Grills are a fundamental appliance found in a wide range of commercial foodservice settings. Knowing what makes up your grill and how it works is crucial for achieving optimal performance and getting the best cooking results. While they may vary in style and function, most commercial outdoor grills share the same core parts. We'll outline the major components of a grill and what they do below so that you can better understand your kitchen and provide your guests with high-quality grilled foods.
The burner is a fundamental grill component that serves as the primary heat source. It is connected to the gas supply and releases heat through small holes on its top side. The quality and material of the burner are essential factors to consider when selecting a grill for your commercial kitchen. We'll outline the most popular types of grill burners below:
Grill grates are the main surface on which food cooks. They apply direct heat to meats, vegetables, and other foods, ensuring even cooking, delicious flavor, and creating sear marks. Since grill grates are exposed to high temperatures and food particles, they are prone to wear and tear, requiring regular cleaning, maintenance, and seasoning to prolong their lifespan and performance. The most common types of grill grates include the following:
Barriers and radiants refer to the same grill component located above the burners and beneath the grates. They protect the burners from grease and food drippings and promote even heat distribution, reducing the risk of flare-ups and hot spots while ensuring a more consistent cooking experience. Often referred to as heat plates or burner shields, these parts come in three main varieties: metal, ceramic, and lava rock.
The temperature gauge measures and displays the internal temperature of your grill's cooking chamber. Using this gauge, you can regulate how much heat your grill gives off and ensure your food cooks within the correct temperature range, resulting in perfectly prepared dishes for your customers. Whether you're grilling steaks, burgers, or vegetables, accurately monitoring the temperature inside the grill helps you achieve optimal results every time. There are two main types of temperature gauges:
Attached to the gas valve stem, control knobs allow you to adjust the temperature and flame height of your grill, giving you the flexibility to achieve the perfect cooking conditions for your menu items. They do this by giving you control over the gas flow to burners. In the event of a fire outbreak, these knobs enable you to quickly shut off the burner, helping to prevent further escalation of the situation. This functionality is essential for ensuring the safety of your staff and customers in a busy commercial kitchen environment.
Also known as the igniter, ignition systems provide the spark to light your grill's flame. When you turn on the grill, the spark is generated and sent through a wire to an electrode, which then ignites the gas, lighting the burner. Regular maintenance and prompt replacement of faulty igniters can help prevent downtime and ensure your grill is always ready for use. There are two main types of ignition systems for a commercial grill:
The warming rack is positioned above the grill grates and is a convenient area to keep finished foods warm while you continue grilling other items. They are useful when certain foods are ready before others or to prevent overcooking while keeping them at an ideal serving temperature. Warming racks also double as a secondary cooking space for foods that do not require direct heat. In the event of flare-ups or grill fires, they provide an evacuation zone to prevent foods from burning. Warming racks can be made from several different materials:
Grease trays and drip pans collect grease, drippings, and food particles that fall through the grates. It is important to empty and clean them regularly. Failure to do so can cause a buildup of grease and food debris, and if enough accumulates, it will become a fire hazard. They are easy to remove and replace, allowing easy maintenance and replacement. Although the terms grease tray and drip pan are used interchangeably, there is a slight difference between the two:
Side burners are separate cooking surfaces that provide the flexibility to cook more food at the same time, increasing efficiency during busy service hours. While some side burners are integrated into the grill, they can also be standalone units. The main advantage of side burners is their ability to cook foods at different temperatures or settings than the main grill. This feature is useful when preparing side dishes, sauces, or other ingredients that complement the main course. Just as grills do, side burners come in several styles to fit your needs:
Also referred to as crossover tubes, these components connect between the gas grill burners, providing a channel to distribute the gas and flame. This gives you control over how your grill heats up and promotes consistent grilling results. Without functioning carryover tubes, you may experience uneven heat distribution, which can prevent you from cooking foods to your desired doneness. By ensuring that these tubes are in good condition and properly installed, you can optimize the performance of your grill and enhance the quality of your food.
The regulator, also known as a gas regulator or propane regulator, plays a crucial role in controlling the gas flow between the propane tank and the grill. It is responsible for regulating gas pressure and ensuring propane is dispersed into the grill safely. Without a properly functioning regulator, your grill may be at risk of creating gas leaks. Depending on what kind of outdoor grill you use, you may have a different type of regulator:
Investing in high-quality commercial grill accessories will help elevate your grilling process and ensure your signature dishes are prepared as you see fit. With the right accessories, you can also prevent damage to your grill and improve its longevity. We've listed some of the most common grilling accessories below:
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