A BBQ grill is a wonderful way to lure visitors out to your patio, and an excellent alternative to heating up your kitchen on a sticky summer night. But do you truly know which grill will best suit your lifestyle? Our BBQ grill buyers guide will help you choose the right grill for your family.

Gas Grills

Fueled by either liquid propane or natural gas, a gas grill makes outdoor cooking a breeze. Just turn on the burners and let the grill preheat. In a few minutes, you will be ready to start cooking.

Gas grills burn cleaner and are less expensive per use than charcoal grills. They also have more precise temperature control. However, they do not impart the same natural flavors, and some people consider them “cheating.”

Gas grills are available with all the latest gadgets and tools, such as prep shelves, warming shelves, and even wireless temperature monitoring. Some gas grills have compartments in the grate to add water soaked wood chips for a smoky flavor. A full tank of propane weighs 20 pounds and will provide approximately 9 hours of cook time. Some models offer a fuel gauge, allowing you to easily see exactly how much propane you have left.

Charcoal Grills

Charcoal grills impart an intense, smoky flavor to food. They can burn wood, charcoal briquettes, or both. Many people like to use flavored briquettes to further enhance the taste of the food.

Charcoal grills are available in a range of sizes from tiny tailgating models to huge combination grill/smoker units. Higher-end charcoal grills offer such features as temperature gauges, prep shelves, air vents, and igniters. Metal charcoal grills are traditional, but ceramic charcoal grills offer better moisture retention and temperature control.

It is important to remember that charcoal grilling takes time, and it is both an art and a science. Charcoal grills are generally ready to start cooking 15 to 30 minutes after lighting, depending on the size of the grill and the number of briquettes you use.

Electric Grills

Electric grills are generally considered inferior to either gas or charcoal grills. They are not portable due to the need to be close to a power outlet, and they do not impart the same intense flavors. However, they are a great option for those who live in apartments or neighborhoods that do not allow other types of grills. Many are quite small, making them easier to fit onto a small balcony or patio. Some provide an infrared cooking option that uses radiant heat to evenly cook the food.

Pellet Grills

A pellet grill is a combination grill and smoker that uses compressed sawdust pellets. The pellets are added to a hopper and then fed into the system. Pellet grills burn hot and produce clean smoke. Pellet grills are extremely flexible, as you can grill, roast, or smoke your food. The cooking is even, and the flavor is smoky, but subtler than that produced by a charcoal grill. A variety of flavored pellets are available. The major downside is that pellet grills deliver indirect heat, making it impossible to create grill marks on your food.

Smokers

Smokers are designed for “low and slow” cooking at temperatures of 225 to 275 degrees. Smokers are available in sizes ranging from 250 to 1000 square inches, allowing you to cook for a couple or an entire neighborhood. Using a wood chip box or water pan lets you cook with different flavors. Some high-end models have digital controls, meat probes, timers, viewing windows, temperature and fuel gauges, and even Wi-Fi connectivity.

Electric smokers are reliable and easy to use, but are not portable. Charcoal and wood smokers may not be portable, depending on size, but offer a classic BBQ flavor. Gas smokers are generally the most portable, but be sure to choose a model with a fuel gauge to avoid unwanted surprises.

All types of grills have their own advantages and disadvantages. There is no “right” grill, only the one that makes the most sense for you. Think about how you want to use your grill, and then search for the model that best meets your needs.

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