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Grilling Tips

Grilling Techniques

Everyone knows there is more to grilling than just tossing a piece of meat over the flame. Proper grilling techiques must be employed to ensure that your food comes out perfect every time.

Grilling Techniques overview

Grill masters use many different techniques in their pursuit of culinary perfection. Some techniques are simple and ought to be observed every time you use the grill. Some techniques are more advanced and take some practice to get the hang of. Remember that achieving perfection takes time. Keep working at perfecting these skills, remember that every grill is different so you can be sure that there will be some tweaking to do. Take a look at the more detailed posts about each technique to learn more.Grilling Techniques

Basic Grilling techniques

Perhaps one of the most basic grilling techniques to master is direct heat and indirect heat grilling. Simply put, direct heat means that your food is directly above and exposed to the flame of the grill. Indirect heat means that the food is not being exposed to the open flames. Both grilling methods have their advantages and disadvantages. On a gas grill, place your food above an active burner for direct heat. For indirect heat, turn off the burner directly below your food but leave the others on. For indirect grilling on a charcoal grill, pile all of the burning charcoal to one side of the grill and place your meat on the opposite side of the grate.
Direct heat grilling is typically used with the next technique of discussion: searing. Searing meat creates the appetizing grill marks and irregular coloring that we think of with grilled food. Because of the direct exposure to the flame, the surface of the meat changes on a molecular level, enhancing the flavor.
Indirect heat grilling is typically used with more delicate meats, such as seafood; or with longer cooking meats, such as pork shoulder. Another use for indirect heat is with smoking food. Smoke chips impart a massive amount of flavor to any food. Indirect heat is ideal with smoking because it allows the smoke to work into the meat without searing the outside so more smoke cannot get in.

Advanced grilling techniques

Braising is not something reserved for the indoor oven, it can also be accomplished on the grill. Typically braising refers to cooking meat in liquid in the oven. When used in the grill, it is important to monitor your temperature during the braise. Indirect heat should be used to keep the bottom of the meat from burning due to direct exposure to the flame.
Baking is also a technique that can be used on the grill. Most often we think of baking pizza on the grill, but you can also make a number of rustic loaves and even pan breads with the grill. When baking on the grill, once again, the heat ought to be monitored closely. Many factors are at play when baking, check out the baking post for a detailed discussion of these grilling techniques.

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Grill Types Grills by Brand

Traeger Grills

Traeger manufactures a pellet-fueled grill that eliminates the need for charcoal or gas. It’s versatile enough to cook the most delicate meat, and can be used to smoke, barbecue, grill, braise, bake, or roast.

Traeger Grills: Why All the Hype?

While most grills use charcoal or gas to cook meats, a Traeger grill is different.  Traegers use mesquite, apple, cherry, hickory, maple, and other hardwoods to flavor pork chops, ribs, salmon steaks, or turkey.  Unlike charcoal or gas, each different type of wood pellet imparts its own unique flavor to the meat.

Charcoal and gas grills cannot compete with the flavor added by the variety of wood pellets used in a Traeger grill. The versatility of the fuel allows the chef to mix pellet types to create unique flavor profiles. For instance, maple pellets and cherry pellets could be combined and used for grilling pork chops. It’s this potential for creativity and versatility that sets the Traeger grill apart from other types of grills.

Traeger Grills Enhance Any Cut of Meat

The better the cut of meat, the better the flavor. That’s true for any grill, but with a Traeger, you can fudge a little bit. The use of a Traeger grill allows you to purchase less expensive cuts of meat because of the great flavor that comes from the fuel.  The unique flavor possibilities offered by natural cooking fuel allows the back yard chef to take his cooking skills to the next level. A gas or charcoal grill can’t come close to achieving the complex flavor profile offered by wood pellets. Traeger grills

Outstanding Quality

Traeger grills use electricity for start-up and operation. The construction of the grill keeps temperatures constant all around the meat, meaning that you don’t need a rotisserie and may not even need to turn the meat. Use the Traeger as a smoker, convection oven, or grill to cook any type of meat.

Unlike other grill makers, Traeger manufactures their own wood pellets.  The pellets are made of  100% quality virgin wood.  Recycled wood used in other types of pellets may contain formaldehyde, a chemical used to preserve building materials.  This chemical and others used in manufacturing can become infused into your meat during the cooking process. You will never find chemicals in the wood pellets sold specifically for a Traeger Grill.

Some grilling pellet manufacturers pay no attention to the safety or quantity of additives in their products. In addition, government regulations are often influenced by the pellet manufacturing giants.  That’s not the case with Traeger pellets. Strong consideration is given to customer safety in choosing high quality wood for the pellets used in Traeger grills.  All suppliers are held to strict quality control standards, giving you peace of mind that your cooking fuel is both safe and effective.     

Do you want to know what actual chefs have to say about the Traeger grill? Check out our Traeger grills reviews page!

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Grill Accessories

Grill Brush Basics

Along with warmer temperatures and baseball games, spring brings the reemergence of the grill to our patios. Outdoor grilling is an American pastime that most of the country has participated in, but in order to enjoy your grill to its greatest potential, you’ll have to perform some routine maintenance.

Grill Brush Basics

The mouth-watering images of sizzling bratwurst and juicy burgers entice us to our grills as soon as the weather allows. Before you throw that first burger on the bbq and declare yourself grillmaster, you may want to inspect your grill and do a little maintenance beyond using a grill brush on the racks. Performing  a heavy duty grill cleaning once a year will add life to your grill and flavor to your food. Performing a lighter but thorough cleaning after each use will also keep your family safe from food-borne illnesses. Simply turning the knob to high for twenty minutes will not break down and sanitize the food residue left after previous uses.Grill Brush

Grill Brush Use on Gas Grills

If you use a gas grill, you should clean the burners regularly. Grease created during cooking drips on to the burners and creates a build-up, resulting in wear and rust. Cleaning the burners with a grill brush will lengthen the life of your grill.  While cleaning the burners, make sure you inspect and unclog the burner ports. You should look for cracks and foreign debris. Cleaning the burner ports will keep your food cooking evenly, and improve the life of your grill for many seasons to come. This little tip will save you money and keep your food quality top notch.

Cleaning Charcoal Grills

If you prefer the smoky flavor of charcoal, here are some tips to keep your grill going all summer long. Consider how long those ashes have been sitting at the bottom of the pan. Have they sat there all winter long, collecting moisture and rusting a hole through the bottom of your grill? Removing ashes as soon as they’ve cooled and using a grill brush on the rack will keep your grill looking and cooking great.

When not in use, your grill needs a grill cover to shield it against harsh weather elements. If you live on the coast, salt will corrode and rust away the grill. If you live in the north, snow and ice will be your problem. Harsh sun may damage any wood or plastic attached to the exterior of your grill. A grill cover can reduce these dangers and protect your grill.

Whether you grill with propane or charcoal, a good wire grill brush with stiff bristles is the best defense against wear and tear. Keeping your grill clean and rust-free will give it the longest life possible.

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Grill Accessories Grill Parts

BBQ Igniters

The BBQ igniter is a simple tool with many applications. Of course, it is made for the primary purpose of lighting gas grills. Unfortunately, however, BBQ igniters sometimes get a bad reputation for being undependable.

BBQ Igniters: The Little Tools that Accomplish Great Things

It seems like every time you want to light the grill, the igniter fails to work properly. This requires you to go in the house and dig around for a match or lighter to get your grill going. A little known fact is that the igniter is rarely the cause of such undependability. More often, the burners are not properly feeding fuel to the igniter, which makes it difficult to light.BBQ igniters

How a BBQ Igniter Works

BBQ igniters use piezo electricity to create a spark that lights the gas in a grill. When we think of electricity, we think of plugging something into a wall, or inserting fresh batteries to power a device.

Piezo electricity is different from what we normally think of as electricity. If you speak Greek, you will recognize the word “piezo” as meaning pressure. Piezo electricity is essentially an electromagnetic charge generated by applying pressure to something. There are certain crystal elements that produce electricity when they are struck with force. In a BBQ igniter, one of these piezo electric crystals is struck, which causes it to emit a spark to light the grill. The spark is small and only lasts for a split second, but it is all that the gas needs to light quickly.

What to Do When Your Grill Won’t Light

If your grill won’t light after you’ve turned on the gas and hit the igniter, there are a few steps to diagnose the problem. Remember to turn off the gas and remove the propane tank completely before attempting any diagnosis or repairs.

1. With the gas turned off and the tank removed, locate the igniter element and watch it as you press the igniter button. If you see a small spark jump across the element, you know your ignition issues are not caused by the igniter. If there is no spark, your easiest option may be to get a replacement igniter. BBQ igniters are available at many online retailers.

2. If you see a spark on the igniter, the problem is likely with the gas burners. With the propane tank still safely disconnected, remove the burners one by one and check for signs of blockage. If there is any blockage in the burners, replace them.

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BBQ Review

Char Broil Gas Grill Reviews

I wrote these char broil gas grill reviews for you to select the best Char broil grill that’s right for you and your family.

These grills come in dozens of makes and models, and are some of the most popular gas grills available on the market today.

Even though Char broil makes numerous infrared grills, this article will mostly cover gas grills.

Char broil gas grill reviews: 2- burner models

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Char-broil Quick Assembly 2-Burner Model #463742111

This grill is one of their bottom line models of gas grills and can only be bought at Lowe’s. This really is a dual zone 2 burner grill with a regular side burner. Heat output is rather low, with longer preheat times. But this grill is less expensive to purchase, and if you are looking for a fundamental grill, this really is it. $140

Char-broil 2-Burner Gas Grill Model #463621811

This is probably the cheapest of all gas grills on the market, and is accessible only at The Home Depot. This extremely fundamental grill has 2 burners along with a fairly flimsy cooking grate. The body is a light weight shell, and everything else is created of plastic. There is probably only a year or two of life in this model. $70

Char broil gas grill reviews: 3-burner models

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Char-broil 3-burner Gas Grill Model #463724711

This 3-burner model is available at K-Mart and is on the low end of gas grills. This grill has basic features with 360 square inches of grilling space and 3 10,000 BTU low grade burners. The shell is made with a thin layer of porcelain and is painted black. $120

Char-broil Quantum 3-Burner Model #46325711

This grill is an affordable and descent grill. Built with infrared in mind, it comes having a thin sheet of perforated stainless steel to have the ability to convert from gas to infrared and back again. Though it only has 500 square inches of grilling space and 30,000 BTUs, this baby can reach temperatures of as much as 700 degrees. $320

Char broil gas grill reviews: 4-burner models

Char-broil Commercial Series 4-Burner Model #463244011

This is the basic of their 4-burner models, and is available only at Lowe’s. The heat output is great for this grill and it does cook well. You get 680 inches of total cooking area and this grill puts out 50,000 BTUs. You can expect two to three years of life from this grill. $300

Kenmore 4-Burner Blue Gas Grill Model #464220511

This grill offers 4 primary burners plus a low powered side burner, and offers some great grilling at an affordable cost. You have a lot of heat versatility and 500 inches of grilling space. The grates are porcelain coated cast iron for durabilility. $250

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BBQ Review Grill Types

Coleman Gas Grill Reviews

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Based on my Coleman grill reviews, Coleman’s portable grills are an outstanding choice for those that like camping, tailgating or grilling in the park.

Coleman is really a time-tested and trusted brand that provides a full line of camping gear and accessories, such as grills which are simple to transport and set up just about anyplace.

Coleman Gas Grill Reviews: Pros/Cons

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Pros

Coleman’s portable grills function well, are easy to set up, transport, and are an excellent value. A number of different styles are accessible, as well as a line of grilling accessories. Styles include models which are lower towards the ground or on legs for the ideal grilling height. Some models are equipped with burners, while others come with traditional grilling grates. You can even choose between various colors, like black, red, gray or dark blue.

Cons

When compared with other heavier, much more stationary grill models, portable grills this are much less likely to hold up as lengthy or offer the long-term consistent performance you might get from other grill types. [myebay]Coleman Gas Grill[/myebay]

Coleman Gas Grill Reviews: Analysis

Overall, the well-liked censuses amongst reviewers and customers appears to be that Coleman is a brand you can trust. Though they do not manufacture weightier much more substantial barbecue grill models like some other companies, the grills they do offer have received consistent three to five begin ratings. Their grills are very easy to put together, and numerous find them the perfect item to take along camping or to tailgating events. Consumers particularly like the versatility of the Coleman portable grills and most would definitely suggest them to a friend. So if you’re looking for a portable grill, than it appears Coleman is really a brand worth your consideration.

You can learn more concerning the differences between the Coleman portable grill models and which one would be the very best one for you by reading additional reviews on-line.

Coleman Gas Grill Reviews: Exactly where to Buy

Ready to purchase a portable Coleman gas grill?

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BBQ Review

Weber BBQ Reviews

Weber makes barbeque grills of all types and price ranges, and these Weber grill reviews will help you narrow down the choices for purchasing the grill that is perfect for your backyard cookout.

Weber BBQ Reviews: Gas Grills

Spirit Gas Grills –  There are five models in this line and they range in price from $400 to $699. Weber makes three standard grills in Weber BBQ Reviewsthis series and two stainless premium editions. These grills have stainless steel cooking grates, and come in either two-burner or three-burner models. These grills are basic but do about everything the normal backyard chef needs.

Genesis Gas Grills – This series features eight models ranging price from $850 to $1,100. These are basic stainless steel models, but some come with an enamel body available in alternate colors. They also can have up to 3 burners, and have the ability to sear in the flavor of the grill meat.

Summit Gas Grills – There are eight free standing grills in this series, as well as two insert grills. These models come in either a 4-burner or 6- burner version and range in price from $1,599 to $2,599.

Weber BBQ Reviews: Charcoal Grills

Weber One Touch Silver – This grill set the Weber company in motion. This signature Weber round grill keeps heat centered, and you control the heat through the multiple vents. This charcoal grill can even do some basic meat smoking. This model also offers optional rotisserie kit and ranges in price from $90 to $110.

Weber Performer – This is charcoal grilling at its easiest with the use of a 5 gallon propane tank and burner unit to light the charcoal for you. While maintaining the classic round Weber design, this grill comes in a cart style setup , much like a gas grill and ranges in price from $329 to $388.

Weber One-Touch Platinum – This is definetely a more stylish version of the popular round kettle-style charcoal grill. The cart is more stable and the wheels make it easy to move around. This model also features a roll top lid and two side tables. The Platinum runs for around $300.

Weber BBQ Reviews: Is the Weber right for me?

The Weber full size gas grills are designed to last, and come fully equipped to deliver on quality and durability. Weber’s charcoal grills range in size and capability, making it easy for the novice griller, or more complex for the backyard professional chef. Rugged and easy to use, the Weber grills make any family gathering, company party, or church picnic a huge success!

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BBQ Review Grill Types

Gas Grill Reviews

Grill reviews can provide you with the inside scoop on why they’re such a hot item. And with regards to grilling, you would like a grill that is hot, right?

So what makes barbecue gas grills rank amongst the hottest – as in, the ones which will throw the most heat and give you the best performance?

Gas Grill Reviews: Pros/Cons

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Pros

As numerous grill reviews indicate, they provide the kind of temperature control that puts you in charge, as well as the possible for faster cooking and moister meat. Gas grills also tend to be much more environmentally secure than charcoal kind models, and numerous come with a long list of really cool features.

Cons

Maybe ones of the most persistant cons to a bar-b-q gas grill is the restricted flavoring. A lot of people like a more “smoked” flavoring that other types of grills may offer. Also, because gas fuel can get hot very quickly, cooking much more delicate pieces of meat or food can get a little tricky.

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Gas Grill Reviews: Analysis

There are a lot of gas grills in the marketplace nowadays, numerous of which are receiving consistent four to 5 star ratings. Numerous people appear to perfer gas grills simply because of their consistent performance, unique style features, and their ability to throw a truly hot flame. As you wade via the sea of grill reviews available you’ll discover common themes and factors why barbeque gas grills are so well-liked, all of which point to a few of the things that have already been highlighted here.

Gas Grill Reviews: Exactly where to Buy

If you are seeking to purchase a gas grill, there are certainly no shortage of choices accessible to you. Numerous of the preferred locations to purchase from include popular sites like Amazon.com and HomeDepot. An easy way to select the best one for you would be to shop having a list of features you are searching for in mind. A few of the most trust brands consist of large names like Weber, Ducane, Broilmaster, George Foreman, Charbroil, Coleman, Napoleon, and Master Forge. Regardless of which gas grill you select, chances are about as high as the heat they create, that you’re going to love what it can do.

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BBQ Review Grill Types

Gas Grill Reviews 2011

This is an updated gas grill reviews 2011 to help you and your family pick out the good, the bad, and the ugly in gas grills.

This article will cover reviews of current models and brands to assist you make the proper decision to obtain the very best gas grill for your BBQ budget!

Gas Grill Reviews 2011: Weber

Weber Spirit Gas Grills- The present line of these grills consists of five models that range in price from $500 to $700. In the finish of the season you are able to discover them on sale for in between $400 to $600 depending on the make and model. These grills have either a 2 or 3 burner configuration, and also the premium grills feature stainless steel cooking rods and body parts.
Weber Genesis Gas Grills- This line includes 8 models that range from $850-$1,110. These grills come in either fundamental stainless steel or the premium models come in 5 colors. The premium models feature a standard side burner under a flush mounted cover.
Weber Summit Gas Grills- This item line has 8 totally free standing models as well as two insert grills, and function a 4 to 6 burner configuration. They range in cost from $1,600 to $2,600. The 6 burner model comes having a very big grilling area to cover all your grilling needs.

Gas grill reviews 2011: Broilmaster

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The Broilmaster line of grills are fantastic for the serious griller. They feature a high degree of control and an adjustable multi-level cooking grate with stainless steel construction. These grills range in price from $800 to $2,000.

Broilmaster Premium Series Gas Grills- Made with high quality construction these grills are effective yet really carry out when it comes to top notch grilling. They come in either propane or natural gas. The stainless steel bowtie burners put out 20,000 BTUs and cover 695 total inches of cooking. $800

Broilmaster Super Premium Gas Grills- These grills are built to last decades like the older grills had been, but are much more stylish and loaded with unique functions. This grill is built like a tank. This grill functions a distinctive shutter system that lets you toggle back and forth in between direct and indirect grilling. The grates can be adjusted to 3 positions for optimum temperature control. $2,100

Gas grill reviews 2011: Charbroil

Charbroil functions everything from little bistro-style patio grills to commercial series grills. Many of their grills feature an infrared method that allows the burners to heat up quicker. These grills range in cost from $200-$700.

Charbroil Patio Bistro Infrared Gas Grill- is little and easy to store, yet provides you enough space to cook for 4. With 13,000 BTUs, this grills infrared technologies will give you a lot of heat from just a little fuel. $190

Charbroil Commercial Series Quantum Urban Grill- uses a thin perforated stainless steel sheet to convert this grill from standard gas to infrared technologies. Little but mighty, this grill can put out a whopping 700 degrees. $370

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BBQ Review Grill Types

Stainless Steel Gas Grill Reviews

When you’re reading through stainless steel grill reviews, you’re probably looking for answers to questions like, which grill functions the best? and which one is the best value? right?

However, you may find yourself increasingly confused – as this or that barbeque is said to be or have the best this or that. So what’s the deal with reviews? and how can you use them to your advantage?stainless steel grill reviews

Stainless Steel Gas Grill Reviews: Pros/Cons

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Pros

Here’s the deal. Stainless steel grill reviews are simply, well, reviews. They present you with a summation of the product, usually highlighting its best features, and perhaps balancing it out with a few negatives or things to watch out for. And they can actually be a very helpful tool in helping you choose the right bar-b-q for you.

Cons

The only thing you may need to watch out for is who is giving the review. Though most reviews are from a reputable source, to make sure you’re getting good information simply compare reviews with other reviews and you should get a well rounded opinion that you can trust.

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Stainless Steel Gas Grill Reviews: Analysis

What’s really cool about stainless steel grill reviews from some of the big name sites is all of the actual grill testing that’s involved in the review process. For example, one site actually runs each barbecue grill through rigorous testing in order to rate which ones heat evenly, are easy to use, and have the best features. While another site runs each grill that’s reviewed through a specialized research center. Also, most sites will post review commentaries from people who’ve bought and used the grill being featured and why they did or didn’t like it. Perhaps the best thing about gas grill reviews is how they can give you a real advantage in the buying process by saving you time and sparing you from buying a bar-b-q grill model that isn’t it a good fit for you.

Stainless Steel Gas Grill Reviews: Where to Buy

So if you’re searching through gas grill reviews and wondering which bar-b-que grill to buy – use them to your advantage, so you can get on with things quicker and get grilling!

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