According to a respected grilling trade publication, 75% of adults in America use a grill or smoker. The majority of those, 63%, use their grill year-round.
So, if you’re on the sidelines or want to up your grilling game, you should take a look at what options you have. But what type of grill to buy?
You need to remember that it’s not all steaks and chops; many people use their grills to give their veggies and fish various flavors, from cedar plank to hickory smoke.
In the following article, we’ll discuss what you should consider before buying a grill and the different types of grills out there.
Amount of Space
When deciding upon a new grill, you should consider the amount of space you have to use and store your new appliance. Also, consider any disruption this may cause to your neighbors or homeowners association. Many condominiums and apartments have prohibitions against open flames (gas and charcoal) and smokers (pellets).
Measure the space you plan to use the grill and the space you plan to store it. Keep these measurements in mind as you shop for a new grill.
What Flavors Do You Want?
Three things tend to dominate a person’s grill decisions. The convenience, the social aspect (cooking outside on your patio or deck), and the flavor.
Even though some people say that grilling with propane is no different from cooking in your oven, many contend that the food’s flame-broiled nature has its own distinct taste. Cooking with charcoal briquettes or adding wood chips add a district flavor to your food. And pellets from different woods or treated to create different kinds of smoke also lend different flavors to your food.
Cook Time and Attention
Smokers and pellet grills will cook your food over many hours. For many people, this exercise isn’t what they are after. Some people want to turn on the gas, light the grill, and get going. Others don’t mind letting the charcoal get hot before starting their cook. This is all personal preference, but one thing is for certain: the longer you are willing to wait for your food, the more flavor it will absorb.
Propane Fueled Type of Grill
Gas grills are the most common type of grills. They come in a wide variety of sizes and styles. Also, the quality of construction is a major determining factor in the price range of these grills. They run on propane tanks or off a home’s natural gas line and are generally the easiest grill to use after electrics.
Charcoal Grills
These grills once dominated the market, were replaced by gas, but over the last decade have made a comeback as people experiment with different charcoals and styles. A cast iron grill can use charcoal or coals from a wood fire. These grills also come in a variety of sizes, and many are portable and utilitarian.
Wood-pellet Grills
These larger grills have a feeder that supplies a continuous flow of pellets for an extended cook time. A computer often controls the temperature (usually low) and the cooking time (usually long). These grills are for someone who wants to experience a true BBQ experience. However, they often take up a bit of space.
Electric Grills
Electric grills are really glorified griddles, but they do have two big upsides. They are small, and they have no open flames. These are perfect for balconies where grilling outside is desired, but space is tight. And these grills are relatively inexpensive. A word of warning, sometimes cleanup can be a pain if there’s a lot of juice or grease.
Time to Decide?
Now that you have the basics remember to always factor in your budget. You may find deals off the summer season but less variety if you’re looking for units to come pre-assembled.
Sometimes it’s worth waiting for that Black Friday or Memorial Day sale so you can get the type of grill you want at the right price.
Yet, no matter what type of grill you decide on, you’re sure to learn much about cooking outside and enjoying time with friends and family.
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