BBQs are so popular these days to the extent that in 2020 it was reported that 64% of American adults own a smoker or a grill! This is not such a surprising fact, given we all love to eat, drink, and chill outdoors when the weather is great.
However, if you’re thinking of getting a BBQ, there are so many options on the table these days. It can be mind-boggling knowing how to choose a BBQ grill that will suit your needs best.
In this guide, we’re going to run you through all the different types of BBQs on the market today, and what they are good for. By the end of reading this, you should be clued up and ready to choose a BBQ that’s right for you. Let’s get started.
Types of Grills
The type of grill you choose can affect the way in which you BBQ your food and how the food will taste. There are also other considerations you should take into account regarding fuel and practical ease.
Let’s now run through the different types of grills you can purchase today.
Charcoal BBQ Grills
Charcoal grills are a classic when it comes to BBQing. If you want dark-crusted steaks coming off your grill, then using charcoal as your source of fuel is a good option. Charcoal grills will also give you that delicious smokey flavor we all associate with outdoor cooking.
Keep in mind, that if you do opt for this type of grill, you will have to put in some time for prep work. Charcoal grilling isn’t the easiest method of BBQing out there, as you have to spend time getting the right heat to cook your food for the best results.
You can expect to be waiting at least 20-30 minutes to achieve a good heat level to start cooking. Also, it can be a little tricky at times to get the desired temperature you need and maintain it, too.
However, charcoal briquettes are very cheap. So, if you are planning on doing regular BBQs, charcoal grills are a solid option. If you want classic BBQ smells and flavors, we recommend you get a charcoal grill!
Gas BBQ Grills
Gas grills are super-popular because they are easy to use and you can reach the temperatures you need in no time at all. Plus, you can maintain cooking temperatures with precision.
Since gas is pretty cheap, you can host dozens of BBQs without spending a small fortune on fuel in the process. To light these grills, you just need a small flame to ignite the gas, and away you go!
One issue, though, is that you are not going to be able to match the heat that charcoal grills are capable of. This could affect the sear you want on some foods and the flavor. Yet, they do a good enough job for most people.
There are two types of gas grills you can choose from; propane-fueled and natural gas-fueled. Propane-fueled grills tend to use a standard 20-pound tank, which you can fill up at a local store for peanuts (around 20 bucks). You hook up natural gas BBQ grills to your home’s gas supply.
Electric BBQ Grills
You don’t need any fuel when it comes to electric grills, but instead just a standard electrical outlet. This is a plus if you live in a region where gas and charcoal are frowned upon. However, if you want to travel to remote areas and have a BBQ, an electric grill isn’t going to be much use unless you have a generator handy.
For home cooking, electric grills are a decent option. They are efficient and easy to use. The downside with these grills is you’re not going to achieve any smokey flavors in your food.
BBQ Smokers
BBQ smokers are becoming pretty popular these days, as most people want to cook outdoors to achieve that delicious smokey flavor on their food. A charcoal grill will give you a level of smoked flavor, but a BBQ smoker will take this flavor to the next level!
For example, salmon, pulled pork, and ribs are some excellent foods to put in a smoker to achieve unbelievable flavors. You can also experiment with smokers and put things in like cheese, for instance.
We recommend buying a smoker as an addition to your standard grill. And you’ve got plenty of fuel options when it comes to smokers. The king of all fuels, though, when it comes to smokers, has to be wood-burning versions!
Choosing the Right BBQ Grill Size
If your grill is going to be a static installation in your yard, then it doesn’t matter what size you opt for. The deciding factor might be how many people you intend to cook for when you BBQ. For instance, if you’re going to do a BBQ Christmas dinner for 15 people, go all out and get a big grill!
If you intend to travel with your BBQ, you should think about portability. Remember that you will have to take a bag of charcoal with your charcoal grill and the propane tank with a portable gas grill.
Grill Features and Accessories
There is an abundance of grill features and accessories out there today. Just keep in mind that the more you have, the more regular grill maintenance you will have to carry out.
Having a lid for a charcoal grill is a good idea to enhance the smokiness of your food. For example, sticking a lid over some bourbon hot dogs as you cook them on a charcoal grill is going to produce some incredible results!
Choose a BBQ Grill That You Know You’ll Use
Don’t choose a BBQ grill that requires loads of prep work and cleaning afterward if you know you haven’t got the time or energy to do it all. On the flip side, if you’re willing to put in the time and effort in, go for a charcoal grill and enjoy all that smokey goodness!
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