There are advantages and disadvantages to each type, so knowing their key characteristics will put you well on your way to a match made in barbecue heaven. Gas grills are one of the most common fuel types. Built in a cart style, gas grills use either an attachable liquid propane tank or natural gas via a conversion kit connecting the grill to your home's natural gas supply line.
The debate over natural gas or liquid propane burns hot. Natural gas burns cleaner in terms of greenhouse gases, it's cheaper to use and you won't have to bother with refilling propane tanks. However, you won't be able to move your grill around since it's connected to a gas line.
Liquid propane is the more popular fuel choice, and it's portable. It's also pricier and needs refilling. The good news is many gas grills can accommodate both, so you don't have to choose right away. With a gas grill, you'll have more control over the heat and how it is distributed across your cooking surface. Gas grills such as the Char-Broil Commercial 3-burner are great for adjusting between high heat for searing and lower heat for steady cooking. If you're looking to cook meats like whole chickens or racks of ribs for hours at a time, however, you'll have better results with a charcoal grill, pellet grill or smoker.
Charcoal grills offer the traditional smokiness most people think of when they imagine grilled flavor. They come in lots of shapes and sizes, including the original Weber Kettle that introduced the charcoal grill design so widely recognized today. Charcoal grills have their quirks though, so you'll need to be prepared to put in some work if you go this route.
Well, here you go. Rule number one: You get what you pay for. There are literally hundreds of grills on the market each year, though your local stores may only carry a few, so having an idea of how much you want to spend will help narrow your search. When comparing prices, find out whether or not a propane tank is included.
The second thing to take into consideration is fuel. Do you want propane or natural gas? Natural gas requires a gas line at the location of your grill. Many grills can be bought in either configuration but you can't run a propane grill on natural gas or vice-versa.
Many lower-priced grills do not have the natural gas option although more and more grills do these days. Of course, natural gas will cost you less in the long run and save you trips to the propane store. Next is the material the grill is made out of. The main body of the grill is usually made from cast aluminum, sheet metal, cast iron, or stainless steel. Stainless steel is the preferred material for professional cooking equipment and the most expensive, but not all stainless steel is created equally.
One thing to watch for is not just the body, but also the frame. There are many "stainless steel" grills that have painted steel frames that can rust. Once you decide on the material, look over the whole grill to see how it's put together. Is it all stainless steel try using a magnet? Most shoppers want at least two burners so they can set up different heat zones.
This way, meat can be cooked on the highest heat while veggies are grilling on a medium zone, and maybe buns get thrown to the lowest zone, if possible. He also recommended paying attention to the material of the burners.
Another consideration, he noted, is how a gas grill starts: There are two types of ignition used in gas grills: electronic and piezo. Pushing the button pumps gas into the burners until a spark ignites but the longer this takes, the more gas that's released. If you cook a lot of steaks, go with cast iron, but if you cook a lot of burgers, brats and seafood, stainless steel is a better choice. The two most common materials used for grates are stainless steel and cast iron. High-quality gas grills are made from durable stainless steel but not all stainless steel is created equal.
Stainless steel is an alloy that comes in different numerical grades, depending on its composition, which impacts its overall strength, heat durability and rust resistance. Among the different grades, Phan said and stainless steel are most common. Not all gas grill models come with a lid. Phan emphasized its importance for backyard cooks, though. Here are a few safety features to keep in mind during your search. But you still want to look for a grill equipping an efficient system to make your life easier.
Check to see if they are rainproof. You don't want your charcoal or pellets getting wet. You may want to move the thing when you set it up, so it should have wheels or come apart easily.
On really rainy days I roll my gasser right up to the back door so I don't have to go out. If it has wheels, how sturdy are they? Rubber or plastic? And are they large enough to roll smoothly on a rough surface such a deck, concrete, pavers, or the lawn? Side shelves.
Wooden shelves rot. Are the shelves sturdy? Will they hold a turkey? Side burners. A side burner is a handy, but not necessary feature. They're great for making side dishes or warming sauces. A few even have a griddle that sits over them, perfect for eggs, fish, or grilled cheese sandwiches.
Most have trouble maintaining a low simmer, so they can burn your sauces. Most grills come knocked down and they can be tricky to assemble. If you don't have the necessary time or tools, or aren't confident in your skills, many merchants will assemble for you. For a fee. Is there a manual? Was it translated from Chinese by someone who does not speak English very well? Some grills come with a nice cookbook. If not, you'll have to buy my book when it comes out. Ease of cleaning.
Can you remove ash or grease easily? Some charcoal grills have ash collectors, and most gassers have grease collectors. Do the grates come out easily? Can you get at the burners to clean or replace them? Does the grease collection tray come out easily? Warranty and support. On gassers, check the warranty on the burners, sometimes they have a separate warranty than the rest of the grill.
You want five to ten years. What is the dealer's reputation? Is there a phone number and email for tech support? Is the website informative? How about the manual? What if you need parts? How long have they been in business? Other accessories. Natural gas adapter? Propane fuel gauge? Night lights? Cutting boards? Drink holders?
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