We have decided that a using a gas grill on the taffrail might help keep the cabin cooler during our upcoming cruise this summer. We are looking for input on what manufacturer, model, and size would be the best, and why.
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Last year Practical Sailor
L:ast year PC rated the major brands. I have a Magma which works quite well.
L:ast year PC rated the major brands. I have a Magma which works quite well.
also look in the archives.
Paul: This thread was going last year some time. There are as many opinions about BBQ's as there are opinions about brand of boat, how to make coffee and politics.
Paul: This thread was going last year some time. There are as many opinions about BBQ's as there are opinions about brand of boat, how to make coffee and politics.
Quit using one
I quit using a barbecue after many years using a magma. In strong winds they take a long time to cook, use a lot of little gas bottles which are not refillable and thus an environmental issue, and you end up dripping grease and stuff all over your boat. Then there are the seagulls, I've had them grab food right off the grill while the grill was running!! Finally food on a grill can not be healthy!! It is cooking in the raw flame of propane the byproducts of the combustion are all over your food. I can't believe that is not extremely bad for you. I find that stir fry on the stove is the easiest, fastest and healthiest way to cook. A little olive oil (good for you) and you can have all kinds of varieties of foods this way. A non stick pan and clean up is a breeze. dave
I quit using a barbecue after many years using a magma. In strong winds they take a long time to cook, use a lot of little gas bottles which are not refillable and thus an environmental issue, and you end up dripping grease and stuff all over your boat. Then there are the seagulls, I've had them grab food right off the grill while the grill was running!! Finally food on a grill can not be healthy!! It is cooking in the raw flame of propane the byproducts of the combustion are all over your food. I can't believe that is not extremely bad for you. I find that stir fry on the stove is the easiest, fastest and healthiest way to cook. A little olive oil (good for you) and you can have all kinds of varieties of foods this way. A non stick pan and clean up is a breeze. dave
Health Issues Aside
I read somewhere that there is a device you can use to refil those pesky green bottles. Anybody have info.
I read somewhere that there is a device you can use to refil those pesky green bottles. Anybody have info.
magma works good
I have a Magma grill/stove. A friend has the Magma grill with the brickettes. We are both generally happy, but the regulator could be better. The 2 temperature settings are hot and very hot. Whatever you do, a grill probably won't substitute for a stove in all cases. I haven't had problems with birds mostly because I keep the grill closed when in use. The force 10 works OK on the hook, but if you are at a dock and the wind is off the beam, they can be hard to light and slow to cook. (So others report to me) The green bottles aren't bad, and you can get an attachment from Magma to connect the grill to the main tank if you think this is a problem - or you can get an adapter to hook a green bottle into the main system as a backup, so you don't run out. Whatever you do, don't buy the green bottles from a marine outlet. WalMart has the best prices!
I have a Magma grill/stove. A friend has the Magma grill with the brickettes. We are both generally happy, but the regulator could be better. The 2 temperature settings are hot and very hot. Whatever you do, a grill probably won't substitute for a stove in all cases. I haven't had problems with birds mostly because I keep the grill closed when in use. The force 10 works OK on the hook, but if you are at a dock and the wind is off the beam, they can be hard to light and slow to cook. (So others report to me) The green bottles aren't bad, and you can get an attachment from Magma to connect the grill to the main tank if you think this is a problem - or you can get an adapter to hook a green bottle into the main system as a backup, so you don't run out. Whatever you do, don't buy the green bottles from a marine outlet. WalMart has the best prices!
Bottle Refill Adaptor
With regard to refilling the small propane bottles, this can be done if you have the right equipment. 1. Refillable bottle: The bottle to be filled should be a "refillable" bottle. A refillable bottle is sliBottle Refill Adaptor Submitted by John Nantz of Poulsbo WA on 06/08 at 11:41AM regarding General_interest With regard to refilling the small propane bottles, this can be done if you have the right equipment. 1. Refillable bottle: The bottle to be filled should be a "refillable" bottle. A refillable bottle is slightly heavier than the disposable types so there is a difference. 2. Adaptor: There are adaptors made to link the refillable bottle to the bulk storage tank - probably your barbecue tank. This is a link to what appears to be one such adaptor: http://www.heatershop.com/1lb_probane_bottle_fill_kit.html This is a short stubby adaptor but the type that I had for my plane engine preheater was about 8 to 10-inches long so there are different types available. Red Dragon link: http://www.flameengineering.com/Preheater_Accessories.html (also down below). This link shows a picture of an adaptor ["A-76150 Disposable Cylinder Adaptor with Shut-off valve"] but I don't know if it can be used to connect a bottle to a "bulk tank" for the purpose of refilling. I'm sure they could provide information - see the side bar on their web site for contact info. 3. Cost Comparisons: While trying to find a link to the adaptor I came across this cost comparison table for using refillable vice disposable bottles: http://lib1.store.vip.sc5.yahoo.com/lib/4outdoorfun/bulkcyl.htm. The main page is: http://www.4outdoorfun.com/ Barbecue Comment: We have a very nice Dickson barbecue which is about 14 years old that we've hardly ever used. It was one of those things that my SO just "had to have" and we got it. The problems I see is: 1. Lack of stern rail space to mount it. We have a horseshoe on one side and the MOB on the other side, stern mounted radar mast and on longer trips a stern mounted wind generator mast, plus a stern mounted spare VHF antenna, ergo, not enough rail space. It can be done but "things" have to be out of the way and it's a tight squeeze. 2. The Grill Rattles!! When under way with the engine the grill rattles. The fix is to take it out, put it in a plastic bag, and stow it somewhere below. If it was previously used it is messy, otherwise it has to be cleaned and that's a chore too (standardly my chore!). ghtly heavier than the disposable types so there is a difference. 2. Adaptor: There are adaptors made to link the refillable bottle to the bulk storage tank - propably your barbacue tank. This is a link to what appears to be one such adaptor: http://www.heatershop.com/1lb_probane_bottle_fill_kit.html This is a short stubby adaptor but the type that I had for my plane engine preheater was about 8 to 10-inches long so there are different types available. Red Dragon link: http://www.flameengineering.com/Preheater_Accessories.html (also down below). This link shows a picture of an adaptor ["A-76150 Disposable Cylinder Adaptor with Shut-off valve"] but I don't know if it can be used to connect a bottle to a "bulk tank" for the purpose of refilling. I'm sure they could provide information - see the side bar on their web site for contact info. 3. Cost Comparisons: While trying to find a link to the adaptor I came across this cost comparison table for using refillable vice disposable bottles: http://lib1.store.vip.sc5.yahoo.com/lib/4outdoorfun/bulkcyl.htm. The main page is: http://www.4outdoorfun.com/ Barbecue Comment: We have a very nice Dickson barbacue which is about 14 years old that we've hardly ever used. It was one of those things that my SO just "had to have" and we got it. The problems I see is: 1. Lack of stern rail space to mount it. We have a horseshoe on one side and the MOB on the other side, stern mounted radar mast and on longer trips a stern mounted wind generator mast, plus a stern mounted spare VHF antenna, ergo, not enough rail space. It can be done but "things" have to be out of the way and it's a tight squeeze. 2. The Grill Rattles!! When under way with the engine the grill rattles. The fix is to take it out, put it in a plastic bag, and stow it somewhere below. If it was previously used it is messy, otherwise it has to be cleaned and that's a chore too (standardly my chore!).
With regard to refilling the small propane bottles, this can be done if you have the right equipment. 1. Refillable bottle: The bottle to be filled should be a "refillable" bottle. A refillable bottle is sliBottle Refill Adaptor Submitted by John Nantz of Poulsbo WA on 06/08 at 11:41AM regarding General_interest With regard to refilling the small propane bottles, this can be done if you have the right equipment. 1. Refillable bottle: The bottle to be filled should be a "refillable" bottle. A refillable bottle is slightly heavier than the disposable types so there is a difference. 2. Adaptor: There are adaptors made to link the refillable bottle to the bulk storage tank - probably your barbecue tank. This is a link to what appears to be one such adaptor: http://www.heatershop.com/1lb_probane_bottle_fill_kit.html This is a short stubby adaptor but the type that I had for my plane engine preheater was about 8 to 10-inches long so there are different types available. Red Dragon link: http://www.flameengineering.com/Preheater_Accessories.html (also down below). This link shows a picture of an adaptor ["A-76150 Disposable Cylinder Adaptor with Shut-off valve"] but I don't know if it can be used to connect a bottle to a "bulk tank" for the purpose of refilling. I'm sure they could provide information - see the side bar on their web site for contact info. 3. Cost Comparisons: While trying to find a link to the adaptor I came across this cost comparison table for using refillable vice disposable bottles: http://lib1.store.vip.sc5.yahoo.com/lib/4outdoorfun/bulkcyl.htm. The main page is: http://www.4outdoorfun.com/ Barbecue Comment: We have a very nice Dickson barbecue which is about 14 years old that we've hardly ever used. It was one of those things that my SO just "had to have" and we got it. The problems I see is: 1. Lack of stern rail space to mount it. We have a horseshoe on one side and the MOB on the other side, stern mounted radar mast and on longer trips a stern mounted wind generator mast, plus a stern mounted spare VHF antenna, ergo, not enough rail space. It can be done but "things" have to be out of the way and it's a tight squeeze. 2. The Grill Rattles!! When under way with the engine the grill rattles. The fix is to take it out, put it in a plastic bag, and stow it somewhere below. If it was previously used it is messy, otherwise it has to be cleaned and that's a chore too (standardly my chore!). ghtly heavier than the disposable types so there is a difference. 2. Adaptor: There are adaptors made to link the refillable bottle to the bulk storage tank - propably your barbacue tank. This is a link to what appears to be one such adaptor: http://www.heatershop.com/1lb_probane_bottle_fill_kit.html This is a short stubby adaptor but the type that I had for my plane engine preheater was about 8 to 10-inches long so there are different types available. Red Dragon link: http://www.flameengineering.com/Preheater_Accessories.html (also down below). This link shows a picture of an adaptor ["A-76150 Disposable Cylinder Adaptor with Shut-off valve"] but I don't know if it can be used to connect a bottle to a "bulk tank" for the purpose of refilling. I'm sure they could provide information - see the side bar on their web site for contact info. 3. Cost Comparisons: While trying to find a link to the adaptor I came across this cost comparison table for using refillable vice disposable bottles: http://lib1.store.vip.sc5.yahoo.com/lib/4outdoorfun/bulkcyl.htm. The main page is: http://www.4outdoorfun.com/ Barbecue Comment: We have a very nice Dickson barbacue which is about 14 years old that we've hardly ever used. It was one of those things that my SO just "had to have" and we got it. The problems I see is: 1. Lack of stern rail space to mount it. We have a horseshoe on one side and the MOB on the other side, stern mounted radar mast and on longer trips a stern mounted wind generator mast, plus a stern mounted spare VHF antenna, ergo, not enough rail space. It can be done but "things" have to be out of the way and it's a tight squeeze. 2. The Grill Rattles!! When under way with the engine the grill rattles. The fix is to take it out, put it in a plastic bag, and stow it somewhere below. If it was previously used it is messy, otherwise it has to be cleaned and that's a chore too (standardly my chore!).
I Love the Smell of Propane in the Morning
It smells like, victory. With all of the JP-4 I have inhaled over the last twenty something years I am not worried at all about any residual nitrocarbons in my steak or hot dogs. As for the birds I just get a good bead on them with my Daisy Red Rider Range Model 250 Pellet Gun and then BBQ them. To answer the question asked however we have the party size Magma and love it. I have wondered if the briquette model has a more even and easier controlled flame, but it is not worth the extra hassle I am sure. I bought the legs to use in on shore while we were in Temporary Quarters between houses on our last transfer and really loved that. Most of the folks on our side of the building came over to borrow the thing.
It smells like, victory. With all of the JP-4 I have inhaled over the last twenty something years I am not worried at all about any residual nitrocarbons in my steak or hot dogs. As for the birds I just get a good bead on them with my Daisy Red Rider Range Model 250 Pellet Gun and then BBQ them. To answer the question asked however we have the party size Magma and love it. I have wondered if the briquette model has a more even and easier controlled flame, but it is not worth the extra hassle I am sure. I bought the legs to use in on shore while we were in Temporary Quarters between houses on our last transfer and really loved that. Most of the folks on our side of the building came over to borrow the thing.
Health concerns?????
I figure the stuff we grill is far worse for our health than any fuel residual. I wish I could plan on eating enough meals on the boat to worry about the health impacts. Of course, we use a big propane grill at home too. Anyway - we have a force 10 round grill, and have been very happy with it. I even use it at home during the winter, to supplement my big o' Weber. Good performance, and better heat adjustment than the Magma. We aleays disconnect the bottle after use, seems to last a lot longer that way.
I figure the stuff we grill is far worse for our health than any fuel residual. I wish I could plan on eating enough meals on the boat to worry about the health impacts. Of course, we use a big propane grill at home too. Anyway - we have a force 10 round grill, and have been very happy with it. I even use it at home during the winter, to supplement my big o' Weber. Good performance, and better heat adjustment than the Magma. We aleays disconnect the bottle after use, seems to last a lot longer that way.
I cook almost everything on the grill
Meat and vegetables too. Every source I've ever read claims that flame broiling is the healthiest way to cook meat because all the fat drains away. However, I'd prob'ly do it anyway...'cuz cooking on the grill is easier than washing pots and pans--especially broiler pans.
If grilling over a gas flame were unhealthy, there wouldn't be any broilers in gas stoves OR gas grills... or at least there'd be a warning label on the broiler door that using it is harmful to your health. And every restaurant in the world would be cooking steaks on the commercial equivilant of a George Foreman electric grill.
Meat and vegetables too. Every source I've ever read claims that flame broiling is the healthiest way to cook meat because all the fat drains away. However, I'd prob'ly do it anyway...'cuz cooking on the grill is easier than washing pots and pans--especially broiler pans.
If grilling over a gas flame were unhealthy, there wouldn't be any broilers in gas stoves OR gas grills... or at least there'd be a warning label on the broiler door that using it is harmful to your health. And every restaurant in the world would be cooking steaks on the commercial equivilant of a George Foreman electric grill.Gas Lobby
Are there any chemists out there who can describe the byproducts of propane combustion? I often would cook vegetables wrapped in foil and for that matter nothing is better than a fish you just caught while trolling off the back of your sailboat, filleted and immediately thrown on the grill. I have had many a bluefish this way and it is marvelous. A little oil and maybe some garlic and you've got a meal. I do recommend using foil to cook the fish so it doesn't stick to the grill, cleaning that is a real mess. dave
Are there any chemists out there who can describe the byproducts of propane combustion? I often would cook vegetables wrapped in foil and for that matter nothing is better than a fish you just caught while trolling off the back of your sailboat, filleted and immediately thrown on the grill. I have had many a bluefish this way and it is marvelous. A little oil and maybe some garlic and you've got a meal. I do recommend using foil to cook the fish so it doesn't stick to the grill, cleaning that is a real mess. dave
Carbon dioxide and water
The combustion product of propane are mainly carbon dioxide and water. Depending on the conditions carbon monoxide can also form, and if the flame is really hot traces oxides of nitrogen. I would not worry about propane combustion products contaminating your food. Health concerns about grilling have to do with components of the food itself when exposed to high temperature. Hey we all got to die some day.
The combustion product of propane are mainly carbon dioxide and water. Depending on the conditions carbon monoxide can also form, and if the flame is really hot traces oxides of nitrogen. I would not worry about propane combustion products contaminating your food. Health concerns about grilling have to do with components of the food itself when exposed to high temperature. Hey we all got to die some day.
Propane is used on indoor fork lifts.
This is the reason that they are able to use propane forklifts in an enclosed building. There is very little if any CO. They do NOT use diesel or gas in these type of situations because of the danger of CO poisoning. In an enclosed area like a boat or tent you mainly need to worry about oxygen depletion if you are burning a propane device without proper ventilation.
This is the reason that they are able to use propane forklifts in an enclosed building. There is very little if any CO. They do NOT use diesel or gas in these type of situations because of the danger of CO poisoning. In an enclosed area like a boat or tent you mainly need to worry about oxygen depletion if you are burning a propane device without proper ventilation.
Magma with 2nd propane tank
We grill out all the time. Have a Magma. My propane locker had space for two tanks, so I bought a second one. The first supplies propane to the stove in the galley. The second I connect to the Magma grill when I use it (which is a lot). With two tanks, the odds of them both running out at the same time are very small. Thus, I feel protected against that issue plus I don't use those small tanks that can present the environmental issue.
We grill out all the time. Have a Magma. My propane locker had space for two tanks, so I bought a second one. The first supplies propane to the stove in the galley. The second I connect to the Magma grill when I use it (which is a lot). With two tanks, the odds of them both running out at the same time are very small. Thus, I feel protected against that issue plus I don't use those small tanks that can present the environmental issue.
We use Magma grill/oven
It heats in about 2 minutes. Turn to medium low setting for cooking. Dice red potatoes, throw in some diced onion, add some baby carrots and fresh green beans. Put these in an aluminun cooking bag with some Italian dressing and a little water. Cooks in 25 minutes - lid on. Marinade a pork loin (sliced 1" thick) or chicken breast in Italian dressing for the afternoon, wrap in 2 layers of aluminum foil, cook for 15 minutes after the vegies are done. Add a salad. Serve with a good wine and good friends in an evening raftup... Doesn't get much better than this.
It heats in about 2 minutes. Turn to medium low setting for cooking. Dice red potatoes, throw in some diced onion, add some baby carrots and fresh green beans. Put these in an aluminun cooking bag with some Italian dressing and a little water. Cooks in 25 minutes - lid on. Marinade a pork loin (sliced 1" thick) or chicken breast in Italian dressing for the afternoon, wrap in 2 layers of aluminum foil, cook for 15 minutes after the vegies are done. Add a salad. Serve with a good wine and good friends in an evening raftup... Doesn't get much better than this.
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