How to Choose A BBQ Grill and BBQ Smoker
Generally speaking, barbecue refers to cooking with wood over a low heat in order to bring the internal temperature of the meat being cooked up to edible temperature slowly so as to avoid losing moisture (i.e. tenderness) from large cuts of meat. For example, cooking a 14 lb. beef brisket using the hot and fast method will most likely leave you with meat that is burnt on the outside and raw in the middle. Many barbecue cooks use indirect heat (i.e. fire source is offset from the cooking chamber) versus direct heat (i.e. first source is located in direct proximity to the cooking chamber) to help combat this issue.
Some examples of indirect-style barbecue cookers versus direct style barbecue cookers are the ever-popular "tank-style" cookers, such as those made by Ben Lang and David Klose; compared to the increasingly popular style of direct-style barbecue cookers like the Primo, Kamado and Big Green Egg, or simply BGE for short. There are many variations and options for cookers other than these specific manufacturers.
For most people, the choice of cookers is highly-dependent upon several factors including: 1) availability of wood and the cost of buying wood versus availability of charcoal (lump or briquettes), 2) room for storing the cooker when not in use, 3) budget, 4) experience, and 5) personal preference, or some might call it "ego".
Someone living in an apartment might find it difficult to justify the purchase of a big offset cooker, not only due to a lack of wood supply, but also for a lack of inside storage space when the cooker is not being used. Offset cookers range in price from the typical $150-hardware store budget conscious variety, to the top-of-the-line pits manufactured by a master pit builder that can get real expensive, real fast. Typically, someone with a single-family home with a garage for storage, or a storage shed of some type, would be more likely to own an offset cooker versus someone living in an efficiency-sized apartment in the heart of a downtown metropolitan area.
The compact size of a ceramic grill like the Big Green Egg and ready availability of charcoal might suit someone living in an apartment better. If portability is a consideration, the offset is less of an option, since it takes usually takes two or more people to comfortably move a small offset (without wheels), or even a vehicle to move some of the larger ones with wheels that can weigh upwards of 3,000 lbs.
Anyone can learn to cook some real fine bbq using any of the cookers mentioned above. The ever-popular "kettle" grill can turn-out some good 'que also, with some patience and understanding of proper fire control techniques. I've eaten some excellent bbq made by cooking a whole hog using a chicken wire framed up with metal rods and then perched on top of concrete blocks.
Some obvious advantages of using an offset smoker: 1) larger cooking area (generally speaking), 2) horizontal cooking surface and the ability to cook multiple meats at the same time, 3) bigger physical size creates a feeling of "machissimo", 4) "traditional" method keeps you highly involved in the cooking process because you have to constantly stoke the fire (some might also call this a disadvantage).
Advantages of the ceramic grills like the BGE, Primo, and Kamado: 1) easy to store, 2) ceramic construction holds heat very well, 3) ability to maintain higher temperatures allow use as a grill or smoker, 4) a little charcoal goes a long way, 5) with a little practice, temperature control requires very little effort/monitoring.
Always remember, it's the bbq cook and not bbq cooker or grill that determines the quality of your bbq. Which cooker you choose is matter of personal choice.
Related Tags: cooking, smoking, pork, chicken, grilling, bbq, barbecue, barbeque, ribs, brisket, bar-be-que, bar b q
Brian Pearcy competes in bbq contests sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society and Florida Barbecue Association. He has published more than 400 articles about bbq cooking. Brian authors two bbq web sites: http://www.thebbqguy.com and http://www.bbqguyblog.blogspot.com. His prize winning bbq spice rubs have earned numerous awards.
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- Experiment With a Mini Pizza Oven
Pizza has come a long way - from being just a tasty snack next to burger and fries to a whole some m - Drain and Cook Using a Colander Only
A colander is a useful kitchen instrument used to separate the food from liquids. Its bowl shape has - What Is The Difference Between Pressure Cookers And Pressure Canners?
What is the difference between a pressure cooker and a pressure canner?Is there a difference between - Eat Tasty, Healthy And Authentic Tradition Food At Indian Takeaway London
Indian traditional food is very famous across the globe for its delicious, lip-smacking food. Once y - 10 Things You Want To Know About Cake!
Has anyone else noticed the sudden rise in popularity in cupcakes lately? I'm not sure about in the - Some Unbelievable Advantages Of Having A Sluggish Cooker In Your House
Do you are feeling that the very concept of a sluggish cooker is a nasty one? Do you want the cooker - Delightful Dinner From Leftovers
Done with your meal? What happens to the leftover portions not eaten? Do they get consumed later or - Most Important Things About A Pressure Cooker
Pressure cooking is the oldest way of cooking food fast. It cooks 70% faster than the traditional me - Most Basic and Useful Kitchen Utensils to Buy
Do you agree that any job can be easier when you have the right tools?Any job can be compared to coo - One Special Secret For Making Out-Of-This-World Soups, Sauces, Casseroles
One of my biggest passions is cooking. I love it! And please forgive me for tooting my own horn but
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Cooking Supplies and Your Home Cooking
While the cooking supplies that you use are the heart of your home cooking, your cooking skills are - Hand Blenders: Whisk, Chop, Mix
A hand blender is an efficient device that makes day-to-day culinary work quicker and easier. Of the - Delicious, Yet Healthy Meals
Mention organic foods to a room full of people and chances are a majority of them will turn up their - Widen Those Smiles With These Fabulous Birthday Cake Decorating Ideas
Everyone wants to get the perfect birthday cake. You want a birthday cake that show how much the bir - Tips For Selecting The Right Beef Cuts For Your Meal And Budget
When we stand at the butchers counter, most of us may wonder what is the difference between a top si - Clay Cookware: Cooking With Clay
To make moist and tender dishes that are both flavorful and nutritious, prepare your meals in unglaz - Finicky Eaters
Everyone has a favorite food or foods that they can never get enough of. Many people aren't too part - Baking Without Gluten--Cake Recipes For Celiac Sufferers
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease, often genetically inherited, in which the sufferers are int - How to Cook Frozen Crab Legs
Strictly speaking, you probably won't need to cook those frozen crab legs you purchased at the super - Sauerkraut Pierogi Recipe
Pierogi is one of the first things that come to mind when you talk about Polish cuisine. The reason