grill

Fold-down grill transforms the backyard

A good backyard grilling session can be exhilarating in the sense that when surrounded by good food, good times, and good weather, it's as if one is transported somewhere else. However, unlike a vacation in some far away land, at home we are surrounded by friends and family, completing the experience to a degree unattainable anywhere else. To complete this journey, all that is needed is some charcoal, a few select food items, and of course, a grill.

With a resemblance to a ship porthole when not in use, the Sigmafocus is a folding wall-mounted charcoal grill that transforms … Read more

Take your fruit to the grill

If you're not yet familiar with the flavors of grilled fruit, you have something wonderful to look forward to. A grilled apple or a grilled peach can take the fruit's flavor to the next step. It hasn't always been easy to grill certain fruits--a peach can easily roll all over the grill--but the Fruit Grill Rack makes the process significantly easier. The stainless steel rack is shaped so that each piece of fruit is held in place just over the grill, getting the full effect of the heat but with a more stable base. In particular, it … Read more

5 killer iPhone apps for foodies

Believe it or not, my stomach is looking forward to the arrival of my iPad (hurry up, UPS!) just as much as my brain. That's because I can envision the tablet on my kitchen counter (sitting upright in a dirt-cheap stand, of course), serving up page after page of delicious recipes, each with tantalizing photos and large, easy-to-read text.

In the meantime, I'm making due with my iPhone (or my wife's iPod Touch--whatever's closer). The print may be a little small, but the cooking/recipe apps are first-rate. Here's a list of my five favorites:… Read more

Compact gas grill challenges the big boys

A backyard behemoth of a grill can be an impressive sight, where even just a glance can trigger an emotional response that won't be satisfied until we find ourselves armed with a spatula, hovering over an array of flame-licked meats and vegetables. However, the deliciousness evident in such a grill session doesn't have to be reserved solely for king-size grills (leave that for the food). In fact, sometimes you get more for your punch in a smaller size.

The Minden Outdoor Gas Grill comes in a compact size without sacrificing features. Incorporating many amenities that larger, more expensive … Read more

Thermometer tells it like it is

Some chefs don't take direction too well. You could tell them the secret for the best barbecue sauce in the world, but they would never admit it was right until they added something to make it "theirs." There's nothing wrong with this sentiment: not only are everybody's taste buds individualized, but also the process creates endless varieties. And as they say, variety is the spice of life. On the other hand, when it comes to the actual cooking process, a chef who insists on serving meats done exactly to his or her personal liking can … Read more

A grill you can bring indoors

There are plenty of days when firing up the grill in the back yard just isn't in the cards, but that doesn't stop me from wanting to get a couple of steaks going. The Flama Chakall Indoor Flame Grill offers an alternative, allowing you to grill indoors--and with a few more health benefits than the grill in your back yard may offer. It has channels to drain away grease, with just enough of a slope to get it clear of your food. The grill also comes with a removable drip tray so that you can easily clean it. … Read more

Barbecue three ways

Few words associated with food are as controversial as barbecue. However, in this debate it's not only about who has the better ribs, or what region makes the best pulled-pork sandwich, but what the definition of barbecue even is. Purists will say that unless it is slow-cooked over low heat, with the requisite amount of smoke, it does not qualify as barbecue. They cringe when they hear people say they are going to a backyard barbecue, knowing full well that the main fare will be hamburgers and hot dogs--not that there's anything wrong with that; it's just … Read more

Hamburgers and hot dogs: Together at last

Sometimes choice is not a good thing. For example, when presented with the opportunity to have a hot dog or a hamburger, choosing can be difficult. Perhaps location will come into play for the decision: hot dogs at the ballgame, burgers at the backyard party. Or maybe what condiments are on-hand would be the deciding factor. But for those times in the comfort of your own kitchen, with all necessary condiments in the fridge, the best option isn't either/or, but rather, both.

At least the question of how best to prepare hot dogs and hamburgers can finally be … Read more

Indoor grill easy on the wallet

Shopping for kitchen appliances can at times be tricky. A host of factors to think about present themselves, with each one vying for attention as the most important thing to consider. No matter how much the color or the material of an appliance may come into the equation, there are always two other things to consider, no matter what personal preferences may be: price and size.

For the budgetary-minded trying to pack a punch onto a small countertop, appliance shopping can be a challenge. With a price tag of just $29.99, the West Bend Nonstick Countertop Grill and Panini Press (model 6113), … Read more

A grill with a Tuscan touch

The Tuscan Grill from Bella Cucina is based on an 18th century design, meant to be used for outdoor grilling or in a fireplace. It will fit comfortably in most fireplaces. By combining the Tuscan Grill and some firewood, you can add delicate smoky flavors to grilled meats and vegetables. This grill is hand-crafted by Tuscan metalsmiths and is designed to be functional. It is available in two sizes, the Originale (18.5 inches by 16 inches) and the Grande (25 inches by 18.5 inches).

With the Tuscan Grill, you can easily adjust heat by moving the grill plate … Read more