Grilling is a cuisine considered to be uniquely American. We celebrate our most patriotic holidays around the grill. Labor Day, Fourth of July, and Memorial Day are all days centered around being outside and enjoying delicious food. Have you ever spent one of those days wanting to know a little more about the device helping to make your day so great?

Well, look no further. Here you will find everything you ever wanted to know about grills: where they came from, what they’re used for, and the different types available. Plus, one fact that will surprise you! 

History

Grilling has a long and proud history. Hundreds of years ago, native peoples of the Americas would build wooden structures in order to roast pigs. The Arawak people were some of the first observed cooking meat in this way by Spanish conquistadors. 

The idea quickly caught on. At first the word used by the Spanish settlers was barbacoa, and it referred to the building itself instead of the method of cooking. You can check out more information here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbecue_grill if you want to learn more about the proud history of barbecue. 

In America, for a long-time grilling was thought to be a style of cooking best suited for family camping trips.  Why would anyone think that it was easier to drive out to the forest or up to the mountains, pitch a tent, make a campfire, and then finally, after all that, cook dinner than to just grill at home?

Well, that’s because before 1952 if Americans wanted to cook outside, they had to try to juggle a pan over direct heat. It was an awkward and uncomfortable way to cook. Plus, there were absolutely no bragging rights involved. Can you imagine inviting a friend over to stand around a pan over a candle? It sounds a little embarrassing when you think about it. 

The first grill as we have come to know it today was created by George Stephen in Mount Prospect, Illinois. It wasn’t long before the device spread beyond the Midwest and to the country at large. Two years later when it was first introduced to its perennial partner, the cart, was the process made quick and easy to set up. Not surprisingly, the popularity of grills exploded soon afterwards.

Grilling Today

Today, Americans love to grill. Many stick to the tried-and-true hot dogs and/or hamburgers, but there are many other ways to make use of a grill.

For example, not many people know that grills can be used to make restaurant-quality pizzas at home. It’s easy. If you want to give it a try, first put your dough on a warm grill and cook it for a few minutes. When you take it off the heat, you want it to be a little firm on the bottom, not yet brown.

Once you take it off the grill, flip the dough over and put whatever sauce and toppings you like, then return to the heat and cook until the cheese is melted, and the crust is brown, and you just can’t wait to dig in!

Another easy treat is grilled pineapple. Toss pineapple rings onto the grill for three to five minutes before turning them over and giving the other side the same amount of time. You can even use these on top of a burger for a fun new twist on the classic! Try it with a white cheese, like Monterey jack. 

Types

There are three main types of grills. More about grills here. Let’s take a closer look at them now.

The first type is a charcoal grill. This type of grill uses the heat from either briquettes or lump charcoal in order to cook food. 

The second type is electric.

The final type is gas fueled. This is a very varied category, with a bunch of different options. The first is fuel types. Some grills are powered by butane. Others use propane. And some grills use natural gas as fuel.

There are also two different ways gas applies heat. The first is from a direct flame. This means that the food is cooking from one heat source directly beneath the grate. Another option is to have the gas powering a grilling element that distributes the heat. It could be through coils, or through long rods. 

All three kinds will produce amazing results. Buying from a reputable dealer ensures that you get exactly what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for a one-stop shop, Watson’s best grills are all great options. You want to be sure you’re getting what you really want.

Grills can be portable, table-top, and even built-in to the ground.

One Surprising Fact

The earliest evidence of humans building fire is from four hundred and twenty million years ago!

Grilling has come a long way since it took place outdoors in a hastily constructed hut. Now you have many options in types, sizes, and number of burners. Next time you find yourself at a holiday barbecue, feel free to wow everybody with all your new-found facts!