subject: The Difference Between Charcoal, Gas and Electric Barbecue Grills [print this page] The Difference Between Charcoal, Gas and Electric Barbecue Grills
There are two alternatives to charcoal fired barbecue grills are those that are heated by either gas or electricity. These barbecue grills are available in all sorts of shapes and sizes from compact countertop type bbq grills to bigger free standing grills that are suitable for balconies or patios.
Probably the most obvious benefits of using a gas or electric grill is you don't have to light any fires or clean up any ash after wards. Also, there is less time to wait for pre-heating the grill or griddle then a charcoal grill.
Electric grills are the most popular indoors grills because they are easy to setup and use. And you all able to use them when due to hire fire danger season when open barbecue grills are not permitted.
Indoors, permanently installed gas or electric units are often located near range tops so that they can share the existing overhead exhaust fan. Some barbecues have their own, though.
Gas grills are simple to use and are very convenient because they can be ready at a moments notice. Volcanic rock is usually spread out below the grill and is heated by gas burners to give the food an authentic barbecue flavor. Rotisserie cooking is also an option for most of the larger gas grills. Most gas grills have cooking surfaces that are normally half open grill for direct open flame cooking and the other half a griddle.
From the two types of gas grills the natural gas grills are more practical as they save you the time and cost of having to drive to your nearest LP gas depot to refill your gas bottle and you will never run out of gas half way through a BBQ. Also natural gas is much cheaper and burns a lot cleaner then propane gas.
Here are some basic tools you need for everyday use of the barbecue; a long fork and tong for for turning and removing the food of the grills once it is ready; a stiff metal brush for scrubbing the grill; heatproof mitts for emergency adjustment for the grill or spit, and long handled spatulas; and a dozen or so long-handled skewers.
You may want to include a grill basket for holding and turning fish and smaller meat cuts and vegetables, packages of aluminum pans in different sizes to use as drip pans under large roasts and when rotisserie food, a meat thermometer and a roast holder is a must for cooking roast, turkeys lamb or vegetables.
If in case you have a fat fire and your gas grill is a natural gas type, shut off the supply at the mains, put out any open flame. if the smell continues, without delay phone your gas supplier or fire department.
