GRILS

So you want to purchase a new grill? You go to some local store with half a dozen models to choose from and you get confused. How many BTU's do you need? What size should you get? Who makes a reliable and easy to use grill? Do you want charcoal or gas? There are hundreds of questions you can ask, so I am going to try and help you out.

Unless you have money to burn, the price of a grill is an important factor. Gas Grills can range from $100USD to $10,000USD. Charcoal grills can be had for under $50USD or more than $2,000USD. Propane is cheaper than charcoal so your fuel cost is much less so you can actually save money in the long run if you cook out a lot. Pellets can be expensive and difficult to find in many places, but the flavor is superior because it is a pure hardwood fire. Electric just needs to be plugged in, but can't be used if the power is out. Remember that a grill can be a backup cooking appliance in an emergency.

 

You can select from electric grills, charcoal grills, gas grills, Portable Grills and pellet grills(burns wood pellets). Generally, electric grills are the easiest to use but you won't get a real fire flavor. Gas is easy and convenient, has better than electric grills but not as good as charcoal or pellet grills. Pellet grills are easy to use and have great flavor but tend to be more expensive and are not available in most retail outlets. Charcoal grills are readily available, inexpensive, and can produce great food but you will be lighting charcoal and dealing with all that involves. The real question you have to ask yourself is do you want the occasional big cookout where you have the time for charcoal, or do you want to be able to fire up the grill and be eating in 30 minutes.