Quick Answer

Argentine grills use a V-shaped firebox with wood or charcoal and allow you to adjust grate height for precise heat control. Santa Maria grills are a specific style of Argentine grill that often features a crank mechanism to raise and lower the grates over an open fire. Both deliver authentic gaucho-style cooking, but your choice depends on whether you want a standalone grill or a fully integrated outdoor kitchen.

What Makes an Argentine Grill Unique

An Argentine grill is defined by its open-fire design. Unlike standard gas or charcoal grills, it uses a bed of embers from wood or charcoal placed below adjustable grates. This setup lets you sear steaks at high heat or slow-cook larger cuts by moving the grate up or down. The Argentine/Santa Maria Grill XL from Backyard Discovery exemplifies this tradition with heavy-duty steel grates that adjust to multiple heights, giving you precise control for searing or slow roasting.

Santa Maria: A Sub-Style with a Crank

Santa Maria grills are a specific sub-style of Argentine grills, originating from the Santa Maria region of Brazil. The key difference is the mechanical crank system that raises and lowers the entire grate assembly. This allows you to adjust the distance from the fire without lifting the grate manually. The Timber Rock Outdoor Argentine Grill Cook Station includes a built-in Argentine grill with this crank feature, integrated into a solid cedar and powder-coated galvanized steel island for a complete cooking station.

Trade-Offs at a Glance

  • Standalone vs Integrated: The Argentine/Santa Maria Grill XL is a standalone grill that you can place on a patio or in a grill gazebo. The Timber Rock Outdoor Argentine Grill Cook Station is a full island with built-in storage and counter space. Choose the XL if you want flexibility in placement; choose the Timber Rock if you want a permanent outdoor kitchen.
  • Fuel Flexibility: Both grills work with wood or charcoal. The XL gives you a traditional open-fire experience with manual grate height adjustment. The Timber Rock adds a crank for easier height changes. If you prefer hands-on control, the XL is great. If you want convenience, the Timber Rock's crank saves effort.
  • Weather Resistance: The Timber Rock uses solid cedar and powder-coated galvanized steel for rust and corrosion resistance. The XL is heavy-duty steel but does not specify a weatherproof coating in the provided facts. For uncovered or high-humidity locations, the Timber Rock may hold up better long-term.

Product Facts

  • Argentine/Santa Maria Grill XL: The Argentine/Santa Maria Grill XL accommodates both wood and charcoal for the ultimate cooking experience. Heavy-duty steel grill grates adjust to multiple heights. You get the flexibility to use either fuel type and can control heat by changing grate height, making it ideal for everything from searing steaks to slow-cooking ribs.
  • Timber Rock Outdoor Argentine Grill Cook Station: The Timber Rock Argentine Grill Cooking Station brings authentic gaucho-style grilling to your backyard. Built from solid cedar and powder-coated galvanized steel, it resists rust, dents, and corrosion. This station offers a permanent, weather-resistant cooking area with a built-in Argentine grill, so you don't have to buy separate components or worry about long-term durability.

Which One Fits Your Backyard?

Best for

  • Purists who want a traditional, standalone Argentine grill with manual height control and fuel flexibility
  • Those who plan to build a custom outdoor kitchen and need a built-in Argentine grill with a crank mechanism

Not for

  • Someone who wants a fully enclosed, covered outdoor kitchen with a griddle and prep space (consider the Emory or Lancaster models instead)
  • A cook who prefers gas grills for quick weekday meals