Grill Buying Guide
1. Are you looking for a Charcoal or Gas grill?2. Propane vs. Natural Gas?
3. What features are important to you?
4. Where are you going to put the grill?
5. Price?
The Grill Superstore has put together several tips to help you select an outdoor barbeque grill that best fits your needs. Finding the perfect grill will help turn your backyard patio or deck in to a fun gathering place for friends and family.
Here is our Easy 5 Step Buying Guide.
1. Are you looking for a Charcoal or Gas grill?
Statistically, 81% of all U.S. households own a barbeque grill. Slightly more than half of those are gas grills while about 47% are charcoal. Either will do the job, however the debate about which is best rages on. Some people say that the smoky flavor of charcoal enhances the taste of the food, plus charcoal grills have almost no mechanical parts. Charcoal briquets, lighter fluid and a little patience (while the coals heat up) are just part of the grilling experience. Others say that gas is the only way to go because you can begin cooking within a few minutes of turning on your grill. Ask friends and neighbors about their preference then chose which style fits your lifestyle. Let's break it down just a little more.
- Charcoal - These grills are traditionally round or oval shaped, and are made of coated steel to prevent rust. Some also come with side trays and wheels so they can easily be moved. The charcoal sits on a grate rack inside of the bowl. The actual cooking grate sits above the charcoal. Lighter fluid is the most common way to start the charcoal grill, however you can also use a "chimney" starter that uses newspaper. Once the fire is lit the coals should be ready in about 15 minutes. Make sure the coals are evenly distributed to achieve even heating throughout the grill surface.
- Gas - Gas grills use either LP (liquid propane) or Natural gas. They are specifically manufactured to use just one of these types of fuel, although some gas grills can be converted. Make sure you specify the fuel type when ordering. Gas grills are generally more expensive than charcoal grills because of the design and use of mechanical parts. The most popular materials are cast aluminum and stainless steel because they keep the flow of hot air inside your grill. This is called convection. You may also hear the term "double walled," which means that the hood is made of two pieces of steel or aluminum with a small air gap in between. Good stainless steel grills will often be made of heavy gauge #304 stainless steel, which retains heat and will not corrode. Gas grills generally come with a stand or cart and most have wheels. Finally, some gas grills are made to fit into a permanent frame or counter top space, called a built-in. They are popular with outdoor kitchens and patios and have the same cooking performance as grills you see on carts or pedestals.
2. Propane vs. Natural Gas?
These are the two fuel choices for all gas grills. In terms of cooking or performance, there is no difference between these fuel types. It has everything to do with which fuel type is available to you.
- Propane or LP (liquid propane - as it is known) comes in a portable tank that connects directly to your grill. Your grill will come with the proper regulator connection which is normally a simple "twist-on" connector, similar to your garden hose. Tanks can be purchased at many locations, the most common size being 20 lbs. You will need to fill the tank at a local gas station or propane distributor. Tanks fit on the side of or underneath the grill, which will be illustrated in your owners manual. About 85% of all gas grills are fueled by LP. Savvy gas grill owners often suggest keeping a spare tank handy so you don't run out!
- Natural gas grills tap directly into your home's gas fuel supply, which is provided by your local utility company. Natural gas is commonly used to fuel your furnace or other gas appliances such as stoves and dryers. The utility company or a locally certified contractor can install the necessary connection outlet so that you can use natural gas for your grill. While the natural gas connection is very convenient (you won't "run out" of fuel in the middle of cooking) it does require that your grill be placed in a virtually fixed position. That is, you won't be able to move your grill to some other part of your deck or patio once it has been hooked up. About 10-15% of all gas grills are fueled by natural gas.
3. What features are important to you?
Grills are available in many different sizes, materials, and cooking options. Here are some of the main things to consider when choosing which features are important for you.
- Size of Cooking Surface
Most manufacturers provide two (2) measurements to describe a cooking surface:
(i) primary or grilling surface - the area that you cook on
(ii) total cooking surface - includes that same grilling surface plus the size of the warming rack or warming baskets, if applicable
These measurements are provided in square inches so that you can easily compare it to other makes and models. The chart below may also give you perspective on sizes.
 |
Grill Size | Total Cooking Surface |
| Small | 300 - 500 sq in | |
| Medium | 500 - 700 sq in | |
| Large | 700 and up sq in |
- Consider what you are cooking and the number of people you normally cook for and that will give you a good idea of the size of grill you need.
- BTUs
British Thermal Units is a measurement unique to gas grills. BTUs describe how much energy your grill can produce from the gas it burns. The higher the BTUs, the more cooking power/heat it will deliver. Look for grills that have at least 20,000 - 25,000 BTUs to cook most foods in a reasonable amount of time. Grills in the 25,000 - 45,000 BTUs range are very common and will give you the power/heat you need to cook anything. Grills that deliver more than 45,000 BTUs are designed to give you maximum flexibility. They generate enough heat and high enough temperatures (over 600 degrees) to properly "sear" steaks and cook most foods quickly if you want to.
- Grates
The three (3) most common types of cooking grates are porcelain-enameled steel, stainless steel or cast iron. Each piece is welded for long life and durability. And remember, if you are cooking low fat meats, lightly spray or wipe down the grates with cooking oil before you start your grill.
- Porcelain is a baked-on coating that is "stick" resistant. It is very common on many types of grills and easy to clean. Use your wire brush after the grates have cooled down. Occasionally wash with soap and water.
- Stainless Steel is usually made with the same high quality steel as the hood. These grates are also "stick" resistant and very durable. Clean with wire brush, even if the grates are warm. Also wash with soap and water.
- Cast Iron is generally heavier that porcelain or stainless and extremely durable. In addition, cast iron retains heat for more even cooking. Plus it makes professional looking grill marks on burgers or steaks. Cast iron grates can usually be used on either side.
- Burners
Burners deliver the gas to heat the grilling surface. They are usually tube-shaped or U-shaped with small holes to allow the gas to flow. The most common materials are cast iron, stainless steel or brass. Cast iron is durable and long-lasting but will eventually rust and wear over time. Stainless steel and brass burners are more expensive but even longer-lasting because they are more rust resistant. Ideally each burner should be controlled separately, with its own knob. This allows you to adjust the heat as needed.
- Rotisseries
Rotisseries are used for cooking large meats, such as roasts, whole chickens or turkeys. They use a spit and clamping system to hold the meat in place. The rotisserie fits in the side grooves of your grill and slowly spins over the heat. Most rotisseries are electrically powered so having access to an outdoor outlet is best. Some are battery powered. Rotisseries are designed for slower cooking but don't forget to check on it periodically.
- Back Burners & Side Burners
A back burner is just like the burner inside your gas grill only this one is mounted on the inside back of your grill. They are used in conjunction with a rotisserie and sometimes have a protective mesh screen. It allows you to "slow cook" exclusively with the back burner rather than using the full power of the grill. If you don't use a rotisserie, then a back burner is not necessary. A side burner is just what it sounds like: a burner that fits on the side of your grill. It takes the place of a side tray and can be used to heat up sauces or boil water. Use it just like your kitchen stove top. If you want to make your entire meal on the grill, then a side burner is something to consider.
- Flare Ups
When grease from your food drips into the grill box and gets too close to the burners, it can cause a fire flare up. To minimize this, manufacturers use various materials to create a barrier between the gas burners and the grill grates. Some use ceramic briquets while others use metal plates or brackets to deflect grease and sauces away from the burners. In either case, the grease is vaporized when it hits the barrier, which greatly reduces flare ups.
- Warranty
Varies by manufacturer but good grills (such as ours) offer multi-year coverage on burners, valves, grill compartment and workmanship. Your owner's manual will have the terms of the warranty.
4. Where are you going to put the grill?
You probably have a pretty good idea of where you will use your grill. Decks, patios and back yard areas are the most common. Here are the terms to look for:
- Carts - the vast majority of grills are built on a cart which usually includes wheels. This allows you to move your grill as necessary, especially on windy days. Remember that if you have natural gas, your mobility is limited.
- Pedestal - supports the grill itself with a wide base and is generally designed to be secured in a fixed location. Although some have small wheels, the base is normally attached to your deck or patio with bolts and screws.
- Posts - are literally posts made of steel or aluminum that support the grill itself. They are buried in the ground (often secured by concrete) so they don't move. A post mount grill is specifically designed to match the correct post.
- Built-in - just like it sounds, these grills fit into a specific space like a counter top. They perform the same way as other grills, just in a permanent setting. Built-in grills are popular with people that want or have outdoor kitchens.
5. Price?
Like most everything, grills come in many different price ranges. You can virtually spend as little or as much as you want. We suggest that you buy a quality grill that will last over time. Spending a few extra dollars up front will pay off in the long run. Also make sure that you buy a grill that does what you want it to do. If you are primarily a burger and hot dog person/family, then you most likely don't need a rotisserie or back burner. If you entertain for friends and family and cook a wide variety of foods then you should consider a larger cooking surface with additional options. Once you make your purchase, use your grill often and let us know how you like it!
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