Summer is here and the steaks are ready to grill, the only problem is you're not certain which sort of grill to buy. There are many questions that need to be asked when purchasing a grill. Things such as cost, ease of use, other applications besides grilling, flavor and flexibility should be considered. The most important item in this list depends on what you need. This article looks in detail at several categories and makes a judgment on which grills would be best in that group, charcoal, propane, natural gas or smokers.
Cost
If cost is the primary factor, the grill to choose is charcoal. They start at $15.00 for a small, basic unit and only $30.00 for a standard 22" kettle grill. Propane grills are the next lowest in price, beginning at around $100.00 for a basic unit. A small smoker begins at around $130.00. Since natural gas grills are supposed to be hooked to a home's gas line, they are generally larger units, and more expensive starting around $300.00. They now have double fuel grills as well that work with natural gas most of the time but can also use propane; these are the most expensive with an asking price of $450.00 up.
Convenience of Use
The simplest grill to use is probably the natural gas grill. It is hooked to your houses natural gas line and therefore doesn't require you to buy large propane tanks frequently. Buying a grill that has a battery powered or electric starter makes things even easier. Propane is probably the next easiest to use since there are no charcoal briquettes or wood chips to bother about. While it seems that a larger grill is a better grill, keep in mind that larger also means a larger area to clean.
Added Features
Natural gas or propane grills can offer additional cook spaces that a charcoal or smoker unit fails to. If you plan to cook full meals on your grill, gas powered burners and a warming tray come in handy. A rotisserie option may also be important to you depending on what you want to grill.
Flavor
If flavor is the most important item on your listing, a smoker or a charcoal grill should be your top priority. Smokers are meant to slow cook over time and exert a smoky flavor to meats. You can choose the type of wood to smoke that will provide you the flavor you like. The only problem with a smoker is when you want a quick pork chop or hamburger, it isn't so quick. Consider a gas grill for quicker cook meals and a smoker when you truly want to impress the neighbors. Charcoal is the second best in the flavor department with no gas undertone. Gas grills can also impart a good grilled flavor, and now many gas grills have got a smoker option on them.
Portability
When portability is the most essential requirement, propane is the answer. Charcoal grills run a close second. Small propane tanks make it easy to take your grill camping or to a tailgate party and you aren't left thinking where to put the smoldering coals. Charcoal can do the job and there are several small portable units available; just make sure you have a strategy for what to do with the used briquettes.
Recommendation
The Weber Q-100 Portable Gas Grill is the best gas grills for tailgating, camping and traveling. It's handy, built with durable materials that last a long time, it lights quickly, lightweight and it's a joy to cook on. For an economical portable propane grill you can't beat the Weber Baby Q.
Barbecue And Grilling Mistakes - Learn To Eradicate Backyard Cooking Errors That Kill Your Cookout
We all make grilling and barbecue cooking mistakes. Sometimes we don't even know what they are until we realize that the food you grilled is not as good as you've had elsewhere. Make a mental note of these outdoor cooking tips and get in the outdoor cooking game.
Thanksgiving Would Not Be Thanksgiving Without A Turkey
Thanksgiving wouldn't be Thanksgiving without a turkey. I love turkey as much as the next person, but sometimes the Thanksgiving turkey can get a little boring.
Ought I Get A Crock Pot?
Are you debating purchasing a slow cooker, or else a crock pot? If so, you might wish to research a 3 quart slow cooker. This size is great for smaller families-it'll serve from one to three people.
Methods To Deep Fry A Turkey: 5 Easy Suggestions To An Excellent Fried Turkey
Fried turkey is the becoming the new favorite way to cook turkey for many people. Turkey isn't just for Thanksgiving any more. Thanks to the turkey fryer, you can now find deep fried turkey at barbecues and block parties, and of course, holidays like Thanksgiving.
Just How A Countertop Convection Oven Works And The Reason Virtually Every Home Needs One
A countertop convection oven functions just the same as a normal oven, except that it has a fan inside the chamber that circulates the hot air around.
Nuwave Oven: The Greatest Cooking Tool
A microwave oven cooks things quickly, but it does affect the taste of the food. Certain foods taste rubbery and other foods have the flavor cooked out of them entirely. For leftovers, a microwave oven works great.
Bar Fridge Could Be Best For You And Your Family
If you entertain often, or simply like to have a wet bar in your home, then a bar fridge may be right for you and your family. These nifty little coolers are convenient and helpful. They'll go well in almost any room in your home (except, perhaps your children's bedrooms...).
Cost
If cost is the primary factor, the grill to choose is charcoal. They start at $15.00 for a small, basic unit and only $30.00 for a standard 22" kettle grill. Propane grills are the next lowest in price, beginning at around $100.00 for a basic unit. A small smoker begins at around $130.00. Since natural gas grills are supposed to be hooked to a home's gas line, they are generally larger units, and more expensive starting around $300.00. They now have double fuel grills as well that work with natural gas most of the time but can also use propane; these are the most expensive with an asking price of $450.00 up.
Convenience of Use
The simplest grill to use is probably the natural gas grill. It is hooked to your houses natural gas line and therefore doesn't require you to buy large propane tanks frequently. Buying a grill that has a battery powered or electric starter makes things even easier. Propane is probably the next easiest to use since there are no charcoal briquettes or wood chips to bother about. While it seems that a larger grill is a better grill, keep in mind that larger also means a larger area to clean.
Added Features
Natural gas or propane grills can offer additional cook spaces that a charcoal or smoker unit fails to. If you plan to cook full meals on your grill, gas powered burners and a warming tray come in handy. A rotisserie option may also be important to you depending on what you want to grill.
Flavor
If flavor is the most important item on your listing, a smoker or a charcoal grill should be your top priority. Smokers are meant to slow cook over time and exert a smoky flavor to meats. You can choose the type of wood to smoke that will provide you the flavor you like. The only problem with a smoker is when you want a quick pork chop or hamburger, it isn't so quick. Consider a gas grill for quicker cook meals and a smoker when you truly want to impress the neighbors. Charcoal is the second best in the flavor department with no gas undertone. Gas grills can also impart a good grilled flavor, and now many gas grills have got a smoker option on them.
Portability
When portability is the most essential requirement, propane is the answer. Charcoal grills run a close second. Small propane tanks make it easy to take your grill camping or to a tailgate party and you aren't left thinking where to put the smoldering coals. Charcoal can do the job and there are several small portable units available; just make sure you have a strategy for what to do with the used briquettes.
Recommendation
The Weber Q-100 Portable Gas Grill is the best gas grills for tailgating, camping and traveling. It's handy, built with durable materials that last a long time, it lights quickly, lightweight and it's a joy to cook on. For an economical portable propane grill you can't beat the Weber Baby Q.
Barbecue And Grilling Mistakes - Learn To Eradicate Backyard Cooking Errors That Kill Your Cookout
We all make grilling and barbecue cooking mistakes. Sometimes we don't even know what they are until we realize that the food you grilled is not as good as you've had elsewhere. Make a mental note of these outdoor cooking tips and get in the outdoor cooking game.
Thanksgiving Would Not Be Thanksgiving Without A Turkey
Thanksgiving wouldn't be Thanksgiving without a turkey. I love turkey as much as the next person, but sometimes the Thanksgiving turkey can get a little boring.
Ought I Get A Crock Pot?
Are you debating purchasing a slow cooker, or else a crock pot? If so, you might wish to research a 3 quart slow cooker. This size is great for smaller families-it'll serve from one to three people.
Methods To Deep Fry A Turkey: 5 Easy Suggestions To An Excellent Fried Turkey
Fried turkey is the becoming the new favorite way to cook turkey for many people. Turkey isn't just for Thanksgiving any more. Thanks to the turkey fryer, you can now find deep fried turkey at barbecues and block parties, and of course, holidays like Thanksgiving.
Just How A Countertop Convection Oven Works And The Reason Virtually Every Home Needs One
A countertop convection oven functions just the same as a normal oven, except that it has a fan inside the chamber that circulates the hot air around.
Nuwave Oven: The Greatest Cooking Tool
A microwave oven cooks things quickly, but it does affect the taste of the food. Certain foods taste rubbery and other foods have the flavor cooked out of them entirely. For leftovers, a microwave oven works great.
Bar Fridge Could Be Best For You And Your Family
If you entertain often, or simply like to have a wet bar in your home, then a bar fridge may be right for you and your family. These nifty little coolers are convenient and helpful. They'll go well in almost any room in your home (except, perhaps your children's bedrooms...).