Grill, Smoke, Bake: Mastering Outdoor Cooking with the Right Equipment
Preparing food outdoors is a big part of Australian tradition and leisure time. We love it and look forward to every chance to invite friends and family, sharing chops, steaks, or maybe a slice of wood-fired pizza over a beer or a glass of wine.
Maybe it’s in our DNA or the climate that makes outdoor cooking so appealing. Either way, it’s undeniable that no matter what’s on the grill, smoker, or oven, food always seems more inviting when cooked and shared outside.
To master the art of outdoor cooking, you’ll need the right equipment. Let’s explore the must-have gear for each method.
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Smoking
Smoking food is an age-old technique that’s becoming trendy again. It’s great for creating tender meets thanks to the low and slow cooking method but you can also smoke lots of other foods like prawns, cheeses, fish, nuts and a variety of vegetables and fruits.
Enjoying this culinary experience wouldn’t be complete without food smokers. Having one will surely up your cooking game and bring new flavours to the table. When you own such an appliance, you can effortlessly prepare smoked food and impress your family or friends whenever they come over.
When out to buy food smokers, you can find ones that use different materials as fuel. These include gas, electricity, pellet, and solid fuel. Each of them has its pros and cons, so it all comes down to your preference which one is best for your needs.
If you’re after a more hands-off cooking experience and don’t want to bother with coals, go for gas options. They heat up quickly and are very easy to use. All you have to do is turn the knob, and the temperature is instantly adjusted to your desired level, ensuring a seamless cooking experience without the need for constant monitoring or guesswork. Moreover, many gas smokers come in different sizes and configurations to ensure you find the perfect match for your needs.
Electric smokers are also convenient and easy to use. They produce less mess compared to charcoal or wood but may not provide the same depth of flavour that comes from using wood or charcoal. If you’re looking for that authentic, smoky taste, then wood or pellet smokers are your best bet.
Baking
While smoking gives your dishes a unique blend of flavours, another method that adds a whole new dimension to outdoor cooking is baking. Whether you’re craving a fresh loaf of bread or maybe a slice of a crispy pizza, baking outdoors allows you to prepare delicious goods, with the bonus of enjoying the beautiful weather.
To perfect this method in your outdoor kitchen you’ll need the right oven. If you’re someone who craves the authentic taste of pizza with a perfectly crispy crust and a smoky finish, then you want to buy a wood-fired pizza oven. Wood’s heat gives pizzas and bread that signature crispy crust and smoky flavour that’s hard to replicate with other ovens.
However, if you don’t want to deal with managing a live fire, waiting for the wood to heat up, or cleaning ashes, then a gas pizza oven is a great alternative. It lets you bake quickly and effortlessly, without sacrificing flavour or heat control.
Grilling
Last but not least, the tradition that is a big part of Aussie tradition and identity, is grilling. Unlike smoking, which requires patience to develop deep flavours, and baking, which relies on steady heat, grilling is all about high temperatures and quick cooking.
Again, to bring the magic of grilling to life, you’ll need the right equipment. The right BBQ ensures you get the perfect balance of heat, flavour, and efficiency.
There are many types of grills you can choose from today. The first thing that you have to decide is whether you want an electric or charcoal model. If you’re after that classic smoky meat flavour, you should go for a coal BBQ. But if you’re after convenience and efficiency without the need for gas or charcoal, you should opt for grills that use electricity as their energy source.
Size-wise, small and portable models are very convenient to be carried around almost anywhere, from the campsite to the backyard. Freestanding models are a bit bigger and can be moved around but only around the house.
If you’re lucky enough to have a spacious backyard, then maybe you can afford a built-in BBQ bigger than all the others. Many manufacturers offer complete outdoor kitchen setups, where you can have everything you need for a true alfresco dining experience. These setups often include a BBQ, pizza oven, and a smoker.
Moreover, they may also include a sink for easy clean-up and a fridge to keep your beverages cold, turning your outdoor space into a fully functional kitchen that can handle any culinary adventure, from baking to grilling.
