When searching for the best boat barbecue for any type of vessel, you will typically want to choose either a gas- or electric-powered grill. A charcoal grill, while safe for most applications, is not a wise choice for a boat barbecue. The best boat barbecue will have a locking cover and will not include lava rocks. A self-start feature is typical on the best barbecues, as is a temperature gauge affixed to the outside of the grill. Another desired feature for boat-use barbecues is a grill made using stainless steel construction.
A boat barbecue is a helpful option for boat owners who enjoy extended stays out on the water. Installing a barbecue on a boat allows boaters and guests to prepare meals without coming ashore. In order to choose the best barbecue, you will need to examine certain features and designs used to manufacture the grill. The method the grill utilizes for cooking the food is perhaps one of the most critical features when choosing a barbecue for boat use. Charcoal is used in many styles of barbecue grills, but it can spill, shed hot ashes and add a dangerous aspect to grilling on-board a boat.
You might want to consider selecting either a gas or electric barbecue when searching for the best barbecue to use on your boat. Unlike charcoal, a gas or electric grill can be turned off completely when not in use, and neither requires a prolonged cool-down period. Charcoal also requires emptying and cleaning of the ashes, which the gas and electric models do not.
Lava rocks are typically added to a grill to add flavor and to catch dripping grease. The side effect of the rocks, however, is the tendency of the rocks to crumble and fall out of the grill's bottom vent holes. The falling rock could pose a fire hazard on a boat, so the best barbecue choice will not utilize the lava-type rocks, but rather a simple drip pan under the burner.
Another feature that will often separate the best grills from the average is a locking top cover. The locking cover will prevent the grill from accidentally opening in rough seas. This can also prevent breakage caused by the cover opening and closing if the boat barbecue is on-board during rough weather. The best choice is a permanently mounted barbecue that will not roll around the deck in rough conditions.