The sizzle of hotdogs and hamburgers, the laughter of kids running around in the backyard through the sprinkler, and the cocky stance of your neighbor in their “Kiss the Cook” apron, holding thongs and pretending to clamp his friends—it’s enough to make anyone envious. If you’re ready to host the next legendary backyard barbecues and earn your own grill master stripes, then it’s time to buy a grill. But before you do, here are 10 key things to consider. Let’s get cooking!
Fuel Type
One of the first things to consider is the type of fuel. Choose between gas (propane or natural gas), charcoal, or pellet grills—each one has its advantages and disadvantages. Gas grills heat up quickly, and charcoal takes longer to heat up but infuses a smoky flavor into your food. Pellet grills offer the convenience of a gas grill and the smoky flavor of charcoal, but with wood pellets. Which do you prefer?
Size and Cooking Area
Over 80 people live in our cul-de-sac, so you’re going to be grilling a lot of meat. You’ll need a grill with a large grate. Smaller grills will yield smaller portions whereas larger grills cook more food at a time. Don’t keep the hungry neighbors waiting. With grills, size matters. Figure out how many people you plan to serve and get a grill that can handle the heat.
Build Quality
Not all grills are created equal. Cheap grills will have shorter lifespans. When you buy a cheap grill it cooks like a cheap grill. You can’t expect to get those perfect sear marks your neighbor effortlessly makes. Spend more money on a better grill and a better cooking experience. Get recommendations from friends or consult a sales rep. Or you could ask that one neighbor you hate.
Budget
After you know what type of grill you want, you need to consider your budget. A decent charcoal grill can cost between $100 and $200, whereas a decent gas grill will cost between $300 and $500. Anything cheaper won’t last. Settle on a great grill so your barbecue will be the talk of the town. The more money you spend the further your grill will take you.
Cooking Style
Think about the types of cooking you want to do. Do you dream of slow-smoked ribs, or are you all about quick-seared steaks? Different grills excel at different techniques: charcoal grills are ideal for smoking and gas grills allow for easy direct and indirect cooking. Understanding your aspirations will help you choose a grill equipped for your culinary adventures. No more burning food and calling it “Cajun.”
Additional Features
Modern grills come equipped with the latest conveniences, such as a side burner, warming rack, built-in thermometer, and electric igniters. These can make grilling quick and easier. Say goodbye to struggling with matches when lighting the grill. No more burning idling meat. The special features can help you achieve the perfectly grilled meat slab. What grill features can’t you live without?
Brand Reputation
For grills, brands matter. The company name on the hood tells you about the quality of the grill. Some brands, like Weber, hold excellent reputations among grill masters. They are renowned for their reliability and effectiveness. Lesser-known brands are typically of poorer quality. Do some research before you start spending money. Talk to a sales representative and tell them you want a grill that will make your backyard barbecue the most epic event of the summer.
Grill Cover
Where will you store your grill? You may have a shed in the backyard, or you plan on keeping it on the back patio. If you don’t have a shelter for your grill to protect it against the elements, you need a grill cover. Although it’s annoying to take off and put on every time you use it, your grill will be protected against the weather. Ensure the long lifespan of your grill and keep it covered.
Maintenance
Are you the type of person who tosses the instructions whenever you open the box? Well, time to change that. When you purchase a grill, take the time to read the booklet to learn how to maintain your grill properly. General maintenance like scraping the grate is relatively simple. Brush the food debris off the grill grate every time you use it. Deeper cleaning will require more work but it’s well worth it for your grill’s health.
Safety
Here’s another reason you shouldn’t just toss the little booklet your new grill came with. Read the manual to understand your grill. Learn how to exercise caution. Shut off the propane after you’re done using it to avoid leakage. Clean the drip pan to prevent stubborn grease buildup—it is highly flammable. Now that you’re on your way to becoming a grill master, what’s the most important tip?
