The 5 Best Argentine Grills That Add Flavor and Heat
Updated: Mar. 19, 2024
Spruce up your outdoor kitchen and cook any food to perfection with a full-size or built-in Argentine grill.
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If you’re a BBQ aficionado or somebody who wants to dip their toe into the world of grilling, you may want to consider purchasing an Argentine grill. Although they differ from smoker grills and gas grills, the best Argentine grills help you produce evenly cooked and mouthwatering meals with their adjustable surface and V-shaped grates. There are two different styles of these grills: the Parrilla grill is equipped with an arm on the side to adjust the grill gate, and the Santa Maria grill features a wheel that adjusts the height of the grates.
From steak to sausage to veggies, preparation is simple and easy. The magic of an Argentine grill comes from its “low-and-slow” cooking style. Achieve delectable flavors and fall-off-the-bone tenderness by keeping your meat at a safe distance from the flames for an extended duration. Embrace the patient approach and unlock culinary perfection. Are you ready to experiment with the art of fire cooking? Whether you’re looking for a grill for those summer family BBQs or a budget-friendly option, we compiled the best Argentine grill picks on the market.
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Best Overall Argentine Grill
Nuke Puma Santa Maria-Style Grill
The Nuke Puma Santa Maria-Style is the ultimate Argentine grill that is sure to upgrade any grilling experience. Whether you prefer to grill in close proximity to the flames or at a distance, this exceptional pick offers unparalleled flexibility. Its unique design allows you to effortlessly adjust the position of the grill gate in relation to the coals. A convenient control wheel located on the side gives you full control over the cooking temperature. The V-shaped grates expertly funnel out drippings, while the cast iron plancha is perfect for cooking up smaller bites.
Crafted from high-grade stainless steel and heavy-gauge steel, it is built to withstand the test of time while delivering outstanding performance. Your investment in this top-quality equipment is guaranteed to pay off with every mouthwatering meal. Not only is it durable, but its stand cart is also equipped with wheels, making it easy to transport to different locations for your next BBQ adventure.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Includes a cast iron plancha
- Hand-made in Argentina
- Stand cart with wheels
Cons
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Lots of parts involved
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Best Built-In Argentine Grill
Tagwood Built-In Wood Fire & Charcoal Grill
If you’re searching for the best built-in Argentine grill for your outdoor kitchen setup, look no further than the Tagwood Built-In Wood Fire & Charcoal Grill. In addition to an interchangeable griddle, this grill comes with four S-shaped meat hooks. Spend less time and effort lighting up the charcoal and more time seasoning your food with the firebox gaucho-style brasero. As a bonus: It also comes with a stainless steel shovel, coal rake and bottle opener.
Pros
- Made to install in an outdoor kitchen
- Includes a firebox gaucho-style brasero
- Fully assembled
- Available in two sizes
Cons
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No grill lights
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Best Value Argentine Grill
Nuke Delta Argentinian Style Grill
Outdoor cooking enthusiasts who want an Argentine grill that doesn’t break the bank, the Nuke Delta Grill is for you. This outdoor grill burns both charcoal and logs with an extra wide grill bed to direct heat to various areas. It also comes with a rugged stand with swivel casters and a drawer for accessories. This is one of the best gaucho grills for the price, so make sure to grab one while it’s hot.
Pros
- More moderately priced than most options
- Wide and adjustable grill
- Additional steel griddle
- Handcrafted by artisans in Argentina
Cons
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Assembly required
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Best Handmade Argentine Grill
Argentine Wood Fired Parrilla Asado Grill
This Argentine Wood Fired Grill is handmade in Brooklyn and provides lots of space for grilling safely. The signature “V” grill is solid stainless steel (as is the tray it sits in), which enables the juices of your meat to flow into a catch basin, avoiding smoke and fire that might ruin your entree. This full-size grill is on the heavier side, but large durable wheels allow you to move it around without difficulty. The attention to detail is evident, including the use of a unique cast iron hand wheel from the 1920s that adjusts the height of the grill.
Pros
- Completely hand-welded with thoughtful and unique details
- Large at 65-inches long
- Has four sturdy wheels
- Solid stainless steel
Cons
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Heavy
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Best Double Argentine Grill
Tagwood XL Double Argentine Santa Maria Grill
The Tagwood Double Argentine Santa Maria Grill is the perfect option for someone who grills for large groups. With its two interchangeable griddles, two height-adjustable main grates and 12 S-shaped meat hooks, the grilling possibilities are endless. This luxury stainless steel Argentine grill is freestanding and gives you the option to cook different foods at different heights.
It comes with a handy cover so you don’t have to worry about the BBQ growing rusty or attracting dirt and debris when it’s not in use. Other grilling tools like a shovel and a poker are also included.
Pros
- Multiple grilling areas
- Allows for different cooking techniques to be carried out simultaneously
- Includes a cover and grilling tools
- Interchangeable griddle
Cons
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Expensive
What to Look For When Buying an Argentine Grill
To ensure you select the best Argentine grill that suits your needs, you should consider whether you’re looking for a full-size or a built-in grill. If you have a lot of 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.
Types of Argentine Grills
- Parrilla: A Parrilla grill is equipped with an arm on the side to adjust the grill gate.
- Santa Maria: A Santa Maria grill features a wheel that adjusts the height of the grates.
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.
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 did a ton of research. We considered the quality of materials used, user-friendliness, overall design and real-world customer reviews.
FAQ
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.
Originally Published: May 09, 2023
