Before you buy a grill, ask yourself a few basic questions about your cooking habits to make sure you pick what’s best for you.
Directions
- What type of fuel will I use? Grills should be selected based on the type of fuel they use: propane, natural gas (a grill hooked up to your home's natural gas supply), charcoal, electricity, or wood pellet fuel.
- What size do I need? Grills are measured in square inches of cooking surface. Knowing whether you'll be cooking for yourself, your family, or entertaining guests will help you decide how big your grill should be.
- What features do I want? Are you an adventurous gourmet griller or just a basic hotdogs-and-hamburgers type of griller? Grills today come with all sorts of interesting "bells and whistles." Your specialty retailer can educate you.
- What's my style? Today's grills don't have to be "basic black." Manufacturers are catering to consumer demand for interesting design including sleek stainless steel, colors, and a variety of styles ranging from traditional to modern.
- What's my budget? Whatever your budget, there is a grill for you. Basic backyard grills can sell for as little as $50 while top-of-the-line gourmet grills can sell for $5,000 or more.
- Where will I shop? Grills can be purchased almost anywhere these days: specialty retailers, mass merchandisers, home improvement centers, hardware stores, and even department stores. However, for the most individualized service, visit your local specialty retailer (patio or outdoor living store).
- Where will I use my grill ? Will you be using your grill on a small balcony? On your backyard patio? In your custom-designed outdoor kitchen? Today's grills are specially designed for specific areas ranging from small apartments and condos to fully-equipped, permanent outdoor kitchens.
Gas grills are very popular for the casual cook. They can be heated up and ready in less than 10 minutes and temperature control is simple. Make sure that you get a gas grill with at least 2 burners so you can cook with indirect heat. Small gas grills are ideal for patio or terraces where space is limited. Price ranges from $129 to over $5000 for the top of the line grilling systems.
For some, if it’s not charcoal it’s not grilling. Charcoal is great for searing, but can also be used for low heat slow cooking. Stacking the coals on one side of the grill allows you to cook with indirect heat. Charcoal grills can also double as a smoker. Basic charcoal grills start at around $40.
Pellet grills , while not widely known yet are gaining in popularity. These grills use small wooden pellets (mesquite, hickory, or oak) as the fuel source. The pellets also infuse their wood smoke flavor. Pellet grills are energy efficient and clean burning. Many of these grills have a dual fuel feature that allows the user to switch to gas to obtain higher temperatures. Prices start at around $600.
Electric grills have come a long way with improvements in ceramic technologies. Some electric grills can reach 700 degrees. For apartment and condo dwellers that want a home seared steak, but don’t have the space for a traditional grill, electric grills are a good option.
Many barbecue enthusiasts are adding a second grill, the ‘Smoker’ .
Cylindrical water smokers are a good choice for beginners because they are affordable and easy to use. Available in stainless, powder coated or porcelain coated steel, these smokers employ a stack system allowing cooking of multiple items. Some allow the bottom rack to be used a traditional grill. Charcoal is the most popular fuel, while gas and electric allow for consistent temperature control.
Horizontal dry wood smokers are divided into sections. The smaller section, the fire box, connects to a larger chamber. This set up allows for smoke and heat to pass through the chamber for low and slow cooking.
The third type of smoker is the kamado smoker. A thick walled ceramic, egg shaped smoker. Most are charcoal fueled and their thick ceramic walls make them extremely energy efficient. With temperature ranges from 180 to over 800 degrees, the egg smokers are ideal for an advanced grill master as well as the novice.
