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BBQ Review Grills by Brand

Brinkmann Grill Reviews

Brinkmann offers a wide range of consumer level grills that are readily available at many big-box brick and mortar retailers. With such wide use, there are a number of reviews to take into consideration.

Brinkmann Grill Reviews: Overview

Overall, for a company that offers a wide range of budget level grills, Brinkmann achieves a predictable level of quality and consumer satisfaction. There are a few patterns that emerge when examining many of their most popular models. One of the most common strengths of the grills is their full range of features. Brinkmann does an excellent job of offering the latest features at entry level prices. Unfortunately, in most cases, the entry level price is indicative of an entry level grill. Lack of durability and low build quality are common complaints.Brinkmann Grill Reviews

Types of Brinkmann Grills

The major grill types are listed here with their most common pros and cons. They have been separated and broken down here because of the differences in complexity and fuel type.
Charcoal grill reviews: The most common praise for the charcoal grills is their cost effectiveness. The grills are at an ideal price point for the casual outdoor cook. In addition to the low price, Brinkmann makes sure that their charcoal grills have plenty of cooking area. Common remarks by reviewers point out the simplicity of the grill’s design, as well as its easy portability and unassuming profile. The overwhelming negative feedback, however, is related to the durability of the grill. Thin metal, flimsy construction, and a finish that easily chips off are the most common complaints.
Gas grill reviews: Brinkmann gas grills have always had a great look in the store. Their modern design and bright colors catch the eye and look very appealing on the patio. One thing that can be said for the grills is that they offer plenty of cooking space. Brinkmann has become very good at maximizing effective grill space. Enhanced features, such as a side burner, secondary grill rack, and optional rotisserie attachments give the grill versatility and allow the outdoor cook to enjoy the latest grill features. However, as with the charcoal grills, Brinkmann gas grills suffer from the same cheap build quality. A common complaint is that the frame will get off center and the doors will not close properly. The grills are also notorious for uneven heating because their burners are made of cheap materials and do not distribute heat very well.

Brinkmann Grill Reviews: Conclusion

At the end of the day, it is undeniable that Brinkmann has gained a place for itself as one of the largest grill manufacturers in the country. While their grills may not be of the highest quality, they are useable and cost effective. For the occasional outdoor cook, a Brinkmann grill will likely suffice for use a few times per season. Over time, it will likely begin to degrade in appearance, but it will still work. For the outdoor chef who envisions using the grill regularly and entertaining at cookouts, most Brinkmann grill reviews agree that the grill is not ideal for such use.

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Grills by Brand

Brinkmann Grills

The Brinkmann corporation is a company that has established a strong presence in the outdoor grilling world. With over 30 years of company history, they have a strong track record of providing quality products and services to the American household.

Brinkmann Grills Focus on the Grilling Experience

Brinkmann’s grill designs have many accessories and convenience features to make the grilling experience as positive as possible. Many outdoor chefs know the great benefits of having plenty of work space on either side of the grill. Brinkmann grills have plenty of preparation space right next to the grill. In addition to the space, Brinkmanns feature racks and hooks for all of the grilling tools that may be needed during the grilling process. Brinkmann anticipates what the outdoor chef needs to pull off the perfect cookout, and has included all of the right features in their grills.

Types of Brinkmann Grills

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Brinkmann offers a variety of grill types to accommodate every outdoor chef. Whatever fuel or cooking style you prefer, Brinkmann has a grill that will fit.

Brinkmann Grills
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Charcoal grills: Brinkmann’s charcoal grills are primarily designed to use charcoal briquettes. Their heavy grade metal construction is the industry standard for durability and heat distribution.

Charcoal Smokers: Brinkmann offers several drum style smokers at an affordable price point for the average outdoor chef. Drum smokers impart their signature smoky flavor by keeping the fire in a separate compartment. Because the flame is removed from the meat compartment, a lower temperature is easier to maintain. These low, stable temperatures are best for ribs and pork shoulder, along with many other meat cuts.

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Perhaps Brinkmann is most well known for their free standing gas grills. Indeed, these grills are the ones most readily available to the consumer at many large retailers. It could be said that Brinkmann gas grills are the industry standard, balancing quality and cost effectiveness.

Final Analysis

Brinkmann is a large outdoor product company that has built a name for itself as a mass producer of standard quality grills. They

Brinkmann Grillsare the primary brand offered at many big box retailers and as a result, their presence is known on many American patios. Perhaps a significant part of their ubiquity is due to their accessibility and cost effectiveness as “Gifts for Dad.” For the average home cook, a Brinkmann grill may be all that is necessary for the occasional burger or hot dog.

In the area of quality and longevity, however, Brinkmann grills have a somewhat lackluster appeal. The serious outdoor chef may soon realize that a higher quality grill has the heat distribution and weight that he needs.

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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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Grills by Brand

Big Green Egg Charcoal Grills: One Grill to Rule them All

Big Green Egg charcoal grills, often known as BGEs, combine the best aspects of a charcoal grill and a smoker. Find out why it’s the best!

It’s unique shape uses modern ceramic and ancient design to provide optimal airflow for temperature regulation and moisture retention. Anyone who has ever used a BGE will testify to it’s unique quality and one of a kind taste.  Big Green Egg charcoal grills

Big Green Egg charcoal grills: Space age materials for backyard cooking

BGE uses a high temperature ceramic clay formula that is derived from the same material that insulates the nose of the space shuttle during re-entry. Because of this high quality ceramic construction, the grill can withstand even the most extreme heat without cracking or suffering structural compromise.

The thick ceramic walls retain heat, conserve fuel, and provide excellent temperature stability for long periods of time. High heat can be achieved because of the insulation, making high temperature searing and flash-fire grilling possible.

Conversely, the thick insulation also allows the fire to burn slowly at low temperatures, making the BGE ideal low temperature smoking.

Big Green Egg charcoal grills: Good for you, and the environment

BGE recommends using only solid lump charcoal. Many argue that lump charcoal has significant advantages over the more common charcoal briquettes. Briquettes are manufactured as a processed fuel product. They are well suited for grilling because of their regular shape and consistent burn quality.

However, because of the manufacturing process, briquettes often include a number of additives and enhancers. Lump charcoal, on the other hand, uses unprocessed wood and forgoes the use of additives. This allows the charcoal to burn clean and hot, making it the ideal fuel for the BGE.

Lump charcoal is known to burn hotter and more consistently even than charcoal briquettes. The charcoal lights easily in a chimney starter and does not require lighter fluid or pellets. Once the charcoal is burning brightly, it will provide even heat to the BGE whether the chef needs high and fiery temperatures or a low and slow burn.

Big Green Egg Charcoal Grills: Things you can cook

Everyone cooks meat on the grill. Barbecue chicken, buffalo wings, steak, hamburgers, etc. are all commonly grilled items. Often they can be cooked quite well on the average charcoal or gas grill. The natural charcoal used by the BGE imparts a unique smoky flavor to any food, including the typical meats.

What sets the BGE apart however, is it’s ability to smoke meat. With a BGE you can achieve great results with fall-off-the-bone ribs and succulent pulled pork barbecue. Vegetables take on an incredible, but subtle, smoky flavor from the charcoal.

The high heat capability combined with a good pizza stone lets a Big Green Egg charcoal grills owner experiment with traditional pizza styles and achieve authentic Neapolitan style pizza at home.
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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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BBQ Review

Grill Reviews

No summer is complete with out some good cookin’ on the barbeque grill! From a juicy steak to corn-on-the-cob, to brats and dogs, there’s just some thing inviting by the aroma and flavor put off from the backyard grill.

Discovering the right grill is important, and doing just a little research on barbecue grill reviews of the many kinds and brands could be really worth the effort. Read on for a fast overview of some of the best grills available today!

Grill Reviews: By Type

Man, are there a great deal of choices for barbecue grills available! From gas grills to turkey fryers to custom smokers–there are hundreds of brands and models of grills available. Let’s sort through a few of the bbq reviews and cookers available.

Gas Grill Reviews: Gas grills are probably the most bought kind of bbq grill. These range in cost from below $200 to upwards in the $4,000 range. These grills not just look nice, they are practical, easy to use, and are built to last. Because it makes use of propane, it is a clean-burning choice.

Charcoal Grill Reviews: Charcoal grills provide you with great flavor and makes barbecuing appear more authentic. These are generally much less costly to purchase, but are much more costly to operate simply because of charcoal and charcoal fuel costs.

Portable Grill Reviews: These handy small grills make grilling-on-the-go a snap! Great to take on a fishing trip or to a park, these bar-b-q grills may be either charcoal or electric. These are also sometimes referred to as Hibachi grills.

Barbeque Smokers: There is really a large variety of smokers accessible, and purchasing the proper one may be confusing. Smokers are available in a number of cost ranges, and can be electric, wood, charcoal, or gas. These take much more time to use and monitor and are typically for the true grill-chef at heart.

Gas Grill Reviews 2011

More Gas Grills Reviews

Grill Reviews: By Brand

Top brands of gas grill reviews:

Big Green Egg Reviews
Brinkmann Grill Reviews
Broilmaster Grill Reviews
Bubba Keg Grill Reviews

Char Broil

Coleman Gas Grill Reviews
George Foreman 360 Grill Reviews
 Kamado Grill Reviews
 Master Forge Grill Reviews
 Napoleon Grill Reviews
 Pellet Grill Reviews
 Stainless Steel Gas Grill Reviews
 Traeger Grills Reviews

Weber

Grill Reviews: Conclusion

Space does not permit for all barbecue grill reviews. . There’s are a lot more grill reviews on my website so it should be pretty simple to find just the proper grill for just the right chef – you!

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Grill Types

Charcoal Grills

Summer family fun is the smoky flavor of  juicy hamburgers fresh off the charcoal grills. On vacation or at home, charcoal grilling adds an extra level of fun to any meal!

Nothing beats the flavor of food cooked over a charcoal grill, or the control you have when using charcoal. Forget the microwave and try your hand at real cooking!

Charcoal Grills: Features

All charcoal burning grills have a pan for the fire and an adjustable grid for cooking. The height of the grid above the fire and the amount and arrangement of the charcoal control the temperature. Charcoal is more flexible regarding temperature than other grill charcoal grillsstyles since charcoal arranged closely together produces an incredible amount of heat.

Although the basic features of  charcoal burning grills are the same, styles and prices vary. Square grills have a shallow pan, an adjustable grid, and a lid with vents. They are simple and inexpensive, ranging in price from $60 to $100.

Kettle grills are round with a deep lower chamber, an adjustable grid, and vents in both the lower chamber and the lid. Both the depth of the chamber and ventilation system better control and circulate the heat than other styles of grills. Slightly more expensive, the price of kettle grills ranges from $70 to $140.

Cart  grills are the upscale version of these grills: similar in shape to gas grills and having an ash tray that makes clean-up easy. Like other grills, the grid is adjustable and vents help control the heat. These grills are expensive (but very nice), ranging from $2,000 to $2,800.

Charcoal Grills: Pros and Cons

In a day of microwaves and fancy kitchen tools, charcoal grilling has an appealing simplicity and gives you control as the chef. You can use the wide range of temperature to your advantage. And the flavor charcoal adds to food is well worth the extra effort.

However, starting the fire can be difficult, and once the fire starts, controlling the heat may prove challenging. After grilling, cleaning out the grill and disposing of the cooled ash can be a messy job.

Charcoal Grills: Is it for you?

The simplistic style of charcoal grilling requires extra effort, patience, and some skill from the chef, but also rewards that effort with a feeling of satisfaction when your family and friends bite into those juicy hamburgers fresh off the charcoal grill!

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Grill Types

Electric Grills

Feature rich electric grills are fast, efficient and safe. With all the different grills out there, how can I know if an electric grill is right for me?

Electric powered grills and smokers offer features that other types of grills and smokers cannot. Here are some tips that can help you decide if an electric grill can meet all your grilling needs.

Electric Grills: Features

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Electric powered grills are not as popular as gas grills and charcoal grills but they have a useful and secure place in the family of grills. Since they run on electricity, these grills have some features that gas grills and charcoal grills cannot offer. Electricity as a fuel for grilling is fast, efficient, clean and easy to use. However, the overriding feature of the electric grill is that it can used indoors and in places where other types of grills are often banned, such as balconies in multi-unit dwellings.

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Electric Grills: Pros and Cons

  • Pros: There are several positive things to say about electric powered grills and smokers. Some of these features might temp you to start looking around for one.
    • Fast fire up time, you can be up and cooking very quickly.
    • Consistent, even easily controlled heat; even heat across the entire grill.
    • Low maintenance; no residue to clean up; no tanks to replace; no charcoal and ashes to mess with.
    • Good fuel for smokers; steady low and slow heat, easily controlled; set and forget it until the meat is done. Electric fueled smokers have grown in popularity.
    • Unlike gas and charcoal, can be used indoors; this is the biggest selling factor for electric powered grills.
    • For safety reasons, sometimes gas and charcoal grills are banned in some circumstances where electric powered grills are not. A common example of this is on the upper balconies of multi-unit residential buildings.
    • Smaller tabletop versions, such as the George Forman line, are readily available.
    • You can often get electric fueled grills for a fraction of the cost of other grills.
  • Cons: With all those positive features, you might think that everyone would own an electric grill. Well, electric powered grills and smokers are not perfect, and here are some things people do not like.
    • Though they are great indoors, electric powered grills can be awkward out of doors; you will need to run an extension cord or have an outdoor outlet near the grill.
    • Electric powered grills lack portability; because they need a power source, they are difficult to use on a camping trip or at the beach.
    • Grilling purist claim electric powered grills cannot produce the grilled flavors of the other fuels, especially charcoal.
    • It might be hard to put ones finger on it, but for some reason, when you are outdoors, cooking on an electric grill is just not as much fun as cooking on a blazing fire or white hot coals igniting the drippings from a juicy steak.

Electric Grills: Are They for You?

There are a lot of pros and cons with electric grills. They might not be for everyone, but there are many positive features, and many people who could benefit from those features. If you live in an apartment, trailer or like grilling in the dead of winter, an electric powered grill may be your best option. There are many people with electric grills who have learned to cook some delicious foods on them. Just ask George Foreman.
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Grill Types

Homemade Grills

Are you looking for a way to make your grilling experience unique? Try Homemade Grills.

If you are looking for a way to add an individual touch to your backyard barbecue, building your own grill is a fantastic project to consider.

The advantages to building a grill at home are numerous. Besides the money you will save, the knowledge and experience you gain will make you an all-around bbq expert on your very own unique grill.

Homemade Grills: Features

The possibilities are endless when designing your own homemade grills. Do you simply need a small charcoal grill on which to cook a dinner for two once in a while? Does your company need a giant trailer-mounted barbeque for corporate events? Do you have a revolutionary design idea that you think may be the next big thing? Once you’ve gotten your ideas organized, you can start getting the materials and tools to build your masterpiece.

Whether fired by charcoal, propane, wood, electricity, or a less common heat source, you should take care to make sure that the materials you use are able to withstand the heat that is produced. Unexpected risks like harmful fumes produced by certain materials should also be researched thoroughly. Investigating commercially built grills can help you find which types of designs, shapes, ignition mechanisms, and safety features have proven successful.

Even if your only reason for building your own grill is the cost savings, consider adding a unique feature to your homemade grill that you think will enhance its functioning. Many of the most popular new grills manufactured today began in someone’s backyard.

Homemade Grills: Pros and Cons

As we’ve already seen, building your own grill saves you money, gives you the opportunity to experiment with potentially game-changing ideas, and allows you to make your entire bar-b-q experience completely homegrown. If you are not naturally handy, though, it may be worth your while to enlist some experienced help to avoid having your creation burst into flames or melt the first time you fire it up.

Homemade Grills: Are They For You?

Perhaps you’ve tried all the grill types (homemade charcoal grills, homemade gas grills,homemade smoker grills) on the market and come up disappointed. Perhaps you are looking for a way to get your great idea out there before the public, or maybe you are just looking for a reward summertime project. In any case, building homemade gas or charcoal grills is a great idea that will exercise your creative mind, impress your friends and family, and give you a sense of deep satisfaction as you eat delicious barbeque straight off your “Insert Name Here” grill!
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Grill Types

Types of Grills

I love bbq, but with all the types of grills out there how can I know which type of grill is best for me?

I’ve researched all the different grill types and I’ve found which one I like best.  Find out which one works best for you.

Types of Grills: Performance, Convenience and Savings

Most of us who love barbecue are familiar with a couple of basic types of grills. However, there are several less familiar options out there to enhance your grilling experience.

Gas Grills

  • Flattop Grills
  • Natural Gas Grills
  • Propane Gas Grills
  • Rodizio Grills

Infrared Grills

Charcoal Grills

  • Barrel Grill
  • Ceramic Cooker
  • Gas and Charcoal Grills
  • Hibachi Grill
  • Kettle Grills
  • Pellet Grills
  • Portable Charcoal Grill
  • Square Charcoal Grill
  • Tandoor Oven

Outdoor Kitchen

  • Built in Grills AND Gas Grill Inserts
  • Grill Islands

Smokers

  • BBQ Smokers
  • Homemade Smokers

Portable Grills

  • Portable Charcoal Grills
  • Portable Electric Grills
  • Portable Gas Grills
  • Portable Infrared Grills
Types of Grills Features

Types of grills have their unique advantage. Of all the grills, gas grills are the easiest to manage. They have unparalleled ease of use and convenience.  Gas grills are easy to fire up and reach cooking temperature quickly. Gas grills are easy to shut down, clean up and put away.

People who are big fans of infrared grills claim they are equal to traditional gas grills in ease of use and clean up while making the food better. Since infrared allows for much higher temperatures, it allows for more intense sear, locking in juices and flavors. Infrared grills used to be extremely high end, but prices have been dropping with entry level units in the mid-price range.

Charcoal grills offers something no other types of grills can. That is a wonderful smoky tasting, crusted, caramelized exterior on steaks and chops. For many, this flavor trumps any lack of convenience associated with cooking with charcoal. Charcoal grills come in just about any size, shape and price you can imagine. They tend to be cheaper than gas grills and assessable for most budgets.

If you come to realize that you are a carnivore that cooks most of his meals out-of-doors, you might see an investment in an outdoor kitchen as a wise move. You can design and build in your grills, outdoor refrigerators, barbeque smokers, bbq side burners or just about anything else you can imagine.

People who do not see grilling as true bar-b-q, invest in smokers fueled by charcoal or wood. The by-words for bbq smokers are “low” (temperature) and “slow” (lots of time).

The wide variety of portable grills allows for great barbeque on picnics, beach outings, camping trips and more. They are surprisingly versatile, efficient and can cook lots of food. They come in all fuel types.

Types of Grills – Conclusion

Grills have their own peculiarities, but what they have in common is outdoor cooking and celebration at its best. Choose well and establish a firm foundation to master your skills with the grill and with barbecue.

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