How To Choose From A Wide Variety Of Barbecue Grills

Because there is nothing quite like the smell of food being barbecued, there is a constant demand for barbecue grills. If you are one of the consumers who is thinking of getting a grill, here are some pointers for you to consider before making your purchase.
The Type that’s Right for You
Think about which type of barbecue grill would work best for you. Today’s grills provide a wide range of choices depending on how they are fueled: gas, charcoal or electric. Gas grills can either be used with gas from your utility line or a propane tank. Make sure you know how convenient it would be to tap gas from your regular line and weigh this against the chore of refilling propane tanks. Gas grills cut down on the time you need to fire up and involve less post barbecue cleaning up. Therefore, if you are always on the go, a gas grill could be right for you. With a gas grill, you will have the distinctive smoke flavor that makes barbecued foods such a hit, but it will be milder than what you will get from old-fashioned charcoal grills.
Charcoal grills use briquettes as fuel and as a whole, cooking with this type of grill will entail more time and effort from its users than gas grills. Firing it up alone will take more than half an hour and there is considerably more cleaning up after. In addition, the over-all cost of purchasing briquettes will probably exceed the cost of the gas used for a barbecue. On the plus side however, nothing beats the flavor that one gets from a charcoal grill, which for many discerning barbecue diehards, is the only way to go.
A third basic type of grill that you may want to look into is the electric grill. Powered by electricity, this grill comes in two varieties: indoor and outdoor. If you live in an area where the use of gas or charcoal grills is prohibited, this is the grill for you. Take note though, that you will not be getting the delicious aroma that comes with the use of a gas or a charcoal grill.
The Capacity that Meets your Needs
Before you plunk down cash for your grill, you need to consider how big a grill you need seriously. How often will you be using the grill and how many people will you be cooking for? Count all the birthdays, outdoor picnics and gatherings you normally hold within the year and think of how many people you would need to prepare burgers, hotdogs, or steaks for. If you think you will have a crowd bigger than your family more than four times a year, you might want to consider a grill that will get everything done and still leave you time and energy to socialize. When you choose the size of your grill, think in terms its capacity to dispose of burgers or steaks. Barbecue grills that can do more than a dozen patties at a time should be sufficient for gatherings with fifteen to twenty people in attendance. If you need a grill only to cook for four to six people, then a smaller grill should do.
The Necessary Durability
It is reasonable to expect good years of service from your grill unless you are planning to buy one that is practically disposable. As a whole, although they are more expensive, grills with stainless steel or hard aluminum bodies are more durable than grills made of painted steel are. Look at the grate of the grill you are buying. If the grate is made of uncoated cast-iron, you will have to oil it after each use to prevent rust. After a good clean up, regardless of whether it is aluminum, stainless steel or painted steel, it would be wise to allow your grill to cool down and cover it when it is not in use. It would also be good to know ahead of time where you will station the grill during your cookouts and where you will store it in between parties. Remember that ensuring good storage should mean your grill could be used with ease and kept where it will not be damaged.
The Price that’s Right for You
Finally, before making your purchase, determine from the onset how much your ceiling is for barbecue grills then shop around and compare prices. If another member of the household is going to do most of the actual cooking, it would be wise to confer with that person before making a final choice. Buying a grill should be a happy, well-planned task that will allow you to bring home something that will give you and your family countless hours of fun.