In Europe they call it eating ‘alfresco’, in South Africa, it’s called ‘braaing’, and in the States, it’s called grilling or just outdoor dining. No matter where you are in the world, it seems we love cooking food outdoors and eating it in the fresh air.
As soon as the weather improves, every year there is a rush for buying a grill. For some, it is just a barbeque and for others, it is a full-on outdoor dining experience. Either way, if you’re in the market for a new grill then this article with 7 tips for buying one is a must-read.
Table of Contents
Burn Fuel Not Meat
In short, you need to make a decision about the type of fuel you’ll use for your grill. Some fuels are easier to control such as gas and even electricity. This is useful if you’re not very experienced barbequing certain meats or you want to employ a wide range of cooking techniques outside.
That said, for some people, a major part of cooking on a grill is using good old-fashioned charcoal. This takes more know-how but often leads to a wonderful outdoor taste.
How Many Mouths Will You Feed?
This is another very practical consideration. The bottom line is it’s no good having a lovely new grill if you have to spend hours slaving over it because it’s too small for your family. The cooking area is an important consideration.
For example, the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 has two shelves designed for smoking meat and a cast iron shelf for searing which adds up to 1050 square inches of grilling space. At the same time though, there is no need to spend more on a bigger grill if you only intend to use it with a few people.
Where Will You Grill?
This is about the size and portability of your grill. Is it going to permanently live in your backyard occupying pride of place or will you want to store it in a shed and bring it out as needed? Dragging something heavy and awkward across the garden is soon going to lose its appeal.
Do you intend to use the grill on trips to the beach, to the park, and whenever you go camping? So think about the bigger picture and flexibility of using your grill.
Buying a Grill to Last
What material will your new grill be made from? Do you want it to last a lifetime? This point is related in some ways to the other points in this list.
Quality materials like cast iron are heavier and will bear on whether you intend your grill to reside in a permanent spot or if you wish to take it with you to places. Stainless steel or aluminum is another good option as this will resist rust and degradation due to salt and heat.
Ignition
This is a question of convenience. Assisted ignition with electricity can save hours of fuss and give you a reliable start every time.
Or, would you prefer to get your own fire going because you have the experience and skill? For some people, part of the appeal is lighting the fire and starting from the beginning.
Outdoor Appeal
It’s not all practical; part of your consideration should be aesthetic. After all, this grill could be a significant feature of your garden or outdoor area. So its overall design, shape, color, and style should be pleasing.
Budget
No surprise that the cost of buying a grill varies hugely. Like most things, you get what you spend.
That said, when choosing a grill try not to be taken in too much by all the bells and whistles on offer. Think about what you really want or need first and then start your budget research.
Get Grilling
In this article, you’ve read 7 tips for buying a grill. A new grill is a lot of fun and can make a big difference to your outdoor lifestyle. Follow the tips in this article and you’ll get grilling with exactly what you need and hopefully, within the budget you can afford.
If you can already smell the sausages, it’s time to get serious about buying the grill of your dreams. Check out other great food-related articles on our site.
