What to know when buying a barbecue

Cooking food over an open fire and hot coals is a heritage passed down to people from their ancestors. Perhaps this is why people in many parts of the world still love food cooked over coals. Especially when relaxing with family and friends in nature, cooking over an open fire becomes one of the most enjoyable activities. While braziers were widely used for grilling meat in the past, barbecues are now preferred as they allow meat to be cooked using special methods.

What is a barbecue?

The word barbecue, used in many languages, is of French origin. It is the name given to a special method of cooking meat over coals, as well as to a cooking area built into a wall.

What is the difference between a barbecue and a brazier?

A barbecue can be described as a type of outdoor oven, and a brazier as a grill over coals.

A barbecue has a lid, and the firebox is located relatively far from the food. In a brazier, on the other hand, the meat is placed closer to the fire.

A barbecue allows you to adjust the cooking temperature as desired, enabling you to cook meat rare, medium, or well-done. A brazier, however, ensures that the meat cooks at a high temperature over the coals.

Types of Barbecues

Barbecues are divided into 3 types based on their fuel type: charcoal, electric, and gas.

Charcoal barbecue/brazier

Charcoal barbecues with lids ensure slower cooking of meat. Unlike other types of barbecues, they are easy to transport and prepare for cooking. They have a higher heat transfer capacity compared to electric and gas models. Ideal for picnics in nature and outdoors.

Electric barbecue

Electric barbecues allow for smokeless, fast grilling of meat in places where gas and charcoal models are not permitted. If you have a small space and limited time, electric barbecues are the most suitable choice.

Gas barbecue

Gas barbecues are connected to a gas line. They are more suitable for restaurants, canteens, and for those who barbecue frequently.

Barbecue material

When buying a barbecue/brazier, pay attention to the material it is made of. The grill grate of the barbecue should be strong, easily transfer heat, and be made of a non-stick material. Barbecue grates are usually made of cast iron and iron. They are durable and long-lasting. The disadvantage of cast iron grates is their weight and the special care they require. Therefore, this material is not used in portable barbecue/brazier types. Iron grates are lighter and non-stick compared to cast iron. There are also cheaper aluminum and chrome barbecue grates. However, both materials are not durable. They do not allow a large number of meats to be cooked simultaneously, and cleaning with steel wool sponges can cause wear.