Choosing a Grill and How It Effects the BBQ Flavor

One of the main components of Barbecuing is the grill itself. Barbecuing is a cooking method that many people have learned to love because of its unique way of transforming meats, poultry, seafood and even vegetables into one heavenly dish. What's more interesting is the fact that there are different ways to grill food. Actually, the difference lies in the 'hardware' used – charcoal, gas and electric grills.

These types of barbecue grills have divided barbecue lovers all over. Indeed, there are several factors to consider when choosing which is the right grill for you. But one primary factor we will focus on right now is their effect on taste.

Charcoal grilling, which includes using wood, may affect the taste of your barbecue in two ways. First, charcoal grills cook with more intense heat, thus affecting the cooking time. Second, when using wood to cook, the flavor it emits directly affects the barbecue's taste the same way a seasoning does. This is precisely the reason why wood should first be burnt down until it's reduced to coal before actually using it to cook food. You see, the meat may absorb certain resins and impurities, making the end product bitter and unpleasant. In addition, try experimenting on different types of woods as well as different wood combinations for different meats. Popular choices among pit masters include hickory, red oak, cherry, and pecan.

Gas grills, on the other hand, do not contribute anything in terms of flavor, that's why they may result in barbecues with a slightly diminished flavor. Gas grills can however, create the same flavor effect as charcoal grills with the addition of lava rocks, ceramic briquets or metal heat plates or bars. The main advantage of a gas grills is that you can control the heat with a twist of a knob and you can expect to have properly cooked food. One of the downsides of the gas grill is the fact that you have to periodically refill the propane tank.

Electric Grills are the easiest of all Outdoor Grills to use, electric grills let you plug it in and start Grilling. But beware, what you gain in convenience you may lose in flavor. It is safer to use, because it does not need open flames or the flammable liquids, and it is convenient. The electric grills may also cook food a little more evenly because you can control the temperature easier. Another big bonus with the electric grills is they are easy to clean because they cool quickly and the cooking grid is typically dishwasher safe.

But hey, don't stress yourself out thinking about which grill to choose for optimum barbecue taste. After all, having the right hardware is just half the battle. The other half lies in having the right ingredients, that is, the meat, a good rub and some gourmet BBQ sauce.

Chris McCarthy is the owner of InsaneChicken's Hot Sauce and BBQ Sauce Catalog. Check out the large selection of hot sauces and bbq sauces on www.InsaneChicken.com.