This guide will provide an overview of the most popular grill types and key factors to consider when selecting a new grill for your home. We'll compare the pros and cons of charcoal, gas, pellet, and other grill varieties so you can determine which is best for your needs and budget. We'll also highlight top grill brands and models to research, worthwhile grill accessories to invest in, and tips for budgeting for your new grill and ongoing maintenance. Whether you're a grilling novice or a BBQ enthusiast, this guide will help you choose the ideal grill for creating delicious meals outdoors this season.
Types of Grills
When selecting a new grill, one of the first decisions is what type of grill to get. There are several main options to consider:
Charcoal Grills
Charcoal grills are a classic choice that use charcoal briquettes as the heat source.
Pros of charcoal grills include:
Authentic smoky barbecue flavor from the charcoal
Ability to reach very high temps for searing
Lower cost compared to gas or pellet grills
Cons of charcoal grills:
Messy to clean up ashes after use
Temperature regulation can be tricky
Takes time to light and get coals ready
Gas Grills
Gas grills use propane or natural gas to fuel the flames. The benefits of gas grills include:
Push button ignition makes them very easy to light
Temperature is simple to control with knobs
Heats up quickly and no waiting for coals
Large grilling space on many models
Downsides of gas grills:
Does not impart as much smoke flavor as charcoal
Susceptible to flaming up which can char food
More expensive than charcoal, especially for large sizes
Pellet Grills
Pellet grills burn small compressed wood pellets to cook food. Pros of pellet grills:
Imparts wood-fired flavor from the pellets
Digital temperature controls make managing heat very easy
Efficient design uses less fuel
Versatile for grilling, smoking, roasting
Cons of pellet grills:
Require electricity for the auger and fan
Pellets not as readily available as propane or charcoal
More expensive than other types of grills
Electric Grills
Electric grills use heating elements to cook food. The upsides of electric grills are:
Simple to use with adjustable temperature dial
Safer and cleaner than open flame options
Smaller models good for patios and balconies
The limitations of electric grills:
Do not get as hot as gas or charcoal for good sear
Less powerful than flame grills for very thick cuts of meat
Can't impart charcoal or wood fired flavors
Portable Grills
Portable grills are lightweight and compact for grilling on the go. Benefits include:
Easy to take camping, tailgating, beach, etc.
Smaller grilling area suitable for 1-4 people
Typically inexpensive compared to full size grills
Drawbacks of portable grills are:
Limited grilling capacity
Prone to temperature fluctuations
Durability may be lower than premium models
There are pros and cons to each grill type, so consider your budget, cooking needs, and preferences when deciding which is right for you.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Grill
When selecting a new grill, there are several key factors to keep in mind depending on your needs and preferences.
Grill Size/Cooking Area
One of the most important considerations is the overall grill size and cooking area. If you plan to cook for larger gatherings, you'll want a grill with a larger total cooking surface. For a family of 4, a grill with around 400-500 square inches of cooking space is usually sufficient. Larger families may want 600-700+ square inches. Measure your patio space first to ensure the grill will fit.
BTUs
BTU stands for British Thermal Unit and refers to the heat output of the grill. More BTUs means more cooking power. Gas grills often range from 10,000 to over 30,000 BTUs across the main burners. More BTUs are useful for searing steaks at high heat. Lower BTU grills around 10,000 work well for gentler cooking.
Materials
Common grill housing materials include stainless steel, cast iron, aluminum, and steel coated in porcelain enamel. Stainless steel offers a sleek look and is very durable against weather. Porcelain enameled steel is cost effective while still being rust-resistant. Cast iron grills hold heat well. Consider the amount of maintenance required for your preferred material.
Fuel Type
The main fuel types for grills are charcoal, gas (natural gas or propane), and electric (pellet grills). Charcoal provides an authentic smoky flavor. Gas offers convenient push-button ignition and temperature control. Pellet grills burn compressed wood pellets and allow you to infuse smoker flavors if desired.
Extra Features
Higher end grills offer extra features like side burners, LED lights, built-in thermometers, warming racks, storage cabinets, etc. Consider which features would be useful for you and worth the added cost. Side burners allow simultaneous preparation of sides. Built-in thermometers help monitor the internal temperature of meat.
Top Grill Brands and Models
When selecting a new grill, the brand name and model matter. Here are some of the top-rated options to consider for each grill type:
Charcoal Grills
Weber Kettle
PK Grills
Kamado Joe
Gas Grills
Weber Genesis
Lynx
Napoleon
Pellet Grills
Traeger
Green Egg
Pit Boss
Grill Accessories & Maintenance
Grill accessories can elevate your BBQ game and make cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are some must-have accessories to consider:
Grill Tools
Grill brush - A stiff, sturdy grill brush is essential for scrubbing the grill grates clean before and after each use. Look for a brush with durable, rust-resistant bristles.
Tongs - Invest in a pair of long, sturdy tongs for easily flipping foods on the grill. Look for locking tongs that keep a tight grip on food.
Spatulas - Use spatulas for flipping burgers and removing foods from the grill. Opt for long, sturdy spatulas with heat-resistant handles.
Basting brush - A silicone basting brush makes it easy to spread sauces and marinades on foods. Look for one with an angled brush head.
Skewers - Use metal or bamboo skewers for making kabobs and other skewered foods. Soak bamboo skewers before using to prevent burning.
Grill Covers
Protect your grill investment with a durable, water-resistant grill cover. The cover will shield the grill from weather damage and debris when not in use. Look for a cover specially fitted for your grill make and model.
Digital Thermometers
A digital instant-read thermometer is invaluable for checking doneness, especially for larger cuts of meat. Thermometers with probes you can leave in the meat while it cooks are also handy.
Other Accessories
Grill mats - These nonstick mats prevent food from sticking to the grill grates. They also make it easier to cook small, delicate foods.
Cedar grilling planks - Planking is a unique grilling method where you cook food on a soaked cedar plank. This imparts a subtle wood-smoke flavor.
Grill lights - LED grill lights illuminate the cooking surface for night grilling. Attachable magnetic lights are convenient.
Grill Cleaning Tips
Clean the grill grates after each use with a grill brush and warm, soapy water. This is easier when the grill is still warm.
Remove built-up grease and debris with grill cleaning spray and a plastic scraper. Allow the cleaner to sit for 5 minutes before scrubbing.
For stubborn grime, mix baking soda and water into a paste and scrub onto the grates. Rinse thoroughly before grilling again.
Clean the lid and exterior surfaces as needed with mild dish soap and water. Use a stainless steel cleaner on stainless steel surfaces.
Deep clean the interior periodically by removing the grates and scrubbing down the heat deflectors, burners and underside. Refer to your owner's manual for guidance.
Consider hiring a professional grill cleaning service annually to deep clean your grill if you use it frequently.
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