If you’re in the market for an outdoor grill, you may find that you’re not sure where to start. There are so many choices, and so many places where you can buy a grill. Where do you start? Doing some preliminary research before you go shopping will help you determine your needs and which grill suits them.
What will you be cooking, and for whom?
You should consider what you want to use the grill for. If you’re a large family, you may want to cook entire meals. If you’re a single person or a couple, perhaps you’ll cook just entrees. Look through some grilling cookbooks to get an idea of what you might cook so that you will know what size grill to get. Check out manufacturers’ specifications for assorted grills to determine the entire cooking area. If you’re cooking briskets or large cuts of meats, obviously you will want a larger grill.
How often do you plan to grill?
If you plan to use your grill daily, or at least several times a week, you might consider an electric or gas grill. Charcoal grills take longer, since you have to wait for the charcoal to reach cooking temperature. If you want to come home from work and head straight to the grill to get cooking, gas or electric grills might suit you better.
How much space do you have?
Measure your available space before shopping. Gas grills with side burners take up more space than smaller gas grills and many electric or charcoal grills. Don’t forget that you need ample space around the grill to avoid fire hazards, and to avoid any overhangs that might catch fire. Decide how you will store your grill in the off season, too, since that may have a bearing on the size grill you choose.
What is your budget?
As with any other purchase, figure out how much you have to spend, and then what features you can get for the money. Decide first if you need a charcoal, electric, or gas grill, and then decide what features are a must-have. Comparison shopping for grills can be time consuming, but if this is a purchase you plan to enjoy for years, it is worth the effort.