Monday, January 18, 2010

Barbecue Accessories Can Revolutionize Your Grilling Technique

By Stephen Daniels

Spring may still be a few months away, but avid barbecue fans are already thinking about new ways they can enhance their grilling techniques. Some may be seeking out new sauces and methods of adding flavor, while others just want to make the task easier. Still others might want to find whole new ways to use their grill. Here are some barbecue accessories that are sure to interest grill chefs of all levels.

The efficiency and ease of use that gas grills afford has converted many a barbecuer, but most agree that it is old-fashioned charcoal that gives the better flavor. Fortunately, there's a way to get the best of both grills: charcoal baskets. Made of durable stainless steel, these baskets are designed to sit right on top of a gas grill's burners. As a result, the charcoal heats quickly and is ready for cooking in no time at all.

Wood chips of many different varieties, including hickory, alder, maple or applewood, impart a delicious smoky flavor to grilled food. Many gas grills come with baskets or drawers that are especially for wood chips, or a basket for this purpose can be purchased separately.

A unique gadget that turns your grill into a rotisserie, the Rib-O-Lator is a great accessory option. Easily installed inside most medium to large grills, the difference between Rib-O-Lator and other rotisserie attachments is its four tray design. The trays are perfect for ribs and many different foods that ordinary rotisseries can't accommodate. Rotisserie is an indirect cooking technique, which means the juices get sealed inside food to make it tender, moist and flavorful. The trays on this gadget help to contain the juices, preventing dangerous flare-ups and keeping the grill cleaner. Also, this handy tool gives you more surface space to cook for bigger crowds, and it requires less supervision than traditional barbecue methods.

The Flavordome Barbecue Flavoring System is an interesting set of grilling products with some useful properties. They trap in heat and smoke, reduce fire and burn, and create cleaner smoke flavor. The tools come with several excellent rubs and sauces as well.

Grilling baskets are simple yet ingenious - a great way to grill delicate foods such as fish and vegetables without them dropping through or sticking to the grating. These baskets are like small cages that hold food securely, and come with a handle so that you can easily flip them. They come in regular and non-stick varieties as well as in many sizes. Use of a corn basket, for instance, can eliminate the all-too-common problem of charring when grilling whole corn ears. Larger grilling baskets can accommodate vegetables and smaller meat items at the same time. Many of these baskets feature long, detachable handles. This allows the grill lid to be closed during cooking to maximize flavor.

What do you buy for the grill chef that has everything? Iron brands for marking food on the grill make a unique gifts. Avid barbecue fans will enjoy the novelty of stamping a "signature" on their barbecue masterpieces. Brands might say Dad or Chef, but can also be customized with initials or names.

Barbecue fans always have their own unique tips and tricks to create the perfect steak, rack of ribs or fish filet that will wow the whole party. The methods people employ are as unique as the individuals themselves. So whether you're looking for a way to make cleanup easier, or an entirely new method of using your grill, these tools can make your grilling experience tastier, easier and more fun!

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