Yes, there is a difference between barbecuing and grilling.
The simplest explanation is that barbecue is low and slow, while grilling is hot and fast. Additionally, barbecue relies on indirect heat, while grilling typically puts the food directly over the coals. The term “smoking” is also commonly used when referring to barbecue.
Some, especially those on the competition barbecue circuit, are quite passionate about evangelizing this distinction. You might be too, if you spent upwards of 12 hours or more to create a masterpiece only to be categorized with an average backyard joe who spent 45 minutes with a gas grill.
Barbecue Rig. Photo by Robert Owens
Kettle Grill. Photo by NathanF
While many still use the words interchangeably, more and more of us are respecting the difference. It makes things clearer for all of us.
When someone asks, “How do I barbecue chicken quarters?” and what they’re looking for is really a grilling technique that takes 30 minutes, not several hours — we’re just heading toward confusion.
Take a look at the video below for some more detail on the distinction between barbecue and grilling.
BBQ or grill: does making the distinction really matter? Have you produced “low and slow” on your favorite grill? Let us know what you think.
