Every outdoor space deserves to have a grill. During the warm sunny days, you can spend your time outdoors cooking for your family or friends, and enjoying your time together. Choosing your outdoor grill is all about personal preference, the space you have available, and the fuel you prefer. Each fuel option has its pros and cons and will add a different flavour to the food you’re cooking.
Types of Grills
Charcoal
As already mentioned, every type of grill has its own pros and cons, and some are more popular than others. Charcoal grills are some of the most popular ones. The main thing that people love about them is the smoky, charcoal flavour they brings to the food. These practical and versatile outdoor barbeque grills are also very simple to handle.
The main heat source, or fuel, is charcoal. There’s an air intake at the bottom of the grill and you usually adjust it manually. When you let the air in, it goes through the lit charcoal and fires it up because of the oxygen. More air means more heat, and vice versa.
Adjusting the temperature like this gives you stability. Once you reach a certain heat level, you don’t have to worry about it going up or down. It will remain constant. This is perfect when you’re cooking larger and tougher meat cuts. They’ll get tender and infused with amazing flavours.
Charcoal Kettle
This is another popular grill variety. It’s widely recognised because of its kettle shape. It has a very simple design, a rounded bottom, a removable lid that stands tight, a stand to prop it up and of course, grill grates. The charcoal sits at the bottom and is raised on a small grate. This lets through debris and ash so they don’t fall into the food you’re cooking.
This is a grill whose main benefit is its portability. You can easily carry it around and move it from one spot to another. When it comes to materials, these grills are usually made of metal and are very lightweight compared to the other types. You can find them in several sizes and won’t need a lot of charcoal to cook.
Kamado
Kamado grills are considered to be the more sophisticated version of the charcoal grill. They work in the similar way but have a few modifications that make them even better. Their shape resembles an egg, and because they’re made of heavy ceramic they’re heavier than the others. Depending on the size, they can go up to 90kg.
Airflow is controlled the same way, but because of the delicate build, even a slight change in airflow can significantly change the grill’s cooking temperature. This is a grill type that needs around 45 minutes to heat up the thick walls to the desired temperature. To reduce ash, this grill uses hardwood and all-natural charcoal.
The Kamado grills are very versatile when it comes to cooking. This is one of the main advantages that people find appealing. A heat deflector is a common kamado grill accessory that serves as a shield between your meal and the hot charcoal. This reduces hot spots and gives you consistent heat.
Pellet
Pellet grills have been around for more than 30 years now, and are still among the favourites. They’re a kind of hybrid because they acts as a grill and a smoker at the same time. This is one of their best selling points. The pellets are loaded into a hopper and use an auger to get to the burn pot.
To get and maintain the desired temperature, these grills use a thermostat near the burn pot. You can easily adjust the temperature because of the many electronic features and options. This is a very convenient option when you’re cooking meats such as ribs, large roasts and briskets. Just keep in mind that you’ll need a power outlet to make it work.
Gas & Propane
The burners of these outdoor barbeque grills can produce around 40,000 BTUs of heat. They can have four or more burners to evenly cook the meat with direct or indirect heat. These grills are very convenient, will heat up fast, and you can use a plethora of accessories to make them even better. Plus, they don’t require cleaning as charcoal ones do, so this is a big plus as well.
What to Consider When Buying
Size & Capacity
The size of the outdoor BBQ you choose will mainly depend on the size of your family and the number of friends you invite to your feasts. If you’re a larger family, buying a bigger grill will be much better. But if you’re not hosting parties and are usually cooking only for yourself or a few other people, then a smaller grill will be just fine.
A bigger grill will cook more food but it will also take up more space, cost more money, and require more fuel. An easy way to figure out how big the grill should be is to calculate how many patties can fit inside it. Also, the outdoor space you have available will have an influence on the size of the grill. The grill should stand on its own without any obstacles in the way.
Location
Most larger grills are integrated into stands or carts, which take up more space than the grill alone. However, they provide extra room for storage or meal prep. If the BBQ is heavier, it should have a sturdy surface to stand on such as bricks, concrete, or your patio. Avoid placing it on uneven ground because it won’t work properly and can be a safety hazard. In case you decide to buy a tabletop grill make sure the table it stands on is heatproof.
Fuel Source
This decision is based on your personal preference and budget. People often lean towards the charcoal option because of the aromas it infuses into the food. However, gas is a cheaper option. So, if you’re on a budget but still want to enjoy some awesome food, go for it. Just make sure that professionals install it and that you know how to work it and take care of it properly.
Grill Accessories to Have
There are plenty of accessories that can make your grilling experience simpler, easier, and more enjoyable. Some of the most popular ones are:
- Tongs;
- Cooking tray;
- Grill basket;
- Grill brush;
- Gloves;
- Grill cover;
- Spatula;
- Basting brush;
- Thermometer;
- Skewers;
- Chimney starter.
