Grill Guide - Easy Grill Shopping
Summer’s is here and you want a new BBQ grill to celebrate the season. Here are some questions to consider before you starting shopping for the perfect grill:
- How often are you going to be grilling? If you only plan to be a casual grill master, you might opt for a small grill.
- Do you have ample space outside for a new grill or are you limited? Don’t shop for grills that are too big for your patio or deck.
- What’s more important to you – great smokey taste or the convenience of any easy barbecue? Depending on the type of grill you select, your grilling experience will vary.
- Do you – or will you - have small children near your grill site? Keep in mind, electric grills are often considered to be safe grills for children.
Types of grills
There is a huge variety of grills available. Be sure you choose the grill that fits your home and grilling needs.
Charcoal Grills – A charcoal grill is your classic grill. Think wonderful barbecue food with a smokey taste.
- Pros: If you’re looking for a cheap grill, a charcoal grill is your best bet. Also, if you’re a die-hard cookout fan, you won’t settle for any less than the classic barbecue taste of a real charcoal grill.
- Cons: While charcoal grills are the cheapest grills, they cost more in the long run. Charcoal is expensive so if you’re planning on grilling frequently, you might consider a more efficient option. Also, if you and your family are going green, consider that charcoal grills are the worst type of grill for the environment. Also, these grills are hazardous for young children.
- Who should buy a charcoal grill: If you’re only a casual griller, don’t have small children, or can’t live without the classic BBQ taste a charcoal grill is right for you.
Gas Grills – A gas grill generally uses propane gas to power it unlike a typical charcoal grill.
- Pros: Gas grills cost less in the long run because the propane fuel is efficient. As a result, gas grills are the most environmentally friendly grill type!
- Cons: The initial cost of the grill is highest for gas grills. Also, you miss out on the classic smokey taste that charcoal grills provide.
- Who should buy a gas grill: If you plan to barbecue frequently a gas grill will be worth your money.
Electric Grills – An electric grill skips the fueling step is powered directly by electricity.
- Pros: Electric grills are excellent for beginner grillers. The temperature control is easy and clean up is fast since you don’t have to scrape fuel residue from the grill. Also, electric grills are the safest grills for families with small children.
- Cons: As with gas grills, electric grills don’t offer the traditional barbecue taste since they don’t use charcoal or an open fire. Also, electric grills are more expensive than charcoal grills.
- What should buy an electric grill: If you’re a beginner griller, have small kids, or need a fast and convenient grill consider investing in an electric grill.
Grill Sizes
When you’re shopping for a grill, you’ll want to consider your cookout needs when deciding on the right size of the grill. Consider these factors when choosing a grill size.
- Grill burners - More burners are ideal for larger grilling activities. If you’re shopping for a grill for lots of barbecues, consider buying a grill with 5 to 6 burners.
- BTU – The BTU rating of a grill generally corresponds to how much heat it can produce – the higher the rating the more heat. However, other factors do come into play such as the size of the grill and the materials it’s made out of.
- Small grills –Consider a smaller grill! Compact grills are a great solution to limited outdoor space for people who still love the barbecue.
Grill Parts & Grill Accessories
Once you’ve found the right grill, you’re going to need some grill parts and grill accessories to supplement your outdoor cooking. Be sure you have these grilling essentials:
- Grilling tools – Pick up a set of barbecue tools that includes a grilling spatula, fork, grilling brush and grilling tongs.
- Grilling thermometers – Be sure your food is done to perfection with meat thermometers.
- Grilling gloves – Protect your hands and invest in a sturdy grilling gloves.
- Rotisserie attachment – Expand what your grill can do with a simple rotisserie attachment.
Top Grill Brands
If you have a tool brand or outdoor brand you trust, consider by grill brands. Browse the best grill brands and find the right grill for your home. Here are some starters:
