subject: Selecting A Gas Grill For Your Barbequing Enjoyment [print this page] It is almost time to pack away winter hats, boots, and snow shovels. Warm weather is approaching and thoughts of outdoor grilling come to mind. If you are considering purchasing a new gas grill, now is the time to start shopping. This can be a confusing process considering all the options that are currently available. There are a lot of bells and whistles offered by grill manufacturers. Some are expensive and some are useless while other options may be worth the investment.
One of the first questions to consider is how much space do I have on my patio or deck to store a grill and still allow for tables and seating. Make sure there is enough living space and the grill doesn't encroach on the ability to move around easily and safely. Another question is how many people are usually served at the cookouts I host. If it is just hamburgers and hot dogs for a small gathering, a small simple grill is sufficient. If you host large groups of people regularly you will obviously require a larger grill. Some are as big as six feet long and can grill a multi course feast for a horde. Manufacturers list the amount of grilling space on their product specification sheets, however be aware that they often include racks and trays as grilling space. To avoid disappointment check actual grilling space and choose the grill that fits your specific needs.
The sturdiness of the grill is something to pay heed to. Larger wheels that have brake locks instead of small casters are much more stable and allow for easier moving when necessary. Shake the grill firmly to check for stability and make sure it will not tip over easily. Check whether or not the lid opens and closes easily and stays open when you need it to. The cover should not slam shut when jostled.
The multitude of add on options that are available can be mind boggling; warming trays, utensil holders, spice holders, night lighting options, monogrammed knobs, knob lights, side burners, etc. Don't be blinded by the glitter, although most of these options may seem impressive, they are expensive and do nothing to enhance your grilled food. However, warming trays are an option that allows you to keep food warm for an extended period, are very popular and most people consider them worth the investment. If you grill turkeys, whole chickens or roasts, a rotisserie attachment is almost a necessity and should be chosen to fit your grill at the time of purchase. Customize your grill to your usual grilling practices and don't get pulled in by attractive unnecessary attachments that you will never use.
To obtain the most evenly dispersed heat your grill should have at least two heating units. Some lower priced grills may have only one heating unit leaving some areas of the grill hotter than others which results in unevenly cooked food. This may be an area worth spending a little more to ensure that your grilled food is consistently cooked. The bigger the grill the more heating units it requires to grill evenly and consistently.
Different grades of stainless steel are used when grills are manufactured. High quality stainless steel is graded as 300. This steel lasts longer and will not discolor with use. Lower quality stainless steel is graded 400 or more and will not hold up as well or as long. Often a lower quality steel grill will be manufactured with higher grade steel only in the burners and be advertised as high grade steel. Read carefully and ask questions to be sure the entire grill is made of high grade steel and will hold up to years of grilling.
Read reviews online, know what your grilling habits and needs are, ask the right questions, purchase from a reputable and knowledgeable dealer, purchase a grill that meets your needs and begin planning your menu for the first cookout of the season
