Picking Out the Perfect Grill

Take into account what types of food you plan on cooking with your new grill. Photo courtesy of Joao Virissimo

There are various considerations to keep in mind when picking out a grill for your home. There is no one-size-fits-all grill, but there is a perfect grill out there for you. With so many different types of grills available in every price range and numerous features to consider, you may find your head spinning when you go shopping for one.

In considering what type of grill would best meet your needs and desires, you’ll want to investigate various aspects, including method of cooking, heat and grilling area specifications, as well as features and options. Once you analyze each of these aspects, the image of the outdoor grill that’s just right for you will become clear.

Method of Cooking

One way to differentiate outdoor grills is by the cooking methods they employ. Grilling is in essence fast cooking. But there’s fast, faster and super fast. There are three primary types of grills on the market—charcoal, gas and infrared. A fourth type, a hybrid, combines gas and infrared into one unit.

Charcoal

For years, charcoal was the way to go. A charcoal grill is designed to use briquettes that are lit and then burn at a slow rate. Golden and red embers define the heat source and the smell of charcoal is distinctive. Many people contend that this is the only way to prepare food on an outdoor grill as the charcoal imbrues the food with mouthwatering flavors.

Charcoal grills are fairly easy to transport as they tend to be lightweight and the fuel, which is solid, is carried separate from the grill. They are also relatively inexpensive, ranging in price from under $100 to around $250.

There are drawbacks with this type of grill in that the heat source is hard to control, as you usually raise or lower the grate in proximity to the heat source, and it’s hard to moderate the temperature evenly along the cooking surface. Finally, charcoal ashes can make a mess and are difficult to clean up.

Gas

Gas grills use propane to fuel their fire. Special heat conducting tiles placed in the bottom of the grill help intensify and even out the temperature. If using a gas grill, it’s a good idea to always have a second tank of propane on hand; that way, you can’t run out while you’re cooking.

Gas grills vary in price, ranging from a few hundred dollars to thousands. How much you spend depends on exactly how often you’ll use the grill, the variety of dishes you’ll cook and the amount of food you’re preparing. One drawback in cooking with gas for some is that the food lacks that genuine charcoal flavor. However, many people add a wood box to their gas grill and flavor the food with distinctive woods, such as mesquite. Overall, these are easier to clean than those that use charcoal.

Infrared

I nfrared grills use superhot heat to cook food. These grills sear flavor in by cooking foods with intense, concentrated heat. In a matter of minutes, your meal can be cooked to perfection. If you’re looking for that steakhouse flavor this is how you get it. Plus, infrared grills usually allow for wide range of cooking temperatures, from low, which is associated with barbecuing, to super hot for searing.

Although infrared grills have become popular, they can be pricy. Some gas grills will include an infrared burner, but this feature can raise the price considerably. Also, cooking times are much shorter and that means an infrared device has to be closely monitored. Finally, as it is with gas grills, some people simply prefer the flavors associated with the standard charcoal grill.

BTUs and Grilling Surface

A gas grill with a stainless steel finish is distinctive and resists the elements. Photo courtesy of Christian Delbert

Heat is measured by British Thermal Units (BTUs). Thus, when you’re considering various gas or infrared grills, you’ll find the total BTUs listed. How, BTU listings can be a bit deceptive.

Even though one grill may offer more BTUs than another, the heat may be less effective. That’s because the actual amount of heat generated has to be averaged over the size of the grilling surface. What you want for efficient cooking is an average of 95 to 100 BTUs per square-inch.

Here’s an example. Excuse the math, but it’s necessary to illustrate the point. I f you have one grill with 85,000 BTUs and another with 100,000, you might assume the second is the best choice because of the higher BTUs. However, if the grill surface of the first is 24” x 36” ( 864 square inches), it would offer 98.4 BTUs/sq-in (85,000/864 = 98.4). If the second grill with 100,000 BTUs has a grill area measuring 32” x 36” (1,152 square inches), it would provide 86.8 BTUs/sq-in (100,000/1,152 = 86.8).

The second grill’s BTUs per square-inch are well below the recommended average of 95-100. In other words, t he first grill is one you can cook on and the second might make a good buffet table. Before purchasing a gas or infrared grill, make sure it will provide you with the heat and BTUs per square inch you require to cook your food effectively and safely.

Grill Features and Options

There are various grill features and options that you’ll want to consider. These are primarily associated with gas and infrared grills since charcoal devices are usually fairly simple.

• Grates—steel, stainless steel, porcelain coated or cast iron
  • Steel is least effective and can deteriorate quickly
  • Stainless steel wears longer than steel
  • Porcelain coated steel is easy to clean and wears longer
  • Cast iron, which is heavy and must be seasoned or oiled, has superior conductivity and durability but is difficult to clean.
  • Porcelain coated cast iron has superior conductivity, durability and is easy to clean
• Number of burners—one, two, three or more
  • One can be limiting but can be fine for cooking a burger or steak
  • Two gives you flexibility to cook at different temperatures
  • Three can offer you more choices for complex meals
• Stainless steel finish looks great and resists corrosion
• Built-in thermometer to monitor temperature under the hood
• Digital readouts for temperature are available but pricy
• Warming burner to keep cooked foods hot
• Multilevel racks for cooked foods offer efficient storage
• Grill cover with a window enables you to observe cooking without losing heat
• Side panels for plates, food and utensils are handy
• Storage cabinets underneath can save time and space
• Infrared burners offer that charbroil effect

Final Considerations

When selecting the perfect grill for your outdoor cooking needs, your first big decision will be gas, charcoal or infrared. Once that’s out of the way, it’s on to grill size. Remember the BTU per square inch guideline. Don’t buy too small or you’ll be one sad tong-wielding chef. Be wary of large gas models that are cheap as they may not have enough BTUs per square-inch.

Finally, you’ll need to consider what features you will utilize. If grilling is a year-round venture that includes family meals and parties, pay attention to those little add-ons like a built-in thermometer or side burner, which can make whipping up that multi-course grilled masterpiece that much easier. Of course, all of these choices are guided by how much you’re able and willing to spend on your outdoor grill . Enjoy cooking and eating fresh food outdoors! There’s nothing like it.