subject: Weighing Up Outdoor Bbq Grills [print this page] BBQ grills are often the highlight of any outdoor reunions or gatherings. However, BBQ grills tend to be expensive with prices soaring from a hundred dollars to several thousand bucks, especially for top-of-the-line and custom-built grills for grilling connoisseurs and artisans. When choosing the right BBQ grill for you, you have to have some basic knowledge on the aspects and features of each grill and think about what you will be getting and what you will be ruling out.
Charcoal grills and gas grills are the two popularly used grills around the world. Charcoal grills are much harder to be used for amateur grillers, since embers need to be constantly checked and managed to prevent the meat getting either overcooked or undercooked.
Gas grills, on the other hand, provide the convenience of regulating the temperature of the grill at a turn of the knob. However, charcoal grills provide more authentic BBQ flavor than gas grills since the charcoal adds a distinctive smoky flavor on the meat. So, you must know about the level of your grilling prowess to determine which type of BBQ grill fits your need.
Check the overall construction of the grill for the durability of the material used. BBQ reviews tell that a stainless steel BBQ grill usually lasts longer but tends to be more expensive. If the BBQ grill is made of thin and light material, it may not withstand heavy use for a long period even though it can be an inexpensive choice for occasional grilling activities. BBQ grills made of cast iron are inexpensive and withstand temperature but can rust quickly. Porcelain-grated BBQ grills are rust-proof and durable, but are fairly expensive.
You also have to consider the heat output of BBQ grills. It is measured in British Thermal Units, or BTUs, which is the potential heat the grill puts out. BBQ reviews state that 40,000 BTUs are adequate for general grilling. You have to bear in mind that an underpowered grill may take a longer period to cook meat. There is also the possibility of having inconsistent distribution of heat on the cooking area.
Check the surface area and the placement of the burners of the BBQ grill. A small BBQ grill, according to some BBQ reviews, is ideal for small meals. However, small BBQ grills might not have enough room for more food to be grilled for big number of guests.
