Summer is upon us and so the delicious grilling begins! Over the next few weeks, my hubby and I will be sharing some of our favorite grilling recipes, tips and tricks in a series titled: Natural Summer Barbecuing. We will be sharing homemade BBQ sauce, steak marinade with steak cooking tips, how to BBQ a whole chicken, and scrumptious shish kabobs.
Today we want to share reviews of our favorite BBQ tools. After much research, we choice to purchase the Weber Performer Charcoal Grill, and what a perfect BBQ is has been for us. The family and I chipped in to purchase this for Aaron’s birthday last year and he absolutely loves it. Having good quality solid tools make a huge difference in inspiring him to desire to perfect the art of barbecuing. A good investment I would say as I am the recipient of some delicious dishes! We love this BBQ because it provides the wonderful smoky flavor of carcoal without the hassle of preparation due to the propane lighting feature. With one quick flick of the switch, your coals are lighted and then you just need to let them heat up. It’s significantly easier and quicker than the standard charcoal grill. The accompanying table and briquettes storage bin are very useful for keeping everything in one place and for easy preparation. There is also room to hang your tools underneath. We also recommend the purchase of the weber cover, as it significantly protects during the winter weather. We also like this one because we have the potential to add some great additions – such as the rotisserie attachment. In general though, a charcoal grill is your best bet for authentic and delicious barbecuing in addition to being the cheapest option!
Natural briquettes – Look for 100% natural hardwood charcoal when making your selection. They are 100% free of chemicals, additives, or fillers. Commercial charcoal is a carcinogen producer. Hardwood burns longer and hotter with less ash as well. Trader Joe’s carries an 18 lb bag of hardwood briquettes for $6.99 (only in the summer, so stock up!). Another natural brand is Wicked Good Charcoal which has distributors all around the country, so check out their “Where to Buy” page. Amazon also sells a natural brand. Cowboy Charcoal can be found at Lowe’s nationwide.
Stainless Steel BBQ tools -a solid set of stainless steel bbq tools will last you forever. They are also perfectly safe and natural. They are easy to clean and dishwasher safe. A good set of BBQ gloves is also another essential.
Vegetable Grilling Basket – this is a helpful tool for barbecuing vegetables, corn and the like. The results are scrumptious!
How to Grill: The Complete Illustrated Book of BBQ Techniques by Steven Raichlen – you really only need one thorough guide for barbecuing and this book will definitely serve you well. It covers everything from preparing and barbecuing every cut of meat possible, but also a wealth of delicious recipes.
Stay tuned for the recipes!
Do you have any favorite tools to recommend?
Hi Linds, we are hoping to buy a bbq- have you come across any info regarding wether a gas grill is unhealthy in any way? Especially compared to a natural charcoal grill such as you have?
I’m not totally sure as there seems to be a lot of debate on this issue. I remember researching it a bit before we bought, and I understand that the best BBQ option was charcoal, if you purchased natural briquettes (hardwood is the best). I believe gas can cause carcinogens as I recall, but there is just as much risk if you choose standard briquettes. I recently heard about natural gas options, so you might look into them and compare. A huge part of the decision for us was the taste though, and charcoal wins hands down on that one.
The Weber Grill has been the first grill I had gotten a couple years ago. I have also been trying to have a more natural BBQ which can be really hard sometimes. For example, in my area I wouldn’t know where to get natural charcoal. This post definitely brought some new ideas, thank you!
My husband’s must have tool is his OXO stainless steel locking tongs. We have the 12″ ones but I see they have a 16″ length which would be even better for the BBQ.
http://www.amazon.com/Oxo-Grips-12-Inch-Stainless-Steel-Locking/dp/B00004OCK1/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1277094734&sr=8-1
He also uses his silicone basting brush a lot! And I love how easy it is to clean that thing compared to those nylon bristled brushes of old.
Why would you need a basket for corn? Simply snip the silk off (and any folded over pieces of husk) so it doesn’t catch fire and put the corn, in the husk, on the grill for 10+ minutes (turning a quarter turn during that time) and give it a quarter turn every 10-15 minutes while you grill whatever else it is you are grilling…doesn’t get anymore basic, or green than that, does it?
Use a towel to hold your hot, cooked corn while you shuck it…over the yard waste bag. ;>)
Yes, that is an easy method. I was mainly thinking of when I cut up veggie slices for my veggie sandwiches that I grill that a basket is essential.
My husband swears the Weber Kettle Grill is the best grill ever made and you can cook anything on it, and so far he’s been right! We’re getting the Performer this week and I CAN’T WAIT! Thanks for all the inspirational and insightful blogging-I gave you a “Happy 101″ award over on my little blog this week!
Ooh- I’m really looking forward to learning how to BBQ a whole chicken. That’s been something I’ve wanted to try.
Michele
Yikes, I might stay away for a few weeks. A grill is on top of my idol (I mean wish list!
Lindsay, I’m looking forward to this series… we’re getting my hubby a Weber kettle grill for Father’s Day this weekend. I’m looking forward to seeing how to grill a whole chicken! Will you also cover how and where to find ‘natural’ charcoal??
Thanks so much!
shannon
I added a few more links above with other sources for natural charcoal. Your best bet is your local health food store or the Cowboy Charcoal brands at Lowe’s.
Hello, Lindsay.
First time commenter
, but follower for awhile. Love all the information that you give, but most of all, love that you come from a Christian perspective 
Have a question……is charcoal safer than propane health wise?
Thanks so much!
Blessings,
Brenda
Mom to 4 from PA
Yes I believe so, if you choose the natural charcoal. Commercial charcoal is a carinogen producer.