Grill or Barbecue?

I have been grilling and barbecuing for 15 years. Everytime I fire up the gas grill or throw ribs on the smoker the situation is different. It could be the weather conditions, the type of wood, or the cut of meat can affect the outcome. Although grilling and barbecuing are two different methods the equipment used can be the same.

So what is the difference between grilling and barbecuing? When you are grilling you are cooking with temperatures exceeding 350 degrees. The higher temperature tends to char the surface of the meat giving it barbecue flavor. Typically when grilling you are using Gas, Charcoal, or Electric for cooking. Grilling is great for lean cuts of meat, burgers, and steaks. If you are firing up the barbecue you are using the method of cooking low and slow with a indirect heating source. Typically the fuel source is wood or charcoal. The low heat and smoke penetrate the meat giving a smokey flavor. This type of cooking is great for large cuts of meat or cuts with lots of tough connective tissue like ribs, pork shoulder, brisket, or poultry.