Summer is the perfect season to fire up the grill, gather with friends and family, and enjoy a delicious BBQ. For many people, the only conundrum is — which recipes to pick.

They couldn’t be more wrong.

Summer BBQs may sound idyllic, but it actually takes a lot of effort to make the experience perfect. For starters, there’s cleaning and grill placement to consider, and that’s just the tip if the iceberg.

Let’s take a look at the necessary preparations for the big day.

 

Choosing the Right Grill

Choosing the right grill depends on your personal preferences and cooking style. Each type can significantly impact the flavor and texture of the food, but there’s the convenience of the cooking process to keep in mind too.

Here is a brief overview to help you choose.

 

Charcoal Grills

Pros:

  •        Charcoal grills are renowned for the smoky flavor they lend to food. Charcoal and wood chips can add a distinct taste that many BBQ enthusiasts prefer.
  •        Charcoal grills can reach higher temperatures than gas or electric grills, which is perfect for searing meat.
  •        Generally, charcoal grills are less expensive compared to gas or electric models.

Cons:

  •        Charcoal grills require more time to heat up (ca.20-30 minutes). This can be less convenient if you’re looking for a quick grilling session.
  •        Managing the temperature can be tricky and requires more skill. You’ll need to learn how to adjust vents and manage coal placement for consistent cooking.
  •        Charcoal grills produce ash that needs to be cleaned out after each use, which can be a bit messy.

 

Gas Grills

  • Pros:
  •        Gas grills ignite quickly, with the push of a button. They heat up within 10-15 minutes.
  •        Gas grills feature adjustable knobs that offer precise temperature control.
  •        Many gas grills come with additional features like side burners, rotisserie attachments, and multiple cooking surfaces.

Cons:

  •        Gas grills generally lack the smoky flavor that charcoal grills provide. Some models come with smoke boxes to add wood chips, but it’s not quite the same.
  •        Gas grills tend to be more expensive and there are ongoing costs for propane or natural gas refills.
  •        Gas grills are usually larger and heavier than charcoal grills, meaning they’re less portable and more suited to a permanent spot in your backyard.

 

Electric Grills

Pros:

  •        Electric grills are extremely user-friendly. They heat up quickly and maintain a steady temperature without the need for fuel.
  •        Electric grills are ideal for places where open flames are restricted.
  •        Electric grills are easy to clean, with no ash or soot. Many parts are dishwasher safe.

Cons:

  •        Electric grills lack the traditional BBQ flavor that comes from charcoal or even gas.
  •        Electric grills generally don’t get as hot as charcoal or gas grills.
  •        Electric grills often have a smaller cooking surface, which can be a problem  if you’re cooking for a large group.

 

Other Factors to Consider

When choosing the right grill, you should also consider the size and cooking area, material quality, portability, and additional features.

Think about how much food you typically cook and the space you have available to decide the best grill size. Larger grills offer more cooking area but require more storage space. If you plan to take your grill on the go, look for models with wheels or portable designs. Look for grills made with high-quality materials, typically stainless steel, which is durable and rust-resistant.

Finally, consider additional features such as side burners, warming racks, built-in thermometers, and storage compartments.

 

Essential BBQ Tools

Before you turn to your favorite rice recipes for grilling, double-check whether you have the must-have tools ready.

What are the must-have tools?

For the majority of people, the term includes tongs, spatulas, a grill brush, and a meat thermometer.

However, additional tools can make the experience even better, so consider preparing a basting brush for applying sauces and marinades, a chimney starter to light charcoal without using lighter fluid, a meat injector for complex recipes, and a non-stick grill mat to make cleanup easier.

 

Prepare the Marinade

Once you have all the tools handy, it’s time to shine… almost.

If you’re planning an elaborate meal, you may want to marinate the meat in advance or prepare a rub.

Here are two classics for you.

 

Classic BBQ Marinade

Ingredients:

  •        1/2 cup soy sauce
  •        1/4 cup olive oil
  •        1/4 cup honey
  •        4 cloves garlic, minced
  •        1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  •        1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

  •        Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
  •        Marinate meat for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

 

Spicy Dry Rub

Ingredients:

  •        2 tablespoons paprika
  •        1 tablespoon brown sugar
  •        1 tablespoon chili powder
  •        1 teaspoon garlic powder
  •        1 teaspoon onion powder
  •        1 teaspoon cumin
  •        1 teaspoon salt
  •        1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  •        1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions:

  •        Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
  •        Rub generously over meat before grilling.

 

Enjoy the Ride

Once everything has been taken care of, it’s time to actually enjoy the BBQ experience. Whether you’re into grilled chicken skewers, BBQ ribs, veggie kebabs, or grilled corn, you’re all set.

Use your imagination and enjoy the ride!