Factors to Consider When Choosing Grill Grate Size
When considering the purchase of a grill, determining the appropriate grill grate size is crucial. This primarily depends on two key factors:
1. Number of People
The number of individuals to be served simultaneously with cooked food is essential. For instance, if 8 people need to be catered to with a grill surface designed for 2 people, expect considerable wait times.
2. Type of Food
The size of the grill grate also differs based on the type of food being cooked. Bratwurst, for instance, occupies less space than steaks. Clarifying these factors simplifies the decision-making process.
It’s advisable to opt for a grill surface that’s slightly larger rather than smaller, assuming space and mobility aren’t significant constraints.
Considerations for Different Cooking Methods
Distinguishing between direct and indirect grilling is also helpful. Side dishes or varying types of food (such as fish and meat) require different cooking times. Hence, different temperature zones on the grill surface are needed to ensure simultaneous readiness. Larger grills often feature multiple adjustable burners to accommodate these requirements.
In instances where the grill surface is too small, having a second smaller grill for other dishes can be useful. This enhances flexibility, especially when unexpected larger groups need to be served. For personal or small-group grilling, a smaller grill is often sufficient and practical, even for spontaneous outings.
Recommended Grill Grate Dimensions
Calculating the required grill grate size involves using some sample values. For pork belly, steaks, or turkey breast, an allocation of 12×12 cm per person is sensible. Doubling the measurements to 24×24 cm accommodates additional space for side dishes, ensuring simultaneous cooking without delays. For bratwurst, 10×6 cm per person is sufficient, increasing to around 20×20 cm with side dishes.
When excluding side dishes, dimensions for steaks or pork belly range from 24×24 cm for 2-3 persons, 50×50 cm for 4-5 persons, to 75×75 cm for 6-8 persons. Including side dishes, these measurements shift to 45×45 cm for 2-3 persons, 90×90 cm for 4-5 persons, and 100×100 cm for 6-8 persons.
Bratwurst requires less space. For 2-3 persons, 30×20 cm suffices, increasing to 50×35 cm for 4-5 persons and 70×50 cm for 6-8 persons. With side dishes, these dimensions expand to 40×30 cm for 2-3 persons, 75×60 cm for 4-5 persons, and 100×80 cm for 6-8 persons.
These values serve as rough guidelines, providing an understanding of the necessary grill grate size. Larger grill surfaces not only accommodate more food simultaneously but also offer options for post-cooking, selecting between direct and indirect grilling, and creating multiple temperature zones.