Grills get everyone outside, and if you’re a fan of grilling, then you probably remember those old barbecue grills with their thin legs that look like a kettle or large saucers. With some basic cooking skills, you could easily make tasty hamburgers and delicious stakes.
Nowadays, there are so many different grills to count. Some of them are small disposable units that look like microwaves; others are pretty huge and have many wheels and many functions. Traditionally, grills work on charcoal, but now you can easily find models that use propane or natural gas as fuel. However, the fact is that you can make more than burgers and steaks, many can prepare crunchy seafood and roasted vegetables.
Outdoor grilling adds functionality and fun to your home
Summer is perfect time for outdoor grilling and the idea of having one in the backyard isn’t new, but when it’s well-designed, it allows you to enjoy outdoor cooking all year long. Incorporating the grill to the outdoor setting adds value and versatility to your home.
A grill creates food with unique flavor and can make steakhouse steaks tastier than any indoor oven. Some of them can even smoke low, like a real smoker. For this reason, people turn their boring yards into fancy resorts and spend more time at home, having a grill as a place to gather with family and friends.
However, grills range in price. You can find a nice small grill that can make fine steaks for just $15, many small options go under $75, but there are also huge independent islands that have everything an indoor kitchen has, including a fridge, sink and storage and cost more than $25,000. The price may seem too high, but huge outdoor grill adds a lot of space and you should think of it just like of adding another room. There are thousands of DIY projects available online, and you can easily buy necessary components in a store, customize your grill island and face it in stone, brick or anything you like.
Choose the right type of fuel
Don’t rush into buying a grill – you have to choose the fuel first. Modern grills can run on charcoal, electricity or gas, and you have to choose the right one to avoid problems. For example, if you live in an apartment, you may not be allowed to have an electric grill on the balcony.
So, when you figured out what type of fuel is allowed, think about your cooking style and preferences. Some people enjoy having an open-flame and get quickly cooked steaks. If you’re one of them, a charcoal grill is a perfect choice. However, if you’re not a huge fan of cooking and prefer to spend time with guests while meat is slowly cooked, gas is a much better option. Electrical grills are preferred by those who enjoy a slow cooking process and can wait for a couple of hours for beef to be cooked and flavor it with tasty seasonings and spices. Those who can wait for an hour for their grill to heat should choose traditional charcoal, while gas can make fire instantly.
Some cooks that prefer charcoal, says that it adds a special flavor when smoke penetrates the meat and its juices fell down. However, many insist that gas grill can deliver the same flavor faster. Gas grills usually have steel bars, volcanic rock or ceramic briquettes for those juices, and steel is in favor because it’s easy to clean and maintain.
The great thing about grills is that whether fuel they use, they always come with a quite long warranty. The vast majority of brands offer a 10 year warranty, but some can offer even longer options. Before you buy a grill, make sure it stands still, nothing wobbles, it’s made of heavy materials like aluminum or metal and finished with high-quality enamel. If you’re going to grill in the rain, choose models made of stainless steel.
Models that offer two or more separate burners usually cost more, but they are definitely worth your attention since they offer easier heat control. However, always think about the location of your grill, it should have enough space and you should feel comfortable cooking there.