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What Is a Propane Barbecue?

Geisha A. Legazpi
Geisha A. Legazpi

The term “barbecue” could either mean the grilling of foods, the food that is grilled, the cooking materials used for grilling, or the gathering in which grilling food is the main activity. Consequently, a propane barbecue is a grilling method that makes use of propane gas. It is considered a faster, cleaner, and more efficient way to cook foods than using charcoal. One of the benefits of using propane gas is the absence of smoke and dirt. A propane barbecue can also preserve the taste of the barbecued food better than a charcoal barbecue would.

A propane barbecue is considered a popular choice in many households today. This is often the setup preferred by most people when buying grilling apparatus for the first time. Typical considerations in purchasing this type of cooking material include the cost, the cooking flexibility, and the cooking capacity of the grill that is usually based on the number of people the buyer usually invites for the gathering.

Barbecue propane tank.
Barbecue propane tank.

One of the reasons a propane barbecue is very popular nowadays is that their heat levels, known as British thermal units (BTUs), are high. The grill gets hotter as the BTUs become higher. High levels of British thermal unit result in easier and more precise cooking. Propane gas barbecues also heat up quickly, giving way to faster cooking.

Moreover, most propane barbecues today feature multiple burners, each with its own temperature control. This feature allows the user to cook different foods at the same time. Another factor that makes a propane barbecue so popular is that it is easy to use that even first-timers would not encounter too many problems at the initial setup and operation. Many people also find that cleaning a propane barbecue after each use does not require as much meticulousness as other types of grill would.

Hot dogs, which can be cooked on a propane barbecue.
Hot dogs, which can be cooked on a propane barbecue.

Barbecue, and all it entails, already seems to be a tradition for families all over America and Europe. While many people find foods cooked on a grill more delicious, a propane barbecue is of particular interest because it is one of the most efficient ways to produce grilled meals. Some favorite barbecue meals include hamburgers, hot dogs, spareribs, and tuna steaks. Side dishes can be grilled too, and some of the more popular ones include vegetable kebab and corn on the cob. Indeed, a lot of people consider the propane barbecue as the best partner to grill their way through summer.

Discussion Comments

discographer

I just bought a mobile propane barbecue. I plan to take it on holidays and camping trips. I think it will work out great. The barbecue itself is quite light. And I can take a mini propane tank which shouldn't add too much weight to the car. Bond-fires are great, but it's difficult to cook food on them.

candyquilt

@burcinc-- Yes, propane grills heat up much faster. And they also cook the foo more evenly, although that also has to do with the number and location of burners.

If you grill very frequently and host barbecues for friends and family, then you'll definitely want a stainless steel propane barbecue with three or four burners. I have one with four burners and it is ready in no time and cooks everything perfectly. The price was on the higher end but I think it was worth it.

Something else you should consider is easy access to the propane tank. And the tank should be easy to change also.

burcinc

I'm thinking about buying a propane barbecue. I have a charcoal grill and there are disadvantages to it. First of all, it takes a long time to heat up and secondly, it's difficult to clean.

My neighbor has a propane barbecue and he tells me that it heats up very, very quickly. This article has said the same. I just have to save money for a good brand now. I want something that lasts many years.

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    • Barbecue propane tank.
      Barbecue propane tank.
    • Hot dogs, which can be cooked on a propane barbecue.
      By: Natika
      Hot dogs, which can be cooked on a propane barbecue.
    • Propane barbecues have become more popular for grilling at home.
      By: Pietro D'Antonio
      Propane barbecues have become more popular for grilling at home.
    • A free-standing propane barbecue grill can be a useful addition to a patio or backyard.
      By: Monkey Business
      A free-standing propane barbecue grill can be a useful addition to a patio or backyard.
    • Hamburgers are a popular grilled meal.
      By: pilipphoto
      Hamburgers are a popular grilled meal.