Difference Between Grill and Roast
Food is the ultimate source of happiness. It satisfies the stomach as well as calms the mind. However, food habits differ from person to person. When talking about food habits, cooking methods are also noticeable aspects. Various types of cooking methods exist, which are applied to different types of dishes or cuisines. Two of the most popular and often confused cooking methods are Grill and Roast.
Grill vs Roast
The main difference between Grill and Roast is that Grilling is a process of cooking food that allows direct contact of the food with the flame, whereas, Roasting is a process of cooking food that allows an indirect contact of the food with the flame. Sliced and thin pieces of food are more suitable for grilling, while roasting is usually preferred for thick and large pieces of food.
To grill food is to expose it to direct heat and cook it on a griller. The flame is generally of coal or wood. It is preferred due to the mouth-watering flavours it imparts to the food. While grilling, the temperature is set quite high. This is why one should take proper care while this process or else the food can get burnt.
On the other hand, to roast food means to cook by maintaining a distance between the food and the flame. Roasting is done in an oven or by just hanging food above the flame in a more traditional manner. The temperature while roasting is kept low and the food gets cooked through the radiations coming from the flame.
Comparison Table Between Grill and Roast
| Parameters of Comparison | Grill | Roast |
| Definition | The grill is a cooking method that is done by exposing food to direct flame. | Roast is a cooking method that exposes food to flame indirectly. |
| Temperature | The temperature is high and goes above 500°F. | The temperature is low and goes around 200-400°F. |
| Equipment | Grilling is done on a Grill, Griddle, or Gridiron. | Roasting is done in an Oven or by traditional method. |
| Time-taken | It takes less time, i.e. around 3-10 min. | It takes more time, i.e. around 1-3 hours. |
| Food Texture | The food becomes crispy and flavourful. | Here the food becomes tender. |
| Heating Method | The heating method is direct. | The heating method is indirect. |
| Dishes | Dishes like kebabs, streaks, sandwiches, etc., are prepared by grilling. | Dishes like roasted meat, chicken, potatoes, etc., are prepared by roasting. |
What is Grill?
Food can be cooked in different forms using various techniques or methods. One such way of preparing food is to grill it. Grilling involves exposure of the food to direct heat. This process is carried out using a Griller or Griddle.
A griller is a set-up that contains an open wire grid along with a source that provides heat to the food. The source is present either above or below the surface of the grilled. There is also an alternative to the grilled, i.e., a grill pan or griddle. It uses an almost similar technique as of the griller. The only difference is that it resembles a pan in which the heat gets transferred to the food by conduction.
Grilling requires a high temperature of heat. The temperature rate usually exceeds 500°F while grilling. This facilitates the food to be ready within a short span of time. Direct grilling has heat produced from coal or wood-burning, which ensures a punch of flavours into the food.
The grilled food becomes crispy and healthy. Kebabs, streaks, sandwiches etc., are prepared by this method. Grilling is believed to be healthy as the fat gets burnt out of the food during the process. A flavour somewhat like smoke gets infused into the food, which tastes even more delicious. Overall, grilling is suitable for quick, healthy yet luscious cooking.
What is Roast?
As said, cooking is an art. It really is! The number of methods available for cooking food is a lot. These methods just need to be carried out the right way so that the result is a success. To roast food is also a type of art. Roasting involves cooking food by transferring indirect heat to it. An oven or open flame is used for roasting.
In the case of an open flame, the heat that reaches the food helps to get it cooked from all sides. A low temperature around 200-400°F is enough for this process. When roasting is done in an oven, the temperature requirements remain the same. Large pieces of meat are generally cooked by slow-roasting, which ensures tender meat in return.
The low temperature used while roasting results in a time-consuming process. However, there is a comparatively faster roasting method too. It is used for browning food enough. This method is used for already tender food items which do not need a long duration to be cooked. There is also a combination process that involves the transfer of heat to the food either at the beginning or end.
Although roasting is a slightly time-taking method, it does not need much prior preparation. The food just has to be on flame for a long time, and that’s it. The fat also gets rendered out, and the natural juices stay intact, making food more healthy.
Main Differences Between Grill and Roast
Conclusion
Grill and Roast are two types of cooking methods that are often confused with each other. People consider them to be the same, whereas they have some noticeable technical differences.
Grilling follows a direct heating method, while Roasting follows an indirect one. A grill is needed for grilling, whereas roasting requires an oven. Usually, large pieces of food are prepared by roasting, and they take a longer duration to be fully cooked. In contrast, sliced pieces of food are prepared by grilling, which just takes minutes to be ready.
Lastly, grilling and roasting are used for different styles of food. One can choose between them depending on his needs.
References
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