If You Ask Me: Fancy Schmancy Grill Gear
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a blogumn by Travis Randall
I profile lots of cooking/grilling products on my website. Some are cheap and simple and some are very expensive and fancy. I do this because…well…I get free stuff to do it. Inevitably all of these products end up in the garbage can or the garage. Why? It’s because any self respecting griller or pit master doesn’t need or want these flashy products. It’s like the middle aged guy in the fancy sports car scenario, you must be compensating for something. In this case it’s probably because you gotz no skillz.
So what is it that you need to be the master of your backyard BBQ? Here are a few of the essentials according to me…a master.
Get yourself a quality grill. Quality does not mean expensive! A Weber Kettle grill is cheap, available everywhere, versatile, and amazing. Some people have to go the gas grill route. If this is the case make sure you get one with high BTUs and a sturdy stance. Cast iron or porcelain coated grates are best for gas grills.
Quality Utensils – Again, quality does not mean expensive. Get a thick metal spatula. The best tongs are the cheap ones available at restaurant supply stores. There is a reason they are in virtually every restaurant, they rule. I’m amazed more people don’t use them at home. They make lots of gizmos but I can’t find one that actually is needed and doesn’t make you yourself look like a tool other than the Happy Hooker. Some people like grill weights for steaks and burgers. I invented the best one ever. I wrap a brick in foil. It weighs the exact amount of awesome needed to grill perfectly.
Clothing – A hat with a liquor company or wild animal on it works best. The one time a man is allowed to where an apron while home cooking is at the BBQ. This way you can go from grill to social time seamlessly. Your apron should say something funny or have a skull and crossbones on it to be acceptable.
A Good Butcher – The grocery store sells meat but do they LOVE meat? A butcher shop loves meat. They can recommend great cuts to you and tell you what’s freshest and tastiest that day. I cannot stress this enough…make friends with your butcher! I consider my butcher to be an essential component to any BBQ.
So get out there, gear up, and feed your friends!
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I agree all you really need is a good piece of meat and a fire. Everything else is just window dressing
I agree all you really need is a good piece of meat and a fire. Everything else is just window dressing
CH might believe that everything else is window dressing, but he does have a really nice grill utensil set and a gas (can't be propane! he says) grill. But to your point he is still mourning the loss of his favorite carne asada dealer — I mean butcher, whose store got turned into a Starbucks, which he refuses to step foot in.
I'm wondering what women should wear while they're grilling. I don't think the funny aprons work for them, but from my Derby Dolls days, I was always a fan of a woman with tattoo sleeves and a half gingham apron working the grill. You're almost guaranteed good BBQ from this kind of woman's grill.
CH might believe that everything else is window dressing, but he does have a really nice grill utensil set and a gas (can't be propane! he says) grill. But to your point he is still mourning the loss of his favorite carne asada dealer — I mean butcher, whose store got turned into a Starbucks, which he refuses to step foot in.
I'm wondering what women should wear while they're grilling. I don't think the funny aprons work for them, but from my Derby Dolls days, I was always a fan of a woman with tattoo sleeves and a half gingham apron working the grill. You're almost guaranteed good BBQ from this kind of woman's grill.
I do have some good wooden handle grill tools that I have had for ever and a great charcoal never gas or propane grill that was a awesome gift a few years ago.
I do have some good wooden handle grill tools that I have had for ever and a great charcoal never gas or propane grill that was a awesome gift a few years ago.
As far as an appropriate apron for a girl I would ask this…Why is she near the grill??? Does she have no man at home? Is she just that awesome? Is she dating a guy who may indeed not be a "guy"? At any rate if a lady is grilling I will NOT judge her apparel! I am so happy she has decided to cook her meat the way it was meant to be cooked. If she is grilling Tofu…um…whatever…wear a clown wig and nose I guess.
I would agree that wood handled tools rule as well.
As far as the Starbucks situation, I would agree that you should not step foot inside IF you want good coffee. As a shareholder I think you should go daily no matter what.
As far as an appropriate apron for a girl I would ask this…Why is she near the grill??? Does she have no man at home? Is she just that awesome? Is she dating a guy who may indeed not be a "guy"? At any rate if a lady is grilling I will NOT judge her apparel! I am so happy she has decided to cook her meat the way it was meant to be cooked. If she is grilling Tofu…um…whatever…wear a clown wig and nose I guess.
I would agree that wood handled tools rule as well.
As far as the Starbucks situation, I would agree that you should not step foot inside IF you want good coffee. As a shareholder I think you should go daily no matter what.