How to buy a grill
If your old grill is not as functional as it used to be, buying a new one may be an option worth considering. Choosing the right type of grill is a tough choice, due to the different types of grills available on the market. The size and price are important factors when it comes to buying a grill. Here are a few things you should pay attention to before you go shopping.
What and when will you use it for
If you only plan to grill food during the summer and have a small family, a cheaper and smaller grill will do just fine. These grills can be folded and packed for a picnic, and are available for prices between $75 and $300 at your local supermarket. Take into account that smaller grills can only be used for a couple burgers at a time, so cooking more than that will require a larger grill. High quality grills can get quite expensive, so expect to pay anything ranging from $300 to over $10,000. They also come with more grilling room, or the option to keep the food warm until it’s ready to serve. Large, expensive grills will pose difficulties when cleaning, so check if you can remove the grill or if the ash and soot fall in a special compartment.
Optional features
Many expensive grills come with optional features and accessories for easier cooking and handling. Some of these include rotisseries, extra heating elements, lighting and a smoker box. All the extra features enhance the grilling experience, so you should choose based on what you need at the time. If you are an inexperienced griller you may find some of these options hard to use, so it is better to stick with a general, cheaper grill.
Different fuels
The most commonly encountered types of grills are the charcoal and the gas ones. Charcoal grills add a certain flavor to the food, due to the smoke they make. On the other hand, we also have the electric grills that use metal surfaces to radiate the heat. A gas grill is considered more economic in the long run due to its lower price. So how can you know which option is better for you? (Read about different grill fuel types)
Charcoal grills
Charcoal grills are a classical choice as they have always been associated with outside cooking. They require manual lighting, and a grate that is placed over heated charcoals. This type of grill will take about 30 minutes to heat up, and uses an old style starting method: fire and newspapers. Heat is harder to control and it depends on how much charcoal you use. When lighting up charcoal, pay attention not to start a fire as it can only be put out with water. This action damages the grill. While charcoal grills are cheap, the price for the fuel will make up for it in due time. If you don’t like electric grills and are scared of cooking with gas then these grills are for you.
Gas grills
The heating is very important when grilling and with a gas grill you have complete control over it. The temperature controls allow setting up a low or high temperature, depending on what you cook. The grill lights up by simply pressing a button, heats up in only a few minutes, and can be easily cleaned. Gas grills are large and cannot be used near a structure as the risk of causing a fire is higher. Unlike with charcoal grills, the fire threat can be stopped by simply pressing a button. Gas grills also need either a gas line or a propane tank to function. Professional gas grills are priced over $2,000 and the higher the price, the better the quality is. In addition to their price, you may need a professional to help you with the set-up process. An advantage of gas grills is the possibility of cooking side dishes with the side burners.
Pellet grills
Wood scraps is the material used to obtain pellets. Grilling with pellets will provide your food with a unique, rich taste and flavor. Unlike the other types of grills, the pellet grill can also serve as a smoker, depending on how you control the heat. However, there are a few potential disadvantages that come with pellet grills. These are not easy to find and are, in most cases, expensive to purchase.
Electric grills
Electric grills are the least popular among shoppers, and this is mostly due to the different taste they provide the meat with. The taste you will experience when cooking with an electric grill resembles frying rather than grilling. However, this type of grill is ideal in a small space setting. Local laws sometimes prohibit any other type of grill because of safety reasons. The cooking time is shortened with an electric grill, but the generated heat is also lower. If you opt for an electric grill, leave your food to cook for longer.
Furthermore, when you go shopping, you should never choose the cheapest grill you find as you will regret your choice. A medium priced grill will last several years and will deliver nice burgers and hotdogs. Consider your living conditions and how much will you use the grill before buying any.
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