Barbecue: features of choice and installation

In addition to the method of cooking juicy aromatic dishes, the term barbecue is also called directly the stove or roaster. In addition to the barbecue - it is also a party in the open air, an indispensable part of which is the tasting of charcoal-cooked dishes. Such events are widespread in North America. Preserved historical data that even the first colonialists staged a barbecue party with eating meat, alcohol and shooting from firearms.

Many believe that it was America that became the birthplace of barbecue. There are quite a few theories on this subject, but one of the most reliable versions says that the prototype of the structure appeared among the Indians in the Caribbean. The word "barbacoa" they called the grate on which the meat was fried.The Europeans, who discovered these islands in the 16th century, adopted this method of cooking meat, and at the same time the whole process of cooking a dish and called it “barbecue”.

At first, the grid was used only for meat, but by our time the product range has expanded. Today, poultry, fish, vegetables, shellfish and even cheese are cooked on the coals. All dishes fried in this way are distinguished by their exquisite aroma and unique taste. Nowadays, mobile street modifications that are convenient for taking on a picnic and stationary (from metal to stone) are very popular with consumers. There is a wide variety of gas and electric models that are easy to use, do not require hassle with cleaning and other conventions.

So, what is a barbecue oven. From the scientific point of view, this is a culinary installation of an open, flameless type with free air circulation. The traditional design of the furnace involves the use of a bowl of metal or round stone. A grating is installed on it, preferably using nickel-plated or steel. Modern braziers are equipped with specialized heating glasses in the bottom of the stove.

Experts recommend to protect the capacity of the roaster small side, which closes the leeward part of the hearth - this prevents splashing of fat, coal and smoke on clothing and hands. For any barbecue stove, safety is critical. The harder and more stable it is, the less likely to get thermal burns when working with coals. By the way, the most high-quality models of barbecue are revetted on the sides of the braziers with metal screens, which contributes to double protection against burns.

Stationary models are installed on the basis of steel and ceramics, which are fixed in the ground foundation. Portable versions involve the use of metal pegs that reinforce the installation support during a picnic. In the process of cooking meat or fish, part of the coal burns through, and the products of combustion flow down the metal walls and out. Due to this, it is possible to maintain the required high temperature of the coal and the reservoir without constantly fanning the device with a fan, as it happens when working on the grill.

Both barbecue and barbecue are used for one purpose - to get fried meat with an appetizing crust and aroma of smoke.

These designs have several differences.

• Despite the similar principle of operation and approximately the same device, the barbecue and the brazier differ in the part that is connected with the mechanism of the firebox. In the brazier, the billets are heated by the heat generated in the process of burning wood, as well as by the heat of hot coals. In a barbecue, heating is carried out due to the radiation of heat, since the access of air is much weaker and concentrated on its inner part.

• The very heating of the air in the barbecue grill is much softer due to the fact that a significant proportion of the heat is directed to the heating of the metal plate. Thanks to the grille, cold air flows and immediately cools the surface of meat or other products. As a result of this treatment, the fat and moisture remain inside the product, which is why the steaks on the barbecue are especially juicy.In the brazier, the hot air directly affects the product, the fat and moisture evaporate and are carried away along with the hot gas flows. As a result, the dish turns out to be roasted, and in order to achieve the same juiciness as on a barbecue, you must first wrap the pieces of meat in foil.

• The design of the barbecue stove provides for the presence of a metal bowl in which charcoal burns and smolders. In former times, instead of coal, firewood was used that was folded into a container and burned to the condition of the coal. As soon as they filled the entire bowl completely, a metal grid was placed on top, and the process of cooking began. To achieve a similar effect in the grill, skewer has to constantly turn over, only in this case, you can simultaneously fry the meat and not overdry it.
• Of course, both stoves are different and visually. Brazier is a rectangular installation, inside which the coal is smoldering, and the meat itself is located on skewers. Barbecue is usually round, and the meat is placed on the grill. In addition, a barbecue stove requires a side around the brazier, thanks to which an air-smoke cushion is supported.And also in the barbecue is considered unacceptable a strong hood, so the holes in this design are, but very few, unlike the barbecue.

Most modern barbecue models have gas or electric grills.so you can make a juicy, fragrant dish in any weather, even in rain or snow. Thus, barbecue and barbecue differ in their functionality. Brazier is suitable for spontaneous use, and if meeting with friends and barbecue has become a good tradition, it is better to prefer a barbecue. As for the taste of dishes, then everything depends only on the cook, the very meat and firewood. That is why the choice between barbecue and barbecue depends only on personal preferences, on the method of cooking meat and how often it is planned to use the design.

Today, the range of barbecue stoves includes a wide variety of models - from tourist mini-broilers for large stationary structures.

Portable models are lightweight and compact., they are easy to fold and fold out, so you can take them with you on a trip, use them in the garden, in the country or in a forest clearing.Stationary models are heavy, most often installed on a foundation, so they are more likely considered to be a small architectural form of the infield, they are optimal for frequent use by large companies. Mobile barbecues are devices on wheels, they cannot be transported over long distances, but within walking distance it is quite easy to deliver such a device, and in addition, in bad weather, such products can be quickly rolled into a gazebo or under a shed.

The most popular are several modifications of furnaces.

• Brazier - This is the easiest option. Here, the grids can be raised and lowered, as well as rotated, with the heat-reflecting covers being integrated. The main difference between the brazier and the electric and gas versions is the small size and removable legs, thanks to which the stove can be moved from place to place. This option is the most popular among consumers.

• Boiler enjoys consistently high demand among buyers. Its advantage in multifunctionality: the design can be used as a smokehouse and an oven, and if you install a frying pan or pan on the grid, you can cook almost any dish.
• Disposable models - This is a special kind of barbecue.They are usually made of tin and are small in size. The thickness of the metal while a little thinner than conventional for the brazier. At the end of frying, the pan almost completely burns through, so it is unlikely to be used repeatedly.
• Barbecue Cart - This is an exit option, which is a brazier on wheels. This is a rather complicated and intricate installation that can be folded and unfolded.

All described models are made of metal, stainless steel is usually used, less often - cast iron. In the production of a barbecue, brick is also very often used, most often stationary models are made from it. Such buildings are popular with the owners of private cottages and mansions. They allow you to add any additional items you like and equip a barbecue area in any style. You can create additional work surfaces, as well as equip a table for meals. Often such installations have a roof and a protected chimney or are part of a large furnace complex.

We should also pay attention to two models of barbecue, which allow you to cook tasty and delicious dishes without the use of coal and firewood.

• Gas barbecues are popular in catering, combine the functionality of the grill and barbecue, and can also work in conjunction with the tandoor.
• Electric ovens can be placed in houses and apartments, operate on AC power and are installed on the most ordinary table or on the balcony. By the way, they can even cook a burger.

Prices for models of barbecue also vary greatly, so everyone can choose a model to your taste and wallet.

In the production of barbecue furnaces, metal or brick is most often used, less often concrete blocks or stone are used. Metal most often goes to the creation of portable and mobile structures. Such models are light weight, they are easily disassembled and assembled, transported without problems. In addition, the metal is very well heated and retains heat for a long time, so the products (meat, fish or poultry) are roasted evenly and fairly quickly.

Two types of steel are most commonly used for barbecue: stainless and heat resistant. Stainless steel - this is the best option for hiking models that are used very rarely and not for long.They are distinguished by low weight and plasticity, although they very quickly burn through and undergo plastic deformations. It is not possible to use such constructions for longer than 1-2 seasons. Heat-resistant steel is more durable and durable due to the high content of chromium in the alloy structure. Under high temperature conditions, this metal is oxidized and creates a refractory surface, which makes the structure unresponsive to the ravages of heat. In addition, the structure of heat-resistant steel includes active components that make it resistant to rust, so the model can be operated outdoors and stored in an unheated room.

A chic and a sign of aristocracy is a cup-shaped brazier-barbecue, installed in the "cocoon" of refractory clay. Coal is poured inside the ceramic tank, and a chafing dish is mounted on top and the grill is laid. Dishes on clay barbecue are very juicy and fragrant.Such a stove can be moved from place to place, although most often it is used as a stationary model.

Chamotte brick or stone is also used as the basic material for stationary models, but in recent years the construction of barbecue made of concrete has become popular. They are used for the manufacture of stationary furnaces.

The advantages of concrete over brick are as follows:

• blocks are larger in size, so the construction of the brazier is faster than when laying bricks;
• the structure of cellular foam blocks contains empty cavities, which significantly facilitate the design, while not reducing its quality;
• masonry blocks can be made on their own without the involvement of professional builders, as they are quite easy to drill and mill. This job can even turn out in a person with little experience in finishing. Foam blocks, like aerated concrete, are characterized by a porous structure, they are 80% filled with air, therefore, they are characterized by increased heat resistance, which allows maintaining the temperature required for cooking barbecue for a long time during the cooking time;
• concrete blocks do not emit harmful and toxic substances, do not contain radiation. This fact is confirmed by the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation.

For barbecue, you can use both gas blocks and foam concrete. The first ones are a bit stronger, but foam concrete materials are also suitable for barbecue. Therefore, you can safely give preference to them, the more the price of foam concrete is much lower than the cost of gas blocks.

Barbecues, like barbecues, can be performed in a variety of forms. Standard for such structures is a rectangular shape. It allows a more stable and efficient to place the grid or skewers, provides the most uniform heating of the meat and the retention of heat inside the tank brazier.

Round shape is also popular with barbecue makers. It has no corners and joints, so it can be considered more durable and sustainable. In addition, the rounded shape gives uniform heat, although the useful area is much less than in rectangular versions. Square models are often used in the manufacture of hiking models. They are easier to fold, fold out and transported.

In addition, in stores you can find triangular and even hexagonal models. Triangular options are popular for corner furnaces, and the shape of hexagonal has a more decorative than functional structure.

As a rule, there are no special requirements for the design of camping models, but a brazier located in the courtyard of your own house plays the role of an important component of the entire garden landscape, so special attention is paid to its appearance. There are masters who can create unique and truly unique options for a barbecue oven: a Finnish house, an American barbecue boat, a barbecue table, rustic-style braziers from improvised means that are no longer used in everyday life but deserve the realization of the idea.

It is necessary to allocate a single modular and complex options.

• Built-in oven complex. This built-in structure of stone, brick or concrete blocks, which includes an oven, smokehouse, barbecue and grill - it allows you to cook almost any dish. However, the installation of such a complex requires mandatory experience in the construction and preparation of a technical plan for the installation.
• Barbecue stove. In this case, it is not a portable model that is meant, but a stationary variety equipped with a sink and a tabletop. This complex as closely as possible meets the needs of the owners of the gazebo for making a variety of dishes.

• Oven-cauldron. This option is made for cooking stewed vegetables, pilaf, shurpy and meat, a hole for the cauldron is provided in the structure.
• Russian stove. This design deserves special attention, it is possible not only to cook kebabs and barbecue, but also to cook soup, porridge, stew vegetables and even bake pancakes. It has a stylish design and embodies all the ideas about Russian folk tales, looks good in landscapes in the style of country music. It is better to entrust its construction to professionals, since such installations impose special requirements on the construction technology and safety standards of the structure.

There are quite a lot of barbecue manufacturers that successfully produce braziers on the market. Among them are both Russian companies and foreign enterprises. Domestic firms are better to give preference, if you need to find a variant of the average price segment.If quality and practicality are more important, then you should pay attention to the products of leading world brands.

• Weber - This is a world-renowned company founded by George Stephen, inventor of the world's first spherical grill. It was he who created the new trend in the world of cooking.
• Enders - This is a German company that produces grills, barbecues and barbecue under the brand name Enders Colsman AG. All products have been certified for compliance with the requirements of ISO 9001: 2008. It is characterized by exceptionally high quality, impeccable style and practicality.

• Time eco - this is a Ukrainian trademark, uniting “under its banners” a wide variety of products for camping and tourism. In addition to grills, barbecues and barbecue here are bags, refrigerators, products for the beach and dishes. The barbecue of this manufacturer visually resembles a green egg; in its functionality, the design combines a grill, barbecue, barbecue, smokehouse, oven and tandoor. The installation warms up very quickly and is ready to use after 10 minutes from the moment of coal ignition. Barbecues from this manufacturer allow you to smoothly adjust the temperature level, contribute to economical consumption of chips, have a convenient grill and roomy trays.
• Clatronic. The homeland of this company is China.The company has successfully launched a low-weight electric barbecue. Installation does not heat up and is safe for use in the house or the apartment.

• Doorz - This is a domestic manufacturer offering barbecues, grills and barbecue in the economy segment. The products are popular and are always in steady demand among cottage owners and travel enthusiasts.
• Megagrill The company is engaged in the release of a series of braziers. The highlight of the product range are automatic fryers, which run on batteries. These are prefabricated models that fit easily into a small case and are freely transported in the trunk of even a small car. The same manufacturer is famous for the release of transformer barbecues and ceramic models of barbecue.
• Primo specializes in models of baked refractory clay. The options presented combine the functions of barbecue, barbecue, grill and oven.

Owners of personal plots, perhaps, a sin not to have in their household stationary and portable models of barbecue and barbecues. Shops offer the widest selection of products made of metal.If the site owner has any skills in metal welding or brick construction, it will be easy for him to build a barbecue brazier with his own hands.

On all barbecues, the possibility of adjusting the height of the lattice relative to the coal is always provided. In such braziers, they do not create artificial cravings, since it is believed that the slower the heated air moves, the higher the taste of the product. Of course, one cannot do without a chimney completely, but the pipe can be low at the same time - up to 1.5 m from the brazier to the upper edge.

The most common type of stove is a brick barbecue on a concrete foundation. The stove is laid out in the form of the letter “P”, its height is about 1 meter, and a chimney in the form of a cone is mounted above the grates. A more complex structure is built in the form of the letter "E". The lower part of the installation, which plays the role of woodpile, can be equipped with gas-silicate bricks, since the elements must be made of fire-resistant material. Even before construction begins, all orders, smoke receptacles and other details should be considered in order not to make changes during construction work - this can lead to material damage and unnecessary costs.

It is possible to equip a barbecue from a metal profile independently, pipes are usually used. This gives the rigidity of the structure, and also allows you to save on the use of OSB plates. As the roof is installed corrugated or metal. Self-tapping screws are used for fastening metal sheets to the crate. This veranda, located near the metal fence, can make with it a single architectural stylistic composition.

Most often, stationary structures are placed in the gazebo, it not only protects the stove from the adverse effects of atmospheric phenomena, but also creates a comfortable recreation area for the whole family.

Placing a barbecue on the street in gazebos requires compliance with the following rules:

• the size of the pavilions must be such that the stove is reliably protected from gusts of wind and slanting rain;
• Barbecue foundation must be above the level of melt water. This is especially true when it comes to structures in which a clay-sand mixture is used as a solution;
• around the furnace there must be free space. From the firebox to the gazebo wall should be at least 3 m, and on the other sides - at least 1 m;

• calculation of the dimensions of the installation depends entirely on its functionality.The construction of a massive furnace increases the load on the gazebo, respectively, its wear increases. If the furnace has additional functions, for example, smoking sheds that are used regularly, it is better to use removable pergolas;
• in the absence of the possibility of organizing the supply and discharge, it is necessary to take care of the drainage equipment;
• gazebos with any braziers (brazier, barbecue, smokehouse or grills) should be located away from dense bushes, trees, gas and electricity lines;
• It is advisable to lay out the area near the kiln with paving slabs and equip a comfortable recreation area.

In conclusion, you should pay attention to the following recommendations, which allow the use of barbecue with greater safety and comfort:

• if the plans include regular production of kebabs throughout the season, it is worthwhile to give preference to models with a lid;
• if the plot is small, it is recommended to choose a folding installation;
• You should pay special attention to the tank for fuel, because there are direct and furnace options. In the first case, firewood or coal is placed directly under the grate; this method is used for quick cooking of the simplest dishes.The stove method involves placing coal around the edges, while the food is baked thoroughly, but cooking takes about an hour;

• Regardless of whether a stationary model or a portable model is used, one should buy the one in which the grille is removed. One-piece designs do not allow for the replacement of individual elements during burning or plastic deformation of the latter;
• for rare trips to the nature of the optimal disposable barbecue grill.

Metal barbecues are very stylish, especially if decorated with forging elements.

Stone and brick braziers are the classics testifying to impeccable taste and high status of the owners of the house.

Finnish house is very relevant in any garden landscape.

Special to become in traditional Russian stoves. They are distinguished by originality and functionality. This option will decorate any area.

And a few more interesting options.

On the features of the selection and installation of barbecue, see the following video.