Grill and Barrel

I'm often asked for a recommendation on a backyard cooker.  Many times, I've recommended a Big Green Egg to folks who've subsequently bought one and seem to be fairly happy with their decision. However, at least twice over the past year I've been asked for my opinion by folks who ulitimately didn't care for my advice. 

You see, I don't have a standard answer to the question "What cooker should I buy?".  I typically answer that question with a question of my own like, "What sort of things do you like to cook?", or "Do you think you'd enjoy the process of creating slow cooked BBQ?".  Based on how folks answer those questions and how they respond to a quick lesson on the difference between "BBQ" & "Grilling", I've recommended a variety of different cookers.

Sometimes when folks are used to lighting the gas grill and immediately throwing the meat on, it's hard for them to imagine the planning and time required to turn out great BBQ.  To those folks, I recommend that they buy a gas grill and keep grilling.  But they don't always appreciate or like that advice.  Sometimes they want me to convince them that they will enjoy the process and that the commitment is worth it.

Frankly, I can't convince anyone to enjoy the process of cooking good BBQ.  If you are unsure about committing to tending a live fire or committing to the time then by all means cook the way you're used to cooking. 

There's nothing wrong with cooking on a gas grill.  Heck, the stores are full of them so somebody must be buying them.

Cheers,

Braddog

 

 

Sorry I've been mostly radio silent for over a week. I took my family on a beach vacation for a little R&R (and that doesn't mean ribs & roasts as was suggested by a friend of mine).

We met up with family at a beach rental in Florida and as the master of the flame, I was given the responsibility for all outdoor cooking. So I went on the prowl for what the rental had to offer in the way of a grill. My hopes were momentarily lifted when I found the ceramic cap to a Big Green Egg. But if the rest of the egg was there, then it must have been locked away in the "owner's storage".

I found what I expected, a $100 gas grill like you'd find at a discount store. And due to the exposure to the salty air, it was rusting through with burners that were in bad need of replacement. In fact, the whole thing should have been replaced.

Nonetheless, I soldiered through a series of grilling events. Hamburgers, fish & shrimp, and steaks all turned out okay. However, I sure got a whole new appreciation for what I cook on at home.  Next time, I just gotta figure out a way to get a cooker to the beach with me.

Cheers,
Braddog