Grill (cooking)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
There are multiple varieties of grills, with most falling into one of two categories: gas-fueled and charcoal. There is a great debate over the merits of charcoal or gas for use as the cooking method between grillers. Electric indoor grills have also recently become popular.
Grilling is a pervasive tradition in the United States. There are many cook-offs for steak grilling and barbecue (midwestern and southern style) around the United States with serious cash prizes involved in most. Almost all competition grillers use charcoal, most often in large, custom designed brick or steel grills. They can range from a few 55 gallon oil drums sawed lengthwise on ther sides to make a lid and grill base, to large, vehicle sized grills made of brick, weighing nearly a ton.
Contents |
[edit] History
E.G. Kingsford was the prime force behind the American grilling tradition. Kingsford was a relative of Henry Ford who saw that Ford's Model T production lines were producing a large amount of wood scraps that were just being discarded. Kingsford pitched a simple idea to Ford: Set up a charcoal manufacturing facility next to the assembly line and sell the charcoal, with the Ford name, in Ford dealerships. Ford, knowing a good idea when he saw one, immediately implemented Kingsford's idea. After Kingsford's death, the company was renamed Kingsford Charcoal Co. in his honor. Today, Kingsford charcoal is the dominant brand used by charcoal grillers.
Another personality in the charcoal grilling camp is George Stephen. The stereotypical American charcoal grill is a hollow, metal hemisphere with three legs and a small metal disc to catch ash, with a lower grate to hold the charcoal and an upper grate to hold the food to be cooked. George Stephen created the hemispherical grill design, jokingly called "Sputnik" by Stephen's neighbors. Stephen, a welder, worked for Weber Brothers Metal Works, a metal fabrication shop primarily concerned with welding steel spheres together to make buoys. Stephen was tired of wind blowing ash onto his food when he grilled. One day he had an epiphany: he took the lower half of a buoy, welded three steel legs onto it, and fabricated a shallower hemisphere for use as a lid. He took the results home and within weeks was selling the grills first to his neighbors, then to customers, and finally started the Weber-Stephen Products Co. Weber grills come in many sizes, again, in small 14 inch diameter grills up to a full size 24 inch diameter grill.
[edit] Gas Grills
Gas-fueled grills typically use propane (LP) or natural gas (NG) as their fuel source, with gas-flame either cooking food directly or heating grilling elements which in turn radiate the heat necessary to cook food. Gas grills are available in sizes ranging from small, single steak grills up to large, industrial sized restaurant grills which are able to cook enough meat to feed a hundred or more people. Gas grills are designed for either LP or NG, although it's possible to convert a grill from one gas source to another.
The majority of gas grills follow the cart grill design concept: the grill unit itself is attached to a wheeled frame that holds the fuel tank. The wheeled frame may also support side tables and other features.
A recent trend in gas grills is for the manufacturers to add an infrared radiant burner to the back of the grill enclosure. This radiant burner provides an even heat across the burner and is intended for use with a horizontal rotisserie. A meat item (whole chicken, beef roast, pork loin roast) is placed on a metal skewer that is rotated by an electric motor. Smaller cuts of meat can be grilled in this manner using a round metal basket that slips over the metal skewer.
Another type of gas grill gaining popularity is called a flattop grill. According to Hearth and Home magazine, flattop grills "on which food cooks on a griddlelike surface and is not exposed to an open flame at all" is an emerging trend in the outdoor grilling market.[1]
A small metal "smoker box" containing wood chips may be used on a gas grill to give a smoky flavor to the grilled foods.
[edit] Infrared Grills
Infrared grills work by igniting propane or natural gas to superheat a specially designed ceramic tile, causing it to emit infrared radiation that directly cooks food. The benefits are: first, heat that is uniformly distributed across the cooking surface; and second, temperatures that reach over 500 °C (900 °F), enabling a technique of quickly searing food items.
Infrared cooking differs significantly from other forms of grilling that use hot air to cook the food. Instead of heating the air, infrared radiation heats the food directly. The benefits of this are a dramatic reduction in pre-heat time and food that stays juicier, without hot air drying it out. Grilling enthusiasts claim food cooked on an infrared grill tastes similar to food from char-grills. This is because charcoal, when burned, emits infrared radiation, the same as an infrared grill, but the difference is that char-grills cook with only 25% (see New Advances below) infrared heat with the remaining 75% from hot air. The result is that food cooked on infrared grills seems juicier. Also, infrared grills have the advantages of instant ignition, better heat control, and a uniform heat source.
This technology was patented by a company called TEC Infrared (Thermo Engineering Corporation of Columbia, SC - a company owned by scientist and founder Bill Best), but the patents have expired as of the year 2000 and other companies have started offering infrared grills at lower prices. Since then, many finer restaurants and steak houses have jumped on the infrared bandwagon and begun upgrading their kitchens to infrared technology due to the significant reduction in cooking time, lower operational cost, and lower environmental impact. Infrared grills grill more food in less time, and use less fuel (natural gas or propane) over the entire grilling cycle. This results in reduced greenhouse gases and less heat released into the atmosphere.
Sear-grilling has become a common term for an infrared grill's unique ability to instantly sear meat, unlike any other cooking technology.
Advantages: Fast preheat time 2 to 3 minutes, reaches temperatures of 900 degrees Fahrenheit, uniform heat distribution, cooks meats from outside-in, sears outside of meat so juices stay locked in, instant ignition, uniform heat pattern, easier clean-up as drippings instantly vaporize from the extreme heat, less chance of flare-up.
Disadvantages: Typically more expensive than similar-sized conventional gas or charcoal grills, but recent changes have made prices drop considerably; inexperienced users can overcook meat/food due to the high temperatures.
New Advances: As of Early 2008, companies continue patenting new 100% infrared technologies (the old technology only achieves a maximum level of 50% infrared.)
[edit] Charcoal
Charcoal grills use either charcoal briquets or all-natural lump charcoal as their fuel source. The charcoal, when burned, will transform into embers radiating the heat necessary to cook food.
There is contention among grilling enthusiasts on what type of charcoal is best for grilling. Users of charcoal briquets emphasize the uniformity in size, burn rate, heat creation, and quality exemplified by briquets. Users of all-natural lump charcoal emphasize the reasons they prefer it: subtle smoky aromas, high heat production, and lack of binders and fillers often present in briquets.
There are many different charcoal grill configurations. Some grills are square, round, or rectangular, some have lids while others do not, and some may or may not have a venting system for heat control. The majority of charcoal grills, however, fall into the following categories:
[edit] Brazilian rodízio
The Brazilian Rodizio Machine Gas Grill, is an heavy duty spitroast machine for to make the popular Brazilian "rodízio" and it works with a top radiant gas burners and the meat is roast in a rotative spits.
[edit] Brazier
The simplest and most inexpensive of charcoal grills, the brazier grill is made of wire and sheet metal and composed of a cooking grid placed over a charcoal pan. Usually the grill is supported by legs attached to the charcoal pan. The brazier grill does not have a lid or venting system. Heat is adjusted by moving the cooking grid up or down over the charcoal pan. Even after George Stephen invented the kettle grill in the early 1950s, the brazier grill remained a dominant charcoal grill type for a number of years. Brazier grills are available at most discount department stores during the summer.
[edit] Hibachi
The hibachi grill design originated in China,[citation needed] but the name is a Japanese word which refers to a heating device not usually used for cooking. (For the purposes of this article, "hibachi" will refer to the cooking grill.) In its most common form, the hibachi is an inexpensive grill made of either sheet steel or cast iron and composed of a charcoal pan and two small, independent cooking grids. Like the brazier grill, heat is adjusted by moving the cooking grids up and down. Also like the brazier grill, the hibachi does not have a lid. Some hibachi designs have venting systems for heat control. The hibachi is a good grill choice for those who do not have much space for a larger grill, or those who wish to take their grill traveling.
[edit] Kettle
The kettle grill is considered the classic American grill design. The original and often-copied Weber kettle grill was invented in 1951 by George Stephen. It has remained one of the best and most reliable charcoal grill designs to date. Smaller and more portable versions exist, such as the Weber Smokey Joe. The kettle grill is composed of a lid, cooking grid, charcoal grid, lower chamber, venting system, and legs. Some models include an ash catcher pan and wheels. The lower chamber that holds the charcoal is shaped like a kettle, giving the grill its name. The key to the kettle grills' cooking abilities is its shape. The kettle design distributes heat more evenly. When the lid is placed on the grill, it prevents flare-ups from dripping grease, and allows heat to circulate around the food as it cooks. It also holds in flavor-enhancing smoke produced by the dripping grease or from smoking wood added to the charcoal fire.
The kettle design allows the griller to configure the grill for indirect cooking (or barbequing) as well. For indirect cooking, charcoal is piled on one or both sides of the lower chamber and a water pan is placed in the empty space to one side or between the charcoal. Food is then placed over the water pan for cooking. The venting system consists of one or more vents in the bottom of the lower chamber and one or more vents in the top of the lid. Normally, the lower vent(s) are to be left open until cooking is complete, and the vent(s) in the lid are adjusted to control airflow. Restricted airflow means lower cooking temperature and slower burning of charcoal.
[edit] Cart
The charcoal cart grill is quite similar in appearance to a typical gas grill. The cart grill is usually rectangular in design, has a hinged lid, cooking grid, charcoal grid, and is mounted to a cart with wheels and side tables. Most cart grills have a way to adjust heat, either through moving the cooking surface up, the charcoal pan down, through venting, or a combination of the three. Cart grills often have an ash collection drawer for easy removal of ashes while cooking. Their rectangular design makes them usable for indirect cooking as well. Charcoal cart grills, with all their features, can make charcoal grilling nearly as convenient as gas grilling. Cart grills can also be quite expensive.
[edit] Barrel
In its most primitive form, the barrel grill is nothing more than a 55-gallon steel barrel sliced in half lengthwise. Hinges are attached so the top half forms the lid and the bottom half forms the charcoal chamber. Vents are cut into the top and bottom for airflow control. A chimney is normally attached to the lid. Charcoal grids and cooking grids are installed in the bottom half of the grill, and legs are attached. Like kettle grills, barrel grills work well for grilling as well as true barbequing. For barbequing, lit charcoal is piled at one end of the barrel and food to be cooked is placed at the other. With the lid closed, heat can then be controlled with vents. Fancier designs available at stores may have other features, but the same basic design does not change.
[edit] Ceramic cooker
The ceramic cooker design has been around for roughly 3,000 years[citation needed]. The shichirin, a Japanese grill traditionally of ceramic construction, has existed in its current form since the Edo period however more recent designs have been influenced by the mushikamado now more commonly referred to as a kamado. Recently, the kamado ceramic cooker design has been made popular by the Grill Dome, Komodo Kamado, The Big Green Egg, and Primo. The ceramic cooker is just as versatile as the kettle grill but the ceramic chamber retains heat and moisture more efficiently. Ceramic cookers are equally adept at grilling, smoking, and barbequing foods.
[edit] Tandoor oven
A Tandoor is used for cooking certain types of Irani, Indian and Pakistani food, such as tandoori chicken. It is also known as a tonir in Armenian which is a widely used method of cooking barbecue. In Georgia it is called a tone and is used for cooking kebabs. In a tandoor, the wood fire is kept in the bottom of the oven and the food to be cooked is put on long skewers and inserted into the oven from an opening on the top so the meat items are above the coals of the fire. This method of cooking involves both grilling and oven cooking as the meat item to be cooked sees both high direct infrared heat and the heat of the air in the oven. Tandoor ovens often operate at temperatures above 500F and cook the meat items very quickly.
[edit] Portable charcoal
The portable charcoal grill normally falls into either the brazier or kettle grill category. Some are rectangular in shape. A portable charcoal grill is usually quite compact and has features that make it easier to transport, making it a popular grill for tailgating. Often the legs fold up and lock into place so the grill will fit into a car trunk more easily. Most portable charcoal grills have venting, legs, and lids, though some models do not have lids (making them, technically, braziers.)
[edit] Hybrids
A hybrid grill is a grill used for outdoor cooking with charcoal and natural gas or liquid propane and can cook in the same manner as a traditional outdoor gas grill. The manufacturers claim that it combines the convenience of an outdoor gas grill with the flavor and cooking techniques of a charcoal and wood grill.
In addition to providing the cooking heat, the gas burners in a hybrid grill can be used to quickly start a charcoal/wood fire or to extend the length of a charcoal/wood cooking session.
[edit] Parts
Many gas grill components can be replaced with new parts, adding to the useful life of the grill. Though charcoal grills can sometimes require new cooking grids and charcoal grates, gas grills are much more complex, and require additional components such as burners, valves, and heat shields.
[edit] Burners
A gas grill's burner is the central source of heat for cooking food. Gas grill burners are typically constructed of:
- stainless steel
- aluminized steel
- cast iron (occasionally porcelain-coated)
Burners are hollow with gas inlet holes and outlet 'ports'. For each inlet is a separate control on the control panel of the grill. The most common type of gas grill burners are called 'H' burners and resemble the capital letter 'H' turned on its side. Another popular shape is Oval. There are also 'Figure 8', 'Bowtie' and 'Bar' burners. Other grills have a separate burner for each control. These burners can be referred to as 'Pipe', 'Tube', or 'Rail' burners. They are mostly straight since they are only required to heat one portion of the grill.
Gas is supplied through venturi tubes or simply 'venturis'. Venturis can be permanently attached to the burner or removable. At the other end of the venturi is the gas valve, which is connected to the control knob on the front of the grill.
Because burners operate at such high temperatures (typically 300 to 650 degrees fahrenheit) and are subject to drippings from cooking
[edit] Cooking grid
Cooking grids, also known as cooking grates, are the surface on which the food is cooked in a grill. They are typically made of:
- Stainless steel (Usually the most expensive and longest-lasting option, may carry a lifetime warranty)
- Porcelain-coated cast iron (The next best option after stainless, usually thick and good for searing meat)
- Porcelain-coated steel (Will typically last as long as porcelain-coated cast iron, but not as good for searing)
- Cast Iron (More commonly used for charcoal grills, cast iron must be constantly covered with oil to protect it from rusting)
- Chrome-plated steel (Usually the least expensive and shortest-lasting material)
Many refer to a cooking grid's front to back dimension as 'width' and the side to side dimension as 'length.' Alternate terminology defines the 'depth' of a cooking grid as measured from to front back and the 'width' as measured from side to side.
[edit] Rock grate
Rock grates are placed directly above the burner and are designed to hold lava rock or ceramic briquettes. These materials serve a dual purpose - they protect the burner from drippings which can accelerate the deterioration of the burner, and they disperse the heat from the burner more evenly throughout the grill.
[edit] Heat shield
Heat shields are also known as burner shields, heat plates, heat tents, radiation shields, or heat angles. They serve the same purpose as a rock grate and rock, protecting the burner from corrosive meat drippings and dispersing heat. They are more common in newer grills. Heat shields are lighter, easier to replace and harbor less bacteria than rocks.
Like lava rock or ceramic briquettes, heat shields also vaporize the meat drippings and 'infuse' the meat with more flavor.
[edit] Valves
Valves can wear out or become rusted and too difficult to operate, thus requiring replacement. A valve is unlike a burner in that a replacement usually must match exactly to the original in order to fit properly. Therefore, many grills are disposed of when valves fail, due to a lack of available replacements.
If a valve seems to be moving properly, but no gas is getting to the burner, the most common cause for this is debris in the venturi. This impediment can be cleared by using a long flexible object.
[edit] Electric indoor grills
 |
It has been suggested that George Foreman Grill be merged into this article or section. (Discuss) |
The George Foreman was introduced in 1995, electric indoor grill uses a hinged design with top and bottom teflon-coated heating surfaces covered in a pattern of ridges. As the meat is grilled between the two heated surfaces excess fluids drain out. By grilling on both sides simultaneously cooking time is reduced.[2]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Hearth and Home magazine, December 2007
- ^ What makes George Foreman Grills so popular?
