How To Choose The Right Grill

Choose The Right Grill with Carefree BBQ's

.Are you in the market for a new gas barbecue? You can spend $500 - $2,000 for a high quality model... so how do you choose the right grill? Steve Raichlen, grill chef and recipe master says to get as many burners as you can afford for even heating. Also to determine your BBQ personality...1) How many days do you grill and for how many people? 2) Will you want to stir fry, sear or roast? 3) What are the cook's skill levels and personal styles? If you want to perform a variety of tasks, you will need the equipment to handle it. If you just want to grill burgers and hot dogs, there is no need to spend big bucks.

Burners and BTUs - The more independently-controlled burners a barbecue has and the more variable its controls, the greater the potential heat output and cooking flexibility. Heat output is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units). The higher the BTUs, the hotter the sizzle. High BTU output is especially important in altitudes above 5000 feet. The number of burners and their particular design will determine the BTUs delivered by a specific barbecue.

Most barbecue models have two to five conventional burners and are rated together from 25,000 BTUs to 90,000 BTUs. As a standard measure, a 44,000 BTU unit is considered "hot." A 60,000 BTU model is blazing. Side burners typically range from 10,000 to 25,000 BTUs. An average big box grill has 8000- 9000 BTU's per burner.

Burners are typically cast iron, steel, or stainless steel. Stainless steel is considered top of the line and the longest lasting. Most barbeques come with electronic igniters. Some grills ignite at each burner and some light at one burner with a progressive light. Some burners have one row of holes or two rows of holes where flare-up does not result.

Grate Expectations - Grates make a difference in performance. Cast-iron grates and griddles - whether they are porcelain coated or not - do an excellent job of heat retention, so they are a solid choice for searing meats. To prevent rusting, uncoated cast iron must be oiled. Porcelain-coated steel grates are not quite as effective as porcelain cast-iron grates at heat retention. Heavy-gauge stainless steel is excellent because it retains heat well, is extremely durable and will not rust. Best of all it is easy to clean and keep clean.

Assembly Required? Will assembly be required? If it is, how difficult will it be? Some barbecues are easy to assemble without tools. If it looks like you need an engineering degree, opt for another model or ask about buying and already assembled floor model. Who knows, you may even get the floor model for a discount, particularly if it is shop worn.

Soon to come...order your BeefEater BBQ package on-line.

Size Matters - Gas Barbecues that cost from $500 to $2000 and generally have from 450 square inches to 950 square inches of total cooking surface. Those priced under $500 are more likely to offer from 350 to 600 square inches. If you want a barbecue that can handle big crowds, you'll need plenty of prep area and warming racks to keep dishes warm while you are grilling others. The size of the grill almost always affects price. 490 square inches is enough room to cook 25-30 burgers at once. A smaller grill, typically 350 square inches will handle 15 burgers at one time, more than enough for many gatherings. Select a grill with the most grilling real estate.

Consider the Source - Gas grills may be fueled by liquid propane (LP) or natural gas. Choose natural gas if you have a nearby natural gas supply hookup because it will eliminate the need to buy or refill LP tanks and you will never run out of fuel in the middle of a party. If natural gas is not available and you want to keep the hook-up simple or portable, choose liquid propane.

Think outside of the grill - The cart and body of a barbecue may be made from stainless steel, cast aluminum or painted steel. Stainless steel looks great and is highly resistant to corrosion, but it can yellow over time, especially when not covered when not in use. Painted steel will rust off (or when) the paint scratches or peels away. The more expensive grills are stainless steel, with stainless steel burners and handles, and dual-layer stainless-steel hoods that help keep the heat inside- and the cool air outside. Only certain models of barbeques are designed for a built-in island. Select a thicker of gauge of stainless steel if possible.

Extras, extras. If you think you may want to cook your roast on a rotisserie, be sure the barbecue will accommodate one. Often times when the BTU's are under 30,000 there is not enough heat. This is also true for grills that have to be supplemented with infrared heat. If you want to have an outdoor kitchen island, be sure the grill can be built in. The hood should have a temperature gauge that is easy to read.

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