The 5 Best Argentine Grills That Add Flavor and Heat

What to Look For When Buying an Argentine Grill

To ensure you select the best Argentine grill for your needs, consider whether you’re looking for a full-size or a built-in grill. If you have space available, opt for a full-size version for the optimal cookout experience. However, if you have an integrated grill area in your home that is ready for a new top, a drop-in option may be a better option for you.

You should also consider how much you’re willing to spend, as Argentine grills are expensive. Although the price depends on the type of grill and the brand, drop-in grills typically cost anywhere from $1,500 to $4,000 and full-size grills usually range between $1,500 and $5,000. Here are some other factors to consider:

Types of Argentine Grills

• Parrilla: A Parrilla grill is equipped with an arm on the side to adjust the grill gate height.
• Santa Maria: A Santa Maria grill features a wheel that adjusts the height of the grates.

Grill Size and Cooking Area

Like any other kind of grill, Argentine grills come in various sizes, although they tend to start on the larger side of the spectrum. Often measured in square inches, they can be as small as the low 300s and get bigger from there (large grills start around 500 square inches). There are also tandem grill options—multiple Argentine grills connected side-by-side, which can increase the overall size and grilling area exponentially.

Remember: the larger the grill, the more cooking area there is. However, larger grills are much less portable and harder to move from place to place. If you don’t have a permanent spot for your grill, we recommend erring on the side of a smaller, easier-to-store grill.

V-Grate Design

The unique shape of Argentine grill grates is designed to channel grease away from the fire to prevent flare-ups—and the oils and fats collected in the drip pan can be repurposed and basted onto the grilled items. “The V-grate is an essential part of live fire grilling,” says Carrera. “Additionally, the larger surface area of the V-grates provides more surface area for searing.”

Fuel Type (Wood or Charcoal)

“Kiln-dried firewood is the way to go for optimal flavor,” says Carrera. “[You can also] supplement with premium lump charcoal as needed.” Some grill designs feature a fire basket for breaking down burning wood or lump charcoal to embers. This allows grillers to obtain the best flavor from fresh embers while protecting food from the acrid elements imparting harsh, burnt flavors into the food.

Firebox and Ash Collection

“A properly constructed firebox is critical to withstand the rigors of high-heat grilling,” says Carrera. “Additionally, the firebox can function as another zone for cooking, like an oven. The heat retention of the fire brick also helps reduce fuel usage.” A durable firebox and easy-to-clean ash collection system can ensure long-lasting performance and minimal maintenance.

Adjustable Grill Heights

Standard in Argentine grills (as mentioned earlier), adjustable grill heights add another level of intuitive control to the grilling experience. “If you feel like the coals are too hot, simply raise the grill surface,” says Carrera. “Looking for a hard sear on your steak? Lower the grill surface to get it ready for searing. The ability to quickly control temperature and intensity makes this style of grilling very user-friendly.”

Build Materials

Most Argentine grills are made from either cast iron or stainless steel. While cast iron is more traditional and offers excellent heat retention for high-heat cooking, it requires more regular maintenance to prevent rust and corrosion. Stainless steel requires much less maintenance (cleaning is simpler and easier) and can still offer a spectacular high-heat cook.

Additional Features

Consider optional add-ons like rotisseries, side shelves, and wheeled bases for portability. While these may not be make-or-break elements, they could save you some money (since you won’t have to buy them separately if you decide you want them) and offer up more versatility in your grill of choice.

How We Found the Best Argentine Grills

Argentine Grills are a specialized piece of cooking equipment, so with a narrow field to choose from, we relied on expert recommendations and conducted hours of research. We considered the quality of materials used, user-friendliness, overall design and real-world customer reviews.

FAQ

What is an Argentine grill?

An Argentine grill is a type of grill that’s specifically meant for cooking meats over an open fire. It emphasizes the flavors and usually has an adjustable grill grate for easier control over the heat and cooking time.

How does an Argentine grill work?

An Argentine BBQ grill boasts a simple yet highly effective design with V-shaped grates that are placed directly over the fire to cook your food to perfection. Adjusting the height of the grates is a breeze with a convenient wheel or arm lever located on the grill’s side. This feature allows you to customize the intensity of the heat and achieve the ideal level of char and smokiness for your desired dish.

How to cook on an Argentine grill?

The best way to cook on Argentine style grills is with the “low and slow” method, using the timeless combination of wood or charcoal as your fuel. To achieve the best results, keep your meat at a safe distance from the flames, allowing it to gradually cook to perfection over an extended period of time. Patience is key here, but the end result is well worth the wait.

What is the difference between Santa Maria grill and Argentine grill?

They’re very similar with one main difference: There’s no separate location for wood burning because everything is directly over the fire with Santa Maria grills.

Why You Should Trust Us

I’m a regular Family Handyman contributor specializing in lifestyle and commerce content and a serious lover of DIY projects and interior design. As a function of my job, I keep up with all the latest trends and constantly gather tips from industry insiders. My passions and journalism skills have made me an expert in ferreting out and deeply researching the best products.

For this article, we consulted Nick Carrera, owner of Urban Asado. He has years of experience fabricating handcrafted Argentine-style barbecue grills and even more experience grilling on them. His input and expertise was instrumental in putting this guide together.

Sean Tirman, Content Updates Editor at Family Handyman, updated and contributed research to this piece. Sean has written shopping guides since 2016 and is a former associate editor at Gear Patrol.