Grilling 101: Summer Guide to Grilling Methods

Summer is here, and that means grilling season. There are so many ways to cook your food outdoors, and each option comes with its own pros and cons. Read on for our roundup of grilling methods to help you select the best ones for you this summer. Happy grilling!

Gas & Propane Grills

Gas grills can be fueled by either propane or natural gas. While they work in a similar way, gas grills are usually connected directly to a natural gas line, while propane grills are powered by a propane tank. Either way, just turn a dial, and your gas grill is ready to go!

Proponents of gas grills applaud them for their ability to offer temperature control, much like the burners on your kitchen stove. They can easily heat to 700 degrees and are simple to use and clean. Gas grills are also regarded as healthier than other outdoor cooking methods like charcoal or smokers, as they produce less smoke and have better heat control, reducing the risk of certain carcinogens contaminating your food.

However, some complain that gas grilling can be inconvenient. For one, propane users must ensure that they have enough gas in their tanks so they don’t run out while they’re cooking. Others say gas grills have short life spans before you have to start replacing parts. As for natural gas grills, the initial cost of installing a line can be high, but this fuel source is often cheaper than propane in the long run.

Gas grills are versatile in terms of the kind of foods they excel at cooking. Some of the best options are steaks, burgers, chicken, sausages, potatoes, fish and vegetables. The Blackstone Griddle is one type of flat-top propane grill that is popular for making foods like pancakes and smash burgers. This is an especially good choice for those who want a wide and even cooking surface.

See more: All the Grilling Recipes You Need for Summer

Charcoal Grills

Charcoal is another classic way to heat up your barbecue. Charcoal is a black carbon residue produced by strongly heating wood or other organic substances in a low-oxygen environment. The result is a lightweight and porous black material with high carbon content. This carbon reacts with oxygen when lit, ultimately producing heat and a fire that can be used to cook food.

One of the main advantages of this type of grilling is the rich, smoky flavor that charcoal adds to a dish. Charcoal grilling is also known for being capable of reaching very high temperatures, which is ideal for searing and caramelizing meats. Meanwhile, this grilling method can also help meats retain their moisture, resulting in a juicier texture. Charcoal grills tend to be less expensive than gas grills and they’re known for their durability. They are a good choice for foods like steak, ribs, chicken and various vegetables. Ribs are an especially good candidate for charcoal grilling, as this method produces tender and flavorful meat.

However, charcoal grills do have downsides. For one, you must maintain a steady supply of charcoal, which is getting more expensive. Charcoal can also be difficult to light at times. For instance, if briquets are not stored properly, they can absorb moisture from the air, especially in humid environments. This makes them difficult to ignite. They also need to be arranged loosely before lighting to ensure proper airflow.

According to Healthline, charcoal cooking can be less healthy than gas grilling because it creates smoke and can reach very high temperatures – both of these factors are tied to carcinogen production. However, you can reduce your risks by grilling at lower temperatures (one way to do this is to keep a lower flame), avoiding charring your meat, reducing cooking time, marinating your meat first, cutting the fat off your meat, and grilling more veggies and fewer red or processed meats.

Campfire Cooking

 There’s nothing better than huddling around a campfire, especially on cooler nights. And while campfires are best known for browning marshmallows, you can actually cook a variety of foods over open fires, including meat, vegetables, hot dogs, potatoes and fruit. Cooking methods include placing food in foil packets over the flame, roasting on a spit or stick, or using a Dutch oven. Both wood and charcoal can be used in your campfire kitchen, though coals can help maintain a more consistent and controlled cooking experience.

Many enjoy the flavor that campfire cooking adds to food. Wood and charcoal add a smoky flavor that’s hard to achieve with other cooking methods, while direct exposure to flames creates a charring effect, especially for meats and veggies. Different types of wood can also be used to impart different flavor profiles. Proponents also say that this cooking method can help bring friends and family together as well as connect people to the outdoors. However, just like charcoal grills, campfire cooking can expose you to carcinogens because of the smoke and high heat.

Smokers

Smokers cook food low and slow and are a favorite for meats like brisket, pork shoulder and ribs. However, you can also use them to smoke vegetables, cheese, nuts, seafood and fruit. They’re especially handy for larger cuts of meat. These grills are fueled by lighting charcoal and adding wood chips or chunks to add a smoky flavor. Fans of this grilling method love the flavor and tenderness it adds. Different types of wood can even be used in conjunction to create unique flavor combinations.

One of the major drawbacks to smokers is the time commitment they require for cooking. They can also be expensive to purchase. As with other smoke-producing cooking methods, there is a higher risk of carcinogens entering your food with smokers.

Wood Pellet Grill

Similar to a smoker, a wood pellet grill uses wood to cook food. However, pellet grills have an automated system that helps with precise temperature control. Like their name implies, wood pellet grills utilize wood pellets, which are fed into a fire pot. They can be used for grilling, smoking and baking and are considered more beginner friendly than traditional smokers. Pellet grills are great for meats like pulled pork, brisket, ribs and chicken, as well as baked goods like pies and pizza.

Wood pellet users like the smokey flavor, ease of use and even heat distribution. Some drawbacks of this cooking method include the cost of purchasing and maintaining the unit and the fact that they require you to connect to a power source, resulting in limited mobility. Pellets can also be expensive compared to other fuel types. Finally, this option might not be great for anyone wanting to cook at higher temperatures.

See more: Guide to Grilling Vegetables

Big Green Egg  

Big Green Egg is a brand of ceramic oven that uses natural charcoal and live fire. It builds off of the tradition of live-fire cooking and can be used to smoke, roast, grill and bake. The company says its design ensures optimal airflow and precise temperature control. You can cook just about anything with the Big Green Egg, and some of the recipes featured on the company’s website include paella, cinnamon rolls and grilled shrimp.

However, some say there is a bit of a learning curve when it comes to mastering the Big Green Egg. Price can also be a barrier. Meanwhile, they have more limited cooking space than other methods and can be heavy, making them difficult to move.

More Grilling Tips & Tricks

• No matter your grilling method, you can keep yourself and your family safe from foodborne illnesses like salmonella by keeping a meat thermometer on hand.
• To ensure the best flavors possible, make sure to properly season your food with a rub or marinade. It’s best to do this at least an hour before cooking to allow the flavor to penetrate.
• When you’re done cooking, allow your food to rest a few minutes before serving so that the juices can redistribute.
• Most importantly, have fun and be patient! Grilling generally takes more time than indoor cooking, but it’s worth the wait.