Okay, so I’ve been wanting to up my grilling game lately, and I kept hearing about this “brick wood grill” thing. Sounded interesting, a little intimidating, but definitely cool. So, I decided to give it a shot and build one myself. Here’s how it went down.
Gathering Supplies
First things first, I needed to get my hands on some materials. Obviously, bricks were a must. I went with regular red clay bricks – seemed like the classic choice. Then, I needed something for the grilling surface. I found some sturdy metal grates at the hardware store that looked like they’d do the trick. Oh, and I grabbed some mortar, because, well, you gotta keep those bricks together!
The Build
I started by laying out a base layer of bricks in a rectangle, just on the ground in my backyard. I wasn’t aiming for anything fancy, just a simple, functional shape. Then, I started building up the walls, layer by layer, spreading mortar between each brick. Let me tell you, that mortar is messy stuff! I definitely got it all over my gloves, and probably my clothes too.
I built the walls up to about waist-high. I figured that would be a good height for grilling without having to bend over too much. Once the walls were up, I let the mortar dry for a day. It was hard to wait, but I knew it needed to set properly.
The Grilling Surface
The metal grates I have found are perfect for this stage.
After the mortar was good and dry, I put the grate on . It fit perfectly across the top of the brick walls, creating the actual grilling surface. I jiggled it around a bit to make sure it was stable.
Test Run
With the grill built, it was time for the moment of truth: the first cook! I started a charcoal fire in the bottom of the brick structure. I wanted to see the smoke, that’s part of the fun, and make sure not too much heat escaped. After it burned down to some nice, hot coals, I threw on some burgers and hot dogs.
The burgers cooked up beautifully, with that awesome smoky flavor you just can’t get from a regular gas grill. And let me tell you, the hot dogs had those perfect grill marks – just like in the pictures! The best part about the cooking method.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, building this brick wood grill was way easier than I thought it would be. It took a little time and effort, sure, but the results were totally worth it. There’s just something so satisfying about cooking over a fire you built yourself, in a grill you built yourself. Plus, it looks pretty darn cool in the backyard!
Would I do it again? Absolutely! In fact, I’m already thinking about adding another level to make it even bigger. Maybe next time, I’ll try some steaks or even a whole chicken. The possibilities are endless!
