Grills Buying Guides

Some people run their grill just like an outdoor kitchen handling all of the sides, main dishes and snacks all from one location. Others have limited space and use the grill as a place to prepare just a few foods, and leave the rest of the meal to be prepared in the kitchen. For others, the grill serves as the entertainment center of the backyard or a traveling tailgate party. However you use it, for many, it is one item that is hard to live without!

Types of Outdoor Grills

There are 2 main types of outdoor grills: charcoal and propane (gas).

Charcoal Grills

Charcoal grills use charcoal briquettes to slowly cook your food, and some companies offer seasoned briquettes to add a smoked or hickory flavor. There are a few types of charcoal grills you can choose from:

Charcoal grills have long been the traditional grill of America and come in sizes from tabletop to a larger party size. These grills not only cook food by the flame, but also with the heat captured inside.

A kettle grill is what most of us usually think of as the 'classic' charcoal grill. While kettle grills can be as small as some tabletop varieties, they are generally stand-alone units that still offer quite a bit of flexibility for travel.

The portable charcoal grill ranges from a one-time use product, to a grill that fits nicely on a tabletop for cooking a few servings. This is one of the most convenient options for traveling, going to the beach, on a picnic, or for an apartment that has a small patio or balcony.

At its most basic design, the barrel grill is a standard 55-gallon drum that has been sawn in half along its length. It's fitted with racks, vents, and placed on a stand. While manufacturers do offer slightly more evolved versions, the design effectively remains the same.

Cart grills have a traditional rectangle shape, and are favored by most catering companies and outdoor eating hot spots, these have options from a rising fire to an ash drop pit. Contemporary cart grills have been created to replicate the look and feel of a gas grill, while retaining the flavor and aroma of charcoal.

Smoker grills allow you to quickly cook meat and add a classic smoked barbecue flavor. Keep an eye out for units with thermostats and temperature controls.

Cleanup on a charcoal grill can be a little messier than other types of grills - once briquettes burn away, you have to dump the ashes and then clean the grill thoroughly with a grill brush.

Gas Grills

Gas grills generally use propane gas to create a flame to cook food. This once bitter rival of the charcoal grill has now broken out as the leader in convenience grilling. Gas grills range from portable, take-along units to luxury models for the very serious griller.

Convenience is the major reason people like gas grills - the ability to have an electric ignition that creates flames instantly is compelling. Features like side burners also offer the ability to create a full outdoor kitchen.

Basic gas grills do not have the ability to add the smoke flavor that hardwood or charcoal grills can, but there are models with smoker accessories available. You can also purchase flavor-infused ceramic briquettes to work with your gas grill.

Not all gas grills run on propane. Many new models can be operated on natural gas. If you live in an area that uses natural gas for cooking, you can install a line directly to the grill so that you never have to worry about running out of gas again.

Cleanup on a gas grill is very simple, as there is often a drip pan that needs to be cleaned out only a few times a year (depending on how much you grill). Since there are no ashes, you only need to use a good wire grill brush to clean the racks.

Outdoor Grill Options

Side Burners

Mostly found in gas grill tops, side burners work just like a gas stove and turn on easily with a knob. This feature allows you to use your regular pots and pans outdoors and cook food that you would normally have relegated to the kitchen.

Grill Racks & Grates

Found on both gas and charcoal grills, a top rack is a great feature if you like to grill bread or vegetables. A rack keeps food much higher off the flame and cooks things much more slowly. They are often connected to the grill's lid so that it moves out of the way when you open it. Some mid-level and high-end models include multiple upper level racks to give you space for a variety of foods. Rotisseries can accommodate the slow roasting of meat and poultry.

Look for thick, heavy-duty cast-iron and stainless steel grates, as these will be sturdier and out-perform thin rods.

Outdoor Grill Construction

Grill composition can range from aluminum throw away pans to stainless steel and anything in between. The material your grill is made out of will dramatically affect the price. Most high-end units are made from stainless steel.

Outdoor Grill Sizes

Grill size is firstly the most important characteristic to consider. How many people do you typically grill for? What types of foods do you intend to prepare on the grill? How much space can you dedicate to grilling? Do you want to travel with your grill? The answers to these questions should guide you to the proper choice of grill size and accessories.