The vertical barbecue is an ingenious device that prevents grease from dripping onto the coals. You can turn the grills with the handles or cranks, for a vertical cooking 10 to 30 times healthier than the horizontal cooking with a classic barbecue! For you, we have put together this guide to the best vertical barbecues in 2020.
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Our selection
"The Somagic Raymond allows you to grill with charcoal without any burn marks and perfectly healthy. You rediscover the pleasure of the barbecue. Moreover, this…"
"If you are looking for an electric vertical barbecue, the Oneconcept Butterfly will please you. Modular cooking grids, thermostat, timer and grease tray characterize this…"
"Themade in the UK is honored with the Le Marquier Mendy barbecue. This top-of-the-line model has a 54 x 32 cm cooking surface with a…"
"The Alice's Garden Mathurin has an XXL cooking grid and a 90° tilting spit. Like all rotisseries, it will need to be stabilized, optimize the…"
The Somagic Raymond allows you to grill with charcoal without any burn marks and perfectly healthy. You rediscover the pleasure of the barbecue. Moreover, this vertical barbecue is big enough for 8 to 10 people.
See the priceFor charcoal grilling without burn marks, choose the Somagic Raymond. The 53 x 28 cm cooking grid is large enough for 8 people. Thanks to the sliding arm system, you can move the grill closer or further away from the charcoal embers. You can even turn it over.
As for the materials, the firebox is made of steel and cast iron. As for the body, it is made of lacquered steel. Mounted on a cart with wheels, this vertical barbecue has a beautiful red and black dress. A large grease trap is located underneath the firebox, making it easy to clean.
If you are looking for an electric vertical barbecue, the Oneconcept Butterfly will please you. Modular cooking grids, thermostat, timer and grease tray characterize this device.
56,79 £ on ManomanoWith the OneConcept Butterfly electric tabletop grill, you can barbecue all year round, not just in summer. With a power of 1200 W, this device can cook meat, vegetables or fish at 240 °C. But its real particularity comes from its 2 cooking surfaces that can be used horizontally, but also vertically.
The appliance has a timer and a thermostat, so that you don't have to keep an eye on the cooking process. In addition, there is a removable grease trap that collects the fat that drips from the food being grilled. There's evena non-stick coating so your grilled food won't stick to the cooking grid.
Themade in the UK is honored with the Le Marquier Mendy barbecue. This top-of-the-line model has a 54 x 32 cm cooking surface with a cooking grid and a spit.
See the priceThe Mendy from Le Marquier is worth every penny you invest. Made in the UK, this vertical barbecue comes with a slate colored epoxy painted cart. The horizontal firebox has an adjustable grill on 3 levels. As for the vertical hearth, it is equipped with an electrically driven spit.
This high-end barbecueallows you to cook with charcoal for 6 to 10 guests. You can remove the bowl, the cooking grid and the spit for easier cleaning. The same goes for the ash drawer. Provided that the conditions of use are respected, the Marquier Mendy is a barbecue made to last.
The Alice's Garden Mathurin has an XXL cooking grid and a 90° tilting spit. Like all rotisseries, it will need to be stabilized, optimize the loading of the charcoal vertically, and even bring the spit closer together.
224 £ on ManomanoAlice's Garden offers us the Mathurin, a rotisserie with a bowl that can be used flat or at 90°. Its cooking surface of 102,5 x 46 cm allows to organize a party in the garden with 20 guests or more! The appliance works with charcoal for the cooking part. And the spit part is equipped with a motor with on/off switch.
The real plus of this vertical barbecue is its user-friendliness. The XXL size grill allows several people to participate in the cooking process, andthe air gap left by the inner grill prevents the embers from smothering. When cooking vertically, the basket format of the charcoal grill prevents the embers from settling. And a grease tray collects the cooking juices.
Any specific needs?
The best vertical grill in 2021
The best entry-level vertical grill
The best high-end vertical grill
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TOP OF THE TOP | CHEAP | TOP OF THE LINE | EXCELLENT | |
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8/10 |
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OUR SELECTION |
Somagic Raymond
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OneConcept Butterfly
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Le Marquier Mendy
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Alice's Garden Mathurin
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The Somagic Raymond allows you to grill with charcoal without any burn marks and perfectly healthy. You rediscover the pleasure of the barbecue. Moreover, this vertical barbecue is big enough for 8 to 10 people.
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If you are looking for an electric vertical barbecue, the Oneconcept Butterfly will please you. Modular cooking grids, thermostat, timer and grease tray characterize this device.
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Themade in the UK is honored with the Le Marquier Mendy barbecue. This top-of-the-line model has a 54 x 32 cm cooking surface with a cooking grid and a spit.
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The Alice's Garden Mathurin has an XXL cooking grid and a 90° tilting spit. Like all rotisseries, it will need to be stabilized, optimize the loading of the charcoal vertically, and even bring the spit closer together.
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In addition to the exquisite taste, the cooking is healthy. Not a trace of burnt-on food
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Allows for vertical, horizontal, or both grilling
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Free grill-optimized cart
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Both grill and spit
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Convenient sliding arm for moving the grill closer, farther away, or back again
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Barbecue usable all year round
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Charcoal cooking for great taste and no burns
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Cooking surface 102.5 x 46 cm
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Sturdy cast-iron firebox
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2 non-stick coated cooking grates, each measuring 20.5 x 13 cm
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Horizontal grill and English spit for 6 to 10 people
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Can be used flat or tilted 90
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Do you have a balcony or terrace with a garden? The answer to this question will determine the size of the vertical barbecue you choose.The larger the model, the more space it will need, including use and storage. Also, choose the size of the vertical barbecue according to the number of guests you are used to having.
Plan for a 40 x 20 cm cooking grill on average for a successful afternoon of grilling. Of course, these dimensions change according to each person's needs. However, it is advisable to choose the largest possible cooking surface in order to line up several meats at once and not waste time at the stove.
Like the horizontal barbecue, the vertical barbecue works with charcoal, electricity or gas. You can replace charcoal with wood briquettes for slow cooking. Some models accept coconut briquettes, which generate very little flame. For wood logs, avoid softwood.
Whatever
model you are interested in, check its quality of manufacture.Favour cast iron or steel materials
. They guarantee sturdiness and longevity to the vertical barbecue, especially if the chosen model will be used outdoors and thus exposed to humidity, cold, sun and rain.
How much are you willing to spend on a vertical barbecue? The size of the grill, the material used, the sturdiness, the brand, the accessories provided and the type of fuel are all factors to take into account. Count on less than 100 euros for entry-level models and more than 500 euros for high-end models.
The principle of the vertical barbecue is quite simple. The vertical arrangement of the cooking grids prevents grease from dripping onto the hearth and feeding the embers. In addition, this ingenious system allows you to handle and turn the hot grates with handles or cranks.
The arrangement of these two elements distinguishes the vertical barbecue from the horizontal barbecue. For a vertical barbecue, the hearth is often placed behind the body of the barbecue. The cooking plate is then placed vertically, facing the hearth. For models with 2 cooking plates, the firebox is in the center. It separates the 2 plates.
Some vertical barbecues have a plancha above the hearth. The 2 sides of the cooking grid trap the meat between them. The grids are rotating or removable, which makes it easier to turn the meat. If not, you have to remove the cooking grids and replace them in the opposite position.
On a vertical barbecue, 1 or 2 grease trays are placed directly under the grates. They collect the grease spillage from the cooking meat and fish. Most of the time, the grease trap is removable. This way, you can clean the vertical barbecue more easily.
Accessories are all the additional devices intended to make grilling easier and cooking faster. These include tongs, long-handled forks, spatulas or potholders that protect against heat. Some vertical barbecues have a lid, which makes cooking softer and tastier.
One of the most popular elements on a vertical barbecue is the spit. It allows you to roast a very large piece of meat or even a whole animal. The thermometer is also useful for anyone who wants to control the cooking temperature. Finally, there is the protective cover, which is essential for the barbecue to last.
Cleaning the vertical barbecue after each use will prolong its life. To do this, you will need to remove the ashes from the burning wood and empty the grease trap. Also, clean the rest of the barbecue of grease with hot soapy water. This will preserve the cooking quality.
The cooking grate should be cleaned immediately after cooking, while it is still hot. Scrub it with a wire brush to remove stuck-on food. Then rinse with hot soapy water. If the rack has cooled down before cleaning, turn the heat back on and warm it up for a few minutes.
On a vertical barbecue, the hearth is the part that deteriorates the fastest. Indeed, repeated exposure to extreme temperature variations does not spare it. This is why you should choose a vertical barbecue with a thick metal hearth. The thicker the hearth, the longer it will last.
Unlike traditional barbecues, vertical barbecues can be classified into only 2 main categories: the wood or charcoal model and the gas or electric model.
Like the classic barbecue, this type of model offers an authentic and original taste to your food
. Wood and charcoal are almost identical in nature and contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that give a typical flavor to your meat.
However, its use requires the presence of a container to collect the combustion residues. Also, the flames require regular maintenance if you want a more homogeneous cooking. It is not suitable for those who are looking for a smoke-free barbecue.
Having
several points in common despite the difference in the mode of combustion, gas and electricity allow you to simplify their use. In general, you will only have to turn a knob if you want to light or adjust the temperature of your vertical gas or electric barbecue. There is no fire, no embers and no ashes, which makes it rather mess-free
.
This cooking method greatly impacts the taste of your ingredients since there will be less flavor. And especially concerning the electric model, you will always need an outlet nearby. Prefer the vertical gas barbecue if you plan to take it on a camping trip.
The vertical barbecue has a firebox at the back, while the grill is located in front of it. Its use does not present any carcinogenic risk and promises you a preparation and cooking that is both healthy and dietetic. Easy to use, this model ensures an indirect cooking mode. Your food will not be charred by the vertical position of the grids.
The cooking juices are efficiently collected in the drip tray. The same applies to the ashes, which are collected in a specific tray. Some models are equipped with a height adjustment system and are dishwasher safe. You will not inhale any smoke because the hot air escapes upwards.
Considered a classic model, the horizontal barbecue consists of a hearth placed parallel to the ground and a grill on top. It has the particularity of offering you a very characteristic taste (linked to the smoke) reminding you of the barbecues of your childhood. This cooking appliance is very advantageous in that it is relatively easy to clean.
It is much more affordable than a vertical barbecue because it does not require any highly developed technology. Moreover, the horizontal barbecue is also easy to light, especially in the case of electric or gas models. The cooking temperature remains stable thanks to the good distribution of the heat over the entire cooking surface.
Although it is known to be healthy, cooking with a horizontal barbecue does present some risks to your health. The location of the heat source is the main cause. When fats flow into the coals, carcinogenic compounds can be released into your food.
Moreover, its installation is less difficult especially for neophytes. However, there are models equipped with a spout and a juice collection tray to avoid contact between the heat source and the fat. These offer almost the same advantages as a vertical barbecue.
The only difference lies in the layout of the firebox and the grills, but this depends mainly on your wishes and your needs in terms of comfort of use. Note that one or the other can be used both during your outdoor outings and evenings with friends in the garden.
We all love barbecuing for its convivial atmosphere and the taste of grilled food. But the vertical barbecue is much more than that. Here are 4 reasons why you should buy one.
Grilling causes smoke that can irritate your eyes and nose. Cooking vertically prevents this smoke from reaching your face. This is essential when you know that the smoke from grilled food is very dangerous for your health because of its high content of carcinogenic molecules.
With a vertical barbecue, the grease does not drip onto the glowing embers because they are behind the grill, not underneath. A process with a low carcinogenic risk, as demonstrated by a Swedish study on this subject.
The researchers compared the carcinogenic potential of vertical and horizontal barbecues. The result is that the PAH or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon content measured on food cooked with a vertical barbecue is 10 to 30 times lower than with a horizontal barbecue.
With a horizontal barbecue, the user is exposed to very high temperatures. Add to this the smoke and you can see that the appliance is potentially dangerous. The vertical barbecue radiates the heat upwards and uses the cooking grid filled with food as a screen. This way, the cook is better protected.
In terms of practicality, a vertical barbecue can be used to cook directly or on a spit. In both cases, the risk of charring the food remains negligible, as the temperature is more gentle. In addition, slow cooking allows the heat to penetrate the food better. This is a good thing, since rare meat is far from healthy.
Furthermore, all vertical cooking barbecues have a tank to collect the liquids that run off the meat. The marinade and the cooking juices are also collected in this room. You can reuse the juice to season other dishes or add it to a sauce.
One of the special features of the vertical barbecue is that you can also grill food horizontally. But a horizontal barbecue cannot do the opposite! In addition, you can add a spit to cook poultry or larger game. Not to mention that some models have a griddle for frying.
Apart from that, the modularity of the vertical barbecue also concerns the adjustment of the quantity of fuel to be used according to the type of food to be cooked. A very practical aspect since vegetables require much less embers than red meat for example.
Vertical cooking is much cleaner than horizontal cooking. Instead of flowing towards the hearth, the grease is poured into a drip tray which collects it almost completely. This way, it does not spill onto the barbecue. This makes cleaning operations much easier.
In our opinion, the best brands of vertical barbecues in 2022 are :
Planchas or barbecues, gas, charcoal or electric, Somagic cooking appliances are for all budgets. In addition to practicality, this brand adds cooking quality. When it comes to vertical barbecues, Somagic is simply the best choice.
This versatile brand owes its presence in our ranking to the Butterfly grill. When it comes to barbecues, OneConcept is best known for its planchas and electric grills. Low prices and practicality characterize most of its products.
Here is a brand known for its outdoor equipment, especially its charcoal and gas barbecues. It's no surprise then to see Alice's Garden making a place in this list. Its vertical rotisserie has no equivalent for domestic models.
Are you looking for a sturdy, practical and high quality vertical barbecue? Take a look at the models designed by the French brand Le Marquier. In addition to being a recognized specialist in double-cooking barbecues, it also distributes the Traeger brand in the UK.
Pegane has more than one string to its bow. She makes furniture, decorative items, children's items, utensils and... barbecues. For this last point, its vertical cooking models are an alternative to Somagic.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Make the most of the vegetables and lean meats.
This way, you will avoid the ingestion of toxic substances. Peppers, zucchini, tomatoes, onions or fruit brochettes should accompany the meat. In addition, grilling lean meat, white fish, seafood and chicken fillets limits the fumes rich in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, sources of cancer.
Prefer slow cooking.
Cooking at high temperatures (up to more than 500°C) promotes the formation of harmful compounds, the result of charring food. To remedy this, prefer slow cooking, below 220°C. Also, keep food well away from flames.
No cooking of meat or fish without marinade.
Marinating tenderizes and seasons meat or fish. It also allows antioxidants to penetrate deep into the meat, limiting the formation of harmful compounds during cooking. Researchers have shown that a marinade properly made 1 hour before cooking reduces the formation of AAH and PAH by more than 90%! In addition, some ingredients in marinades are powerful antibacterial agents. On the other hand, shun commercially available ready-made marinades.
Cover the fireplace with an ash mat to prevent flames from forming.
If
you set up the vertical grill for horizontal cooking, grease droplets falling on the coals may cause flames. To this end, Anses recommends covering the fire pit with an ash mat if you have not removed the fat before cooking.
Whenever possible, eat meat that is sufficiently cooked.
Every
summer, health departments observe an upsurge in foodborne infections from undercooked foods. Poultry meat and skewers bought prepared are particularly affected. Make sure the meat comes off the bone easily and is not pink. And make sure that the core of ground meat, meatballs, sausages or merguez are well cooked.
The best vertical barbecue depends on your needs and budget. Read our buying guide to find out which products are the best at the moment.
Generally speaking, yes! The basic elements are always provided, such as a firebox, one or two grills and a juice tray. As an option and depending on the model, you can also have a wheeled cart, a spit, an ash collector, a storage basket and a front or side shelf.
Yes, as is the case with many of today's vertical barbecues. This is what makes them so versatile. On the contrary, a horizontal model cannot be positioned vertically.
If you are not a do-it-yourselfer, the assembly of such a device may take a few dozen minutes. In some cases, the use of a pipe wrench and a screwdriver is necessary.
In addition to the usual charcoal, you can also use charcoal briquettes or coconut, vine shoots and wood (preferably smoking chips). Avoid resinous woods such as spruce or fir.
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