The Best Grilling Basket

Nothing tops the flavor of a juicy rib eye or marinated chicken breast cooked outdoors on a grill. Grilling brings out the natural flavors in a variety of foods and enhances them with smoke. With the right tools, you can cook entire meals, including the vegetable sides, in your backyard. That sure beats running in and out of the house and struggling to time everything just right. It also keeps your kitchen cool and clean.
If your grilling repertoire is limited to burgers and hot dogs, you’re missing out on some delicious meals. Pork chops, fish, shrimp, ribs, quesadillas, chicken wings, turkey legs and even whole roasts can be cooked outside. Here’s a guide to assembling what you need for convenient family meals or memorable summer parties.

Types of Grill Baskets

First, decide how you will use your grill baskets. They come in an endless assortment of styles and materials, and some are not so much baskets as perforated pans.
There are deep woks for stir-frying shrimp or chopped meats with vegetables. Their rounded sides allow heat to circulate evenly. For anyone who hates threading skewers, the grill wok is a godsend.
Baskets constructed like skillets, such as the Mr. Bar-B-Q 06814X on our list, are ideal for searing foods. Large, deep baskets allow heat and smoke to pass freely but keep chopped items from falling through the grill grates. The Grillux model, for example, makes it easy to toss and stir small foods like peppers, onions, mushrooms and broccoli florets without losing a bite. Many baskets are adjustable; you can collapse the tops and lock them securely to hold burger patties or chicken breasts. Just flip the entire basket to cook all your pieces consistently.

Those are the basics, but prepare to be surprised by the wide variety of specialty grill baskets. Some are designed to keep fish from breaking or sticking to the grill. Others are specifically made for fat sausage links or hot dogs. The Charcoal Companion Nonstick Kabob Grilling Baskets make life easier for kabob lovers by keeping the elements snug and tidy.

Materials and Construction

Sturdy, well-constructed grill baskets can last forever. Some manufacturers, like AccMart, are so confident in the durability of their products that they offer lifetime, money-back guarantees.
Stainless steel and cast iron stand up to heat best and cook the most evenly. There are pros and cons to both, so it really boils down to personable preference.
Stainless steel is typically more expensive, but it’s durable and heats predictably. It won't rust like cast iron. If you cook over high heat, you might have to use a stiff brush and apply a little elbow grease at cleanup time. For light jobs, you can put stainless steel pieces in the dishwasher.

Many outdoor chefs swear by cast iron. Although it doesn’t heat as quickly as other metals, it distributes heat so evenly that you needn’t babysit items like chopped vegetables or shrimp. Even over high heat, foods won’t burn or stick if the cooking vessel was properly oiled. Commercial-grade cast iron, like that used in the Mr. Bar-B-Q Round Grill Pan, is almost three times thicker than stainless steel. One disadvantage to this material, though, is its hefty weight.

A number of cast iron grilling products have already been seasoned. You can wipe them down with paper towels or wash them by hand with mild soap and water. If you wash them, they must be allowed to dry completely before they’re stored to prevent rusting.

If you choose stainless steel or cast iron, the baskets should be thoroughly oiled or coated with cooking spray before use.

If easy cleanup is important to you, you’ll probably prefer nonstick products. Just make sure that nonstick finishes are free of toxins and don’t easily flake or chip. Porcelain enamel is the toughest and safest nonstick material. If you do see chipping, discard the pan or basket right away. Make sure that any utensils you buy are safe for nonstick surfaces.

Consider the size and shape of the cooking surface. A rounded, wok-style basket, for instance, might not be the best choice for flat foods like fish. Holes shouldn’t be so large that chopped foods fall through. You could go for one flexible, multipurpose basket if you don’t mind cooking different kinds of food in batches.

Handles are also an important consideration. They should be insulated or heat-resistant for safety. Fixed handles are fine for cooking over a campfire or open grill. If you want to cook with your grill lid closed, be sure to get products with removable handles. Looped handles are convenient for carrying and hanging grill baskets.

Grill Greats

We found a few products that were especially worth mentioning.

The stainless steel Cave Tools Vegetable Grill Basket, priced at $19.99, is a bargain to begin with. The manufacturer also throws in a money-back guarantee, 25 grilling recipes and some tutorial videos.
The Rib-O-Lator Rotisserie will make your backyard gathering feel more like a tailgate party. It has large tiered trays for cooking whatever you can fit all at the same time. Installation takes only minutes. It’s the priciest item on our list, but it’s a versatile piece that accommodates an entire meal.

S’more to Love came up with the perfect tool for making everyone’s favorite campout treat. Six locking compartments prevent the crackers from sliding and keep the gooey elements together. This piece can also be used in the oven at your kid's next sleepover. S’more purists may balk, but you have to admire the innovation.
There are endless products and accessories for staying on top of your grilling game. Summer’s just around the corner, so start a shopping list now. Don’t forget the campy chef’s apron and matching mitts.

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This page about Grilling Basket was composed by V. Tobies and published by Alternative.me.
It was last updated on 2024-12-22 08:24:37 and has been viewed 3781 times.