It’s that time of year. The temps are rising, and people are starting to move from the kitchen to the outdoors to do some backyard Barbecue or Grill. Whether it’s just Grilling for the household or inviting people over for a barbecue. Did you know there is a difference? There is. Let me explain.

What does it mean to Grill?

When you are grilling, you are cooking over an open flame at high heat. Usually, your temps are between 500°-600° F. Cooking fast and going for a quick sear. Thus, locking in the juices and creating a flavorful char.

There are many popular foods that people grill Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Steaks, Pork chops, Chicken, Sausage, Fruits, and Vegetables. Plus many more options

 Popular ways to Grill

Grilling has become a popular way to cook for its great taste and with some practices ease of use. There are many great recipes, and once you get used to what you like and how you want it to look, it’s as easy as cooking on your stovetop as with anything related to heat. Be cautious when working with an open flame, have some way to check the internal temperature.

Some more popular ways to grill food range from a charcoal grill, propane grill, a smoker if it is done right, an open campfire when camping, or just out for the day (usually done in a fire pit with a grate).

What does it mean to Barbecue?

Barbecue Is usually considered a slow cook that takes time. You are usually cooking between 225°-275°F. It will have a slower cook time. You are trying to keep the meat from drying out by cooking it slows and trapping the moisture and taste, and a lot of time cooking it, so you are adding extra flavor to it you would not get on a fast cook. Barbecuing is normally done with indirect heat, so it stays at a steady temp while not being exposed to direct heat, so it gets an even cook.

Types of meat common to Barbecue are stuff like Ribs, Whole chickens(even just thighs or breasts), Turkey, Brisket, Pork Shoulder, and other larger meats. Meats that are tough or dry out real easy benefit from a slow cook.

Along with Meat, fruits and vegetables are often Barbecued well. Smoked potato and corn are a favorite in our household. Barbecue can be a little tougher, but it is still a semi-easy task. You need to pay attention to the temp more; a steady, constant temp makes a big difference when it comes to Barbecue. As with grilling, you will gain experience and preferences as you do it. You will start to look for a certain color and smell that you like to let you know that your masterpiece is about finished. Of course, it’s always best that you have some way to check the internal temperature.

What to Barbecue or Grill on

As stated earlier, grilling can be done on all kinds of surfaces. For grilling, you need a direct heat source that you can get up to proper temps. Of course, the most widely used would be what is referred to as a Barbecue grill, which is either a Charcoal grill or a propane grill.

Pellet Smokers can be used as well. It is a little different process but will work. Some models have a way to open the bottom plate giving you access to direct flame(heat); others are easily modified to make it so you can get direct heat as well.

When it comes to Barbecuing, there all kinds of methods as well; the most common would be a Charcoal grill, propane grill, electric smoker, pellet smoker, or an offset Smoker.

When using a normal Charcoal grill, the main thing is to make sure your coals are as far away from what you are cooking as possible. It’s a little touch on just a normal charcoal grill, but it is possible. When using a propane grill, you just put whatever you are cooking on one side and turn the heat on the other side. There are also models of Charcoal grills that are designed to let you cook with indirect heat. It’s also possible to use “what is called” a smoke box or smoke tube on your charcoal grill or propane grill to help give you the smoke flavor to help get those taste buds going.

Let the Party Begin

Whether you are Grilling or Barbecuing, now that the temps are rising, it’s a great time to have some family and or friends over and start up the grill. There is nothing like the smell of food being grilled or Barbecued while socializing with family and friends and the looks in the eyes of everyone as they are waiting to eat due to them having been introduced to the aroma of the amazing food you are preparing.

If you have any experiences or comments, please post them. I look forward to your Delicious meals.