As a passionate outdoor cooking guy, I’ve explored countless grilling methods and equipment over the years. But there’s one particular style that I keep getting excited about: the Santa Maria BBQ grill. This unique grilling apparatus has a rich history and offers a grilling experience like no other. Today, I’m thrilled to tell you about this fantastic piece of equipment with you.

Santa Maria BBQ is more than just a cooking method; it’s a cherished tradition that originated in the Santa Maria Valley of California. This style of barbecue has been perfecting the art of open-fire grilling since the mid-19th century, evolving from the techniques of local ranchers and vaqueros. At the heart of this tradition lies the Santa Maria BBQ grill, a marvel of simplicity and functionality that has stood the test of time.

The Santa Maria BBQ grill has become an integral part of Californian cuisine, known for its ability to impart a distinct smoky flavor to meats while allowing for precise temperature control. As we delve deeper into the world of Santa Maria BBQ grills, you’ll discover why this cooking method has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of grilling enthusiasts across the nation.

What is a Santa Maria BBQ Grill?

A Santa Maria BBQ grill is a unique piece of equipment that sets itself apart from conventional grills. Its most distinctive feature is the adjustable grill grate, which can be raised or lowered over the fire pit using a hand crank or pulley system. This design allows for precise control over the cooking temperature, a crucial aspect of achieving that perfect char and doneness.

Traditionally, Santa Maria BBQ grills are constructed with high-quality materials built to withstand high temperatures and frequent use. The cooking grate is typically made of food-grade stainless steel or expanded metal, ensuring durability and easy cleaning. The fire pit is often lined with firebricks to retain heat and protect the outer structure.

One of the key elements that make a Santa Maria BBQ grill stand out is its open design. Unlike closed lid grills, Santa Maria grills allow for constant monitoring and adjustment of the food, giving the pitmaster complete control over the cooking process.

Interestingly, for those who already own a Weber grill and want to experience the Santa Maria style of cooking, there’s an excellent solution. The Craycort Santa Maria Grill Insert for Weber Kettle Grills is a fantastic adaptor that can transform your Weber kettle grill into a Santa Maria-style grill. This innovative product allows you to enjoy the benefits of Santa Maria BBQ without investing in an entirely new grill setup.

Benefits of Using a Santa Maria BBQ Grill

As someone who’s spent countless hours experimenting with various grilling methods, I can confidently say that the Santa Maria BBQ grill offers unique advantages that set it apart from other outdoor cooking equipment.

First and foremost, the adjustable grill grate provides a lot of temperature control. By raising or lowering the cooking surface, you can instantly adjust the heat intensity on your food. This feature is particularly useful when cooking different cuts of meat that require varying levels of heat. For instance, you can start with the grate lowered for a good sear on steaks, then raise it to finish cooking without burning.

The versatility of a Santa Maria BBQ grill is another significant benefit. While it’s famous for grilling tri-tip (more on that later), this grill can handle a wide variety of foods. From vegetables to seafood, and even pizza, the Santa Maria grill’s open design and adjustable height make it suitable for cooking almost anything you’d put on a traditional grill.

Moreover, the open design allows for easy basting and seasoning during the cooking process. You can continuously monitor your food, adding marinades or adjusting seasonings as needed, without losing heat by opening and closing a lid.

How to Use a Santa Maria

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into the practical aspects of using a Santa Maria BBQ grill. As with any grilling method, success lies in the details, so I’ll walk you through the process step by step.

Preparing the Grill

Before firing up your Santa Maria BBQ grill, it’s essential to ensure it’s clean and ready for use. Start by removing any ash or debris from the previous cooking session. Check that the grill grate is clean and oiled to prevent food from sticking.

Next, prepare your fuel. While traditional Santa Maria BBQ uses red oak, you can experiment with different hardwoods to find your preferred flavor profile. I personally love a mix of oak and cherry wood for a balanced, slightly sweet smoke- but do your own thing and don’t be afraid to play around with it.

Lighting and Managing the Fire

To light your Santa Maria BBQ grill, arrange your chosen wood in the fire pit. You can use kindling or a chimney starter to get the fire going. Once the flames are established, allow the wood to burn down to hot coals. This process usually takes about 30-45 minutes.

The key to managing your fire is maintaining a consistent bed of coals. Add new wood as needed to keep the heat steady. Remember, you’re aiming for a moderately hot fire – not a raging inferno. You should be able to hold your hand about 5 inches above the grill grate for 3-4 seconds.

Adjusting the Grill Height

This is where the magic of the Santa Maria BBQ grill really shines. As your fire develops and your food cooks, you’ll need to adjust the height of the grill grate. Start with the grate at its lowest position for a good sear on meats. Then, gradually raise it as cooking progresses to prevent burning.

For larger cuts of meat that require longer cooking times, you’ll want to keep the grate higher to allow for slower, more even cooking. Don’t be afraid to make frequent adjustments – this hands-on approach is part of what makes cooking on a Santa Maria BBQ grill so engaging and fun.

If you’re using the Only Fire Santa Maria Grill adaptor (more about this in a minute), you’ll find that it offers the same adjustability as a traditional Santa Maria grill, allowing you to raise and lower the cooking surface with ease.

Best Meats for Santa Maria

While a Santa Maria BBQ grill is versatile enough to cook a wide variety of foods, there are certain meats that truly shine when prepared in this style.

Tri-tip: The Star of Santa Maria BBQ

No discussion of Santa Maria BBQ would be complete without mentioning tri-tip. This triangular cut from the bottom sirloin is the undisputed star of Santa Maria style barbecue. Its unique shape and marbling make it perfect for this cooking method, developing a delicious crust while remaining juicy inside.

When cooking tri-tip on a Santa Maria BBQ grill, I recommend starting with the grate at its lowest position to get a good sear. Then, raise the grate to finish cooking to your desired doneness. Remember to let it rest before slicing against the grain.

Other Suitable Cuts

While tri-tip reigns supreme, don’t limit yourself. Other cuts that work wonderfully on a Santa Maria BBQ grill include:

• Top sirloin: Another lean, flavorful cut that benefits from the high heat sear and smoke flavor.
• Beef ribs: The open grill allows for easy basting and glazing as these meaty ribs cook.
• Whole chickens: Spatchcocked and seasoned with herbs, they develop beautifully crispy skin on the Santa Maria grill. I have not tried it, but I bet you could do beer can chicken as well- but I am wondering if you would need it to be enclosed? Not sure.
• Pork chops: The ability to adjust grill height helps achieve the perfect balance of char and juiciness.

Top Santa Maria BBQ Grills on the Market

If you’re convinced that a Santa Maria BBQ grill is the next addition to your outdoor cooking arsenal (and trust me, it should be), you might be wondering which model to choose. Here are some top contenders in both portable and built-in categories, as well as the adaptor option for Weber grill owners.

Portable Options

For those who want the flexibility to move their grill around or take it on the road, portable Santa Maria BBQ grills are an excellent choice.

The Back Yard Discovery Santa Maria Grill is a fantastic option for beginners and seasoned grillers alike. It features a generous 723 square inch cooking surface and a robust hand-crank system for easy height adjustment. What I love about this model is its portability combined with sturdy construction – it’s built to last but can be easily moved or stored when not in use.

Another great portable option is the MCP Island Grills Santa Maria Grill. This compact model doesn’t compromise on features, offering a spacious cooking area and precise height adjustment. Its smaller footprint makes it perfect for patios or balconies where space might be at a premium.

Built-in Models

For the ultimate outdoor kitchen experience, consider a built-in Santa Maria BBQ grill.

The Amazon Grill Santa Maria is a showstopper. This professional-grade grill offers a massive cooking area and can be customized to fit your outdoor kitchen design.

If you’re looking for a more traditional option, the MCP Island Grills Built-In Grill is hard to beat. Crafted from high-grade stainless steel, this grill features a spacious 36″ x 21.5″ cooking surface and a smooth pulley system for effortless height adjustment. Its classic design will be the centerpiece of any outdoor cooking area.

Adaptor for Weber Grills

For those who already own a Weber kettle grill, or even if you don’t- and want to experience Santa Maria-style grilling without investing in a new setup, the Only Fire Santa Maria Grill adaptor is an excellent choice. This innovative adaptor fits perfectly into Weber kettle grills, transforming them into Santa Maria-style grills. It features an adjustable grate that can be raised or lowered using a hand crank, just like a traditional Santa Maria grill. This product offers a cost-effective way to enjoy the benefits of Santa Maria BBQ using your existing Weber grill.

Maintenance and Care

To ensure your Santa Maria BBQ grill serves you well for years to come, proper maintenance is key. After each use, allow the grill to cool completely before cleaning. Remove any ash from the fire pit and scrub the grill grate with a nylon brush. For deeper cleaning, use a grill-safe degreaser on the grate and wipe down the exterior with a mild soap solution.

Regularly inspect the moving parts, such as the crank or pulley system, and lubricate as needed. Get a cover and use it to protect from the elements when not in use. With proper care, your Santa Maria BBQ grill will be ready to create delicious meals for a long time.

If you’re using an adaptor, make sure to clean it thoroughly after each use, paying special attention to the adjustable mechanism to ensure smooth operation.

As we wrap up our journey through the world of Santa Maria BBQ grills, I hope you’ve gained an appreciation for this unique and versatile piece of equipment. From its rich history to its unparalleled cooking capabilities, the Santa Maria BBQ grill offers a grilling experience.

Whether you’re searing a perfect tri-tip, slow-cooking ribs, or grilling up a feast for friends and family, a Santa Maria BBQ grill gives you the tools to up your outdoor cooking game- And they look cool as an added bonus! The hands-on nature of this grilling style, with its adjustable grate and open design, allows you to connect with your food in a way that’s challenging.

So why not bring a piece of California BBQ tradition to your backyard? By the way, and I meant to include this earlier- why not make a trip to the Valley? Whether you opt for a dedicated Santa Maria grill or transform your Weber kettle with an adaptor, you’re not just cooking – you’re participating in a time-honored culinary art form. Fire up that grill, invite some friends over, and get ready to create some mouthwatering memories. Happy grilling!

FAQs

1. What makes a Santa Maria BBQ grill different from other grills? The key difference is the adjustable grill grate that can be raised or lowered over the fire, allowing for precise temperature control during cooking.
2. Can I use a Santa Maria BBQ grill for foods other than meat? Absolutely! While it’s great for meats, you can also grill vegetables, seafood, and even pizza on a Santa Maria BBQ grill.
3. Do I need special wood for a Santa Maria BBQ grill? Traditionally, red oak is used, but you can experiment with other hardwoods like hickory to find your preferred flavor profile.
4. How often should I clean my Santa Maria BBQ grill? It’s best to clean the grill grate after each use and do a deeper clean of the entire unit monthly or as needed, depending on frequency of use.
5. Can I convert my existing grill into a Santa Maria style grill? Yes, especially if you own a Weber kettle grill. Again, the Santa Maria Grill Insert allows you to transform your Weber into a Santa Maria-style grill, giving you the best of both worlds.