Looking for a grill and not sure how to pick one or what questions to ask? We’ve got you.
Don’t tell the ovens, the stovetops, the microwaves, or the fryers, but grilling is probably our favorite way to cook. Food that comes off a grill looks great, tastes great, and, maybe it’s a primal thing, but on a warm night, eating freshly grilled food is downright delicious and comforting. It can also be healthier because you aren’t cooking your dinner in oils, and the fat is seared off. If you don’t own a grill and are looking to buy one, we have great tips for finding the perfect grill. The good news is there’s a huge variety of grills out there and no matter the type of griller you are or the size of your space, there’s something out there for you. Let’s get into it.
Types of Grills:
Gas Grill
What is it? A gas grill, as its name suggests, is a grill that runs on gas. The gas can be propane—the same natural gas you use to power the rest of your house.
Pros: Gas grills are seriously easy to use. And because they get hot quickly, your food cooks in a flash. For the inexperienced or impatient griller, this is a good buy.
Cons: Taste. When it comes to the smoky flavors associated with barbecued foods, a gas grill will only get you so far.
Charcoal Grill
What is it? A charcoal grill runs on charcoal, in the form of briquettes or lump charcoal. Light the charcoal, and the grill heats up.
Pros: Taste. Charcoal grills cook your food low and slow, and the coals give your food the delicious smoky flavor you love. It’s also more of an enjoyable experience than cooking on a gas or electric grill.
Cons: Time. Charcoal can take 30 minutes to heat. You’ll need to plan accordingly and dedicate more time to cooking. They’re also more difficult to clean than gas grills, but enthusiasts will tell you all the time and effort are worth it. Last but not least, you need to be prepared before you cook. That means always having extra charcoal (and lighter fluid) on hand or planning ahead. You don’t want to be caught without it when suddenly you’re craving ribs!
Electric Grill
What is it? An electric grill is powered by electricity. Plug it in and you’re ready to go.
Pros: Electric grills heat up quickly very quickly and are very easy to use. They also come in a range of sizes: Some can go indoors, and some fit right on your countertop. They’re great in small spaces and in places where grills aren’t allowed (looking at you, apartment dwellers!). Another benefit is they can be quite inexpensive.
Cons: In terms of flavor, electric grills are not as good as charcoal, or even gas grills.
What Size Grill Should I Get?
It depends. How big is your outdoor space? How often are you going to use it? What are you going to use it for? How many people do you typically cook for?
If you’re going to cook chicken breasts, burgers, and vegetables occasionally, you can go with a small to medium-sized grill. If you go too big, you’ll waste time and energy heating up cooking space you don’t need. If you’re cooking large cuts of meat or host barbecues often, you’re going to want to go bigger. And, if you like to grill lots of different things at once, you’ll need more burners for that as well. No one wants to use one single burner to cook for 20 people!
What Grilling Lingo Should I Know?
BTUs: BTU stands for British Thermal Unit, and it’s how heat is measured. How many do you want? Again, that depends on how large the cooking area is. In general, look for a grill with 80–100 BTUs per square inch. Between grills of different sizes, this number can vary wildly.
Side burner: A side burner is literally a burner on the side of your grill. Some grillers say they can’t live without one. It’s great for cooking side dishes and vegetables without having to go inside to use your stove. If you’re the type who likes sautéed mushrooms and onions on your burgers, consider having a side burner.
Infrared: In the last 5 to 10 years, infrared grilling has become more popular. The process can heat the whole grill or an individual burner. Infrared grills (or burners) heat up quickly and evenly, and because they cook faster, your food retains more of its natural juices. They’re also easy to clean.
Grate materials: If you’re going to be cooking right on the grate, you should consider what it’s made of. Cast iron is durable and retains heat well, although like cast iron cookware, it requires maintenance and care. Porcelain-coated cast iron is another popular option. It requires less maintenance than cast iron, but also needs to be handled with care, because the porcelain can chip. Stainless steel is a third option. It’s durable and requires very little maintenance; however, it doesn’t get quite as hot as cast iron.
What Accessories Should I Get?
With the right accessories, grilling is made that much more fun. You can add on a rotisserie for chicken, a wok for veggies, a pizza stone—or all of them. If you haven’t had grilled pizza, allow us to be the ones to tell you you’re missing out. The possibilities are endless.
Now, all you need to do is figure out who you’re inviting to your next barbecue. Happy grilling season!