Grilling steaks and burgers to perfection is an art that takes a bit of practice, but it all begins with the grill. If you're in the market for a new grill, you should consider size, fuel sources, construction qualities and features to make the most of your grilling experience.
Fuel Sources
Fuel sources are often determined by what is available in your neighborhood, fuel costs and personal preferences. If your home is already equipped with natural gas for example, that may be a good option. Today, many chefs enjoy the control that propane offers. Yet, there are still a few chefs that insist charcoal grills are the only way to go.
Grill Sources
Once you determine the features, size and fuel source, you shouldn't have a problem finding a source for grills. You can buy grills with competitive prices from several online sources, hardware stores, home improvement centers and department stores.
Grill Size
You can decide on the grill size by considering how frequently you plan to grill and how many people you'll be cooking for. In addition, if you enjoy cooking side dishes on the grill as well as meats and fish, you'll probably need a larger cooking surface.
Prices/Construction
Fortunately, grills come in a wide range of prices depending upon the features, construction and sizes. Prices can be as low as $20.00 for a basic charcoal grill, $100.00 for propane grills or $2,000 or more for high end grills with lots of features.
The building materials used to construct a grill often determine the price and how long it will last. Common construction materials include cast iron, aluminum or stainless steel. High quality grills are usually made of steel and have strong welds and sturdy bolts.
Features
If you enjoy outdoor cooking and entertaining, you may require a larger sized grill, which also provides space for extra features. Warming racks, side burners and rotisseries come in handy for serving large crowds.
Before purchasing your new grill, make sure you have an outdoor area with a level surface and enough space between the grill and the home to prevent accidents or fires.