Working surface
The size of the working surface provided in the device, in length and width; for round surfaces, two sizes are also given (both of them correspond to the diameter).
Note that in many models these dimensions coincide with the overall dimensions in length and width (see "Dimensions (WxL)"), therefore, in some cases, information on the working surface may not be specified; a typical example is classic rectangular barbecues. There is also the opposite option — when only this parameter is given, without indicating the overall dimensions; in such cases, these dimensions usually also coincide with the dimensions of the working surface (or differ from them very slightly).
Anyway, the size of the working surface allows you to evaluate the total capacity of the product, as well as some other features. For example, for tandoors (see "Type"), the size of the neck can be given in this paragraph, but the firebox can be wider. However, anyway, two points should be taken into account. Firstly, it is necessary to take into account not only the dimensions, but also the shape of the surface; this is especially true for barbecue grills, where the options in form are quite diverse. Secondly, the larger size inevitably affects the dimensions and cost, and often also the weight of the device.
Features
Various additional functions provided in the device. These can be functions directly related to cooking (
heat level adjustment,
thermometer,
auto spit), certain design features (
top grill,
cover,
place for firewood / cylinder, canopy), as well as special features that simplify working with the device (
auto ignition,
ash cleaning system) or moving from place to place (
wheels for transportation,
transformation into a suitcase,
folding legs). Here is a detailed description of each of these options:
- Adjustment of heat level. The intensity of heating directly depends on the height of the grate or skewers above the coals. Accordingly, this function allows you to change this intensity according to the specifics of the situation. For example, skewers can be set higher above “fresh” coals, and when some of the coals burn out and the heat subsides, they can be lowered down, maintaining the cooking mode. Another way to use this adjustment is to cook different foods at the same time that require different heat intensities.
In braziers (see "Type"), this feature is usually realized through a set of slots for
...skewers with different depths. As a rule, there are two sets of slots - "regular" and deep; accordingly, choosing one or another seat, you can change the height of the skewer. A similar method is used in grills: the design provides for several (two or more) sets of guides for the grill, at different heights.
- Upper grill (for vegetables). A function found mainly in BBQ grills (see "Type"). An additional working surface in such devices has the form of a small grate installed above the main grate - usually at a height of about 10-20 cm. The heat from the heater at this height is quite weak, but it is quite enough to prevent the contents of the upper grate from cooling down. Thus, this feature provides convenience in some situations. For example, in the process of frying a large number of products, ready-made pieces of meat, vegetables, etc. can be laid out on an additional surface: these pieces will remain warm due to the heat from the heater, and space will be freed up on the main grate.
- Lid. The cover covering the working area of the device can perform different functions. However, most often it is intended to create an "oven effect" by holding hot air - this speeds up cooking, and for some recipes it is a prerequisite. Smoking also requires closed space; however, we note that not every smokehouse is equipped with a cover - many such devices have a vertical layout and are closed using a side door.
Regarding other types of cooking devices (see "Type"), it is worth noting that the cover is an indispensable element of equipment for tandoors, ceramic grills and grills with a smokehouse. Among ordinary barbecue grills, this function is also very popular, but it is almost never found in barbecue grills (with a few exceptions).
— Thermometer. The thermometer is found mainly in models equipped with a cover (see above): it allows you to control the temperature under the cover without opening it once again and without disturbing the cooking mode.
- Autospin. A skewer (a pin for stringing cooked products) driven by an electric motor and capable of turning automatically during operation. Rotation is necessary for uniform frying of the contents; and this feature eliminates the need to watch the skewer and turn it manually. On the other hand, the drive needs external power to operate; additional equipment significantly affects the price of the device; and the spit, by itself, noticeably increases the dimensions. Therefore, in our time, autoswitches are mainly equipped with advanced barbecue grills (see "Type") of a stationary and built-in design.
We also note that the electric drive for turning skewers, which is found in some braziers, is not considered an auto-spit in this case.
- Auto ignition. Gas ignition system due to electric spark. For more information about gas models, see "Fuel (source)"); the same function greatly simplifies the ignition of the flame - it allows you to do without matches or other external source of fire. Note that auto-ignition may require external power to operate, although compact portable devices often use piezoelectric elements that are triggered by the force of pressing a button. These details should be specified separately.
- Place for firewood / cylinder. Separate place for solid fuel or gas bottle. As a rule, it takes the form of a shelf, tray, or even a lockable drawer under the main brazier. This feature simplifies storage, and if the device is equipped with wheels, then also moving from place to place (many models can be transported on such wheels directly with a supply of fuel). And in the case of solid fuel, a special shelf / tray performs another important function: it does not allow such fuel to become damp on wet ground.
— Ash cleaning system. Various devices that facilitate the removal of solid fuel combustion products: ash, ash, etc. The simplest versions of such systems are often represented by a removable or retractable tray, where the waste enters and from where it can be easily unloaded.
- Wheels for transportation. Wheels, which facilitate the movement of the device from place to place, are found almost exclusively in stationary models (see "Design"). Usually this is just a pair of wheels, supplemented by one or two support legs. In a stationary position, these supports are on the ground and play the role of brakes; and to move, you need to slightly tilt the device so that the fixed supports are in the air and the structure rests only on the wheels. In any case, this feature can significantly “make life easier” for the user: stationary grills and other cooking devices are usually quite massive, and it can be difficult to carry them by weight.
- Folding legs. Foldable leg design is useful for easy storage and transportation of the product when folded. Foldable legs make the device more compact, so it takes up less space.
- Transformation into a suitcase. A feature found exclusively in folding products (see "Design") - mainly barbecues, although there are other varieties. When folded, such a product turns into a compact flat object with a carrying handle - like a suitcase, hence the name. This greatly simplifies transportation in the hands.
- Canopy. Own canopy covering the working surface of the device and, in part, a person standing next to it. This feature provides some protection from the rain, and for the user - also from the sun. On the other hand, the canopy significantly increases the dimensions and weight of the entire device, while it is not an “essential” item - and therefore is rare, mainly in large stationary models (see “Design”).Height
Product height in working position.
If there is no cover or canopy in the design or delivery set (see “Functions and Capabilities”), then the total height, usually, corresponds to the height of the grate, seats for skewers or other work surface. If there is a cover or canopy, then the height is given according to the overall size of the structure, and it usually does not correspond to the actual height of the working surface; the latter should be specified according to the manufacturer's documentation. However, when it comes to the lid, this difference is usually not particularly critical; but the canopy is usually located at a considerable height (comparable to the height of a person, or even noticeably greater).
In general, a height of
50 cm or less is considered relatively small,
50 – 100 cm — medium,
more than 100 cm — significant. However, when choosing a particular product, it is worth considering both the nuances described above and other features. For example, if you are looking for a portable brazier for hiking "forays" into nature, it makes sense to pay attention to low and, accordingly, light and compact models. And for professional use, when you have to “stand over cooking” often and for a long time, higher models are better suited, which you don’t have to bend over to check readiness, turn skewers, etc.
Dimensions (WxD)
Dimensions of the product deployed to the working position, in length and width; for round models, both of these dimensions are also indicated, just in such cases they are usually the same (equal to the diameter).
The general meaning of this characteristic is as follows: a larger product (with the same shape and type) usually has a larger capacity, but it turns out to be more bulky (including when folded, if such a possibility is provided), heavy and expensive. Moreover, in many cases, the overall dimensions in length and width correspond to the size of the working surface; a classic example is the traditional rectangular brazier, as well as many barbecue grills of the same shape. So if the data on the working surface (see below) are not separately indicated in the characteristics, then it may well be that the size of the brazier is equal to the overall dimensions (or differs very slightly from them). For a full guarantee in such cases, you should pay attention to the photographs of the product: if there are no shelves or other similar elements in the design that affect the length and width, then these dimensions can be used to estimate the dimensions of the working surface (that is, the total capacity and other related nuances ). For example, in the case of a traditional brazier, the width of the firebox determines the minimum length of the skewer (the skewer should be slightly longer to cover the firebox when installed across); and the number of places for skewers...directly depends on the length of the barbecue (ideally, there should be at least 60 mm between these places). If the dimensions of the working surface are given in the characteristics, then it is worth evaluating the practical capabilities of the product according to these dimensions; the overall dimensions in such cases only allow us to estimate the amount of space occupied by this model.
Also note that the height of the structure in the characteristics is indicated separately — in this case it has a different meaning than the length and width.
Weight
The total weight of the product, taking into account the main elements of equipment (lids, canopy, food stands, etc.), but excluding fuel.
It is worth evaluating this indicator taking into account the type of device. So, the most compact barbecues and barbecue grills can weigh
4-6 kg or even
less(in camping barbecues, the weight does not exceed these values at all);
7 – 10 kg for such models is considered an average, and larger values \u200b\u200bare typical mainly for large stationary structures of high capacity. But ceramic grills and tandoors are, by definition, massive: in the first case, even in the lightest models, the weight
exceeds 10 kg, in the second it is usually
more than 50 kg.
Anyway, note that both small and significant weight have their advantages. So, with similar functionality, a lighter device will be more convenient to transport, but this convenience will have to be paid for by reducing the height (which affects convenience), reducing the capacity and/or thinner walls of the furnace (which reduces reliability for metal walls, worsens for ceramic ones). efficiency). Conversely, a heavier structure will be more reliable, durable, often more spacious, but at the same time less convenient when moving from place to place, and often more cumbersome.
