As the temperatures start to rise, most of us can’t wait to get outdoors and soak up the sun and fresh air. Patio parties, picnics, and backyard grilling are favorite pastimes for many of us. You can cook without the mess or the heat in your kitchen when you grill outdoors. So, if you are in need of an upgrade, a replacement, or your very first grill, here are some grilling tips to make your shopping easier and more enjoyable.
Grilling 101
Before jumping in with both feet, really sit down and decide how you use your grill. Is it for hamburgers and hotdogs? Or do you grill entire meals, including veggies and sides? Do you feed one to four people or do you often entertain and grill for a crowd? How much space do you have for a grill? Are you confined to a patio or balcony or do you grill on a large deck? Do you cook outdoors only or do you want a grill that can be used indoors? Does your grill need to be portable so that it can go with you when you camp or tailgate? By defining how you will use the grill, you will make choosing the one that is right for you so much easier.
Grill Types
For years, the debate over grill types has gone back and forth between the two most popular: Gas and Charcoal. However, there are 2 other options that are worth considering as well: Kamado and Pellet grills. Each grill type has its own pros and cons so let’s take a quick look to see how each stands out:
Gas Grills
Gas is probably the most popular fuel type for grilling, simply because it’s clean, easily accessible, and gives instant heat. Gas can be sourced from a natural gas hook-up or a propane tank:
- Propane
- Offers portability since you can move your grill to wherever you want.
- Burns hotter than natural gas.
- Natural gas
- Requires that your grill remains in one place.
- Cleaner to use and somewhat cheaper.
- No need to exchange or refill tanks.
- Many homes do not have access to natural gas so this option may not be for everyone.
Luckily, most gas grills can accommodate either type of hookup. Gas grills offer the most control over temperature. The Char-Broil Stainless Steel Signature Series TRU-Infrared Gas Grill offers a side burner for additional preparation, an infrared burner for searing steaks or other items, and electronic ignition for quick starts.
Charcoal Grills
- Popular because of the flavor profile given off by the briquettes.
- Takes longer to heat up.
- Controls are manipulated by airflow.
- Tight-fitting lids and easy to access vents are ideal.
- Usually reaches temperatures higher than gas grills.
- Perfect for searing meat.
- Can take up to 20 minutes to reach desired temperatures.
- Require cleanup and disposal of the briquettes after cooking and cooling.
Kamado Grills
- Easily identifiable with their rounded or egg shape.
- Fueled by charcoal.
- Made of ceramic.
- Versatile, many models are used as a roaster, smoker, or pizza oven.
- Have a smaller cooking surface.
- Take longer to bring to temperature than a gas grill.
Pellet Grills
- The newest type of grill
- Uses food-grade wood pellets rather than charcoal or gas as fuel.
- Can be expensive and are not as easily available as other grill fuels.
- Add a ‘wood-fired’ flavoring to your meats.
Size Does Matter
Grills come in all sizes, from the type that fold up for storage when not in use, to the ones that let you entertain friends and family with room to spare. The unofficial rule of thumb for calculating how large a grill surface you need is 72 square inches for each person served. The Coleman NXT100 grill is perfect for backyard grilling or to take camping or tailgating. With a tall lid and 321 sq. inch cooking space you have room for as many as 18 burgers, but it is still lightweight and easy to move around. You can even get additional surfaces to switch between stove, grill, or griddle so any grilling 101 meal becomes easy.
Something bigger to grill for that patio party might be the Char-Broil Performance Gas Grill. With an additional burner, instant start ignition, and even an additional work surface, your backyard barbeque will be complete with this one grill! And large enough to cook for the neighborhood.
Maybe you love camping or backpacking and need a simpler, smaller grill. Try the Coleman Road Trip 2 burner propane grill. Designed for open-flame, drip-through grilling, the Coleman Road Trip Gas Grill uses two powerful burners for faster outdoor cooking, especially in cold weather. Plus, it has a removable mix-and-match surface that lets you use it as a grill, griddle, or stove.
Indoor Grilling
Grilling goes beyond the backyard, so if you want to up your grilling prowess and cook some healthy, delicious grilled food regardless of the weather, you might check out indoor grills. Indoor grills are portable, take up little space, and can be moved outdoors if an electrical outlet is available. The Hamilton Beach Stainless Steel Windowed Lid Indoor Searing Grill could be just what you are looking for. You can extend your summer grilling by doing it indoors with this stainless, easy-to-clean grill.
Smoke ‘Em
Don’t forget smokers! If smoked meat is your claim to fame, you can also look at the Landmann Vertical Gas Smoker. This gas smoker utilizes a rotary igniter, fully adjustable heat control, and a large 698 sq. in. cooking area to effectively smoke a wide variety of foods. Smokers make a great addition to your appliances.
Safety First
Regardless of the size, fuel type, or portability, one of the most important things to look for is safety. Make sure your grill is sturdy and does not move around when used. Check all the connections if using gas before each use. Clean it to eliminate the possibility of grease fires and burns. Dispose of charcoal safely once cool.
Find The Right Grill at FlexShopper
Grills have a large range of prices, depending on their size, options, and brands. At FlexShopper, we can help you find a grill that will fit any need and any budget. We offer affordable weekly payments, and you can qualify for a spending limit of up to $2500 by filling out our easy application in just minutes. Contact us today!
