Key Takeaway
| Grill Tray | A grill tray is a must-have accessory for your outdoor cooking setup.
It helps to keep food from falling through the grates and prevents flare-ups that could burn your food. Look for a tray that is durable, easy to clean, and has a non-stick surface. |
Outdoor cooking is one of life’s greatest pleasures. There’s nothing quite like the smoky flavor of grilled meat, the crispiness of roasted veggies, or the sizzle of grilled seafood.
If you’re a grilling enthusiast, you know that having the right tools can make all the difference in achieving the perfect meal. One essential tool that every outdoor cook should have in their arsenal is a grill tray.
What is a grill tray?
A grill tray is a metal tray that is designed to be placed on the grill grates. It is used to keep small or delicate items from falling through the grates and to prevent flare-ups that could burn your food. Grill trays come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be made from materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, or cast iron.
Why do you need a grill tray?
Using a grill tray can offer several benefits:
- Prevents food from falling through the grates – This is especially important when grilling small or delicate items like shrimp, fish fillets, or vegetables that can easily slip through the grates.
- Avoids flare-ups – Grease and fat from meat can cause flare-ups on the grill, which can lead to burnt and overcooked food. A grill tray helps to prevent this from happening.
- Enhances flavor – A grill tray allows for better heat distribution, which can help to cook food more evenly and impart a smoky flavor.
What to look for in a grill tray?
When shopping for a grill tray, there are several things to consider:
- Size and shape – Choose a grill tray that fits your grill and can accommodate the food you plan to cook.
- Durability – Look for a tray that is sturdy and can withstand high heat without warping or bending.
- Non-stick surface – A non-stick surface makes cleaning your grill tray a breeze.
- Ease of cleaning – Look for a grill tray that is easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
Types of grill trays
There are several types of grill trays to choose from, including:
- Vegetable grill trays – These trays are great for grilling vegetables, as they have smaller holes to prevent them from falling through the grates.
- Fish grill trays – These trays are designed to hold delicate fish fillets and prevent them from sticking to the grill.
- Stainless steel grill trays – These trays are durable and easy to clean, making them a popular choice for many grill enthusiasts.
Conclusion
If you love outdoor cooking, a grill tray is a must-have accessory for your setup. It can help to prevent food from falling through the grates, avoid flare-ups, and enhance the flavor of your food. When shopping for a grill tray, consider the size, durability, non-stick surface, and ease of cleaning. With a grill tray in your arsenal, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of outdoor cooking.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Prevents food from falling through | More expensive than cooking directly |
| Avoids flare-ups | Can take up grill space |
| Enhances flavor | Needs to be cleaned after every use |
Best Grill Trays
| Grill Tray | Key Features | – |
|---|---|---|
| Cuisinart Grill Pan | Durable Stainless Steel Construction, Non-Stick Surface | |
| Weber Stainless Steel Grill Pan | Dishwasher safe, designed to fit Weber grills | |
| Grillaholics Grill Basket | Perfect for veggies, Stainless Steel Construction |
Conclusion
A grill tray is a cheap and simple solution to avoid flame-ups and burnt food. Therefore, it is a must-have accessory for your outdoor cooking setup. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to achieve delicious grilled food, and we provided some options to save you some time.
Remember, a grill tray prevents your food from falling through the grates, avoids fire, enhances flavor, and can cook almost anything you want.