Choosing the best BBQ grill for the perfect summer cookout can be a tough decision. With so many models, sizes, and price ranges, there is a lot to take into consideration. When it comes to barbecue grills, it may be worth spending a little more for what you want. Here is a full rundown of everything you need to consider when buying a BBQ grill.
Types of BBQ Grills
Gas Grill
Gas grills are a quick and convenient way to cook. They heat up almost instantly. Since the heat is adjusted by turning the knobs on the grill you have a lot of control over the intensity. Gas cooking is affordable and clean. There is much less smoke or cleaning up to do after cooking on a gas grill. The downside, however, is that it misses the authentic smoky charred flavor of fire grilling.
Gas grills are available with a variety of accessories including lights, side burners, dedicated meat searing areas, and integrated food thermometers.
Charcoal Grill
Charcoal grills give you the flavor that grilling is all about. They are popular because they impart a one-of-kind smoky, char-grilled BBQ taste to your food. Charcoal briquettes can be mixed with wood to enhance the smoke flavor.
Charcoal grills don’t offer the instant cooking benefit that a gas grill does. Preparation time before cooking will be 20 to 45 minutes.
Pellet Grills
Pellet grills have made a comeback and are popular because they act as both a grill and a smoker. Unlike other grills, a thermostat allows you to set the heat to an exact temperature. This is convenient for long cooks like large roasts because it allows you to let the meat cook without having to constantly monitor it. The grill requires a power source that needs to be connected throughout the cook and cool-down period.
Things to Consider When Buying a BBQ Grill
What Size BBQ Grill is Best?
The size of the BBQ grill you need will be relative to the number of people you regularly cook for. If you are cooking for up to three people, a small grill will do. A medium grill with three to four burners is suitable for cooking for five people. If you are cooking for more than five people regularly a large grill is best.
Outdoor Space
Before you buy a barbecue grill you need to take into consideration where you are going to put it. A large grill won’t be appropriate if you live in an apartment with little outdoor space. Make sure you have enough space and that the area receives sufficient ventilation. This is important to avoid inhaling smoke and gases.
Is a Freestanding or Built-In BBQ Grill Best?
Freestanding Grill
Freestanding grills are portable which means you can take it with you if you move or to social events. Make sure the grill stand provides enough stability.
Built-In Barbecue
Built-in BBQ grills are integrated into the design of your outdoor entertainment area. As a structured part of the home, some of these grills cannot be removed if you relocate. You may require a licensed contractor to do the installation.
What Are You Cooking With Your BBQ Grill?
Barbecue grills have a great number of functions. Choose one that is best suited to the types of food you want to enjoy. Some larger grills have a roasting hood ideal for pizza and roast dinners. If you are just planning to use it for chops, chicken, and steak you won’t need any fancy additional features. If you want to smoke items, you are best off choosing a pellet grill.
Cooking Surface
Some grills offer mixed cooking surfaces including a grid and a hot plate. Check that the burners have flame tamers to prevent flare-ups that burn and blacken the food. Hot plates and grids can be made of different materials. Consider the functions most important to you including heat retention, ease of cleaning, and heating time.
Structure
A freestanding BBQ stand can be made from timber or stainless steel. You want to ensure it is sturdy and durable. Good quality stainless steel will last longer than timber with less maintenance. If your grill is going to be kept outside make sure the materials are weatherproof and get a cover for it. This will greatly prolong its life, keeping it in good condition.
The burners can be made of cast iron (providing hot even heat), enamel-coated cast iron (ideal for corrosion protection), or stainless steel (for durability). Stainless steel is a good option if you experience harsh weather conditions or live near the coast.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning is essential for keeping your grill safe, in good condition, and lasting longer. Look for a grilling unit with clean lines that don’t have too many corners and crevices where grease and grime can accumulate. Good grills will come with a drip tray. This needs to be easy to access for cleaning to avoid the grill going up in flames.
BBQ Grill Accessories
Before you buy a grill, check the range of accessories you might want to add on later and whether they are compatible with the particular model you have chosen. Features and accessories can include a roasting hood, rotisserie, warming rack, side burners, a smoker, and grill baskets.
The cost of a new BBQ grill varies greatly depending on all the above-listed features. Now that you know what to look for you can prioritize the features that are important to you and budget accordingly.
BBQ Grill FAQ
Q: How often should you clean a BBQ grill?
A: The best way to keep your grill in good condition and free of vermin is to clean it after every use. While it is hot scrape the grill with a wire brush and a little water to burn off the excess fat. Pour a little water on the plate to steam the excess residue off. Then wipe it well with a dry rag. Remove the parts you can to wash with soapy water once cool.
Q: Is an electric grill a good option for BBQ?
A: Electric grills miss the barbecue flavor that a charcoal grill provides. Many barbecue enthusiasts will argue that using an electric grill is hardly classified as barbecuing. It will require a power source to work. It can be a handy quick fix and a clean, smoke-free way to cook, but is void of anything authentically barbecue when it comes to flavor.
Q: How long should you let a barbecue grill burn off before using it for the first time?
A: Wipe the grill with a dry cloth. Light the grill as per the manufacturer’s instructions and let it burn for 20 to 30 minutes to remove any dust, adhesives, or residue that accumulated during storage or at the factory.