots and ensuring consistent results.
Considerations for Infrared Grills
- Initial Cost: Infrared grills are another that are more expensive than traditional charcoal or gas grills, reflecting their advanced technology and specialized components.
- Limited Versatility: While excelling at searing and rapid cooking, infrared grills may not be as versatile for low-and-slow cooking techniques or smoking. In fact, they are rubbish at this.
- Inauthentic: Is it really a barbecue if you are using an infrared grill? Using one of these is a bit of a cheat, and much less satisfying.
Vertical and Offset Smokers
For those seeking to elevate their outdoor cooking game to new heights, vertical and offset smokers offer the ultimate solution for slow-cooking large cuts of meat to tender perfection.
These specialized grills are designed to produce consistent, low-temperature smoke over extended periods, infusing your meats with unbeatable smoky flavours.
Advantages of Vertical and Offset Smokers
- Authentic Smokehouse Flavour: By slowly cooking meats over smouldering wood chips or chunks, vertical and offset smokers create an unmistakable, rich smoky flavour that is difficult to replicate with other grill types.
- Large Cooking Capacity: With their spacious interior chambers or offset design, these smokers can accommodate large cuts of meat, such as briskets, pork shoulders, or whole turkeys.
- Versatility: In addition to smoking, many vertical and offset smokers can also be used for grilling or roasting, expanding their capabilities.
Considerations for Vertical and Offset Smokers
- Extended Cooking Times: Low-and-slow smoking can take several hours or even days, requiring patience and dedication.
- Fuel Consumption: Maintaining consistent low temperatures for extended periods can result in higher fuel consumption, whether using charcoal, wood chunks, or pellets.
- Learning Curve: Mastering smoking involves understanding temperature control, airflow management, and wood selection, which can involve a steep learning curve for beginners.
Selecting the Perfect Grill: Factors to Consider
With such a diverse array of grill types available, choosing the right one for your garden can feel overwhelming.
To make an informed decision, consider the following factors:
- Cooking Preferences: Think about what you want to cook and the types of dishes you enjoy grilling. Do you prefer the smoky flavour of charcoal, the convenience of gas, or the versatility of hybrid or pellet grills?
- Outdoor Space: Measure the available space in your garden or patio area to ensure the grill fits comfortably while allowing for safe operation and ample movement around it.
- Fuel Availability and Costs: Consider the availability and ongoing costs of different fuel types in your area, such as propane, natural gas, charcoal, or wood pellets.
- Cooking Frequency and Capacity: Determine how often you plan to use the grill and the typical number of people you’ll be cooking for, as this will influence the size and capacity requirements.
- Ease of Use and Maintenance: Evaluate your comfort level with different grill types and their respective maintenance requirements, such as cleaning and fuel management.
- Budget: Establish a realistic budget for your purchase, taking into account not only the initial cost but also ongoing fuel and maintenance expenses.
You can quickly narrow down your options by going through this list, and select a grill that aligns with your preferences, outdoor space, and lifestyle.
