Factors to Consider When Grill Shopping

Pick The Right Grill And You Will Be The Hero At your Next Cookout

Warm weather invites outdoor activities,and a great way to wrap up the day is with a smokin' hot barbeque!! How to choose the best grill is to be a big problem.Gas or charcoal? Propane or wood pellets? Direct grilling or smoking?

All types of BBQ grills have their pros and cons. The fuel used to cook the food is the primary difference between grills. Finding the cooker that’s right for you is a matter of personal preference for speed, efficiency, convenience and flavor. 

As you weigh advantages and disadvantages of types of grills, be sure you’re shopping for the size that’s right for your outdoor area. Along with the unit’s overall footprint on your deck or patio, also think about the cooking surface of the grill. Having a large grill will help ensure there’s enough room to cook a variety of meats and vegetables for your family.

Charcoal Grills

Here are pro and cons to note about charcoal grills:

Pros:

• Amazing smoky flavor
• Easy to use
• Relatively portable

Cons:

• Less accurate temperature control
• Takes longer to heat
• Harder to clean

Like most other types of grills, charcoal grills are made from cast aluminum, sheet metal or stainless steel. Kettle grills have a removeable lids that are lifted to access the grilling surface. Barrel grills and cart-style grills have hinged lids and often feature side shelves.

Kamado Grills

Kamado grills are types of charcoal grills that have become popular for their versatility. The elongated body of a kamado enables excellent heat circulation to cook food evenly. Its thick ceramic construction tolerates high temperatures – even in cold weather – and also maintains low heat for slow cooking.

Use it as a grill for steak and other traditional cookout fare, or a smoker for a pork shoulder and other slow-cooked meats. Because of the consistent convection heat produced inside a kamado grill, it can also serve as an outdoor oven for baked favorites, such as thin-crust pizza.

Gas Grills

Gas grills are the most common backyard grills.These start fast, heat up quickly, are easy to operate and require much less cleanup than other types of grills.

• Here are some key things to note about gas grills:
• Heats up quickly and is easy to use, requiring very little cleanup. 
• Push-button start provides hassle-free lighting.
• Reaches temperatures between 400 and 600 degrees Fahrenheit. 
• Regulates heat with temperature control knobs. 
• Multiple burners can create different heat zones for searing, cooking or warming foods on the grill. 
• Some models can be used with charcoal or wood chips for added flavor. 
• May require maintenance or replacement for burners, valves, vents and heat shields. 

Gas grills come in a wide variety of sizes. They tend to be the most expensive option, so be prepared to make a longer-term investment. With proper grill maintenance and care, your gas grill will last for years to come. Most gas grills are designed to run on propane, and you will have to refill and replace the tanks as needed.

Pellet Grills

Pellet grills are electrically powered, but burn hardwood pellets for heat and smoke. A hopper dispenses food-safe pellets into the grill as needed to maintain a preset temperature. This allows for precise, digital heat control to evenly cook at a consistent temperature like an oven. Plus, the food takes on the distinct wood-smoked flavor of pellets made from woods such as hickory, mesquite, pecan and apple.

Some models enable you to adjust the temperature of the grill and monitor your food using your smartphone. This feature allows you to tend the fire even when you aren’t right next to the grill. This could be from inside your home in cold weather or anytime you can’t be tethered to your grill for low-and-slow cooking.

Smokers

Charcoal grills and pellet grills can be used for smoking meat and vegetables but for those who love deep smoky flavor,a dedicated standalone smoker might be the best choice. Smokers cook foods at lower temperatures over longer periods of time – think of them as the slow-cooker versions of grills. 

Here are pro and cons to note about smoker:

Pros:

• Deeply smoked flavor
• Large cooking area.

Cons:

• Long cook times
• Can be expensive

Electric Grills

Electric grills are a great choice if you live in an apartment or condo where gas or charcoal grilling is not permitted. Requiring nothing more than a nearby electrical outlet, electric grills are typically the smallest grill sizes and include portable and tabletop models.

There are benefits to an electric grill:

• Needs no fuel. 
• Heats up quickly and cooks food evenly. 
• Requires no prep and provides easy cleanup.

Portable Grills

Small portable grills offer convenience for camping, tailgating or other outings. For anyone who loves to camp or grill on-the-go, portable grills can make cooking easy. 

Here are pro and cons to note about Portable grills:

Pros:

• Portable
• Durable
• Simple controls

Cons:

• Expensive if used infrequently
• Needs a separate propane tank

Just about all types of grills have a smaller version that can be used when you’re away from home.

Selecting the best outdoor grill is based on your personal preference. Consider the pros and cons of a model's cooking time, fuel type and features that improve flavor or convenience. Whatever kind of grills you choose,outdoor barbecue grills provide satisfying meals and a fun family experience.