Things to know when buying your Grill

Types of Grill

There are quite a few types of grills on the market these days so it's important that you know a few fact before buying your grill including the make and model.

Let's start by looking at the two main types of grill on the market and they are charcoal grills and gas grills. The choice you make on your next grill is relient on the type of cooking you enjoy doing.

If you like direct cooking or smoking then a charcoal grill would be much better. If you slow cook food or use the indirect grilling method more then a gas grill is just as good.

Charcoal Grills

Charcoal grills include kettle grills, table grills hibachis and 55 gallon drums.  It's important to remember when buying a charcoal grill that you are dealing with hot coals and wood so your choice of grill should be well made and stable. it's important that it can withstand any accidental knocks or scrapes without worry of falling over.

I have seen some models of charcoal grill that i would not touch so mkae sure you take the time to go and check out the grill before buying. Don't rely on a picture as they can deceive and the potential for serious damage is high.

Make sure the metal is of a heavy gage to retain the heat and also has a snug fitting lid for any smoking recipes you may want to cook. Make sure it also has a solid grate for holding the coal and wood at the bottom of the grill. To control the temperature it's important that your charcoal grill has good ventilation at the top or lid and the bottom of the grill. Another thing that is nice to have on a good charcoal grill is a thermometer to help control the temperature of your cooking. Finally, make sure it has good heat proof handles, there's nothing more frustrating than trying to open a lid and burnig your fingers.

Gas Grills

Gas grills are much easier to use and tend to be much lighter and cleaner than a charcoal grill. The build of a gas grill is not as assential as a charcoal grill but i would suggest that you try to find one with a good thickness of metal as it always helps with heat control no matter what grill you are using.

A gas grill must have an electric ignition switch for safety and ease of use. The grill should also have several cooking zones and good quality heat controls. Because gas grills allow you to change the temperature of your cooking very quickly it's important that you have the controls to utilize one of the gas grills main advantages of charcoal grills.

This is just a quick guide to buying a grill and for more details on types of fuel and other grilling tips please see the grilling tips category.