Affordable Alternatives to Commercial Grills
A variety of commercial grills are available for the would-be outdoor chef, and that’s what most people turn to when they are ready to do some outdoor dining. But for those who are on a tight budget or just don’t want to spend the money to purchase a gas grill, other options do exist.
I love to improvise and use everyday items for outdoor fun. If you don’t want to buy a commercial grill but do want to do some barbecuing at your next outdoor party, you can make your own grill. A good backyard grill can be made from a wheelbarrow (as we mentioned in our July 8 column) or even an everyday cooling rack. Here are some other fun ideas for a unique cooking adventure.
Newspaper Stove: Simple and Sustainable Cooking
For cheap fuel and a quick way to grill hamburgers, a newspaper stove is a great alternative to standard commercial grills. All you need is a 5-gallon garbage can or ash can, a wire cooling rack, some newspaper and a spray bottle of water. Both types of cans are available at hardware stores.
First, remove the lid of the can. Using five sheets of black and white newspaper (color might have dyes that are poisonous), gather the paper together, then twist to form small “logs” and place them in the bottom of the can.
Fill the can 1/3 of the way up with “logs” and then wad up a single sheet of newspaper, place it on top of the logs and light it.
Once the “logs” are burning, you are ready to place the cooling rack over the top of the can.
Put your hamburger patties on the rack and let them cook as usual. If the flames burn too high, pull out your spray bottle and tame them a little to avoid charred, half-cooked food.
Metal Garbage Can Lid Grill: Durable and Effective
Another type of improvised grill can be made from a garbage can lid or almost any metal container that can hold dirt for insulation.
Turn the lid over to rest on three bricks, and then fill it with dirt.
Cover the dirt with extra-heavy-duty foil and place briquets in a pile.
Then light the briquets, place bricks along the sides and place a grill on top of the bricks.
Tin Can Grill: Compact and Portable
Here’s an inexpensive and easy way to make a grill that is portable and is terrific if you don’t have a lot of space.
All you need is:
1 large coffee-size can
metal cutters
a pair of safety gloves
First, starting at the top of the can, cut 2-inch-wide parallel slits down the sides of the can. Cut down to about 3 inches from the bottom. Then bend the strips away from the center of the can, flaring them out to make a low, basket-like container.
Next, fill the bottom of the can with dirt and cover the dirt and strips with aluminum foil. You now have a shallow bowl-shaped grill.
Place the charcoal on top of the foil and lay the grilling rack on top of the metal strips. It is important that the distance from the grilling rack to the charcoal is at least 3 to 4 inches – you may have to adjust the angle of the strips to achieve this distance.
In just minutes you will have a created a small grill that gives big results!
If you are like I am and don’t like to spend the money if you don’t have to, then try out these ideas and see how they work for your family. I’m willing to be that even if you do have a standard grill, your guests will find that one made out of a tin can is much more fun!
