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Although summer is the peak season for BBQ grilling, there are times when this outdoor activity isn’t possible. This could be inclement weather that puts an immediate stop to your weekend BBQ plans. Or, it could be a ban on outdoor grills due to an increased risk of forest fires. Whatever the case may be, there is still a way to satisfy your BBQ cravings without having to step outside: indoor grilling.
Follow this short guide to learn more about indoor grilling and how it can fulfill your needs as a diehard BBQ fan.
BBQ PSA: Never Use a Propane/Charcoal Grill Indoors
Let’s get this out of the way: Using a propane or charcoal grill indoors is extremely dangerous, and should never be attempted. Performing this risky act could lead to fatal consequences for you and your family.
Indoor use of charcoal grills and hibachis causes about 30 deaths and 300 emergency room visits every year, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Charcoal and propane grills emit carbon monoxide that can easily accumulate in enclosed spaces like a house, and even a small amount can be lethal. When used in an indoor space, these outdoor grills lack the proper ventilation and insulation that a regular oven range has. And considering the high temperatures they achieve, outdoor grills pose a much more dangerous fire hazard than ovens.
READ: 13 Good Indoor Grilling Tips for Beginners
In fact, it’s not even a good idea to store your charcoal/propane grill in your home when you’re not using it. Gas leaks from propane tanks are not detectable by carbon monoxide detectors. Furthermore, charcoal will continue to emit carbon monoxide until becoming fully extinguished; this means they remain a health hazard hours after using it.
We all love BBQ, but we need to take care of ourselves as well. The bottom line is that outdoor grills are designed for outdoor use, and should never be used inside. Even if you’ve considered this idea briefly, the straight answer is that the gains will never outweigh the risks.
Safe Indoor Grill Options
- Broiler: As the secret feature some people don’t know about their stoves, the broiler is located at the very top of your home oven. Food is placed below it to cook, which happens to commonly be steak.
- Electric Grill: Safe to use indoors, electric grills come in many varieties, many of which feature ridged surfaces that emulate grill marks. Keep in mind that any type of grilling will output emissions, so it’s best to keep your cooking area well-ventilated.
- Stove-Top Grill: Usually made of cast iron with a non-stick cooking surface, these non-electric versions are made to be used on top of your stove and heated by one or two burners.
- Flat Top Grill: Also known as electric griddles, flat top grills have surged in popularity lately. Despite its lack of any way to make those coveted grill marks, flat top grills are well known for their versatility, and are able to make a variety of foods such as breakfast meals and Asian cuisines.
Indoor Grill: BBQ Flavor Substitutes
As we see, we are able to reasonably bring the outdoor grill inside the house with interior grill options. However, the same can not be said for BBQ flavor. The essence of BBQ lies in its smoke, and food simply doesn’t taste the same without it.
Be that as it may, there are a few ways you are able to replicate BBQ flavor.
Liquid Smoke: Yes, someone was able to take the essence of BBQ and literally capture it in a bottle. This product distills smoke in water to provide that traditional BBQ taste that is missing from non-grilled food.
Smoked Rub: This popular BBQ step features using seasoning blends made from smoked foods and herbs that commonly include paprika, salt, and chipotle peppers.
Get Perfect Results with ThermoPro Thermometers
No matter how you grill, you’ll be able to achieve perfect results every time you cook by using ThermoPro thermometers!
Know when your grilled food has achieved your desired level of doneness with instant-read thermometers such as the ThermoPro Lightning. This innovative product features a one-second read time that gives you the accuracy and speed you need when grilling. Accept no compromises for your grill by getting the ThermoPro Lightning, the must-have BBQ accessory every home needs!
Browse our full lineup of meat thermometers on Amazon!
