With this economy continuing to be uncertain, many people are now turning to cooking at home. According to recent studies, nearly 6 out 10 people now are eating more at home meals. In addition, the warm weather is encouraging people to make use of their backyard grills more than ever. Last year the average grill owner spent almost six hours a week cooking on their backyard grills. With all this time to grill and the advent of additional ways to cook outdoors, those who enjoy backyard grilling have some great options.
A Look at Some New Backyard Grills
Outdoor cooking, whether on a grill or over a campfire has been a long tradition. According to a consumer study, over 80 percent of all homes have a grill. That is an increase from last year of just over 70 percent. Basic grilling is something that has not changed through the years. Apply meat, fish, chicken, or whatever to a flame. However, the $2.2 billion industry has made sure that we all have best gadgets to grill with. Great grill systems can come with wireless thermometers, marinade drawers, and rotisserie systems.
Backyard Grilling Using Infrared Technology
However, the technology to top it all is the infrared equipment. This technology has advanced the art of grill cooking. Traditional grilling involves heating up the air that surrounds the food and thus tending to dry it out. Infrared technology uses heated stainless steel, ceramic or glass plates the produce an intense heat, more that three times regular grilling, to sear the food and lock in the juice flavors.
Backyard Grilling Using Low-Tech Smokers
Traditional smokers have been around since grilling began. A smoker is a low-tech grill that slowly cooks using indirect heat and low temperatures. With a smoker, your food usually will come out tender and deeply flavorful. Smokers have become that fastest growing segment in the grilling industry.
The traditional smoker is usually a bullet shaped grill. A pan of water is placed between the heat source and the food rack and then there is a constant fire stoking and vent adjustment. The heat source can be either wood or charcoal. A traditional smoker will take anywhere from four to six hours to cook your food. However, manufactures are now introducing easier to use electric and gas smokers.
Introducing Pizza Ovens to Outdoor Grills
The newest introduction into the outdoor grill is the pizza ovens. Long have the burgers and hot dogs ruled the backyard grills, now people want to experience the taste wood-fired pizzas. Many who have the resources have built big stone-hearth ovens in their backyards, however not all of us can do that. Fortunately, there are alternatives for the rest of us. Most grills can be fitted with a pie-sized pizza stone. This stone gets heated up in a short time and your grilling pizza in minutes.
