7 Things to think about before buying an outdoor grill.
By: Louie Palhegyi
Tags: Food, Learning, Shopping, Cooking, Barbecue

There’s nothing like the smell of food cooking over an open flame. It’s enough to stop most people in their tracks with a rumbly stomach. No matter what part of the world you live in, grilling is most likely a part of your life.

Since you’re reading this article, you are likely new to outdoor cooking. Or, you may be a grilling veteran looking to add a new barbecue grill to your collection. Either way, it’s essential to put some thought into the process.

With all of the choices available, it’s easy to get overwhelmed or frustrated. You might even want to stop searching altogether. But let me assure you, research can mean the difference between loving your new grill and feeling like a fool who wasted money.

Just to get the thinking process started, I have put together a short list of things you will want to consider before investing in your new outdoor grill. Yes, the right grill is an investment that will continue to serve you for years to come. Just like, the wrong grill can be a mistake that may end up on your back porch rotting from neglect.

Save yourself from the heartache, ask yourself these important questions before spending your hard-earned money-

#1 How much money do you want to spend?

Believe me, I speak from personal experience. You want to know how much money you have to spend on your new grill before checking out your options. It sucks when you get your heart set on a fancy new gill only to have your excitement shattered by a price tag that’s out of your budget.

Some grills range from $40 all the way to $40,000 or more, depending on the brand and features. Know what you want to spend before browsing.

#2 Where are you going to use your new grill?

Do you need your new grill portable, or do you plan on keeping it in one spot? This is an important consideration when deciding on the type and model of the grill that you need.

There are plenty of grills available designed with portability and convenience in mind. Others are bulky, require electricity and are intended to stay in one spot. Don’t get stuck without a grill if you want to take your cookout elsewhere. Pick the right tool for your needs.

#3 Do you know the difference between grilling and barbecuing?

Yes, there is a difference between grilling and barbecuing. Grilling is hot and fast with the lid of your grill open; barbecuing is low and slow with the lid closed.

Why is this important? Most grills are capable of doing both types of cooking. However, every kind of outdoor grill will be better at one or the other. Make sure to learn about the grills that you are considering and the different cooking temperatures available. This will make grilling much more comfortable in the future.

#4 What type of fuel do you want to use?

Each type of fuel does have its advantages and disadvantages. Some fuel sources are as easy as plugging your unit into the wall. Others require a bag of pellets, messy charcoal or big chunks of wood.

Some fuel sources are more expensive than others and are easier to transport. If you plan on traveling with your grill, make sure to make room for the wood or charcoal and/or have a standard electrical outlet available.

#5 Do you want to eat now or later?

Barbecue and grilling will finish your meal at different rates. Grilling will complete your meal much faster but will probably not have the delicious smoky flavor that you may be after. In comparison, barbecuing will have all the flavor you can handle. Still, it will take much longer and require a steady flame and constant fuel source.

Your grill is an important consideration since each type may be better suited for one kind of cooking.

#6 How many people are you cooking for?

Take your time and consider when you will most likely be using your outdoor grill. Will you use it mainly for just your family, or do you plan on entertaining frequently? The size of your cooking space is vital to make sure that you can accommodate all of the food that you would like to prepare.

Save yourself the stress of trying to continually rearrange all of your food items with limited space. Invest in a grill that has the cooking area that you need.

#7 What kind of gadgets and gizmos do you want?

There are an endless amount of additions that you can make to your grill. Extra shelves, internal thermometers, Wi-Fi capability are just a few options that you have available with your new grill. Obviously, the more additions that you make to your unit, the higher the cost will be. But, each feature can make your new grill much easier to use. Do your homework and figure out which options are must-haves and which ones are not essential.

Conclusion

Purchasing a new outdoor grill can be an exciting experience. Unfortunately, making the wrong choice can be disappointing and costly. Make sure to do your due diligence and think about how the grill will fit into your life. The right choice can give you years of faithful and stress-free service. Take the time to answer these important questions and give yourself the gift of amazing food.

Cheers.

What are your favorite outdoor grills? I would love to know. Please leave your answer below.