The Only Grilling Products You Need, The Best Grills, and More!
Over the years I’ve spent countless hours on the grill, both professionally and in my personal life! I’ve always loved grilling… the cooking method, the flavors, and the experience. As the weather continues to warm up this summer, I find myself leaning towards recipes that are prepared on the grill. Delicious beef skewers, simple turkey burgers, grilled veggies, and of course… a classic steak! Summer pairs so well with grilling… hence why it’s officially grilling season!
Having worked as the executive chef for the Texas Beef Council over 20 years, my grill-related knowledge is quite extensive. Grilling is a skill that can certainly be daunting at first, but it’s really simple once you get the hang of it! In honor of summer grilling, I thought I would take the stress out of grilling by sharing the ultimate guide to grilling. How to grill the perfect steak, tips I’ve gathered over the years, the three items I believe are true grilling essentials, grill recommendations and more! If you’re ready to become a grill expert, you’re in the right place!
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Grilling Essentials
When it comes to grilling, having the correct equipment generally leads to an easier and more pleasurable grilling experience. However, with so many items marketed as “grilling essentials” or “must-have grilling products”, it can be a bit difficult to determine which items you truly need. Psst… there’s not that many! If you’re just getting started with the process, below are the three basic items that I consider to be must-haves.
Grilling Set
Tongs, and a spatula are two critical grilling essentials. These items can certainly be purchased individually, but this set has all you need (and then some) packed into one convenient case. There are many bundle options, but I’ve always been impressed with the quality of this brand. I highly recommend a set that includes long grilling tongs to keep exposed skin from getting too close to the grill.
Meat Thermometer
If I could only give one piece of grilling advice it would be this. The internal temperature of any protein is not something you should just “eyeball”. This is for the sake of both food safety and the best outcome. Of the countless meat thermometers on the market, this Digital Instant Read Meat Thermometer is my favorite. It’s a high-quality, affordable, basic, tried and true way to prevent overcooking and (more importantly) undercooking. I’ve also heard incredible things about this bluetooth meat thermometer!
Grill Cleaning Brush
Keeping your grill clean is a crucial and often overlooked part of grilling. You should clean your grill after each use to prevent buildup. I’ve found cleaning the grill immediately after use while it’s still slightly warm makes it much easier. There’s no need to get fancy… just use the brush to scrub off debris. I use this basic brush, but have heard great things about this steam cleaning brush as a more elevated option.
How To Grill The Perfect Steak
Instructions
- Start your grill and heat to 400°F.
- Clean grates using a grill brush to remove any leftover residue.
- On a prep tray season both sides of steaks using a rub or simply salt and pepper. I recommend patting each side to ensure you don’t lose any seasoning.
- Place steaks on grill grates and grill until moisture starts to pool on the top. The beef should easily release from the grates using tongs. Turn once.
- Grill on the other side until desired internal temperature is reached. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the steak to measure internal temperature.
- Remove steaks using long grilling tongs and allow to rest on a cutting board for about 3 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute.
Notes
- Tenderloin, t-bone, porterhouse, ribeye, sirloin, flank steak, NY strip, and of course hamburger are a few of my favorite beef cuts to grill.
- Use your favorite steak rub, marinade, or simply salt and pepper to season. Make sure to season both sides for a perfectly balanced flavor.
- Always use tongs instead of a fork to turn steaks. This keeps delicious juices inside and prevents the steak from drying out.
- To manually determine if the grill is ready, hold your hand 4 inches above the heat source for 4 seconds. The grill should be 400°F and ready to cook.
- Check Beef Loving Texans doneness chart to determine doneness.
- The steak’s internal temperature will continue to rise while the meat rests.
- Cleaning grates is always easier with a warm grill. I recommend allowing it to cool off ever so slightly, then scrubbing with your grill brush to clean
Recommended Grills
The grill options are seemingly endless, which makes purchasing a grill rather overwhelming. There are various fuel types, price points, and sizes… all of which have different pros and cons. It boils down to personal preference. For instance, I prefer the ease of a gas grill, but love the flavor that comes from grilling on a charcoal grill. If you’re in the market for a grill, I thought I’d share a few great options of different types and prices!
Natural Gas Grill
I consider natural gas grills to be the least “fussy”. Gas grills offer a simple, straight-forward, and convenient grilling experience with very little required maintenance. The simple ignition, quick preheat, and easy temperature control make for an easy and low-stress grilling experience. I’ve grilled on the Weber Genesis E-315 Gas Grill in the past and had a great experience. Basic, reliable, and under $950!
Charcoal Grill
Charcoal grills offer a very unique and delicious flavor. I’d describe it as the kind of “smoky” flavor that most people associate with grilling. The reviews on this Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill speak for themselves. A great high-quality charcoal grill that’s under $230!
Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker
Smokers have lower cooking temperatures and slower cook times, which offers unique benefits. Smoked foods tend to be much more tender, juicy, and flavorful due to the slower cooking process. I love a grill that can grill and smoke. The glowing reviews on this Traeger Grills Pro Series 575 speak for themselves.
Tiffy’s Top Pick
I’ve had the Hestan Outdoors Aspire Series for years and love it! It’s a natural gas grill and while it’s certainly a splurge, it’s worth every penny in my opinion. Beautiful design and amazing functionality.
