I have spent years around fire, smoke, and steel. At The Wood Fire Co., woodfire cooking is not just something we sell; it is something we live and breathe. From building ovens to helping homeowners create their dream outdoor cooking spaces, I have seen how fire changes the way people cook, eat, and come together.
Over the years, one cooking method has stood out as a clear favourite for both beginners and seasoned grillers: the Parrilla grill. It is simple, reliable, and delivers the kind of flavour and control that modern gas or electric BBQs cannot match.
The Parrilla has deep roots in Argentinian tradition, where cooking over fire is a way of life. It is not just about getting food on the table; it is about creating a shared experience. Every time I cook on a Parrilla, I am reminded of why I started working with woodfire systems in the first place. It brings people back to the art of real cooking.
What Makes a Parrilla Grill So Special
If you have never seen a Parrilla before, you might think it looks like a regular BBQ. But once you use it, you will quickly realise that it works in a completely different way.
1. Cooking with Glowing Embers
Instead of cooking directly over flames, a Parrilla grill lets you:
- Burn wood down to glowing embers before cooking.
- Pull the embers under the cooking area for a steady, even heat source.
- Cook food over controlled radiant heat, not unpredictable flames.
This method gives your food:
- A deep smoky flavour that gas and charcoal BBQs cannot match.
- Even cooking without hot spots.
- A perfect texture on both meat and vegetables.
2. Adjustable Grill Height
One of the Parrilla's smartest features is the movable grill grate. You can easily:
- Raise the grill higher for slow, gentle cooking, such as lamb or vegetables.
- Lower the grill closer to the coals for searing steaks or crisping chicken skin.
This control means:
- No burnt edges or undercooked centres.
- Consistent results every time you cook.
- Less stress managing flare-ups or uneven heat.
3. Effortless Control and Consistency
The Parrilla's design gives you total confidence around the fire. With:
- Stable heat from embers, not flames.
- Smooth adjustments for height and distance.
- Predictable results, even for longer cooks.
There are no flare-ups, no guessing, and no rushing. Just steady, relaxed cooking that lets the fire do the work while you enjoy the process.
The Taste You Can Only Get from Woodfire
You can cook a good steak on almost anything, but you can only get that deep, rich, wood-smoked flavour from a real fire.
Cooking over embers brings out something special in food. It adds a natural layer of flavour that gas and charcoal cannot create. You taste it in every bite, from the caramelised crust of a ribeye to the sweet smokiness of grilled vegetables.
When I cook on my Parrilla, I can tell what type of wood I am using just by the flavour it gives the food. Red gum adds a bold, smoky note. Applewood gives a softer, slightly sweet touch. Ironbark creates a strong, steady heat that lasts for hours. The type of wood you use becomes part of your cooking style.
People often tell me that cooking on a Parrilla feels different. It slows them down in the best way. You are not just grilling meat, you are managing a fire, watching embers fall, listening to the hiss of juices hitting steel. It is an experience that reconnects you to the process of cooking.
More Than a Grill
A Parrilla is not a throwaway piece of equipment. It is something you build into your space and keep for years to come. At The Wood Fire Co., we design and build Parrilla grills with the same care and precision that goes into our pizza ovens. Every part serves a purpose.
The heavy-duty steel structure holds heat well and resists warping, even after countless cooks. The V-shaped grill bars help collect and guide fat away from the coals, preventing flare-ups. The ember tray is designed for easy movement and cleaning. These are small details, but they make all the difference once you start using them regularly.
When we build a Parrilla, we want it to last. We also want it to look good. A Parrilla is not just a cooking tool; it is a centrepiece. Whether it is built into an outdoor kitchen or set up as a freestanding grill, it becomes part of the space. I have seen people design entire entertaining areas around their Parrilla. It is both practical and beautiful.
The Cooking Experience
Bringing People Together
One of my favourite things about the Parrilla is that it brings people together. When you light a fire, everyone naturally gathers around it. There is something about the glow of the coals and the smell of wood smoke that draws people in.
Cooking That Feels Interactive
Cooking on a Parrilla is hands-on and engaging. You are:
- Adjusting the grill height to manage the heat
- Moving the embers beneath the food
- Checking progress and fine-tuning as you go
Family and friends often get involved as well. Someone might help turn the meat, add a few pieces of wood, or enjoy the fire while chatting. It is relaxed, natural, and full of small moments that make cooking outdoors special.
Endless Options for Every Cook
A Parrilla is incredibly versatile. You can start simple and build from there.
- For beginners: steak, sausages, or chicken skewers.
- As you improve, try lamb cutlets, whole fish, or vegetables.
- For the adventurous: slow-cooked ribs, smoky seafood, or even woodfire pizza.
The more you use your Parrilla, the more you understand how to read the fire. You will learn how to position the embers, when to lower or raise the grill, and how to utilise heat zones to cook multiple items simultaneously.
Cooking with Patience and Control
Good Parrilla cooking is not about speed. It is about patience and attention. The fire teaches you to slow down and cook with purpose. You begin to recognise small signs that guide your timing:
- The sound of wood cracking tells you the fire is still alive.
- The smell of the smoke changes as the embers reach their peak.
- The colour of the coals shows when it is time to start cooking.
With every meal, your confidence grows. You stop rushing, you start trusting the process, and the food rewards you for it.
Why Parrilla Grills Outperform Gas and Charcoal BBQs
If you are accustomed to using a gas or charcoal BBQ, you may wonder what makes a Parrilla worth the investment. I have used every type of grill over the years, and the difference is clear.
| Feature | Parrilla Grill | Gas BBQ | Charcoal BBQ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat control | Adjustable grill height gives full control | Fixed burners only | Difficult to manage consistently |
| Flavour | Real woodfire flavour from embers | Mild taste, no smoke | Charcoal flavour only |
| Maintenance | Easy to clean and long-lasting | More parts to replace | Ash buildup and wear |
| Aesthetic | Traditional and striking | Modern but plain |
Basic design |
Why I Recommend the Parrilla Grill
It Changes the Way You Cook
When I talk to people who love cooking outdoors, I always mention the Parrilla. Not because I want to sell one, but because I know how much it changes the experience.
A Parrilla is more than just a BBQ. It slows you down in the best way. You start paying attention to the fire, the heat, and how small adjustments can completely change the flavour. It helps you focus on the process, not just the result.
It Becomes a Weekend Ritual
I have seen so many customers switch from gas BBQs to a Parrilla, and they never look back.
- They start planning weekends around cooking.
- They experiment with different woods and cuts of meat.
- They invite friends and family to join in.
Cooking on a Parrilla becomes part of their routine, something they look forward to. It turns outdoor cooking into a real event, not just another dinner.
It Brings People Together
There is something about lighting a fire that draws people in. The glow of the embers, the scent of smoke, and the sound of sizzling food all create an atmosphere that draws people together.
Cooking becomes social. Someone adds more wood, someone turns the meat, someone pours the drinks. It feels easy and natural, and that is what makes the experience so special.
Why the Parrilla Makes Sense
Simple to Use and Maintain
A Parrilla is built to last and made to be practical.
- Easy to clean: The grill lifts out and the ember tray empties quickly.
- Tough build: Heavy-duty steel resists warping and rust.
- No fuss: No electronics or fragile parts to replace.
Once you know how your fire behaves, cooking feels simple and intuitive.
You Control the Fire
Because you cook with real wood, you decide how your heat behaves.
- Use hardwoods like red gum or ironbark for long burns.
- Choose softer woods for lighter, faster cooking.
- Combine both for your own mix of heat and flavour.
Once you get used to it, you will find yourself adjusting the fire by feel, not by guesswork.
Better for the Environment
Cooking on a Parrilla is a more natural and sustainable way to grill.
- Wood is a renewable fuel.
- Embers use less energy than gas burners.
- You can use locally sourced wood instead of bottled fuel.
It is a cleaner, more mindful way to cook outdoors.
Check out our Agentinian Parrilla Grills Collections.
Why It's Worth It
Cooking That Feels Real
If you love outdoor cooking, the Parrilla is worth considering. Buttons or burners do not power it. It is powered by fire, patience, and your own hands.
Cooking this way brings you back to the basics: real food, real heat, and real satisfaction.
Every Cook Gets Better
The sound of the crackling wood, the smell of smoke, and the glow of the coals under your food remind you of why you love to cook. With every use, you get better at reading the fire and mastering the heat.
Built to Last a Lifetime
A Parrilla is an investment that grows with you.
- Your skills improve with every cook.
- The meals you make become part of your story.
- The grill itself stands the test of time.
It is not just a BBQ. It becomes a part of your home, your weekends, and your cooking style.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a Parrilla grill all year round?
Yes, you can cook on a parrilla in any season, as long as your space is well-ventilated and protected from strong winds or rain.
2. How long does it take to assemble a Parrilla grill?
Most Parrilla grills are easy to assemble and can be set up in under an hour with basic tools.
3. Do I need to season the grill before using it?
Yes, it's a good idea to oil and heat the grill before the first use to protect the steel and prevent food from sticking.
4. Can I cook vegetarian meals on a Parrilla?
Absolutely, vegetables, halloumi, flatbreads, and even fruit caramelise beautifully over woodfire heat.
Final Thoughts
I have spent a lot of time cooking outdoors, and the Parrilla grill remains one of my favourite tools. It represents everything I value about food and fire. It is hands-on, reliable, and deeply rewarding.
When people visit The Wood Fire Co., I always tell them that cooking on a Parrilla is not about being a chef. It is about enjoying the process, learning from the fire, and sharing great food with people you care about.
Whether you are cooking for a small family dinner or hosting a big weekend feast, a Parrilla brings warmth, flavour, and a sense of tradition to your space. It is not just a way to cook, it is a way to connect.
If you are ready to bring that authentic woodfire experience into your backyard, take a look at our Parrilla grill range at The Wood Fire Co. Every grill we build is designed for real fire lovers who want to cook the way it was meant to be done - simply, beautifully, and over wood.