As the warm weather comes, the idea of having some backyard BBQ with family and friends is an exciting one. But with a multitude of grill options, it’s quite hard to pick the best one for you. Are you having a tough time deciding whether you’ll need a charcoal or gas grill? Don’t you worry; this article will give you the essential tips for your next backyard park grills.
Whether it’s a party for two or a feast for the whole family, here are tips for your grill selection:
Grills and Fuel Types
Barbecues or grills that are fueled by charcoal will require briquettes or charcoal. These usually need some amount of time to fire up, and you have to reduce its flames before you can start cooking your food. Charcoal ashes can also be a problem when cleaning if your chosen grill does not include a cleaning vent. Here are tips to consider when choosing this type of grill:
- When choosing a charcoal-fueled grill, be sure to select one with air vents for flame control and also vents at the bottom for cleaning and emptying ashes.
- Charcoal-fueled grills can take a lot of time to fire up. If this happens, use fire accelerants like wood and paper to fire up your grill easily.
- Smoking chips such as mesquite can also be used as a fire accelerant while adding more flavor to your BBQ.
Gas grills are fueled by natural gas or liquid propane. These types of grills usually come with a built-in automatic starter to ignite flames without the need for fire accelerants. Here are other features of gas-fueled grills:
- Propane used by gas grills are commonly sold in small and large tanks for convenience, whereas grills fueled by natural gas have direct lines to gas supplies.
- Gas grills only take a small amount of time to fire up and is quickly extinguished by turning off the gas valve.
- Gas grills offer a much cleaner burn; however, it doesn’t give the smokey essence of wood- or charcoal-fueled cooking.
Power and Size
Get the right grill size by determining the space allocated on your backyard and the cooking surface it can provide. Buying a large cantilever group grill can give you an additional cooking surface, but it will also require more space. Try to evaluate the space where you would like to put your grill, and make sure that it can accommodate the features of your grill.
Here are other helpful tips when choosing a grill:
- Think about how you would use your grilling station. If you’ll cook for larger groups and you’ll be grilling a lot of hamburger patties and hot dogs, then a large cooking surface will be needed. The usual family gatherings with chicken, chops, or steaks will not require a lot of cooking space.
- If you’ll be cooking full meals with side dishes and vegetables, you must choose a grilling station with shelves and burners for cooking food with different temperature requirements.
- Having individual gas controls can allow you to heat up cooking surfaces independently or simultaneously.
- When looking for grill burners, choose the one with grids coated in porcelain. They’re best for cooking and are durable.
The heat produced by your grill in BTU (British thermal unit) will be its grilling power. However, don’t be under the impression that a higher BTU number will offer better grilling experience than a lower one. Generally, large grills require a high BTU, while small ones will only be needing a low BTU. Be sure to compare features, output, and grills before choosing the appropriate grill for your cooking needs.
Accessories and Placement
Determining the placement of your grill may depend on different aspects; food source or kitchen accessibility are essential factors when doing backyard BBQs. Here are tips to consider for your grill placement:
- Placing your grill near an entrance or door will allow ease of cleanups and plate serving; it can also make your trips for utensils, marinades, and food easy.
- Position your grill station under an eave, awning, or overhang for a weatherproof grilling.
- If you consider having an entertainment or outdoor dining space, try placing your grill near a backyard table, deck, or patio. Also check for prevailing wind directions, as no one would like a smokey dinner table.
Grill accessories create the complete BBQ experience and can also help you decide where to locate your grill. Here are tips to consider when choosing grill accessories:
- Full grilling stations have additional counters for preparing food and storage for utensils, pans, and pots; they may also include a sink for easy food preparation and cleanup.
- Consider grilling stations with spaces for hanging brushes, forks, and spatulas.
- An outdoor fridge can also help with keeping meats, condiments, and beverages cold.
Closing Thoughts
When selecting the right grill for your backyard BBQ, use these grilling tips as a guide to avoid spending too much money on a grill you’ll end up regretting. Make sure to compare product warranties, especially for grills that have mechanical features; the best grills on the market have a limited lifetime warranty. Have fun and enjoy grilling!
