There is only one way to unleash the full gustatory potential of food and saturate it with aroma - to cook it over an open fire. That is why many owners of suburban areas rely on a grill for a summer residence, with which you can preserve the entire mineral and vitamin composition of products. This article will help you choose the best device based on its functionality and characteristics, comparing the demanded manufacturers.
Content
- 1 Grill for a summer residence: features and structure
- 2 Grill classification: photos and main types of structures
- 2.1 Stationary structures: features of grill ovens for summer cottages
- 2.2 Benefits of Portable Outdoor Grills
- 2.3 Varieties of grills for home in a suburban area: classification by type of material
- 2.4 Characteristics and design features of charcoal grills for summer cottages
- 2.5 Coal outdoor grills with ceramic coating
- 2.6 What are the features of wood-fired outdoor grills?
- 2.7 Characteristics of gas barbecue grills for summer cottages
- 2.8 Specificity of electric barbecue grills for summer cottages
- 3 Rating of the best grills for a summer cottage
- 4 Where is the best place to install a grill in the country: choosing the best place
Grill for giving: features and device structures
The grill is an installation for cooking food over an open fire. In the classic version, this design looks like a deep container made of metal. Lattices are installed in it at different levels. The upper zone is used for cooking, while the lower is the hot coals.
Most grills have a lid, although there are models without one. In the first case, the design is more functional, since it allows you to cook food in three ways:
- indirect;
- direct;
- combined.
A wide range of modern stores allows you to choose a design for any need.
note! For cooking during a summer cottage, the simplest installation is suitable. If the grill will be used regularly, you should pay attention to the improved and functional models.
Advantages of ready-made barbecue kits for summer cottages over conventional barbecues
Compared to traditional barbecues, which are used for cooking meat (barbecue), garden barbecue grills allow you to expand the culinary possibilities and diversify the menu, as well as speed up the cooking process.
The advantages of modern grills:
- The grill allows you to cook a wide variety of foods, including vegetables, meats and even cereals.
- Thanks to the convenient cooking technology, the likelihood of food falling on the coals is excluded.
- The wire shelf is suitable for cooking coarse food such as grilled chicken.
- On sale, you can pick up designs that use different types of fuel.
How to choose a grill for cooking at their summer cottage
There are several criteria that should be taken into account when choosing a device designed for cooking food on an open fire. The functionality of the installation is evaluated first. The design is a conventional grill or has additional features. These may include barbecuing or smoking food. In addition, the type of fuel must be considered.
Traditional options are:
- gas;
- firewood;
- coals.
The quality and taste of the finished product are also of great importance. Most often, summer residents are guided by personal experience when choosing one or another unit. In its absence, it does not hurt to get acquainted with the reviews of online buyers who have already experienced the capabilities of a particular model.
Seasonality also influences the choice of grill. There are models on sale that can be used all year round or, conversely, are intended for use exclusively in the summer or spring. There are universal devices for all-season use. They are equipped with a small canopy that protects food from rain and moisture.
You should also pay attention to the features of the service. Some types of grills require special care or regular cleaning. The quality of operation is also influenced by the material of manufacture. The technical characteristics of the grill, as well as the consumer parameters of the finished products, directly depend on it.
Note! To cook meat for a company of 20 or more people, you need a grill with a barbecue grill of at least 40 cm.
Grill classification: photos and main types of structures
Quite often, many people cannot understand what are the differences between designs such as barbecue, grill and brazier. Each of the listed braziers has certain characteristics, despite the fact that they all perform the same function - cooking food over an open fire.
The brazier has the simplest design, which is presented in the form of a metal box. Food is put on metal rods - skewers. Hot coals are poured into the bottom of the box under them. In order for the heat to spread evenly inside the structure, there are small holes in the sides of the barbecue. Garden grills and barbecues are similar in many ways. The only differences are that the first version does not have a cover. The barbecue is equipped not only with closed hatches that regulate the air supply, but also with a special spit.
Existing grills can be classified according to different criteria:
- by material of manufacture (ceramic, enameled, cast iron, made of stainless steel);
- by design type (stationary, portable);
- by type of fuel used (gas, electric, coal grills).
Stationary structures: features of grill ovens for summer cottages
If the area of the summer cottage allows, and financial capabilities do not have severe restrictions, it is best to equip a stationary grill at the summer cottage for cooking fish, vegetables and meat.
A stove installed on the street is a kind of fireplace made of brick or stone, as well as cast iron and other materials that have refractory properties. This design must be equipped with a chimney.
Advantages of stationary grill ovens:
- high level of fire safety;
- the ability to cook a large amount of food at one time;
- smoke removal to the side due to the chimney system;
- the ability to operate in any weather conditions;
- the presence of a comfortable workplace with countertops, a sink, compartments for storing firewood, etc.;
- excellent decorative qualities.
Stationary grills, made of brick or stone, are erected in conjunction with other objects of the recreation area, for example, a summer kitchen or a gazebo.
Main structural components:
- foundation foundation;
- firebox, which is located at the level of the belt;
- work surface used for cutting and cleaning products;
- storage area for firewood.
The combustion chamber has various configurations. At the request of the owner, skewers, grates, skewers, etc. can be installed here. It is advisable to bring lighting to the area where the stationary oven is located, which will allow you to cook food even late in the evening and at night.
A stationary grill can last for many years. Such designs fit perfectly into the landscape of suburban areas. They are suitable not only for baking such familiar foods as fish, vegetables and meat, but also for making various sauces, cereals, pilaf, stews.
Helpful advice! If, at the design stage, a compartment for smoking is added to the stove structure, you can significantly expand the list of dishes that can be grilled.
Benefits of Portable Outdoor Grills
If the dimensions of the summer cottage are limited and do not allow the installation of a stationary structure, you can buy a portable product in the form of a barbecue, grill or barbecue.
Advantages of portable units:
- due to its low weight, the grill can be taken with you on a hike, installed on the river bank or in the forest;
- if necessary, the unit can be easily transferred to the shade or, conversely, put it in a sunny place, hide it from the rain under a canopy;
- the process of ignition and extinguishing does not take much time;
- the unit can be stored compactly in a garage or shed.
In addition, a portable grill can always be lent to a neighbor or friend. It fits easily in the trunk of a car.
Varieties of grills for home in a suburban area: classification by type of material
Since the grill is installed near a residential building and utility facilities at a summer cottage, it is necessary to take a very responsible approach to the choice of material from which the structure will be made.
Ceramic plants are environmentally friendly. These units almost completely preserve the natural properties of the products. In addition, the likelihood of unpleasant odors is excluded, because ceramics does not emit any fumes when heated.
The best option for grilling is stainless steel. However, it should be borne in mind that during operation this material gradually fades and loses its attractive appearance. For this reason, stainless steel structures are not suitable for people who value decorative properties along with functionality.
Enamelled installations are less reliable than other options. This type of coating deteriorates very quickly. If the unit is rarely used, given its low cost, you can turn a blind eye to this drawback.
The most durable material used to make grills is cast iron. It is durable, quite aesthetic, and ensures uniform heating and cooking of food.
Helpful advice! If you make holes in the side parts of the barbecue and stretch a chain through them, you can get a grill with a suspended structure. The advantage of such products is that all products that are smoked, fried or stewed in them are subjected to uniform heat treatment. Thanks to this, the dishes acquire excellent taste.
Characteristics and design features of charcoal grills for summer cottages
Traditionally, charcoal grills are made from cast iron or steel. These materials are characterized by high strength and reliability, as well as a long service life. Moreover, each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. Steel is not as hardy as cast iron, but its cost is much lower. For this reason, steel structures for charcoal grills are more in demand.
Related article:
Brick brazier: interesting design solutions and manufacturing technologies
Interesting design options and photos, popular projects with drawings and a step-by-step description of manufacturing technology.
Cast iron products have thick walls. Thanks to this, the product is able to withstand high temperature loads. Cast iron grills are characterized by a rich selection of decor. The main disadvantages of such products are their high weight and high price.
Modern coal-fired installations are equipped with an additional compartment where you can store all sorts of little things:
- picnic accessories;
- ignition fluid;
- fuel;
- kitchen utensils, etc.
Such devices can be used as barbecues. Some models of charcoal grills for summer cottages have a pull-out table. On its surface, you can put ready meals or put food. For added convenience, some grills are equipped with wheels, which make it easier to transport the structure from one place to another. When choosing an installation of this type, be sure to pay attention to the degree of fixation of the rollers. If the wheels are not properly secured, the grill may unintentionally roll at the most inconvenient moment.
Charcoal grills are available in the form of a sphere or rectangle. There are egg-shaped models. The most practical option is rectangular products. Your charcoal grill needs special care. To keep the product in good working order, it is necessary to regularly remove ash from it. You can use a special oven cleaner to clean the structure. The price of charcoal grills varies between 7-60 thousand rubles.
Coal outdoor grills with ceramic coating
Specialists refer to a separate category of installations for charcoal grills with a ceramic coating. A distinctive feature of these devices is their special closed design, due to which the products are heat-treated with minimal oxygen access. Due to this, the dishes are aromatic and juicy.
Coals are not the only heat source in the cooking process. Ceramics heats up very quickly and retains the temperature for a long time. This feature of the material allows you to speed up cooking. The ceramic grill can also be used for smoking food.The advantages of such a unit include low fuel consumption. If you load 2 kg of high-quality coal into the structure, this will be enough for efficient grill operation for 4 hours.
Note! If not all of the coals are burnt, they can be left until next time. This type of fuel is recyclable.
The ceramic-coated grill requires little maintenance. To clean the structure, it is enough to wipe its surface with a sponge. The only negative is that it is extremely difficult to find such models on free sale. They are absent even in the range of online stores. You can buy a ceramic unit only by special order from manufacturers of charcoal grills. The cost of such a device is in the range from 60 thousand to 2 million rubles.
What are the features of wood-fired outdoor grills?
The wood-fired grill is made of cast iron. Such models are characterized by a long service life and an enviable variety of designs. On sale you can find designs made in the form of a village house, a Russian stove, a dragon, etc. If you wish, you can buy a custom-made cast iron wood-burning grill with your own design. The price of such products will be significantly higher than the cost of finished structures.
During the combustion process, firewood gives off a special smell, which permeates the food during cooking. Thanks to this, the food is aromatic and tasty. The grill may include other elements, for example, a pull-out table, barbecue, compartments for storing accessories, etc. Like charcoal-fired grills, wood-fired versions need regular cleaning. After each use, the unit must be emptied of accumulated ash. The cost of wood-burning grills is 70-150 thousand rubles.
Characteristics of gas barbecue grills for summer cottages
Gas grills are in great demand among consumers. The high popularity of these installations is due to the practical and convenient structure of the structure. If you want to quickly cook food, there is no need to wait for wood or coal to ignite. The gas unit operates by heating and does not need an open flame.
There are several types of gas grills:
- with baking sheets;
- with lattices;
- combined (gas barbecue with grates and trays).
Any of the listed types of grills are powered by gas burners. The racks and trays are heated very quickly, and the cooking process itself is carried out evenly, thereby eliminating the possibility of burning.
There are models with large capacity on sale. They are designed for about 50 servings. Such units are cumbersome; their installation will require a lot of space. To serve a family of 4, it is enough to buy a structure designed to cook 12-15 portions.
Helpful advice! The more accessories your grill has, the easier and faster the cooking process will be. This factor should be taken into account when buying a unit.
Gas grills are spherical or rectangular. The first design option has an original appearance. A lot of space is required to install such a product. Rectangular units are less demanding. They save valuable space and can be installed close to a building wall. There are built-in type constructions. They are suitable for home use and can also be used in summer kitchens.Built-in grills cut into the countertop to create a consistent kitchen design.
Gas-fired structures are equipped with temperature sensors. Thanks to this, the user has the opportunity to adjust the strength of the flame and control the degree of frying of the products. The price of standard models is in the range from 20 to 300 thousand rubles. Built-in structures are more expensive - from 40 to 500 thousand rubles.
Specificity of electric barbecue grills for summer cottages
The grill, powered by electricity, is a convenient portable type device. It is equipped with trays. Some models have additional functions, so that the owner, in addition to standard dishes, can also grill on the grill and barbecue in the country.
The main disadvantage of such devices is that they depend on electricity. In addition, the electric grill cannot be used outdoors if it is raining. In this case, you will have to interrupt and transfer the structure to the house. These products are not without their merits. The cooking surface is heated evenly so the food does not burn.
When buying an outdoor barbecue grill for a summer cottage, special attention should be paid to its dimensional parameters. Small design for 2-6 servings. Such models are useful for families of 2 people. Large grills can cook 12-15 portions at a time. This option is more suitable for families of 4 people. During the operation of electrical structures, soot and soot are not formed, so their surface is easy to clean.
The cheapest version of an electric grill can be bought for 5000 rubles. The cost of the most expensive model is 50 thousand rubles.
Note! Unlike charcoal and wood-fired grills, electric devices are not able to reveal all the richness of the taste of food and saturate it with a unique aroma.
Rating of the best grills for a summer cottage
When choosing a grill for a summer cottage, one should take into account not only the size, shape, functionality and technical parameters of the device. The brand of the manufacturer also matters.
The following companies are the most demanded on the market:
- Weber;
- Broil King;
- Napoleon;
- BeefEater.
A quick overview of the characteristics of the Weber gas grill Q-1200
The most popular model in the line of this manufacturer on the market is the Q-1200 grill. It combines the best combination of price and quality and is perfect for shoppers on a budget. The roaster has a simple operation system. To do this, simply connect the gas hose and thermometer, and install the handle.
The dimensions of the device are 1.2x0.6x1.04 m. The total weight of the structure is 12 kg, which allows you to compactly place the grill in the trunk of the car and easily rearrange it from one place to another. The model is equipped with two tables with a folding work surface.
Design flaws:
- small frying surface;
- gets dirty quickly;
- short warranty period;
- the grill is designed for a small number of people.
For the production of the burner, stainless steel is used. The design provides an auto-ignition function. Average cost - 33 thousand rubles.
Review of a gas grill for a Napoleon cottage Travelq-285
This model is characterized by its compact size, it is ergonomic and easy to operate. The burner of the device is made of stainless steel. There is an option of instant ignition, and the design is equipped with a convenient control system.
The grill has several functions at once:
- warming up;
- hot;
- smoking;
- baking.
The barbecue grill is made of cast iron and covered with porcelain. The lid has a built-in temperature sensor. A standard gas cylinder can be used to feed the grill. The price of such a device is 34 thousand rubles.
Where is the best place to install a grill in the country: choosing the best place
The outdoor grill can be used anywhere in the suburban area. It can be placed next to the table or near the gazebo. The main thing is that the structure is securely fixed. Experts do not recommend installing a grill next to a residential building. This requirement mainly applies to wood and coal fired units, as the wind can carry sparks and start a fire. In addition, it is undesirable for the smoke generated from the combustion of fuel to enter the premises.
A summer kitchen (if available) can be used to install gas appliances. The operation of such a structure is possible if the building is gasified. In this case, everything you need, including a comfortable table and dishes, will be at hand. The summer kitchen is suitable for stationary and portable grills.
Installation of a gazebo grill for a summer residence would be a great solution. Having arranged a recreation area on the site, you can organize an excellent place for cooking. If the gazebo has a good canopy, a stationary type structure can be installed under it. Such a recreation area is equally good for operating both gas and electric devices.
You can equip a special site on the site. If the grill does not have a lid, you will have to take care of protecting the structure from rain and wind. For these purposes, you can hang an awning or build a canopy.
There is a huge range of grills on sale, made from different materials and working on different types of fuel. Therefore, buyers do not have problems with choosing a device that meets the personal requirements and conditions that the summer cottage has.
In order to choose the device that is optimal in terms of parameters, it is necessary to pay attention to such points as the size of the brazier, its shape, and the material of manufacture. Before you go to the store to shop, it is advisable to read the reviews of consumers who have already tried this or that model in practice.