Useful Information
Grilling sustainably
We love our planet and believe that it is important to use fuels that help our environment rather than destroy it.
Woodlands need to be managed in order to survive. Yes, this means cutting down trees, in order to let new trees grow. Every wood fuel that you can use has the potential to be sustainable. There are 3 things that affect this:
- Whether you are taking more wood from the forest than it can grow in a year.
- How far you have to move the wood fuel from where it was felled to where you are going to use it.
- How is that energy then released.
Whittle and Flame make charcoal from woodlands on the same site and use a unique process of which distils the flame out of wood. The tree’s carbon structure and the essence of individual character are all that’s left behind; no nasties going into the environment or their charcoal due to their specially designed kilns. They do this by ensuring that all of the carbon which doesn’t make it into charcoal is fully recycled and converted back into the ingredients that trees need in order to grow, as well as other sustainable energy.
Most of the charcoal purchased in the UK is imported from abroad. Look out for charcoal that is certified for sustainability by
Ventilation
Top tips for extraction and safety of solid fuel grills in a commercial kitchens. For full details please see our guide to extraction* which has been produced in conjunction with leading extraction company Halton.
- The ventilation system needs to be up to the job and should be planned alongside the installation of an indoor grill or a ventilation expert consulted to see if an existing system is suitable. The air extraction requirement will need to be calculated and we have had our grills tested to establish a “co-efficient” to allow this to be done more accurately.
- Consider the extraction equipment that will be needed: canopy, ductwork, discharge points and extract fans. Also consider the supply air system in the kitchen.
- Wood burning, as opposed to charcoal, has different requirements and therefore the overall specification for the ventilation system is more stringent. Please see the guide for more information.
- Burning solid fuel emits carbon monoxide, so provisions for an alarm/ monitor must be put in place.
- A spark arrester is recommended to reduce the risk of sparks entering the ductwork system.
- Solid fuel should be stored in a dry and ventilated area.
- Always ensure that equipment is cleaned, maintained and serviced.
* These points and the guide to extraction are for background information only. It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure correct ventilation and health and safety in the use of our grills.
Hand-built Craftmanship, Made in Britain
All of our grills are meticulously hand-built by our skilled craftspeople in our workshop in Stratford Upon Avon – Great Britain. Each and every grill is constructed with an emphasis on quality, form and function. While designed to be robust, our attention to detail also ensures a refined and elegant finish that complements any space, be it a commercial kitchen or residential outdoor space. Our hand-built methods also allow us to offer customisation options tailored to your specific requirements, whether you’re looking for unique sizing, bespoke accessories, or specialized features.
Benefits of cooking over fire with wood and charcoal
The secret to exceptional grilling lies in the authentic enhanced flavour that only charcoal can create. Charcoal grilling adds an extraordinary depth of flavour to food, which is why many top chefs consider it their “secret ingredient.” The rich aroma and taste that good-quality charcoal imparts is far superior to gas or electric grill alternatives. At Ox Grills, we pride ourselves on delivering grills that can achieve high temperatures for optimal searing and the perfect Maillard* reaction—the process that locks in juices and enhances Flavors. The versatility of charcoal also allows you to create distinct heat zones, enabling precise control over your cooking. The tradition and artistry of a charcoal grilling experience is a real spectacle and brings people together.
* The chemical reaction when protein and sugar reacts with heat, approximately 150℃ for the good stuff to happen.
We use superior grade materials which endure the elements
All of our grills are meticulously hand-built using marine-grade (316) stainless steel, which is renowned for its superior resistance to rust, corrosion, staining and heat damage. This robust type of stainless steel is critical for maintaining longevity and durability, even under extreme heat and harsh weather conditions. The heavy-duty steel construction, combined with a firebrick base that withstands temperatures of up to 1200℃, ensures that your Ox Grill will stand the test of time—no matter what elements you throw at it.
Furthermore 316 stainless steel is the best cooking surface to comply with food safety regulations. It can also withstand a lot of salt and acidic foods too.