How to Buy a Grill
By N. Bhatta - AOL
According to Consumer Reports, well over two-thirds of the United States is obsessed with grilling, with citizens citing their love of the outdoor experience, the taste, and the entertainment value of the grilling experience as reasons why they can't get enough. Each year, 17.5 million grills from countless manufacturers are sold to grill-happy Americans, so when you're on the market for a gorgeous grilling machine, it's important to make sure that your grill dreams don't get shot up in flames. With this handy grill guide, you can put your fears to rest and start marinating your meat to get ready for the perfect grilling experience.
First and foremost, what type of grill do you prefer? The four main types of grills are gas, charcoal, electric, and propane, each type lending its own special fragrance and flavor to the meat it cooks.
Electric grills are the easiest to use but the automatic nature of using electricity to grill the food often leads to disappointment when it comes to the flavor and texture of the finished product. However, top-rated products like the George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill offer such versatility and convenience that it's difficult to complain too much – just plug it in and grill!
Gas grills like the Genesis S320 Gas Grill and propane grills like the Baby Q Propane Grill aren't as convenient as electric grills but are still very easy to set up and clean afterwards, with minimal prep time needed. The flavor of cooked meats, especially steaks, is preferred by some over other grilling methods. A big plus for gas and propane grills is that they are usable in the rain, which is perfect for when a meal needs to be moved indoors because of a thunderstorm but the meat still needs to finish cooking. Unfortunately, gas grills tend to be more costly than their counterparts.
Last but not least, charcoal grills like this Weber One-Touch Charcoal Grill tend to require more prep and cleaning time than other grills but they offer the most authentic grilling experience and taste, too. When prepared properly, a charcoal grill has the opportunity to offer the most stable and even heat, as well as a certain smokiness that cannot be replicated on a gas grill. The cost of charcoal grills is usually much lower as well, but disposing of the coals and ashes afterwards can be a chore.
Finally, while almost any grill can be turned into a smoker with wood chips and other fragrant materials, if you like your grilled food to have a smoky flavor more often than not, you may want to splurge on a machine that specializes in just that, like this Master Barbeque MP7 Smoker.
Choosing the type of grill you're going to buy isn't the only issue you need to resolve, as not all grills are created equal. There are quite a few questions to ask yourself when shopping around for the perfect grill:
- Are you an indoor or an outdoor griller? If you live in an apartment with no backyard, you might have to resign yourself to using a smaller kitchen grill, like this Sanyo Nonstick Kitchen Grill, which might not pack as fun of a punch but will still offer you the grilled goodness you crave with an easy cleanup. However, if you've got the room, there are tons of outdoor grills to choose from.
- Do you have enough space or will you need to store it? If you've got the space and the cash to create a built-in grill top like this Jenn-Air 30 in. Outdoor Grill enveloped by a fancy brick design, the gourmet griller in you will be pleased by what you can create in a stable site. However, many portable grills like this Roadtrip Portable Grill are nothing to sneeze at in terms of quality and their versatility can actually make entertaining easier.
- How much can you afford to spend? The average consumer will spend $275 on a new grill, with over 10% spending upwards of $500 on luxury grills. More expensive doesn't mean better tasting, however. Depending on your likes and dislikes, you may prefer the taste of meat grilled on this $50 Smokey Joe Silver Charcoal Grill over this $2,000 Summit Gas Grill, or vice versa. Still, just because charcoal grills are usually cheaper doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your favorite type of grill for the sake of your wallet. There are plenty of gas and propane grills for any budget, like this Vortex Tabletop Gas Grill that ships for $32!
Choosing a grill is one thing, but taking care of it is another. Gas, electric, and propane grills are infinitely easier to take care of – you can usually set the settings high enough to burn off any food remnants that are then easy to scrub off. Charcoal grills, on the other hand, require more soaking and scraping and rust faster. However, gas and propane grills often require special, expensive parts and need constant care, which can be a burden if you aren't a frequent griller.
Given this information, as popular as grilling happens to be, it seems like it would be easy to buy the perfect grill, right? Not always. Common grilling pitfalls include:
- Not enough heat. A bigger grill may be more expensive, but if it doesn't have the proper number of BTUs then it may not give off the proper amount of heat needed to cook properly. You want to aim for approximately 100 BTUs per square inch, like in this Camp Chef Big Gas Grill so check the number of BTUs before you buy to ensure an even heat.
- Not sturdy enough. A stainless steel grill like this Charbroil Designer Series will last longer and look better than other materials, and you have a better chance of it withstanding wear and tear. If the demo model is wobbly, chances are that yours won't be extremely sturdy, either. Also, unless you're a pro, have the store that you purchase the grill from put it together – you don't want to ruin your grilling experience with an improperly constructed grill!
- Not enough tables. A good grill, like this Weber Performer Touch-n-Go Grill, has plenty of surfaces for the chef to place cooked and raw meat, vegetables, marinades, and more. Without enough tables, you and your food will be lost!
- A lemon in general. Sometimes, you're just not going to be satisfied with the service your grill provides you with, and you may be the unlucky recipient of a dud grill, so make sure that you have a warranty like the Sears Protection Agreement that covers not only repair and replacement of parts but also for the entire grill.
So, which grill is the right grill for you? A good grill can give you years if not decades of service, so choose carefully. To recap: gas, propane, and electric grills can be used in all weather circumstances and are easier to cleanup and prep but are more expensive than charcoal grills. Though they require more maintenance and expensive replacement parts, gas and propane grills tend to last longer than charcoal grills, but the flavor is different and not as smoky as a charcoal grill offers, to the disappointment of some grillers. Which grill to buy really depends on your personal needs, interests and budget, and this all-inclusive grilling guide should help you to easily enjoy your new grill all summer long!
Comments page 1 of 3
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PETER KUHLAMN said 5-23-2008 @2:52PM
YOU DID NOT MENTION ONE OF THE BEST GRILLS MADE IS BY HOLLAND GRILL CO
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Bingo said 5-23-2008 @3:17PM
Consumers be aware:
replyBe advised that many mfgr's. in this industry are striving to offer their products to we consumers as "throw away" appliances. The burners used in propane powered grills for the most part are made of stainless steel. This material will will eventually corode no matter how well the user maintains the burner element due to the chemical process of burning propane. It has been the experience of this consumer that by the time ( years ) the burner element is ready for replacement the mfg'r will typically no longer offer a replacement part. Be advised, and , good luck.
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bbcregular said 5-23-2008 @3:27PM
The Holland Grill Company Grill is just an expensive glorified oven. The theme for it is "If your lookin you are not cookin". It is great for a whole baked chicken or even to bake a pie out side, but do not even think of putting burgers, steaks or chops on it. And do not even think of grilling vegetables or fruit, it is a disaster. I sold mine a a flea market for $10.00 and most people did not want it because they already knew that a grill the Holland is not.
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bbcregular said 5-23-2008 @3:29PM
The Holland Grill should not be considered a grill at all, it is only a glorified oven. It is great for baking a whole chicken or even a pie. The theme is "If you are lookin you are not coolin." means to use it as an oven not a grill. It is a disaster to try to grill burgers, steaks, chops, vegetables and fruits. I sold mine for $10 at a flea market and it was hard to resale at that price.
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PETER KUHLAMN said 5-23-2008 @3:37PM
TO bbcregular I have cooked steaks,pork roast. beef roast, pork chops sausage and vegies on the holland and the came out a lot better then the weber ever could cook
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Marty Klotzbach said 5-23-2008 @3:47PM
Weber kettle grills are the best. I bought a new one 8 years ago. It is still in great shape an I have cooked everthing you can think off on it. It is great for cooking ribs, pulled pork, whole chickens and turkey.
replyCharcoal grilling is the best, and grilling on a gas grill is only indoor cooking outdoors. The flavor of charcoal/wood grilling cannot be duplicated and the extra time it takes to prepare just gets you closer to the outdoors.
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Steve S. said 5-23-2008 @3:51PM
I have had the same Weber charcoal grill for 20 years and have never cleaned the grilling surface. The secret is how you prepare the fire. When the coals are raging hot, put the grill on, lower it close to the heat and close the lid. The heat will burn off everything. Use a wire brush to scrape and you're ready to go. Also, there are combo charcoal/gas grills on the market.
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Rick Koziol said 5-23-2008 @3:53PM
Don't forget getting repair parts. Jenn-Air makes it almost impossible to get hold of them. The telephone number on their pamphlets will send you to another number which will send you to another number which will send you to another number. Then when you finally get the "real" number be prepared to wait on hold for a couple of hours.
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Eeee said 5-23-2008 @4:12PM
Peter,
replyWhat is the website for Holland Grill? What type of grill is it (electric,etc.) How much is it?
Thanks
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Rick Giteles said 5-23-2008 @4:06PM
It seems like they are all "rust buckets" . I live in Florida on salt water and have found that even the so-called stainless steel units are loaded with ferrous metals particularly the casters. The actual stainless steel is poor quality which stains and corrodes, the rest justs rusts and falls apart.
replyDoes anyboy produce a legitimate Stainless Steel Grill?
If so, I'll buy it in a heartbeat.
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Kathy K said 5-23-2008 @4:20PM
What about the Big Green Egg?
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maggie said 5-11-2009 @5:46AM
The BIG GREEN EGG is an outstanding smoker/grill. They are manufactured in Georgia, USA. The fuel is charcoal and or wood chunks. They are made of ceramic so no rust. You will never use another grill once you have tasted ribs or brisket cooked on the BIG GREEN EGG
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Doug Rawn said 5-23-2008 @4:22PM
The best grill I have found for both grilling and smoking is Portable Kitchen, if you can get hold of one. They are cast aluminum so rust, corrosion, etc. are not a problem. They are not available everywhere, but they have a website listing dealers, and you can order directly from the website. The website even has recipes.
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Chuck T said 5-23-2008 @4:31PM
Rick, check out Napoleon grills. They are SOLID stainless steel, not plated. They're pricey, but worth it, as they have a solid guarantee and last a long time. Made in North America, too. Most of the cheaper grills are rust buckets, as you say. Check out Napoleon.
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Bob said 5-23-2008 @4:23PM
Hey good BBQrs! I enjoy rotissing a great deal. Thoroughly check out the length of the back burner in relationship to the length of the spit you intend to cook on - also the BTUs. Sears very best has a not-so- unique arangement where you can't use the side burner at all for keeping baste warm or whatever, while the spit turns. A GREAT inconvenience. Buyer Beware!
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Jim said 5-23-2008 @4:38PM
American made Broilmaster Grills are the best Grills made today, bar none. They are by far the best cooking grill available. All Lifetime warranty. Most of the grills named above are made overseas and have NO REAL WARRANTY. Broilmaster has been American made for over 45 years. You can still get parts for the old models.Call broilmaster and order a burner for a 40 yeay old grill today and they will ship it to you.Broilmaster Grills win Grill cook offs year after year after year.
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nocake4u said 5-23-2008 @10:40PM
I just bought a Lodge cast iron BBQ and it is awesome, it is perfect when I want a charcoal taste (flank steak, london broil)instead of using my gas grill. It is like a glorified hibachi, it is sturdy yet portable, heats fast and well. I think I paid about $50 for it, well worth the money.
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Jeremy H. said 5-23-2008 @6:29PM
I have a Broilmaster grill on a stainless steel cart and it is absolutley the best grill I have ever owned. In 8 years of service I have had to replace nothing. It also has a lifetime waranty on just about everything(burner,cooking grids,etc.). I also have a smokey joe for tailgating and camping.
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Marcus Harmon said 5-23-2008 @4:58PM
I've had my Holland grill for two years. I cook everything on it and it does a great job from everything to hot dogs to huge chickens. Unlike most grills, it will not burn poultry. Flames do not hit the meat. It cooks slow and hot and it is expecially great at grilling steaks. They are expenisve, but they are built like a tank and the burners are made of iron. You can't go wrong with a Holland Grill. You just have to know how it works.
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bob said 5-23-2008 @5:01PM
i got you all beat.. i have a 15 year old char broil
replycb940, charcoal grill. it stays outside all the time, and covered in the winter.. its finally showing its age, and may have to be replaced in a couple of years.fortunatly char broil makes a newer version, but is only sold on its web site.429.00 + 79.00 to ship, and the crate wieghs 188lbs., that you have to unload off a truck. any suggestions for a different kind??