Cooking is one thing, grilling is another. Even if you’re a confident cook, taking your turn at the grill when you’re inexperienced can be daunting. Luckily, there’s grill academy and grilling classes for newbies who want to become grill masters! You may be able to attend “grill academy” online and get grilling tips and grilling tricks from the comfort of your couch — and it’s nice to be able to replay a technique on the fly, once you start in front of your own grill. There are so many options when it comes to grilling — you can grill almost anything, though most people call to mind hamburgers, hot dogs, steaks, and other meaty items. However, fish and vegetables are delicious on the grill, and you can truly get creative with healthy grilling options.
Grilling in the United States
Grilling is a popular American past time, with 80% of households in the United States owning an outdoor grill or smoker. We eat around 50 billion burgers a year, especially around Independence Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day, which are big grilling holidays.
There are four major types of barbecue, all named after a specific place. These are Kansas City, Texas, Memphis, and Carolina-style, and the most popular barbecue sauce flavors are hickory, honey, mesquite, and spicy-hot, though these have become more adventurous in recent years.
Almost 6% of Americans say that the grill more than just once a week and the reasons are myriad. Over 70% of Americans say they cook with their outdoor grill because it produces better flavor. Others like the “no muss, no fuss” aspect of throwing burgers and hot dogs on a grill for an easy dinner, while others enjoy the craft of a truly terrific grilled meal or barbecue.
What Kind of Grill Should I Get?
This is a question for the ages and depends on many of your preferences. Charcoal grills are old-school grills and tend to be fairly portable, making them ideal for camping trips or outdoor festivities. They also lend the smoky, grilled flavor that so many can’t do without — and that you can’t really replicate on a gas or electric grill.
Gas grills are probably the most common type of grill, using either propane canisters or natural gas from your utilities to run. They’re easy to fire up and much easier to clean than a charcoal grill. If you want an easy and fast grilled dinner, gas grills are the way to go. Simply turn the grill on, wait for everything to heat up, and you’re ready to go.
Electric grills are ideal for those who live in an urban area and who may not be allowed a regular grill for fire safety reasons, or for those who simply don’t have the space to put or store a gas or charcoal grill. Electric grills can fit comfortably on the countertop and tend to be less inexpensive than their gas or charcoal counterparts.
How Can I Get Better at Grilling?
One of the best ways to get good at grilling is to ask an old pro. Is there someone in your family, a colleague, friend, or neighbor who’s an excellent griller and willing to teach you? It can make for a lovely personal experience and some extra bonding.
Going to a “grill academy” or taking grilling classes can be other ways to improve your grilling technique. A grill academy will cover the fundamentals — how to turn on or prepare the grill, how to prepare the meat or fish you’re grilling, and how to manage the heat as you go. They may also offer interesting recipes or flavor combinations that you wouldn’t have thought of on your own. These classes can also work to simply boost your confidence, which can be half the battle!
Get ready for grilling season by checking out grilling classes and brushing up on your technique. When summer comes, you’ll be ready with an newfound confidence, all the right equipment, and an arsenal of recipes at your disposal.
