As the weather warms in many parts of the country, the allure of cooking outdoors becomes irresistible. Whether you’re an experienced griller or a barbecue novice, purchasing a grill can be daunting because there are so many available on the market. Here are some tips for buying a new grill:
Grills can vary greatly in price, performance, and the end food products they deliver. Since there are many barbecue grills on the market, from basic to elaborate, choosing the best grill to fit your cook style and budget is essential.
- Type of grill: There are three main categories of barbecue grills that most shoppers consider.
- Charcoal (requires a light source and charcoal to fuel the grill) – ideal for enthusiasts who wish to impart the smoky flavor to food using the old-fashioned method of lighting charcoal. These grills are excellent for slow-cooking meats and maintaining temperature. Though available at different price points, charcoal grills are typically the least expensive.
- Gas/propane (requires natural gas or propane to run) – beloved for their quick heating capabilities, gas/propane grills also provide convenience with the simple turn of a knob. This makes them efficient for entertaining and producing quick meals. It is possible to add wood chips to gas grills to add a smoky flavor to the food. Basic gas grills are middle of the road in price; however, they can increase in cost with added features and technology. They are more expensive to fuel than charcoal grills.
- Electric (requires electricity to operate) – these are excellent for spaces with restrictions on open flames, such as for use on a high-rise building balcony or in urban developments. Some models may be used indoors in well-ventilated areas. Electric grills are generally less expensive than gas grills, rendering them a great alternative to charcoal and gas or propane driven grills. As a bonus, electric grills heat up quickly.
Other options
In recent years, pellet grills (using wooden pellets as their fuel source) and infrared grills (using infrared radiation) have gained popularity. The first is favored for the convenience of precise temperature control cooking and the latter for searing meats to achieve restaurant-quality results.
- Size: Choosing the right-size grill for your space and cooking needs is advisable. Note that grill size impacts the surface cooking area and the price. Larger grills offer more cooking space and are generally costlier.
- Compact grills – ideal for small spaces or for those who enjoy camping or tailgating. Small grills are easily portable, making them a better choice for transporting and storing when not in use.
- Medium grills – popular and offering a balance between space and cooking capacity. These are suitable for most households and for everyday family meals.
- Large grills – A go-to choice for avid grillers or for those serving large numbers of people or cooking multiple menus.
Modern-day improvements
Today’s grills continually offer improved features such as LED lighting for illumination, Bluetooth connectivity for monitoring and controlling the grill, and infrared technology to increase cooking efficiency. To narrow down which features are best, consider practicality, usefulness, and cost. Let’s consider some other highly desirable upgrades.
- Desirable upgrades: Technology continually improves, allowingnew grills to offer a large variety of features. For those on a budget, one must decide which features are worth the splurge.
- Side burners: This unique “extra” allows grillers to cook side dishes or prepare sauces to accompany main grill items, adding versatility to outdoor cooking. It eliminates the need to run back and forth between the grill and indoor kitchen.
- Built-in thermometers: This allows cookout enthusiasts to monitor the grill temperature without lifting the lid, ensuring that foods are cooked to perfection. Note that some grills have fancy digital screens that show the internal grill cooking temperature when used with an optional wired probe. As a bonus, they may be paired with an app. Not only does the probe read the doneness of your steak or chicken to ensure that it is not overcooked, but the app sends an alert to let you know when it’s done.
- Rotisserie attachments: Rotisserie attachments are ideal for roasting large pieces of meat such as a whole chicken for even cooking inside and a crispy exterior. Rotations allow for even cooking and easy basting, and the spinning action can be used to roast vegetables to perfection.
- Storage and workspace: Many grills offer workspace such as side tables or storage underneath – with hooks to keep utensils within reach and cabinets for organizing cook tools (put internal link to our article best barbecue tools here) and grill cleaning supplies.
Financial aspect
- Budget: When purchasing a grill, cost is frequently a major consideration. Per Storables.com, the average grill ranges from $200 to $2,000 and upward, depending upon type of grill, style and brand, durability, heat output, and other factors. Since grills aren’t cheap, take the time to research and compare prices and avoid fancy features you’re unlikely to use that can drive up the price.
- Entry level grills: (Up to $300) These are most affordable and perfect for people who occasionally grill uncomplicated foods like burgers, sausage, and hot dogs. Entry level grills feature basic functionality without breaking the bank. These models offer less upgrades than fancier grills.
- Midrange grills: ($300 to $1,000) These grills offer a decent balance between price and features and are suitable for regular use. May come with added conveniences to make them stand out from basic models. For example, a midrange grill may include a rotisserie for grilling chicken.
- High-end grills: ($1,000 and upward) These grills are designed for cooks who are more serious about grilling and seek a variety of superior features. For instance, high-end grills may have multi-burners, customizable cooking surfaces, warming racks and more. As a bonus, most high-end grills include warranties. Built-in grills typically fall into the high-end grill category as they tend to offer superior durability in comparison to freestanding models.
Before buying tips: Read customer reviews and research ease of use, performance, durability, and longevity of the grill. Consider warranties. It may be best to opt for newer models over older models that risk discontinuation of replacement parts.
Recap of tips for buying a new grill
Whether new to barbecuing or an experienced cook, shopping for a grill may feel overwhelming, especially given the wide variety of choices on the market. With thoughtful consideration of type, size, features, and budget, it is possible to narrow down options to perfectly suit one’s grilling needs. Happy grilling!
