Santa Maria Grill

What is a Santa Maria grill?

A Santa Maria grill is a type of open-fire, wood-fueled grill that’s a staple in Central California, particularly around Santa Maria in Santa Barbara County. It’s famous for being used in traditional Santa Maria-style barbecue, which is a unique way of grilling beef, typically tri-tip, over red oak wood.

Key Features of a Santa Maria Grill:
Adjustable Grate: One of the signature features of a Santa Maria grill is its adjustable cooking grate. The grate can be raised or lowered to control the heat intensity from the fire. This is important because you can cook your meat over high heat to sear it and then lower the grate for slower, indirect cooking.

Wood-Fueled: These grills use wood, especially red oak, which imparts a distinctive smoky flavor to the food. The use of wood is a key part of the tradition, and red oak is prized for its clean burn and good heat output.

Open Flame: A Santa Maria grill often uses an open flame (or a firebox), giving it that signature charcoal-like flavor but with the added depth of smoky wood.

Rotisserie Option: Some versions of the grill include a rotisserie feature, where meat can be rotated above the flame for an even cook.

Simple Design: The design is often pretty basic—just a metal grate or grill over a fire pit or a more advanced setup with a rotating spit. The simplicity and focus on the flame and smoke are part of the charm.