The options available to potential grill-buyers seem never ending, and each grilling season brings even further choice to the market. It is easy to understand the temptation to purchase the first unit you hear good things about, or to just opt for the same brand your neighbour keeps talking about. But a little bit of research, and a little bit of knowledge will help you choose the grill that’s right for you. This article will help explain the four basic types of grills available, and some of the key factors to keep in mind when making your final decision.
Charcoal Grills
Charcoal grills are the traditional, and perhaps most widely available, grills on the market. The cooking process is simple - lighter fluid is used to ignite slow-burning charcoal, the heat from which cooks your food. Obviously, you will need to keep your own stock of charcoal and lighter fluid, to use each time you grill. These types of grills can range from cheap, disposable grills costing less than $10, to impressive fixed units in the thousands. Such variety means it should be possible for almost any customer - including those living in small homes or apartments - to find the right size grill for them. Once you have used the grill (and cleaned it!) it should be easy to store away.
Propane Grills
As you can probably imagine, these grills use ignited propane gas to cook food. The gas is typically supplied in small canisters. This, combined with the variety of sizes that are available, means that propane grills may be suitable for those with less space to work in. They are generally quicker to cook food on, while maintaining the grilled flavour of the food, so those with less time or many mouths to feed may favour them over charcoal.
Natural Gas Grills
These grills are designed to connect to your home’s natural gas supply. As a result they are generally bigger, more complex pieces of machinery than propane grills - with a resulting increase in price. However, they do cook food even faster than propane grills.
Smoker Grills
Smoker grills are the choice of those for whom flavour is king. Food is slow-cooked over burning wood, with different types of wood used to produce different flavours in the food. The slow and involved cooking process means these grills are really for the more advanced grilling enthusiast.
Factors That Should Influence Your Choice of Grill
Here are some of the main points you should consider when purchasing your grill. Above all, remember that anything more elaborate than a cheap, disposable grill is really an investment and is worth taking the time to mull over. A grill you are ultimately disappointed in is one you are unlikely to use.
Cost
This will likely be the defining factor for you. At the very cheapest end of the market,
charcoal grills are available in many department stores for as little as $10-$15. Of course, these are for small - often single-use - grills. Entry level propane grills are more expensive, starting at $90-$100. Be careful to check if the grill comes with a propane tank, as this can add to your overall cost. Smoker grills are slightly more pricey, at around $130 for a simple model. If you choose to go with a natural gas grill, the price jumps substantially to around $300. Multiple fuel grills - which allow you to grill using more than one fuel, or a
combination of different fuels - are also available, but will set you back almost $500. Keep in mind that these are only indicative price-ranges for simple makes of each type of grill. Much more expensive versions of all these grills are available, depending on size, quality of materials, warranty etc.
Flavour
Those grill-owners who value flavour will almost always choose a charcoal or smoker grill, as they allow you to reproduce that great ‘smoked’ flavour in meat. Smoker grills are especially valued as the flavour produced can be changed by using different types or combinations of wood. They are also preferred if you want to slow-cook meat. Charcoal grills are a good compromise for those who want a smoked flavour, but also want to cook more quickly.
Space
Depending on your personal preferences, and the climate you live in, it is entirely possible that your grill will spend more time in storage than in use. Make sure you have an adequate place to store your grill when not in use. Improper storage - especially over winter - can leave your grill unusable by the following summer. Also
keep in mind the space your grill will take up when you use it. A large grill that can cook for 20 is of little use if you can’t fit that many people in your garden when the grill is being used!
Take a look at our review of the Coleman Roadtrip Grill LXE, one of the hottest gas grills available today.