Many outdoor enthusiasts love getting behind a grill and cooking for themselves, their families and their guests, but traditional grills aren’t for everyone. If you’re looking for a way to spend more time outside or want to try new recipes, look no further than the grill alternatives at Tractor Supply. Learn more about the different types of outdoor cooking equipment available and what makes each option a great choice.
Pizza Ovens
It’s hard to imagine anyone objecting to a pizza night. Whether you’re inviting friends over for the big game or just making a pie for the family, having a way to cook pizza outdoors is a benefit you won’t want to pass up. Today’s pizza ovens have an insulated chamber, which traps heat from the burning fuel source and evenly radiates it over the cooking surface. Models feature different grilling fuel compatibilities that can affect the taste and cooking time, such as:
- Wood: Wood-fired pizzas can use firewood or wood pellets, depending on the model, to create a smoky flavor and crisp crust. They may take longer to heat up than gas options.
- Gas: Whether you choose propane or natural gas, gas-powered pizza ovens heat up quickly and are easy to use. However, they may not provide the same smoky taste as a wood-fired pizza.
- Electric: Electric pizza ovens won’t give you the smoky flavor as a wood-fired oven, but they can produce a crispy crust and offer precise temperature control.
- Charcoal: If you’re after more of a charbroiled pizza experience, choose an oven powered by charcoal briquettes, which retain enough heat for steady cooking temperatures for hours on end.
Along with standalone ovens, you’ll find options that come with the accessories you need to get started right away, including a pizza peel to help get the pie in and out of a hot oven. Some models come with a cutter and knife to help you separate slices, as well as oven mitts to help prevent burns. To protect your oven when not in use, choose an option that comes with a cover.
Smokers
If you are looking for an outdoor cooking option, which allows you time with family and guests, smokers might be for you. Smokers are designed for slow cooking that helps infuse each piece of meat, bringing out the rich flavors often associated with barbecue. Because they are meant to cook food over hours rather than minutes, smokers let you prepare meals well in advance, so you can enjoy more of your time outside with loved ones. You’ll simply need to inspect the food periodically to check its temperature.
Like grills, smokers use a variety of fuel types, including:
- Charcoal: These smokers are ideal if you want a classic grilling experience requiring charcoal briquettes. While the briquettes heat up slowly, these offerings are affordable and are generally easy to maintain.
- Gas: Also known as propane smokers, these units use combustion to help cook meats and can reach higher temperatures than other smoker types. They do, however, require gas or propane tanks, so you’ll want to make sure you have enough fuel before starting.
- Pellets: Cooking with wood pellets offers an authentic flavor that helps make meats melt in your mouth. Pellet smokers can come with several tiers to help you cook multiple food items at a time.
- Electricity: Electric smokers are designed with basic heating elements and easy to use, making them ideal for beginners. While they don’t offer the deeply infused, smoky flavor of other options, their simple operation is a solid choice for those who want to take on less work.
For those looking to find bold flavors, using sauces and spices works well with smoked meats. This makes smokers a good choice for those who like to try out new recipes.
Griddles
If grilling up a big breakfast or brunch is on your agenda, a griddle might be worth looking into. Also known as flat top grills, griddles work like grills but feature flat surfaces instead of grates. This means they are helpful for cooking certain foods that a grill couldn’t, such as pancakes, bacon and eggs. Because of this, griddles are a breakfast staple for many, but they can also cook your BBQ favorites, too, such as burgers, chicken and hot dogs.
Griddles may operate on electricity, a more budget-friendly way to enjoy your griddle creations. But they are most commonly powered by gas or charcoal, which both produce a high heat output. Gas creates a smoky flavor, while charcoal offers a charbroiled taste to savor. Narrow down your options further by deciding how many burners you need for your griddle. Many models offer two or four burners, while others have up to eight for hosting larger gatherings.
Portable griddles are also a must-have for those who love to spend time at the campsite, offering an option that makes both cooking and cleaning easy. These can be packed up quickly while camping, or they help to simply clear off some counter space in the kitchen after your meal is through.
Fryers
If you are looking for outdoor cooking equipment solely for special occasions, consider a fryer. Whether you want a perfectly cooked turkey at the center of your Thanksgiving table, or you plan to get everyone together for a fish fry, these outdoor cookers can help you get the job done.
Fryers are able to handle larger food items and heat quickly for convenient cooking. Outdoor fryers also typically use propane rather than electricity, allowing you to set it up virtually anywhere you desire. Meanwhile, electric models may utilize battery power or must be plugged in during use. With sturdy frame materials, such as aluminum and steel, you can rely on these devices for long-lasting use.
Outdoor Stoves and Fire Pits
Further alternatives to grills include stoves and fire pits, which are ideal if you want a portable, easy-to-store option or are heading to a campsite or tailgate. Camp stoves can be used both on camping outings and in your own backyard when you don’t want to fire up a larger grill. Propane options quickly hook up to a tank, while wood stoves use pellets or firewood to produce a smoky flavor.
For those looking to enjoy outdoor cooking while creating ambiance in the process, fire pits and fire rings are for you. Their open flames not only dazzle and provide warmth on chilly nights, but they also help you and your guests heat up or cook food. Roast marshmallows for s’mores for a quintessential dessert, or cook meats on skewers for a mouthwatering meal that you simply can’t get in your kitchen.
Find Your Outdoor Equipment at Tractor Supply
While traditional grilling offers an enjoyable experience to many, it might not be for you. Those looking for alternatives will love the selection of outdoor cooking equipment we have available. From smokers and fryers to pizza ovens and griddles, there’s sure to be something for everyone. Life Out Here means finding the products that work for you, so shop online or visit your local Tractor Supply store today and see all that we have to offer.