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Um, Maybe It's Healthier if You don't Grill it Until It's Black

Cooking?  One of my strong suits.  Baking?  Even better.

Grilling?  Um, well... not so much.

For some reason, grilling seems a distinctly male endeavor to me, and because of this, I've never really bothered to master it. 

Thus, carcinogenically, (and given that I have 2 different kinds of grills), I have had many an overcharred grill experience over the years.  For best results, take it from me - it doesn't taste better if you scrape off the black flakes...

-Heather... off to plan for a 4th of July rooftop fireworks-watching BBQ...

Posted by: jboulden on 06/28/2006
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Maggie  on June 28, 2006 at 11:47 AM 1
What about hard wood charcoal? It is not charcoal and doesn't char meat the same way. I'm a recent convert. I didn't like grilling much until I tasted grilled meat using wood- you can actually still taste the food. And you can use the cooled ash in the garden- just sprinkle it around the plants- they love it!
lori  on June 28, 2006 at 06:52 PM 2
i was really happy to see an ideal bite about grilling. i've been pondering about the effects of charcoal/gas and lo-and-behold, you answered my questions. i'm with maggie, what about the hardwood? seems like if plants like it, at least it's easily recycled and should be a little more environmentally friendly.
DAVID BROWN  on June 28, 2006 at 09:07 PM 3
USE MY GAS GRILL ALONG WITH CHARCOAL, IT HEATS THE CHARCOIL UP REAL FAST AND YOU DONT HAVE TO USE MUCH TO GET THE TASTE YOU WANT . IT WORKS REAL WELL . JUST PUT ABOUT 10 CUBES ON TOP THE GAS BURNER BEFORE YOU LIGHT IT UP . YOU'LL SEE YOU WILL HAVE THE SAME GREAT CHARCOIL TASTE FOR LESS COST AND DAMAGE TO OZONE LAYER . THANKS DAVID BROWN
Tonya  on June 29, 2006 at 12:00 PM 4
It seems to me that grilling may just be harmful all the way around, according to this. You support gas grilling but mining for natural gas causes harm to the planet too. Is there any good method?
Linda  on June 29, 2006 at 03:44 PM 5
I can't believe you're advising people to use gas! Charcoal may release CO2, but it's only temporary - it's reabsorbed by the next batch of trees being grown for more charcoal.
Carolyn Levine  on July 09, 2006 at 06:31 PM 6
So what is really true, ie positive for the environment, re: using regular charcoal or coals made from wood?? And is it possible to get a decent gas grill for under $50?? I was not happy to see a listing for a gas grill that costs $1999.00!!
JJ  on March 15, 2007 at 05:27 PM 7
I'm all for all of us being more responsible about our environment and our Earth; we've only got one! And I respect everyone's right to choose their food, but remember, agriculture and beef producers have families to feed and lives to support as well. So please, keep that in mind as well. There has to be a healthy balance.
LM  on May 04, 2007 at 01:49 PM 8
So what's the verdict? What's the best thing to do? BBQ season is upon us, and Biters will be going out to buy new grills soon... And is there an option that's inbetween the $2000 model vs. the apartment sized model?

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