There’s no denying the popularity and subsequent demand for the delicious flavor of foods cooked on a grill. Whether at home or in a commercial kitchen, a grill can impart a unique flavor upon foods ranging from meats to vegetables. Many world-renowned chefs utilize grills in their restaurants to create flame-roasted works of art that are enjoyed by people all over the planet. Even a modestly talented chef can elevate the standard cut of meat to something sublime with the help of a quality grill and a little know-how.
Because of the popularity of grilled food, there are many grill types that can be used in commercial kitchens to bring the taste of the outdoors inside. While the basic premise for any commercial grill is that it allows food to be roasted over a direct flame, there are many styles that each have their own strengths and weaknesses. While the primary difference usually involves the fuel source that is used, so long as fire is involved, the results will undoubtedly please those with a palate oriented to flame-kissed meals.
Keep reading to learn a little more about the different types of commercial grills on the market today.
Using Gas Grills in Your Commercial Kitchen
Cherished for their convenience of use and consistency in results, a commercial gas grill is one of the most common types in use in commercial kitchens today. They are fueled by gas, though it can either be propane or natural gas. Propane-fueled gas grills are sometimes portable, while grills fired by natural gas are permanently installed. Here are some unique features that gas grills offer:
- Even heating
- Fine temperature control
- Quick response times
- Simplicity of use
- A clean cook, meaning there’s no smoke to affect the taste of the food prepared upon it
The Smoky Taste of Wood-Fired Grills
As you might have guessed, wood-fired grills use wood as their fuel source; a fire is built in the grill’s fire box and it is fed more wood as needed throughout the cooking period. While basic models may involve manually starting the fire, many have built-in burners or elements that can accelerate and simplify the fire-building process.
Wood-fired grills have the added benefit or imparting an authentic smoky taste on foods that can be appealing. Wood-fired grills must be properly vented because they can generate gases such as carbon monoxide.
Bringing Coal-Fired Grills to the Kitchen
While wood-fired grills use wood as a fuel source, there are other similar grills that use charcoal to generate heat and flame. While charcoal grills are popular among backyard grillers, they also can have a place in a commercial kitchen if properly vented and maintained. Like wood-fired grills, charcoal grills have a telltale flavor that is unmistakable.
Experience Convenience and Versatility with Pellet Grills
While technically fueled by a derivative of wood, pellet grills are mechanically driven grills that use compressed wood dust pellets as a fuel and flavor source. The heat may come from a small gas burner that ignites the pellets or an electric burner element.
- Pellets burn evenly and infuse a smoky flavor
- More expensive, but offer a high level of convenience
- Versatile heat source for cooking
- Easy cleanup
Bypass Fuel Altogether with Electric Grills
Some grills bypass the burning of fuel altogether by using heating elements to sear meats and vegetables. Electric grills have an electric burner that heats to high temperatures. While the electric grill itself has no trademark flavor, some manufacturers include wood boxes that allow flavoring wood to smolder during the cook time and provide added depth.
Find the Best Commercial Grill for Your Kitchen
If you’re in the market to find the best commercial grill for your needs, you should first understand the different options that are on the market. To learn more about the various types of commercial grills available today and for help selecting the right grill to meet your needs, contact Champion Tuff Grills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which grill gives the best flavor profile vs. speed of service for customers?
This depends on what is the top priority for your menu and kitchen. Wood and coal-fired grills provide the most authentic flavor profile overall, but they can also be more time-consuming to light and more difficult to regulate with a consistent temperature, making it less than ideal during a dinner rush.
Gas grills offer great efficiency with their consistent heat so you can get great-tasting meals out faster. However, you’ll give up the authentic flavor that comes from solid fuel options like wood and charcoal.
What does cleaning and maintenance look like for each grill type?
- Gas grills are the best in terms of cleaning and maintenance efficiency.
- Charcoal- and wood-burning grills require a lot of labor to keep them clean and maintained, as you have to deal with things like daily ash removal, fire management, grate scraping, and cleaning the hood system frequently.
- Commercial Pellet and Electric Smokers are highly automated for cooking, but still require you to regularly break down and deep clean the grease traps and ash bins so your kitchen can pass mandatory health inspections.
Which type of grill will last the longest in my restaurant’s kitchen?
Gas grills, especially a flat-top griddle option, will typically last the longest, as well as the wood- and charcoal-burning grills because they have less equipment that is susceptible to breaking. Pellet grills often have shorter lifespans because of their moving parts and systems that are involved for heat and airflow regulation.
