Collapsible Grill Glossary
Plain definitions of terms used for collapsible and flat pack charcoal grills, carbon steel care and charcoal cooking.
- Air gap
- On a Slot Grill, the space between the table and the bottom of the coal bed: 2⅞" on the Compact, 3⅝" on the Full Size.
- Ash catcher
- The formed bottom that catches stray ash and stiffens the body.
- Carbon steel
- Iron with a small amount of carbon. Strong, takes seasoning, rusts if left bare and wet.
- Chimney starter
- A metal cylinder for lighting charcoal with paper, no lighter fluid.
- Direct heat
- Food right over the coals.
- Flat pack
- A grill that comes fully apart into flat plates.
- Gauge
- A steel thickness number; lower is thicker.
- Griddle (plancha)
- A flat steel plate cooked on like a flat top.
- Grate key
- The tool for lifting grates; on the Slot Grill it doubles as a bottle opener.
- Indirect heat
- Food beside the coals, not over them.
- Lump charcoal
- Charred hardwood pieces; lights fast, burns hot.
- Briquettes
- Pressed charcoal; burns steadier and longer.
- Patina
- The darkened layer that builds on seasoned carbon steel.
- Seasoning
- Oil heated onto steel until it bonds as a protective coating.
- Spine
- Slot Grill's name for the formed steel bottom that gives a smooth, safe underside.
- Tab and slot
- Joinery where tabs pass through slots to lock parts together.
- Two-zone fire
- Coals on one side, none on the other.
- V (side panels)
- How the Slot Grill side panels interlock into a tight V.