Grills Buying Guide
Well done. You're buying a grill. You probably already know the outcome of this equation: you, some grub and a grill. Hello, pleasure. Before you buy, know what you want and what's out there. Don't forget your utensils 
,brushes, scrapers , or combination tools.
Factors to Consider
Charcoal vs. Natural Gas/Propane
- Charcoal
- Some people say that good charcoal imparts a delicious, smoky flavor.
- Charcoal grills require more time and effort and can be messy.
- They beat out gas grills price-wise.
- Gas
- Gas grills inevitably impart some hints of propane or natural gas flavor to the food.
- Starting is as easy as flipping a switch and waiting a few minutes.
- Prices are dropping and features are improving.
- Whichever type of gas you choose (either propane or natural gas), once you pick, you can't easily switch to the other. It is easier to research which fuel will be most convenient and cost efficient. A lot of the convenience factor comes from your proximity to a propane refilling station and the cost of gas in the area where you live.
- Some built-in gas grills can be attached to your home natural gas line, so you never have to worry about changing the tank.
Location, Location, Location
- Where do you plan to put the grill? Make sure that you have room for the size grill you want to purchase and that the surrounding area has adequate space.
- Wherever you put your grill, if it is freestanding, make sure the surface is level so it won't tip.
- Do you want a pedestal, a cart with wheels or a grill that's built right into your deck?
- If you live in a condo or an apartment with a balcony, be advised that it may violate local fire codes to use a grill there. Read your lease or covenants and call the fire department to check.
Models
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Pedestal - Pedestal grills are somewhat portable and can be taken on picnic trips. They have about the same capacity as portable grills and usually run on charcoal.
- Portable grills can be fun for tailgating or taking to the beach or on camping trips, but don't expect high grilling capacity or great performance.
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Cart - Cart grills are the most common for home use. They are, of course, built into a cart.
- Can easily be moved around even though they are heavy and bulky.
- Some cart grills have "sidecars" which can be additional burners or just extra preparation space.
- The majority of the best grills are gas-run cart grills.
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Built-in - Built-in grills are usually pricey, and you'll need a solid cabinet and base to install it on.
- These may be a good option for people living in warm climates and spend much of their time on the patio.
- Also convenient if you have a gas line to your house -- no more changing tanks!
- Fewer built-in grills are reviewed than any other type, since there are plenty of mobile grills that do an excellent job.
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Size and Price
Dinner for two or pool party for twenty; how much grill do you need? (The price ranges here apply mainly to gas grills.)
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Basic Grills - Small to medium size grills will run from $100-$300 and are good to serve 4-6 people.
- These are cart or pedestal models and there are minimal features on some.
- The firebox and hood are usually cast aluminum.
- The grates are usually thin steel rails.
- A side burner is a nice feature available on some models.
- Stainless steel trim will increase the price.
- What you won't get in this price range:
- Durable, thick steel grates or cast-iron grates.
- Extra features, i.e. extra drawers, rotisserie or a smoker.
- Long, full-coverage warranty.
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Mid-Range Grills - These enhanced grills will cost from $300-$500 and can cook for up to 15 people.
- Larger with more features:
- They usually have nice preparation areas and storage space onboard.
- All come with igniters.
- Guaranteed higher heat capability.
- Grates are stronger and more durable -- either stainless steel or cast iron.
- Look for rotisserie or smoker options if they appeal to you -- many grills in this price range will have them.
- Better warranties.
- Full stainless steel options are available.
- There may not be a grill with the exact combination of features you want -- you may have to sacrifice a little or get a larger grill than you planned, depending on how much you want to spend.
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High-End Grills - Large grills are stylish and sturdy in stainless steel. They also cook for up to 15 people but they will cost more than $500 -- prices rocket beyond $4000 for some models.
- Frequently part of an outdoor kitchen .
- Despite the hefty appearance of the priciest models, they do come on four (hidden) wheels for portability.
- You can expect good heat control on these models, but keep in mind that a great grill is only as good as the person doing the grilling. Even a $4000 grill will not help a bad cook.
- Look for an excellent warranty -- you don't want to find your beautiful grill unprotected from malfunctions.
- Storage space and preparation areas are optimized for a truly incredible outdoor cooking experience.
- If you do a lot of outdoor entertaining and really want to put your masterpiece grilling on show, then this might be the way to go. For the average consumer, a mid-priced model will do a fine job without breaking the bank.
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Features
- Great Grates
- Porcelain-coated cast-iron or thick stainless steel are the best. They are durable and excellent at heat conduction and retention.
- The heavier cast metal grates have a higher thermal mass and retain heat better when cold meat is applied.
- After several seasons of use, expect the porcelain-coating to flake off and a rust problem to develop unless you apply vegetable oil to the grates after each use.
- Controls
- Controls should not be mounted on a horizontal surface. They are hard to get to with a foot of snow on them, and can freeze up.
- Fabric covers
- Will keep your grill clean.
- Are useless in areas with lots of wind. You may have to tie them on with bungee cords.
- They require another trip outside to recover the grill after it cools.
- Burners
- Add up the BTUs of just the burners under the grates. More is better. More than 50,000 BTUs is much better. Most manufacturers add in the side burner and the rotisserie (if any). This is misleading.
- Warranties are most important on the burners because that is what will keep your grill running. Three to five years is the minimum, but a premium warranty will last 10 years or more.
- Grease Catcher
- These make cleaning up a breeze and reduce the chance of flare-ups.
- Look for deep, easily accessible pans. Shallow, cookie sheet-like pans may overflow.
- Stainless Steel
- Everyone likes the look of stainless, but it's also durable and weather-resistant.
- Aluminum clamshells can lose their shape and sag under high heat, which reduces their ability to interlock when closed.
- Watch out for low-quality stainless, as it may rust.
- Watch out for non-stainless fittings and hinges on a stainless grill, they will rust.
- It adds cost, but is probably worth it in the long run.
- Side Burners
- These are an extra feature that some cooks enjoy having.
- Basic models don't usually feature them, but they have become more common in recent years.
- Let you prepare other foods on the burner while grilling.
- Save trips in and out of the house; allow you to keep an eye on everything you are cooking.
- Smoke Box
- A smoke box allows you to use fragrant wood to flavor your food when cooking.
- If your dream grill doesn't have a smoke box, you might want to invest in a separate smoker.
- Warming Rack
- Larger grills with hinged lids may have a warming rack some distance above the main part of the grill. Handy for reheating foods or keeping finished foods ready to eat.
- Onboard Storage
- As with side burners, this is a nice feature that is found on many mid-range models. In warmer climates, where your grill is a year-long staple, you may like the ability of keeping everything outside, but in colder climates it may be unnecessary. It depends on personal taste.
- Igniter
- Piezoelectric sparker igniters take just a press of the button to ignite a gas burner. They will stop working after a couple of years because the spark gap will gradually open. Adjust them with a pair of pliers to narrow the gap, or switch to matches.
- Simple and fool-proof for charcoal. Why mess around with matches and lighter fluid ?
- Rolling Cart
- Four wheels instead of two are easier when you need to move the grill around.
- Look for something better than office furniture casters, especially if your deck or patio is rough surfaced.
- Make sure the wheels are easy to lock and unlock.
- Removable Grill Tray
- Makes cleanup that much easier.
- Thermometer
- There is no doubt about whether or not the grill is ready when there is a thermometer on the exterior. Plus, it keeps you from wasting gas by letting the grill heat up for too long. If your grill doesn't come with one though, you can always purchase a magnetic one that will do the trick.
- Note however that the factory thermometers are notoriously inaccurate. Buy a separate digital oven thermometer with a remote if you are very particular about the temperature of the grill.
Five Grills for Five Styles
Not sure which type of grill will suit your needs or your personality? Well, check out the five options below, and you're sure to find the grill of your dreams.
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Indulgence Lynx 54" Professional Grill - Three red brass burners and one ProSear burner. (100,000 BTU total)
- 1555-square-inch cooking surface.
- Dual-position internal rotisserie with 3-speed motor.
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Basic, But Still Great Char Broil 435 Charcoal Barrel Grill
- Steel folding front frame.
- Cast-iron cooking grates
- 435-square-inch cooking surface.
- Sideshelf for easy access to tools and supplies.
- Adjustable height steel fire grates.
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Bang for your Buck Weber One-Touch Gold - Porcelain-enameled bowl and lid.
- Plated steel grate
- 395-square-inch cooking surface.
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Heavy Duty Broil King Imperial 90 - Heavy-gauge stainless steel hood, pedestal and main burner.
- 822-square-inch cooking surface.
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The Classic Hasty Bake Legacy - 18 gauge stainless steel or powder-coated hood and base.
- 523-square-inch cooking surface.
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Top Five Weber Grills
Weber is truly a front runner in grill manufacture, so About.com took the liberty of rating their top 10 Weber grills . See a few picks that made the cut.
Outdoor Grill Dinner
Throwing an outdoor grill party? You are going to need more than your grill to keep the guests entertained, especially when the party goes into all hours of the night! Here are some essentials you will need for your next fiesta.
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Backyard Torches A sturdy set of backyard tiki torches or some hanging lanterns will leave your guests chowing down amidst a lovely glow, and keep a natural, festive look to any outdoor grill party. |
Food Covers Nothing ruins a good meal like a couple of flies taking rest of your burger bun. Use a cover or net over all your unpackaged foods to keep your plate safe.
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Bug Repellent You can either use bug repellent spray to keep the bugs off wherever you go, or use a bug repellent candle as a useful decorative piece for your patio table. |
Tablecloths The clean-up process is always easier if you have used a tablecloth , especially on an outdoor table where wind or little kids may have knocked a few things over. |
Grill Cookbooks One can always upgrade your grilling skills by picking up a cookbook and using a few more pointers on how to get the most out of your outdoor grill . |
Grill Cleaning Tools
Be sure to scrub your grill to get in squeaky clean before you toss on the raw meat and vegetable of your next grill session. Learn how to clean a grill -- the sooner you clean your grill after use, the easier and quicker the job will be, so you won't have to deal with all the unpleasant, stuck-on food later.
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Grill Cleaning Brushes Get your standard grill brush to scrub away at the food residue on the metal grate. Many brushes have a flat edge at the end for scraping off stuck-on food from a large surface.
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Spiral Barbecue Grill Brushes A spiral brush is designed to tackle more surface area at once, cleaning the tops and sides of your grill with short, twisted bristles. |
Stainless Steal Spray Cleaner A spray cleaner quickly dissolved the grease on your grill in a number of seconds. You can use it as a pre-treatment before scrubbing.Wipe with water after use. |
Grill/Oven Liquid Cleaner Liquid cleaners are another option for all your grilling tools. They are usually odorless and all metal surfaces must be rinsed and wiped down with water after use. |
Sponges /Pads While your grill brush probably breaks up the rough parts on your grills, a bristle pad or sponge helps you clean off the remaining residue. |
Grill Covers
Grill covers protect your grill from extreme weather and other damage that the elements can cause to your outdoor appliance. They are often made of vinyl and are designed to fit most of the grills named above in the Weber section.
Major Manufacturers
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