5 Things to Consider When Picking a New Grill
With that big football party coming up on Sunday and the weather warming up, maybe you're thinking about shaking off winter with a little grilling. But do you know exactly what you're shopping for in a new grill? If you need a little clarity on BTUs and cast iron grates, this will help.
The weather is supposed to be pretty nice this weekend-- partly cloudy and in the upper 50s -- and with all of your friends coming over for the big football party, it might be the perfect chance to fire up the grill for the first time this year and show off your wing, burger, and hot dog skills. If you're looking for a new grill, you might be able to find one that's great quality and doesn't cost a lot of money, with these tips.
I ran across these great hints at JenReviews.com, and after some lengthy study she's come up with some essentials when it comes to grill-buying.
5 Things to Consider When Picking a New Grill
1. Size Matters. What size you need depends on what you're doing with the grill. The small freestanding gas grills come in different sizes and are the least expensive. Mid-sized gas grills can hold more burgers, but can cost from a few hundred bucks up to $2500. The large gas grills can help you crank out more than 30 burgers at once and have tougher grates, sliding drawers, side burners, and better storage space, but they can cost up to $3500.
2. Heat Distribution can make or break your food. If the heat distribution is right, the burgers and dogs cook faster and more evenly. If you can feel a temperature difference when you move your hand over the grates, that ain't right! You might end up with raw spots in the food, and nothing ruins a football party faster than salmonella. The best idea is to look for insulated and heavy-duty grates that circulate heat evenly.
3. All cooking grates are not created equally. Stainless steel grates can be scrubbed and cleaned more easily, but that shiny silver doesn't usually hold heat very long and may not help you achieve those pretty, even grill marks. Cast iron grates are heavier and more durable, and the porcelain-coated ones are non-stick and help you avoid disasters, especially with delicate foods like fish.
4. BTUs are your friend. Do you know what BTU stands for without Googling it? British Thermal Units. Impress your friends with that tidbit while you're standing around the grill this weekend. JenReviews.com says to make sure to check the BTU rating of the cooking grate since that’s the main heating section of the grill. You need a gas grill with durable and heavy-weight components to hold a higher BTU rating. We can do this, single ladies. Grills are not just man territory with this good advice.
5. Cost. It's possible to find a decent grill for a few hundred dollars, but it's important to consider how long it's going to last. Spending $2000 on a grill that lasts for ten years might be better than spending $500 on one that has to be replaced every season. We've all got to work that out and consider our own budgets. The best quality large grills might cost $3000, but they've also got the most durable grates, extra grilling space, and hidden storage compartments for utensils, condiments, and maybe a beer.
Couldn't you just lick a grill mark right now? Oh, me too. Come on with the smoky goodness already.
If we wait until peak grilling season to buy a new grill, we're going to be paying more. Memorial Day weekend is not the time to buy. But since the demand isn't huge in early February, we might be able to score a deal on a good quality grill this weekend and test it out on Sunday at the football party.
And be watching for some good grilling recipes this spring, like my world famous Grilled Bacon and Tomato Pizza that goes great with an Idaho craft beer. Get that grill ready to go now.