If you have ever been to a barbecue party you know the grill is the central feature there. Many parties, celebrations, and holidays include some type of grill to cook food. There are different types you may choose from depending on needs and personal tastes. Some grills may be able to accommodate large groups with increased output and functionality. Other grills may be more practical for specific purposes like smoking or searing food. Whatever grill you choose, it pays to research the best grill for parties and events if this is what you are looking for.
Different Types of Grills
There are many types of grills that are commonly used with different features and applications. They each have varied capabilities and unique characteristics. Some people may choose one over another for parties and occasions. Finding the right grill depends on your grilling style. Some of the most common grills include:
- Electric grills – One benefit of using an electric grill is they are easy to keep clean and require less materials to use. Instead of having to add and light charcoal or pellets, an electric grill uses heating elements that are temperature controlled with knobs, dials, or electronic keypads. These grills are somewhat limited by their need for outlets to plug them into. They offer a great option for apartment dwellers and people who live in small spaces where open fires may be prohibited.
- Charcoal grill – Arguably one of the most popular and classic forms of grilling is using charcoal. Charcoal grills are affordable, effective, and add unique flavor to foods. Charcoal grills have a long history with backyard grilling enthusiasts. Wood chips, made from woods like hickory and cherry, are often added to hot coals for added flavor.
- Pellet grill – Pellet grills are a popular outdoor grill that operate by using food grade wood pellets as fuel. The pellets will roast, bake, and smoke food for flavor and taste. Food can be seared adding other methods of cooking. Wood pellet stoves are fairly easy to maintain and cleanup is not too extensive. These types of grills are great for smoking meats and other foods.
- Gas grill – This is a very popular way to grill for many reasons. Gas burners heat quickly and many burners can fire at once. Gas grills can serve many people depending on their design making them ideal for big gatherings and functions. Another benefit of this type of grill is it can be moved around a yard, making it more functional than electric grills. The clean up for a gas grill is very easy too. A drawback of a gas grill is it has limited smoking capabilities and doesn’t offer functions wood burning grills do.
What are Pellet Grills?
These types of grills are highly effective and efficient ways to smoke and grill food. With modern designs they offer a great way to prepare delicious meats and vegetables. A high quality pellet grill can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. While a pellet grill may take longer to heat up initially than some other grills, it is reliably consistent once it gets going. A pellet grill can bake and grill, but pellet grills make excellent smokers to add deep flavor to foods.
Cleaning and maintaining a pellet stove is crucial for its optimal operation. There is more cleanup with this type of grill than some others. Removing ash and oil from pans while keeping components clean ensures the best results. After smoking or grilling it is a good practice to clean the pellet grill for later use. By doing this your grill will give better results leaving less old off flavors on fresh food.
How a Pellet Grills Works
Pellet grills use compressed wood pellets gravity fed into a hopper. An auger moves pellets into a burn compartment. A heated component burns pellets. Fans, heat plates and pans work to direct flames and smoke. Grease is caught in pans and can be cleaned. A pellet grill is good for experienced cooks and beginners as well. It is a simple method of grilling that excels at the smoking function. It is designed to provide a highly efficient smoker that greatly enhances food flavors.
Choosing a Grill for Entertaining
There are many grills to choose from that can do well for different occasions. Gas grills offer versatility, rapid heating, and more functionality than other types of grills. You may want a wood fired grill like a charcoal grill for different features. Briquettes and added wood chips for flavor make charcoal grills a favorite. Pellet grills offer a good range of features and functions to make them reliable appliances for grilling, smoking, and other tasks. They have minor limitations like heating a little slower and more involved clean up than electric and gas grills, but the ease of use and efficient fuel consumption may be factors you are looking for.
