The differences between a barbecue and a brazier

Definitions and general characteristics 

What is a brazier?

The brazier is above all an outdoor heating device, which has become a must-have for professional and private outdoor spaces over time. Whether you opt for a brazier or barbecue, you are looking for both warmth and conviviality. 

Usually composed of an open or semi-open fireplace, the brazier creates a warm atmosphere while offering a cooking function thanks to its plancha space or the addition of a grill. 

Very popular for its decorative aspect, the brazier can be declined in different forms and materials, such as the famous professional brazier. It brings a friendly and authentic touch to the terraces, patios and gardens of establishments such as restaurants, cafes or hotels.

What is a barbecue?

The barbecue is specifically designed for cooking. Available in various forms (coal, gas, electric), it is distinguished by its ability to cook meat, fish and vegetables directly on the grill. 

Its primary function is culinary, although some recent models also focus on aesthetic design. The barbecue can sometimes combine both functions: heat and cooking. However, the barbecue is still mostly used for its effectiveness in grilling food.

Practical features

Uses of a brazier

Using a brazier or barbecue in a professional establishment allows to vary the atmospheres.

The brazier, in particular, stands out for its versatility. Well beyond its heating function, it becomes a real mood element for CHR professionals. It can be used as an extra fire during evenings on the terrace or as an extra cooking by adding a plancha or grill. Ideal for establishments looking to extend the outdoor season, the brazier is appreciated for its visible flames, which create a lively and warm spectacle.

Uses of a barbecue

The brazier or barbecue is essential for professionals who want to offer an effective grill service. The barbecue allows to cook meat, fish and vegetables quickly, accurately and in quantity. For a restaurant or caterer, it guarantees fast and controlled cooking, suitable for both large tables and more intimate services. 

Some professionals appreciate having precise temperature control depending on the model chosen, and others prefer the hybrid model, which combines brazier and barbecue to benefit from the advantages of both devices. Other models of barbecue brazier now incorporate design elements to seduce professionals concerned with the aesthetics of their space.

The differences between a barbecue and a brazier

Materials

Whether you choose a brazier or barbecue, the choice of material is essential. The brazier or barbecue is available in various materials according to the use and desired rendering. The brazier is often made of corten steel for its rusty and resistant appearance, cast iron for a traditional style or black lacquered steel. 

The barbecue, on the other hand, favors stainless steel for hygiene, enamelled steel for its ease of maintenance or cast iron for its thermal performance. The choice of material determines not only the aesthetics of your layout, but also the durability and ease of maintenance of the equipment. 

Heat and cooking

Choosing between brazier or barbecue also depends on the objective: atmosphere or cooking efficiency. The brazier offers a pleasant warmth, ideal for outdoor parties and special events!

The brazier is appreciated for its smooth and homogeneous diffusion of heat, ideal to heat outdoor spaces, creating a friendly atmosphere. By adding a plate or grill, the brazier and barbecue can be transformed into an improvised cooking solution, perfect for simple grilling. 

The barbecue, on the other hand, offers a rapid temperature rise and precise control of cooking thanks to its specific accessories: adjustable grates, lids, juice collectors. Its design is primarily designed for culinary efficiency.

Benefits of the brazier and barbecue

Opting for a brazier or barbecue, it is above all bet on conviviality and functionality! The brazier attracts by its decorative and warm side, and its ability to liven up outdoor evenings while offering the possibility of cooking. The barbecue, meanwhile, is the ally of restaurateurs and hoteliers who want to bet on practicality and efficiency cooking. Some hybrid models even combine these advantages to offer the best of both worlds.

But whether it is the brazier or the barbecue, they each have distinct advantages according to expectations and needs!

Disadvantages of brazier and barbecue

The choice between a brazier or a barbecue requires to evaluate certain constraints... The brazier can sometimes present limits for professionals looking for a fast and efficient cooking solution. Similarly, some models require special attention for maintenance, especially in crude steel or cast iron. The barbecue, on the other hand, offers less versatility and a warm atmosphere than a brazier, although it is more suitable for fast food services. 

Barbecue or brazier models seek to overcome these limitations by combining the two functions.

The budget

The budget for a brazier or barbecue depends on the material, size and functionality. A corten steel or cast iron brazier may be a higher investment, but it ensures longevity and an unmatched aesthetic rendering. 

The barbecue, more affordable in its basic version, can see its price increase with the professional or hybrid models integrating the brazier function. The choice will therefore depend on the intended use and the importance given to aesthetics.

Brazier and barbecue: which choice for which occasions?

Ideas of use for a brazier

As a restaurateur or owner of a delicatessen or wine cellar, imagine a brazier or barbecue in the heart of your terrace, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for your customers during your summer evenings, tasting parties and other events.

For an establishment such as a café, restaurant or hotel, the brazier proves to be an ideal solution to create convivial outdoor spaces. It allows to welcome customers around a fire, while offering the opportunity to offer simple and original cooking. Very trendy in the world of event spaces, the brazier or barbecue in hybrid version perfectly finds its place during aperitifs dinners or themed evenings.

Ideas for a barbecue

For a quick and efficient service, the brazier or barbecue makes sense here in its classic grill version.

The barbecue is primarily for professionals who want to focus on efficiency and the ability to prepare large meals. Ideal for restaurants with a terrace service or caterers, it offers a varied grill menu, while ensuring speed and control of cooking.

At Tradis, we offer a range of professional corten steel braziers, perfect for sublimating your outdoor spaces and offering your customers moments of friendliness and incomparable warmth.