|
Types
of Grills
There are many alternative
methods for getting grilled food cooked and into your mouth. Here
are a list of options:
Charcoal Grills and
Ovens: Anything that uses Coal, Charcoal, Briquets or lava rocks
falls into this category. Here are the ways to get these items burning
hot:
Gas/Propane/Liquid
Petroleum Grills — Some of the more commonly used types
in patio grilling. Usually there is a tank adjacent to or underneath
the actual grilling area. This easy-to-light style of grilling,
although not the most affordable, isconsidered
one of the easiest for the less experienced weekend chefs.
Electric Grills
— An ‘80's fad that didn’t catch on, was supposed
to add ease and affordability to outdoor living. These grills rival
there ‘90's brother, the electric car — great idea, not
innovative enough.
Charcoal/Wood Burning
— the least expensive and most space savings form of grilling.
Smaller balcony owners can use a table top grill (a small square
grill perfect for two, i.e. hibachis) or a kettle-type grill. The
kettle grill comes in charcoal burning or propane styles so if you
don’t want to deal with lighter fluid, matches and newspaper
-- go gas. But remember, nothing rivals a wood burning flame.
Log Burning Pits:
This is the oldest form of barbequing. Just dig a hole in the ground,
cut up some dead trees and start burning. Place a metal grid over
the flames and throw the meat and veggies on. (Odds are pretty good
if you don’t have yard space for a garden, you probably don’t
have anywhere to dig a pit, either – but just in case.)
Prime Log Pits:
The best modernized barbequer around. But don’t think you’re
going to grill with this machine and don’t think you can buy
one for your teensy-weensy balcony. These monsters have a separate
area for the burning wood and a large barrel drum where the food
cooks.
Popular Valve Pits:
A more affordable version of the Prime Log Pit. These are more universally
available but still probably a little to large for an average urban
balcony. These machines use wood chunks, as opposed to logs and
the metal tends to be a bit thinner.
Wood Burning Ovens:
This is an even more affordable version of the Prime Log Pit and
may just fit on your balcony. This slicker version, uses wood pellets
and is therefore smaller — but you compromise the smokey flavor
by using this model.
Water Smokers:
Don’t confuse this with grilling or barbequing. This cylindrical
machine stands approximately 3 feet high and 2 feet wide so you
could conceivably stick one on your balcony. They’re usually
powered by electricity or charcoal and are very good for foods that
benefit from light smoking and added moisture i.e., meats that are
low in fat, fishes and even cheeses.
|
