Tag : tools
If you choose gas, whether propane or from your house natural gasline, decide in advance what you want the gas to do. Do you wantjust the grill top, or a couple of stove burners also? Perhaps aflat-top grill for that short-order cook experience? The moreelaborate you get, the larger your budget will become. Ott advises hiring a professional to handle the gas setup,especially if you go farther than a simple gas grill installation.However, with a little study and elbow grease, you can build yourown framework from your choice of materials. Be sure and check yourlocal ordinances, though, as the project may require multiplepermits and inspections depending on its complexity. When choosing between charcoal and gas, the decision really is upto the griller. There are books and articles touting the benefitsof each, so its a personal decision that should be researchedbefore making a purchase. Cast iron grates are the cream of the crop for durability, heatcontrol and ease of cleaning. Properly seasoned, cast iron grillgrates will last almost indefinitely and shed stuck-on food easily.You'll need to make sure they stay out of the rain and be sure toclean and oil them after use, but in return for that small amountof work you'll be rewarded with years of great grilling. If your budget allows, you can go the deluxe route and buy youroutdoor kitchen ready-made. There are simple rigs that arebasically a grill and a work surface, midrange ones that include arefrigerator, and top-of-the-line setups with marble countertops,sinks and built-in stoves and flat-top grills. Things like sinks and refrigerators will, of course, requireplumbing and electrical work, which should most often be left toprofessionals unless you are a highly competent and well-traineddo-it-yourselfer. The Tools Something much easier for the average backyard griller to puttogether is a truly top-notch set of grilling tools. With the rightones, even the most humble charcoal chamber can be made to turn outworks of grilling greatness. I recommend avoiding kits or sets of grilling tools. While one ofthe tools included may suit you, it's likely they won't all beideal. Pick and choose and put together the set that truly fitsyour needs. Chimney : If you're still using lighter fluid to start your charcoal,consider this an invitation to join the 21st century. A charcoalchimney, a metal tube with briquets loaded into the top andnewspaper wadded in the bottom, is a more efficient and much moreeco-friendly way to get your fire going. If you need a little extraboost, use some waste kitchen oil and drizzle a little bit on thepaper before wadding it up. It will create a torch effect and makethe ignition phase longer. Remember to clean out the chimney andreload it before each use. Tongs : Beware tongs that are very stiff to open and close, as one momentof inattention or a slipped grip can send your food through thegrate and onto the coals. I prefer a long pair of spring-loadedtongs. You won't often find them included as part of grill toolkits, but they are worth their weight in gold and definitely worthbuying separately. I keep two of them on hand in case a long grillsession leaves one crusted with barbecue sauce or the like. Fork : Nope. Don't buy one of these. Forks lead to poking holes in yourfood, which leads to yummy juices dripping out and being wasted. Thermometer : What, you use a probe thermometer when you're oven roasting butnot when you're grilling something thick like a pork loin? Why not?Stick the probe in the end of the meat, and that will allow you toturn it as necessary. My current favorite is one that transmits thetemperature info wirelessly from the probe to the base unit. Squirt bottle : Have one, but know when to use it. A little bit of flame-kissingon a steak or chop is a good thing, but don't let it go nuts. Andflame-seared shrimp or vegetables aren't likely to please anyone'spalate. Turner : You'll want a long, heat-resistant handle and a platform largeenough to cradle the beefiest burger. Whatever your budget, spend your money wisely. Don't buy cheapgrills or tools if you can avoid it. Spend a few more dollars toget good equipment that will last and perform well, and you'll bewell-rewarded.