To make grilling your favourite hobby, it is important to choose a grill that allows you to enjoy both the process and the result.
It's time to study the grill and understand its anatomy: the porcelain enamel-coated cast iron cooking grates, the side cooker, the infrared burner, the grease collection system, the internal grill plates - these are not just technical terms. These are parts that every self-respecting grill enthusiast should know!
Grill grates: four types
There are generally four types of grill grates: chrome-plated steel, cast iron, porcelain enamel-coated cast iron grates and stainless steel grills. What are the differences between these grills?
Chromed steel grills are usually thin, made of steel bars 3-4 mm in diameter. Thin grates do not store much energy, so they cool down quickly when the steak is cooked. Chrome-plated cooking grates are not durable and can rust if the chrome surface wears.
Thick cast iron cooking grates are a better choice. They store much more energy and do not suddenly cool down during cooking, which means that the food cooks more efficiently.
Thick cast-iron cooking grates coated with porcelain enamel have the added protection against environmental influences, i.e. they do not rust like ordinary cast-iron cooking grates, but they can start to rust when the porcelain enamel layer wears off. Ordinary cast-iron grates require more maintenance and, after cleaning with a metal brush, it is advisable to moisten them with oil, which thickens with heat and forms a protective layer against the elements, while creating a non-stick surface.
The best choice is a thick, stainless steel cooking grid. Typically, such stainless steel cooking grates are made of stainless steel rods with a diameter of 7,5-9,5 mm, which are solid and environmentally resistant, i.e. they never rust and do not have any intermediate joints in the middle of the cooking area where food or grease residues could accumulate and burn.
The stainless steel, thick, solid-bar cooking grates make maintenance considerably easier, as cleaning tools are not in the way, and this type of grates are completely unafraid of frequent and intensive cleaning with coarse metal brushes.
It is advisable to apply heat-resistant oil or special 'Non-stick' products to all types of grates to prevent the food from sticking.
Grilling grids with GBS system
Do you like cuisines from all over the world and often wonder whether you should cook a Chinese wok for lunch with teriyaki sauce or seafood and don't shy away from improvisation? A grill with a GBS grill system is a must for you!
GBS is Gourmet BBQ System cooking grill with removable inner part of the grill. The grill can be fitted with a variety of GBS accessoriessuch as a wok, pizza stone, chicken roaster and thus extend the grilling and cooking possibilities to... endless!
The GBS grills can be made of cast iron or stainless steel.
"Sizzle Zone and Rotisserie: optional infrared gas burners
For Napoleon brand gas grills, the infrared side or internal Sizzle Zone and the infrared horizontal Rotisserie burners should be introduced.
"The Sizzle Zone burner is a lifesaver for those who love gourmet, medium-rare, well-done or green roast beef steaks, but no longer want to dine out in fancy restaurants - they are much more attracted to their own garden or terrace and their new hobby - the grill!
While conventional gas burners can reach 400-600 °C, the Sizzle Zone can reach over 800 °C. In fact, it is most suitable for grilling beef steaks - we recommend grilling fattier pork at a lower temperature. The burner can also be used as a stove if required.
Napoleon's main competitor, Weber, has responded to this innovation with an additional intermediate burner, which also generates high heat. For example, in the aforementioned GBS zone.
Meanwhile, the Rotisserie's infrared horizontal burner is designed to cook larger products on a rotating spit system. It has a weight balancing system so that any larger product will cook and rotate evenly. The rotating food is cooked by the lower gas burners, while the horizontal burner gives a delicious sear.
The horizontal Rotisserie burner is also ideal for heating the grates on the upper deck, and is particularly useful for heating cordierite stones placed on the grates. For example, hamburger buns, hot sandwiches or even baked biscuits and stuffed pastries will be gourmet on a hot cordierite stone.
Heating rack - second floor grill
If you have a grill with a second-floor grill and you're not sure what to do with it, here are some options. First of all, the second-floor grill is suitable for slow cooking at lower temperatures. You can also toast hamburger buns, fruit, vegetables or place freshly baked food on the grill if you are expecting late guests and don't want the food to cool down.
Side cooker
Believe me, there's nothing more convenient than not having to go back and forth to your home kitchen to grill. A side cooker is used for sauces, garnishes and warming up hot drinks - a grill with a side cooker will definitely be a home kitchen.
Grease collection system
Grilled for a good half a day and no longer have the energy to maintain the grill? No problem. One of the most important parts of your grill is the grease collection system with replaceable tray. It provides a number of very important things: easier maintenance and healthier grilled food.
Don't believe it? The truth is: if you grill a meat product, as much as 40% of the fat it contains melts away! The fat drains directly into the replaceable grease trap. So what do you do? All you have to do is replace the full container with a new one - in just a few seconds.
Ash container
Coal grills have an ash pan, which is usually open or closed. We recommend the closed ash pan: it is safer as the hot ash is collected directly into a closed, heat-resistant container and the ash is not blown away by the wind.
Inner plates
"On Weber grills, the inner plates are called 'Flavorizer Bars', while on Napoleon they are called 'Sear plates'. What is this thing and why do I need it?
The inner plates, located directly below the burners, are specially angled to collect the dripping fat from the food and direct it towards the fat system. The fat that does manage to evaporate due to the high heat gives the food a perfect smoky flavour, and the fat that doesn't evaporate drains into the fat system container. This protects the burners and the food being grilled from the risk of direct fire.
Side shelves, castors, tool hooks
For a grill that can be used as a home kitchen, with a place to store your favourite condiments, marinades, spices, spatulas, tongs, and easy to move around, choose a grill with side shelves, tool hooks and castors.
Side shelves are also often foldable, which is useful in smaller spaces when you desperately need to fit your grill on your balcony or terrace.
Space for a smart thermometer
It will be easy to become a real grilling guru! "Weber grills often have room to spare "iGrill3 module for integrating the smart thermometer. The smart thermometer allows you to monitor the temperature of your grilled food on your phone without having to lift the lid. You can move 15 m away from the grill. If you move further away, the thermometer will "fall asleep" and then "wake up" again if you move 0.5 m away. No more standing by the grill, spend time with your barbecue party guests!
The iGrill3 smart thermometer on your mobile phone allows you to monitor the temperature of your food from start to finish. With up to four sensors connected to the thermometer, you can monitor the temperature of different products at the same time! Serve your guests or family perfectly grilled food every time!
