If you are thinking about buying a grill, the first question you need to answer is “Gas, electric, or charcoal?” Once you have made that decision, you can start to figure out pricing, quality, size, and other factors that will play into your ultimate decision. Here are some things to consider when you start thinking about your purchase.
Convenience
How are you going to be using your grill? Do you want to be able to cook some steaks, burgers, or chicken quickly? A gas or electric grill might be the best choice. Charcoal grills take longer than gas or electric. If speed is not an issue, then charcoal may be a better choice. Hardwood fires in a charcoal grill may give the best flavor, but they require more work.
Space
How much space do you have for a grill? If you are thinking of a large charcoal grill, then you want to have enough space for it. Don’t forget the space you will need to move around the grill and to have your other cooking implements close at hand. Gas grills can flare up, so a covered space is not a good choice for a gas grill. If you get a charcoal grill with an electric starter, it can be used with little open flame. Electric grills are safest in smaller areas, but they must be near an electrical outlet.
Taste
If you want a genuine, hardwood-smoked flavor, then a gas or electric grill is not going be your best choice. Some people swear by the flavor of charcoal-cooked food, while others say they can tell no difference in food cooked on a gas grill and over charcoal. This is a matter of personal taste, but do give some thought to this issue when weighing your options.
Cost
Generally, charcoal grills are the least expensive choice. Gas, electric, and charcoal grills come in a variety of price ranges, though, so do some preliminary online searches for pricing as you ponder this factor. Think about how often you will use your grill, and then decide what kind of investment you want to make. Using a charcoal grill is more expensive per use than a gas grill, and charcoal has to be kept dry. If you forget and leave a bag outside in the rain or humidity, you’ve wasted money.