Buying a new grill

For everyone out there, no matter what grilling level, no matter what size you want, no matter your budget, there is a grill for you. You want value, reliability, safety, quality and durability. There is a huge variety of choices out there and they range from the most basic to the most premium models. It is very important that you know your budget, your needs and your expectations.

Some things to consider before making your new grill purchase

Before you buy a grill there are many different factors to consider. Assess the available cooking area of various models. Do you cook outdoors often? Do you typically barbecue for just your family? Do you frequently entertain larger groups? An ample cooking space is 400 or more square inches.

Budgeting for your new grill

How about available budget? Traditionally, home centers, mass merchandisers or hardware stores have offered a wide range of grills for those shopping by price, but many specialty retailers now carry grills at all price points, including those in the premium grill category. The biggest difference is that specialty retailers may offer more one-on-one service.

Great optional features for your new grill

How important are optional features? Are you into basic burgers or are you an adventuresome gourmet griller? What about style? Will your grill be a backyard centerpiece or just a useful appliance? Decide if gas, charcoal, pellet, or electric best suits your needs.

Some Gas Grills

Here’s a big question: How will the grill fit into your future plans for the backyard? Do you simply want a new grill, or will it become the focus of an outdoor space you plan to create? If the latter, you may want to consider a premium grill to which modular units can be added.

Some Premium Grills

Gas grills

Gas grills are the easiest, most convenient choice and are very popular because they are ready to go, usually, within ten minutes. With gas grills, you have to options of cooking with the lid closed or open, and the more burners your grill has the more flexibility you will have when cooking. Gas grills also make it easier to control the heat and to cook at many different temperatures at the same time. Gas grills also come in many different sizes. Gas grills with the smaller footprints would be the best choice for those with a small terrace or live in a townhouse. For those with a larger space, you may consider a 30- or 42- inch (or even bigger) stainless steel model. With these bigger models, you will usually have add-on options such as refrigerators, sear stations, etc. Stainless steel is the best material for a grill as it is basically weather proof. Also, stainless steel cooking grids are great because they are easy to clean and will not rust, ultimately making them last longer.

Some Stainless Steel Grills

A great alternative to stainless is cast aluminum. It generally has a powder coat finish and does need less cleaning than stainless steel in addition to maintaining heat better. The most popular gas grills sell between $129  and $299. The grills with more features run between $700 and $1500. Some stainless steel, top of the line grills can run as high as $5000.

Some Cast Aluminum Grills

Charcoal grills

Charcoal grills are a more traditional choice. There are some people who swear by the taste of charcoal grills and will use nothing else. Cooking with charcoal can be great for searing due to the high temperatures created, but charcoal grills can also be used for “low and slow” grilling, as well. Also, you can put a fire on just one side and use the other side for indirect cooking. Charcoal grills can also be used as a smoker. Charcoal grills can range from kettle grills with domed lids to small covered cookers with adjustable cooking grids. Basic grills are priced between $50 and $100 while deluxe models sell for $400 or more.

Some Charcoal Kettle Grills

Pellet grills

Pellet grills cook with small wood pellets that come in many different flavors like oak, hickory and mesquite. These different flavors of wood pellets infuse food with flavor from the smoke they produce. These pellets are clean burning and energy efficient. Some of the grills feature a dual-fuel unit and can be switched from pellets to gas. The temperature on this unit is regulated by microprocessor based circuit boards. The price for these grills range between $600 and $2500.

Electric grills

Electric grills are extremely easy to operate and are as easy to turn on as your kitchen stove. Some models of electric grills can reach 700 degrees, which is great for searing. For those who live in condos or apartments, a small electric grill works great! An important tip about electric grills is that they need to be plugged directly into the outlet, as using an extension cord reduces the performance of the grill. The price for a small electric grill is around $150 while larger, higher end stainless steel electric grills cost between $1800 and $2000.

Some Stainless Steel Electric Grills

If you seriously consider your needs and wants for your new grill, no matter what brand, size or style of grill you purchase, you are sure to be 100% satisfied.