Preparation
Never underestimate the importance of preparation and planning before barbecuing; there’s no room for chaos in front of the grill. Imagine you’re barbecuing tomorrow, and these are the things you should plan in advance:
- How much meat, sausages, and vegetables should be purchased based on the number of people?
- How much fuel is needed?
- What tools to use (grill racks, barbecue baskets, skewers…)?
- How long will the grill be in use?
- Where will the cooked meat be placed, and where will the raw food go?
- Where to dispose of waste such as packaging bags?
Choosing the Grill
The second step is deciding whether to use a gas grill or a charcoal grill.
This question could be debated endlessly. In reality, for outdoor barbecuing, the choice largely depends on the user’s preferences.
Here are some main advantages and disadvantages for comparison:
Budget
Is the budget relatively low, or do you not barbecue frequently? Choose a charcoal grill!
A good gas grill typically costs over €200, while a charcoal grill can be acquired for as little as €50.
Operation
Igniting a gas grill is effortless, making it more suitable for beginners.
A charcoal grill, on the other hand, requires some tools and skill. It also takes longer to heat up, usually around 20-30 minutes.
Temperature Control
High temperatures are essential for crispy outer layers, such as the succulent crispy skin of pork knuckles, which are typically cooked at temperatures as high as 800°C. In this regard, charcoal grills excel, reaching temperatures as high as 600°C.
Gas grills typically maintain temperatures between 100°C and 300°C. It’s important to note that high temperatures aren’t always necessary for barbecuing; for instance, steaks, fish fillets, vegetables, and grilled cheese don’t require high temperatures.
Gas grills have the upper hand in temperature control, especially for novice grillers. Temperature control with a charcoal grill often relies on the griller’s experience, adjusting the burning intensity through the lid and fan to achieve temperature control.
Summary
Charcoal Grill: Inexpensive, rich flavor, cumbersome operation, but the process can be very enjoyable.
Gas Grill: More expensive, cleaner and smoke-free fuel, easy operation, less prone to mistakes.
