How to choose a barbecue

The principle of action of a barbecue is in many respects similar to that of the grill, however, unlike it, a barbecue does not have a top cover. Thus, thermal effects are carried out exclusively from below. It is easy to choose a quality barbecue, and all that is needed is to determine the criteria that have the most direct impact on the functionality of the device.

how to choose a barbecue

Which barbecue to choose? Top manufacturers

The most high-quality and time-tested manufacturers are those brands that know how to handle metal and to get durable and reliable heat-resistant structures that have an attractive appearance:

Clatronic
Camping world
Doorz
Megagrill
Primo

The above brands produce a sufficiently large number of models suitable for both urban use and outdoor recreation. If the barbecue is selected with an emphasis on dacha operation, you can give your choice in favor of an aesthetic custom model made by hand by folk craftsmen. Design, functional features, geometric dimensions - in this case, you will choose all these parameters yourself.

The principle of the barbecue

The main elements of any barbecue are the brazier itself - a container in which coals or another fuel element are placed, as well as a grill, on which the meat is placed directly. The barbecue grill is almost always made of stainless steel, but the roaster, due to the constant exposure to high temperatures, should be made of thick-walled heat-resistant metal - cast iron, iron, steel.

Many modern barbecue manufacturers equip their devices with a metal lid fixed on special hinges. In addition to the protective and decorative function, it turns a barbecue into a full-fledged grill, which provides a thermal effect not only from below, but also from above. Such devices are currently very popular among outdoor enthusiasts and owners of country houses and suburban areas.

Barbecue selection options

Device type

Depending on the mode in which it is planned to operate the device, all barbecues are divided into:

Stationary. By analogy with braziers, these devices are designed for stationary operation in a particular place - in a country site, in the country. Massive structures, heavy weight, thick walls - these are their main characteristics;
Mobile. The same stationary barbecue, equipped with wheels in the lower part. Allow to transport for a short distance if necessary - to the garage for the winter, under the shed in rainy weather;
Portable. A great option for lovers of roasting meat in nature. They assume a folding design and easily fit in the trunk of a car. The disadvantages are the small thickness of the walls, as a result of which the device tends to burn out after a while;

Power supply"

Coals - the classic version used in most devices of this class. Provide high temperature and allow to cook meat in the shortest possible time;
Firewood.The principle of operation of such a barbecue is somewhat different. Burning firewood heats the work surface, which affects the products being prepared. It provides a fairly quick cooking, but the consumption of firewood during operation of the device is quite high;
Gas and electricity. Such models are popular, first of all, among residents of apartment buildings who are not able to cook on traditional barbecues. Models operating on gas or electricity, are very versatile, but exclude the possibility to cook the same steak "with smoke" that everyone loves so much.

The material of which is made barbecue

Steel is widely used for making portable barbecues. Differs in worthy heat resistance and unpretentiousness in leaving. Among the disadvantages are the susceptibility to corrosion during intensive use, as well as the tendency to burn out after a while (especially typical for thin-walled models);
Cast iron is a traditional material for making stationary barbecues and barbecues. High strength and thermal stability, resistance to oxidation and corrosion, unpretentiousness in operation - this is the main advantages of this material;
Granite, stone, brick. The owners of country houses very often equip an improvised barbecue with their own hands, laying it out of stones, granite blocks or other similar materials. Such devices will be an excellent decorative element of your backyard and a place around which friends gather for leisurely conversations.

Availability of additional accessories

Grills for cooking meat - an essential attribute of any barbecue. Thermally resistant Teflon-coated metal gratings are considered best. The size and shape is selected depending on the configuration of your device;
The pallet for collecting fat and juice is an optional accessory, which is used by no means all. For some, this is a great way to get rid of unnecessary trouble when cleaning and washing barbecue, while others believe that juice and fat dripping on the coals and burning out with fragrant smoke is an essential attribute of cooking meat on coals;
The metal baking sheet intended for frying of various products. It is installed on coal and is a full-fledged analogue of the pan, allowing you to fry any food.