If you are in the market for a new grill, but not sure where to start, we’ve got your back. This post will walk you through everything you need to know before buying your new grill, including some of the important features to look out for and the different types of grills you can buy.
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How to Choose a Grill
Before we get into the different types of grills, let’s talk about some of the things you need to consider before you pick one out. Finding the best grill for you is all about looking for the best features, considering what size you want, and knowing your budget.
Grill Features
No two grills are exactly the same. Regardless of what type you choose (gas, charcoal, etc.) there are a few helpful features you will want to consider. Here are some of the most important grill features that you should look for:
- A built-in temperature gauge – allows you to monitor grill temperature without lifting the lid.
- A non-stick grate. Stainless steel, wrought iron, or sealed ceramic are good options.
- High heating capability
- Easy cleaning and maintenance
- Durable build – high quality, weatherproof and corrosion resistant material.
- High capacity grill space.
- Uniform heating – able to evenly cook food across the entire grill.
Standard Grill Sizes
The size of your grill is measured in the size of the cooking grate. The larger your grate, the more you will be able to cook at one time – but you are also more likely to have issues with heat displacement and even cooking. Here are some of the standard grill sizes available on the market right now, and how many people you can feed with each.
- Weekend grill: 360 square inches – feeds 5-6 people
- Standard grill: 400 square inches – feeds 6-8 people
- Semi-professional grill: 1000 square inches – feeds 8-10 people
- Professional grill: 1200 square inches – feeds 10-15 people
Price
Of course, you are going to want to consider your budget before you buy a grill. It’s not necessarily true that better quality is always going to cost you more. There are plenty of top quality grills in every price range – you just have to know what you are looking for.
Check out our articles about the best grills under $300, $200, and $500 to find some of the best kinds of grills in these price ranges.
You will be able to get some impressive grilling done in any of those price ranges, but with a cheaper grill, you will lose out on some helpful special features. For simple barbecuing and family picnics, we recommend sticking with a sturdy grill at $300 or less. More advanced cooks might be interested in a more expensive professional grill.
Different Types of Grills
Now that you have an idea of how to choose a grill, we’ll walk you through some of the different grill types and the pros and cons of each. Everyone has their own preferences, but you should be aware of the differences between different grill types to know what will work best for you.
Gas Grill
Gas grills are the most common type of grill for backyard barbecuing. They either run on bottled propane or natural gas, though propane is the more popular option. There are a lot of reasons to choose a gas grill over another type – mainly, they are easy to use and to maintain, safe and great for beginners. If you are shopping for your first grill, gas might be the way to go.
Benefits of a gas grill:
One of the main reasons people love gas grills is that they are so quick. You don’t need to wait for wood or charcoal to heat up – just fire up the grill and start cooking. That’s why this type of grill is ideal for a backyard barbecue. They are also super easy to maintain and keep clean.
Disadvantages of a gas grill:
Experienced cooks and grillers tend to avoid gas grills because of the flavor. Since they use propane or natural gas, there is very little wood smoke in the barbecue while you are grilling. Some gas grills have an attachment that can add a smoky flavor, but it will not taste the same as food grilled over charcoal or wood.
What to look for in a gas grill:
To find the best grill, you will want to look for one that has a large enough cooking area and two to three burners. You should also keep an eye out for the right materials – a cast iron grate or a grate with a porcelain coat will work best to prevent meat from sticking.
Price:
Some types of gas grills tend to be a little more expensive, because they are more technical. They can also be pricier to repair. That said, it is totally possible to find a great gas grill at a budget price. A low-end gas grill will cost about $100 to $150, while higher-end grills can range all the way up to over $4000.
Infrared Grill
Infrared is a newer type of bbq grill that has started to gain popularity, especially for people in rural areas. They work by emitting heat through radiation into the food on the grill’s grate. Infrared grills are great for their speed and convenience, but some people are convinced that they are still not as good as a more traditional grill.
Benefits of an infrared grill:
The number-one benefit of an infrared grill is the speed. Some people refer to them as the “microwaves of outdoor cooking”. Infrared grills heat up quickly and cook food fast by transferring heat directly into the food.
Another benefit is that they are flame-free and smoke-free. If you are grilling indoors or in an area with strict fire regulations, that can be a huge help.
Disadvantages of an infrared grill:
Because they cook food so quickly, you will not get the same slow-cooked, texturized flavor as you would from meats cooked over flames. There is also no smoky flavor. You can learn more about the issues with flavor by comparing an infrared grill vs. gas grill.
Infrared grills are also really pricey – much more expensive than gas grills. They have a lot of technical components and can be an expensive hassle to repair if they break.
What to look for in an infrared grill:
Infrared grills often have a smaller cooking area than other types. If you are choosing infrared, look for one that is still big enough to cook everything you need at once. You should also look out for non-stick grates (porcelain-coated is best). Food that heats so quickly is more likely to stick to the cooking surface.
Price:
While some smaller infrared grills can sell for less than $100, the nicest models on the market right now might range up to $400 – $500.
One of the main reasons people love gas grills is that they are so quick. You don’t need to wait for wood or charcoal to heat up – just fire up the grill and start cooking. That’s why this type of grill is ideal for a backyard barbecue. They are also super easy to maintain and keep clean.
Charcoal Grill
Charcoal grills are the old-school standard that a lot of grillers still swear by. They use smoldering charcoal briquettes to heat the food, instead of propane or electricity. This is a slower, more energy consuming option, but one of the best choices for great tasting results.
Benefits of a charcoal grill:
A lot of cooks love grilling over charcoal because it gives them more options. Instead of having a single temperature across the whole grill, charcoal allows you to move food around the heat source, balancing cooking time and flavor.
The taste of wood smoke in the meat is another great advantage. Nothing tastes quite the same as chicken or ribs cooked over charcoal briquettes.
Disadvantages of a charcoal grill:
Cooking with charcoal is slower and requires more work. It takes a long time for charcoal grills to get to the right heat for cooking, and once they do, it takes a little work to monitor where food is placed on the grate and prevent it from burning or drying out.
The other disadvantage is that they are tougher to clean than other types of outdoor grills. Charcoal can make a big mess, and the smoke from charcoal grills leaves distinctive black smudges.
What to look for in a charcoal grill:
The best charcoal grills come in all types, from tiny portable models to huge, professional-grade grills. In any size, you should look for a rounded or barrel shape – this will help to channel heat and smoke inside the grill and give your food that smoky flavor.
Price:
Charcoal grills come in a whole range of prices – as low as $50 and under up to $3000. Some of the smallest types of charcoal grills can be really inexpensive, but they will not last too long.
Combo Grill
A combo grill does it all – it can be used as a gas grill, charcoal grill, or smoker. These versatile grills are great for a serious cook or someone who does most of their cooking outside. The option to use your grill as a smoker can come in really handy for a hunter, too.
Benefits of a combo grill:
People love combo grills because they get the best of both worlds. You can have the speed and convenience of a gas grill or the classic smoky flavor of a charcoal grill. Using it as a smoker can be a lot of fun for more advanced cooks.
Disadvantages of a combo grill:
For all the benefits that come with a combo grill, you will have to pay a little more. The other downside is that they can be hard to clean, and they take a little knowhow to be able to use properly – especially for smoking meats.
What to look for in a combo grill:
Keep an eye out for a combo grill that gives you the best of a gas and charcoal grill without sacrificing the quality of either. The best charcoal and gas grill combos will have a good ash disposal system, to help you easily switch from charcoal mode back to gas.
Price:
There are a lot of components to a combo grill, so they are usually fairly expensive – as high as $5000, with the nicer models. An average, mid-size combo grill will generally sell for around $500-$600. That said, if you are a serious griller, the price is worth it for a tool you are going to cook with every day.
Electric Grill
An electric grill operates by heating the food through hot coils at the base of the grill. These can be a great option for someone in a smaller, indoor space who does not want to produce a lot of smoke.
Benefits of an electric grill:
Electric grills are tidy and easy to use. They are also safe for use indoors, which is part of what makes them the best grill for an apartment.
Disadvantages of an electric grill:
You may not be interested in an electric grill if you love that smoky flavor of charcoal. Some people claim that they also do not cook meat as evenly as other types.
What to look for in an electric grill:
The best electric grill will have a fairly small cooking area and a non-stick grate that is easy to clean. Protection against overheating or short-circuiting is important if you will be using it indoors.
Price:
Electric grills are a much cheaper smoke-free alternative than infrared grills. They are rather inexpensive compared to other options, ranging from around $50 to $600, depending on the size.
Pellet Grill
Pellet grills use hardwood pellets to create an even heat and great smoky flavor for your food. They are really popular amongst pro and semi-professional grillers.
Benefits of a pellet grill:
Using a pellet grill allows you to slow cook your food at a lower heat, getting as much flavor out of the food as possible. It is great for cured or fresh meats.
Disadvantages of a pellet grill:
For one thing, the pellet grills are generally much larger and heavier than other options. You will need plenty of space to use it.
It also takes significantly longer to cook your food on a pellet grill than a standard gas or charcoal option – this is not the best choice for a casual backyard barbecue.
What to look for in a pellet grill:
Make sure that your pellet grill uses hardwood pellets, to get the best flavor out of your food. Different types of pellets will produce different flavors.
Price:
Because they are so big, and generally meant for more professional cooking, pellet grills can be fairly expensive, starting at about $500 and ranging up to around $2000. You will also need to buy pellets separately, which can add on to the price.
For the great taste and experience, though, the best pellet grill is well worth the cost.
Portable Grill
Portable grills, exactly as the name suggests, are designed to be taken on the go. They may run on propane or charcoal, but are always light and compact. These smaller, more casual grills can be great for weekend outings or picnics, and feed up to 5 or 6 people easily.
A tabletop grill is a portable grill that is compact enough to be placed on a counter or table.
Benefits of a portable grill:
A portable grill is great for camping, picnics, or outings. They can be taken on the go, and heat up quickly due to their smaller size. One of the most popular occasions for a portable grill is tailgating a concert or sporting event.
Disadvantages of a portable grill:
The main disadvantage of using a portable grill is the size. While they are great for grilling hamburgers and hotdogs, they simply do not have the capacity for larger cuts of meat. They are also too small to offer a range of temperatures on the cooking surface.
What to look for in a portable grill:
The most important feature of a portable grill is its portability. Look for a grill that is lightweight and easy to transport. At the same time, you will want a durable build – wrought iron or stainless steel are best for preventing scratches and dents.
Price:
These are some of the cheapest grills on the market. The price can range from as low as $30 up to about $200 at the higher end. You can look at some of the best grills for camping to see what sort of options are available on the market right now.
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