Susan Westmoreland - Good Housekeeping Ultimate Grilling Cookbook: 250 Sizzling Recipe

Grilling imparts an incomparable flavor that no other cooking method can. The intense heat, the savory smoke, and the pleasure of cooking outdoors all enhance the natural flavor of food. Before you fire up your grill, spend a few minutes with these pages to assess your grill and utensils, bone up on techniques and flavor-enhancing tricks, and review safety procedures.

TYPES OF GRILLS

Manufacturers now offer an enticing array of options for gas, charcoal, and electric grills (and some avid grillers own more than one type).

GAS GRILL. With its speed and ease of operation, the gas grill has become Americas favorite type of grill. And whats not to like? Open the gas valve, turn on the controls, preheat for about ten minutes, and youre ready to go.

With gas grillsfueled by either liquid propane or natural gasyouve got a world of features to choose from, including a wide range of BTU capacities, stainless-steel, cast-iron, or porcelain-enameled cooking grates and flavor bars, V-shaped bars, and infrared burners for searing. Other features include side burners, rotisserie burners, warming racks, built-in thermometers, grill lights, and storage. In terms of size, you can find a gas grill to fit your needs, whether youre cooking for one or the entire neighborhood.

CHARCOAL GRILL. Fueled by charcoal briquettes or natural hardwood charcoal chunks, charcoal grills are, on the whole, less expensive than their gas-powered brethren. Look for a charcoal grill made of heavy-gauge steel; a porcelain-enamel coating will give you better protection from rust. Sturdy legs will keep the grill steady. Other features you might find in a charcoal grill include plated-steel, preseasonedcast iron, or porcelain-enameled cooking grates, adjustable-height fire grates, side shelves and bottom storage, warming racks, temperature gauges, and a removable ashtray for easy cleanup.

As with gas grills, you can find a charcoal grill in whatever size fits your needs. If youre cooking for one or two, consider the hibachi, a small cast-iron grill thats just right for a pocket-size patio.

ELECTRIC GRILL. The electric grill offers an alternative to messing around with gas tanks and charcoal. Plug it in, and youre good to go. If you live where charcoal or gas is not allowed on the terrace, patio, or deck, there are tabletop versions as well as full-size electric grills that you can even use indoors; just be sure to position your grill within reach of a grounded outlet.

Whats the purpose of V-Shaped flavor Bars?

These hollow triangular bars catch dripping fat and juices, evaporate them, and create the tasty smoke that flavors the food.

GRILLING EQUIPMENT

Cooking over fire calls for some specialized tools, and there are also optional gadgets to consider for easier grilling of fish, kabobs, and so on. Here are the basics, plus some extras.

GRILL TOPPER. If you often grill delicate foods such as seafood and vegetables, youll want a grill topper, a perforated metal sheet, tray, or basket that provides a nearly smooth surface for grilling. Food is less likely to break up or fall through, and you can virtually stir-fry cut-up foods over the flames.