Grill Buying Guide: Choose the Best Grill for Home
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What Should You Know About a Grill?
Grilling is a cooking technique that involves dry heating. In this cooking style, dry heat is applied to the surface of the food. The heat application is done either from the side, below or above the food. It involves a considerable amount of radiant and direct heat and this cooking technique is widely used for cooking vegetables and meat swiftly.
To grill any food and to experience a different taste of meat as against the taste you experience in regular cooking, you should have the right cooking grill. Thanks to the different types of cooking grills available in the market to meet your grilling needs! If you are into grilling for the first time, knowing about these types of grills will be a good idea:
Kebab Grills
If you are a foodie, you might have tried kebab at least once in your lifetime. Yes, you are right, it is a dish that contains pieces of vegetables, fish, and meat grilled on a spit or skewer or roasted at times. If you wish to make a kebab dish at your home, it is better to choose a kebab grill. Yes, the purpose of a kebab grill is to help you make kebabs. When talking about grilling, kebab is undoubtedly a popular dish across the world even though it has its origin in Middle Eastern Cuisine.
What to Consider When Buying a Kebab Grill?
When you intend to buy a kebab grill, you should particularly look at the quality of materials used for making it. Most importantly, it should have been made using a rust-resistant material. It should be durable and portable as well. Another key factor to consider during your shopping for this grill is that it should have a countertop. The presence of an extra rack or side shelves will be helpful with storing your eatables and tools.
Why Buy a Kebab Grill?
With a kebab grill at home that is portable, you can enjoy your cooking both indoors and outdoors. Further, you can achieve healthy oil-free cooking with this unit besides shortening your cooking time. The good thing about a kebab grill as against other types of grills is that it can be used by anyone including your kids. Read our detailed reviews about kebab grills.
Camping Grills
When we camp in a region with an extremely cold climate, we all love the campfire. But, the entire experience can fade away without a proper camping grill. With this grill, you can enjoy your favorite vegetables and meat besides baking potatoes with ease with this grill. Most of the camping grills these days are foldable and compact and you can transport them with ease as well.
What to Consider When Buying a Camping Grill?
When you intend to shop for the best camping grill, you should consider the grill’s type of fuel. These grills come with different fuels like gas-operated and charcoal-powered. When comparing these two fuels, the food you prepare with a charcoal-powered grill will have extra flavor and be tasty. The size of the grill is another key factor to consider as you will be using it when you camp. Further, consider the material used for making the grilling grates.
Why Buy a Camping Grill?
One of the important reasons to opt for a camping grill as against other types of grills like a kebab grill is that it is multipurpose. Unlike a kebab grill useful for making only kebabs, a camping grill can aid with making other dishes as well. Further, it is portable, easy to clean and easy to assemble as well, thereby making it a worthy investment. Read more about our reviews of camping grills.
Electric Griddles
Irrespective of whether you wish to cook eggs, pancakes, fried fish or sandwiches, an electric griddle can be the most versatile choice for you. The good thing about this grilling appliance is that it does not need much maintenance from your end. It will have an easily-manageable non-stick plate and a switch to control the cooking temperature. To ensure that your food is prepared with the best delicacy, this grilling appliance will have a high-powered heating element that supports the non-stick plate and electric plate.
What to Consider when Buying an Electric Griddle?
When buying an electric griddle, check whether it comes with drip trays. In turn, cleaning will be easier after every cooking session. Check whether the appliance you shortlist has dual thermostats. This feature will ensure versatile cooking and will even help you to keep your food warm. Are you thinking to use the electric griddle regularly for cooking? If so, it is better to look for the presence of additional grilling plates. This feature will help you complete cooking quickly.
Why Buy an Electric Griddle?
If you are wondering why you should buy this appliance for grilling as against other options, there are different reasons. The best thing about an electric griddle is that is free of any smoke and flame. So, you can expect noise-free cooking. If you wish to prepare eggs and bacon frequently, there can be no other better choice than an electric grill. It does not need much oil for cooking and you can expect efficient cooking with this grill. Check out our full reviews of electric griddles.
Combination-Grill Smokers
It will not be an overstatement to say that this is one of the highest-selling grillers among grilling enthusiasts. These are favorites because of their multipurpose functionality. With their huge storage space, these smokers are versatile and bring complete value to the money you spend on buying them. As a combination-grill smoker will have temperature control, it will ensure that your food is cooked at the perfect temperature. Irrespective of whether it is your favorite vegetable or steak, you can cook it with this unit. These grilling units are the ideal choice if you look for an appliance that is easy to assemble and detach. These units can be powered by charcoal or even you can attach them to a propane gas cylinder.
What to Consider when Buying a Combination-Grill Smoker?
As these units come in huge sizes, you should consider the space available in your home to ensure that you end up with the right size combination-grill smoker. The other factors to consider are structure and built, portability, size, and facility to adjust the temperature.
Why Buy a Combination-Grill Smoker?
A combination-grill smoker will be an easy-to-clean appliance. Further, you can use it for multiple purposes and not for cooking a particular dish. The portability of these units makes them the best choice for your grilling needs. Read more about the combination-grill smoker guide.
Outdoor Electric Grills
You can understand from the name that an outdoor electric grill uses electricity as the source of power. It is similar to an electric grill, which is a type of grill available for grilling in the market. But, the difference is that it is particularly designed for outdoor use. It functions with an electric heating element as the source of heating your food. This heating source is placed beneath the cooking surface. It provides the heat required for cooking your food. But, the good thing here is that it comes with a temperature control facility. In turn, you have the option to control how much heat your food should get to cook in the right consistency.
What to Consider When Buying an Outdoor Electric Grill?
You will be placing this outdoor electric grill outside your home. So, the first thing you will have to measure is the space availability. If you live in an apartment or if you have space constraints, it is better to check whether the unit that you wish to shortlist is compact. Also, you can decide on a suitable outdoor electric grill based on the size of your family. Next, remember that not all outdoor electric grills provide the facility to control the temperature. So, give importance to the presence of this facility before you shortlist a unit. This feature will ensure not only better but also safer cooking. You will get the option to set different temperatures for different cuisines with this feature.
Why Choose an Outdoor Electric Grill?
If you are wondering why to choose an outdoor electric grill as against other types of grills available for grilling, you should remember that this grill will not produce any smoke. Above all, unlike other grills, you can fit this unit in a small space. As there is no flame produced, this unit is suitable for any space like an apartment, a condo, or other spaces with kids and pets around. Check out the best electric grills.
Hibachi Grills
If you are a starter in grilling, the best thing you can do is to invest in a hibachi grill. This grill is mainly intended for cooking small portions because of its small size. It suits the best for cooking for small gatherings. With a hibachi grill, you can easily cook vegetables and lean meat and it uses charcoal as the cooking fuel.
What to Consider When Buying a Hibachi Grill?
Firstly, you should consider size as the essential factor when shortlisting a hibachi grill. Secondly, the material used for making is a consideration. As these grills come in different shapes, you should decide on the shape that will meet your cooking needs rightly. Also, if you are looking for any personalized features, you should check their availability before you shortlist any hibachi grill.
Why Buy a Hibachi Grill?
One of the key selling points of a hibachi grill is its compact design and size. Above all, these grills are self-explanatory and any person, who is new to grilling can grill using this unit. Also, as charcoal is the source of heat, you can expect to prepare great-tasting food for a small gathering with a hibachi grill. Check out more information about the hibachi grill.
Panini Press Grills
A panini press grill is a form of an electric griddle. The difference is that it is small and it will have hot plates on either side for grilling food items and for toasting. If you are a person interested in making tasty sandwiches in your home then and there, this grilling appliance will be the best choice for you. The good thing here is that when you make sandwiches with this unit, you can expect them to taste delicate with a grilled effect. You can get crispy touch for your sandwiches with this grilling appliance. Not only for making sandwiches, but also you can use it for whipping an omelet and even for warming any other food.
What to Consider When Buying a Panini Press Grill?
Before you buy a panini press grill, you should do a lot of research before your shopping. A lot of market research is needed from your end so that you can end up making the best choice. But, there are chances that you might feel a bit confused about your choice as this grill comes in different styles and sizes. Before you shop, think about whether you need a light, medium or heavy-duty configuration and accordingly make your choice.
Why Buy a Panini Press Grill?
If you are thinking that a panini press grill can be used for making panini alone, you are not right. It is a multipurpose grilling device. You can use it for making sandwiches and even for warming other foods. Most panini press grills come with non-stick grilling plates. So, you can expect healthy grilling without adding much oil to your food. These grills are friendly for the environment as they do not emit any smoke like other types of grills. Read our panini press grill reviews.
Propane Grills
Yes, you have guessed it right. A Propane grill is a grilling device powered by propane gas. These grills apart from being portable are versatile as well. When compared to other fuels, propane is a clean and cost-effective fuel that does not cause any air pollution. It is the safest and most dependable among other fuels used in cooking. This feature makes it safe to transport and so you can use this grilling device for outdoor grilling as well.
What to Consider when Buying a Propane Grill?
You will find propane grills in different sizes like small, medium and large. So, before you shop, it is better to decide on a suitable size for your grilling needs. You should also consider the material used for making this unit. When talking about the material, the best choice is stainless steel. You should also consider the BTU rating of the unit before you buy. BTU is a measure that denotes the amount of heat the appliance can generate for your cooking needs. You can also look for other features like storage space, pull-out fuel tray, fuel gauge, LED-lit controls, side burner, electronic ignitor and heavy-duty grates before you shop.
Why Buy a Propane Grill?
If you are wondering, why you should buy a propane grill, the important reason is that it will be durable. The reason is that manufacturers use either aluminum, stainless steel or cast iron to make this grill. Also, you can ensure healthy cooking with less oil as the cooking surface in this grill will have a non-stick base. Further, when you choose a propane grill with an iron base, it will keep your food warm for long so that you need not have to warm it again. Check propane grill reviews.
Flat Top Grills
If you are looking for a multipurpose grilling solution, a flat top grill can meet your requirement for sure. This grill is being used in restaurants and even in homes for many decades now. This grill is powered by burners present underneath it and in some grills, charcoal is used as the fuel. You can use this unit for making many delicacies including Indian bread, hamburgers and steaks. The burners in a flat top grill will be controlled via a temperature knob that sets the heating for this unit.
What to Consider when Buying a Flat Top Grill?
When you intend to shop for the best flat top grill, you will have to consider different factors. One of the key factors is to decide whether you need a table-top grill or a full-scale grill. Further, check whether the cooking area of the grill will meet your cooking needs based on the size of your family. Of course, flat-top grills are used to be set in a particular place. But, if you choose a unit that is portable, you can enjoy the convenience of using it in different places in your home.
Why Buy a Flat Top Grill?
In case, you are looking for a grill that will come in handy during your frequent backyard parties, there can be no other better option than a flat top grill. The reason is that this unit is multipurpose. Not just a single dish, you can prepare multiple dishes with this unit. Also, these units come with a temperature-control knob so that you can get complete control over the level of heat your dish should get to cook in the right texture and consistency. Check out the top-rated flat top grill with our reviews.
Kettle Grills
If you are looking for a traditional grilling appliance that can enhance the taste of your food prepared, you can confidently opt for a kettle grill. It uses charcoal as the fuel and the flavor of charcoal will be fully infused in the steak cooked on this grill. This grill gets this name due to its spherical shape. It is affordably priced as compared to other types of grills. Above all, it will not occupy much space. You can use this grill for roasting meat and even for other foods.
What to Consider When Buying a Kettle Grill?
When you intend to shop for a kettle grill, you will have to consider the size of the grill. It should fit your space rightly. When the unit has an integrated thermometer, it will be helpful with ensuring that the temperature within the grill is ideal for cooking. When the unit has a one-touch cleaning system, you can clean the ash quickly with ease. Further, check whether the unit has heat retention capability so that you can keep the food warm for a long.
Why Buy a Kettle Grill?
If you are wondering why you should buy a kettle grill as other options are available in the market for grilling, you should choose this type because of its high heat ratio. Yes, this grill can reach high temperatures in very less time. You can cook under high temperature on this grill so that your food will taste fantastic. Read our reviews of top rated kettle grills.
Built-in Grills
A built-in Grill is often a part of a larger outdoor kitchen. It might include a bar, an additional counter space, a sink, and even a space for dining. Similar to a portable grill, a built-in grill can be fueled by wood, charcoal, natural gas, or propane.
What to Consider When Buying a Built-in Grill?
As mentioned earlier, a built-in grill can be powered by different fuels. So, before you choose a unit, gather the information on the fuel to use in the grill. Each fuel has its own pros and cons. So, evaluate your personal suitability and accordingly choose a unit with the right fuel. When you intend to buy a built-in grill, you will actually buy a kitchen island as a whole. So, calculate the space available in your kitchen and accordingly shortlist one. Before you shortlist any unit, it is better to learn whether you should get appropriate permits from the local municipality or homeowner’s association for the installation of this grill.
Why Buy a Built-in Grill?
When you buy a built-in grill, not only the grill but also other kitchen appliances and even cooking accessories can be set in appropriate places on a kitchen island. So, you need not have to look for a separate space to place a cooking grill. This grill will increase the overall value of your home. When you sell your property in the future, you can demand a better price as your home comes with a built-in grill. Read our reviews about built-in grills.
Gas Grills
When it comes to grills for backyards, a gas grill is a viable option for most homes. As the name implies, this grill is powered by natural gas. The good thing about this grill is that it can be started quickly and it can heat up quickly so that cooking can be completed at a faster pace.
What to Consider When Buying a Gas Grill?
One of the essential factors to consider when buying a gas grill is the material used for making the burners. Among the different materials, stainless steel burners are always considered the best. This material can last longer and can provide the best blue fire. Cast iron burners are also used by some gas grills. These burners will be solid and will provide you with the power you need for cooking meat. But, burners with this material can rust quickly. Another option you will come across is a tin burner. This is an ineffective material as it can rust quickly and even it will not help with achieving the desired amount of heat. Further, it is better to look at the cooking grill material and thickness to ensure longevity.
Why Buy a Gas Grill?
When you compare a gas grill to a charcoal grill, the former will need much lesser cleanup before you can instigate the cooking process. Further, when you cook using this grill, the food will taste much better with organic taste as compared to food prepared with an air fryer. The reason is that this unit has the ability to lock moisture and can create a pleasing smell within a short time. Read more about our gas grill reviews.
Kamado Grills
A kamado grill is an egg-shaped barbecue grill made using ceramic material. It is of Japanese origin and its versatility made it popular among traditional barbecues. Its ease of use and maintenance make it further popular among grilling enthusiasts. With this grilling device, you have the option to not only grill but also roast and cook all your food either together or separately.
What to Consider When Buying a Kamado Grill?
It is better to look for wear and rust-resistant capabilities when you shop for a kamado grill. It is better to invest in a grill with extra space so that you can place vegetables and seasonings when you get the barbecue ready. In case, you cannot find a model that fits your space, it is better to look for a manufacturer offering carts and tables that will fit the grill perfectly.
Why Buy a Kamado Grill?
As against gas and charcoal-based grills, a Kamado grill can be customized to your design needs. The good thing about this grill is that it makes your food aromatic. As against built-in grills, Kamado grills are portable and so you can easily move them from one place to another. When you compare this grill to air fryers, Kamado grills are developed for grilling particularly so that you can get an authentic grilled taste in your food. Check out the best Kamado grill buying guide.
Pellet Grills
It will not be an overstatement to say that a pellet grill is a combination of a gas and a charcoal grill in terms of easiness to use and heat supplied to the food. Also, the good thing about this grill is that it uses wood for cooking. So, you can expect an authentic wood taste to your food cooked with this grill. You can achieve precision concerning cooking temperature when you use this grill for grilling. You can enter the exact temperature to use for cooking a particular food with this grill as most models come with digital thermostats.
What to Consider when Buying a Pellet Grill?
The construction material is a key consideration when you shop for a pellet grill. You can get to know the quality of material used by closely observing the unit. Most units use stainless steel. Nevertheless, it is common to see a poor quality unit made using stainless steel that is not resistant to rust. Not only material but you should also consider the temperature range of the grill when shortlisting. It should be in a position to smoke, bake, grill and roast your food. You can complete these activities when the average temperature range of the grilling appliance ranges from 1800 to 4250F. Further, you should check whether the unit is easy to use.
Why Buy a Pellet Grill?
A pellet grill will make barbecuing easy and you can enjoy cooking as a fun activity with this grill. It is safe for the environment and healthy and it is the most versatile option when it comes to outdoor grilling. Further, you can get unforgettable flavor with the wood pellets you use in a pellet grill. Read the detailed pellet grill buying guide.
Portable Grills
As the name implies, a portable grill is a small grill that makes cooking a convenient task anywhere in your home or even when you camp. You can get the flexibility of cooking in confined spaces with this grill. Even, when you have planned an outdoor party in your home, you will find this grilling appliance helpful.
What to Consider When Buying a Portable Grill?
You can find portable grills that function using different fuels. For instance, you will find electricity-powered, charcoal-powered and gas-powered portable grills. So, check the option that is right for you and accordingly shortlist. Consider the material used for making the cooking grates. It can either be cast iron, coated aluminum or stainless steel. Each of these materials has its own pros and cons. So, make the right choice. Look for the presence of a thermometer and also smoker box and storage space.
Why Buy A Portable Grill?
If you need a grilling device that you can carry to any place, a portable grill can be the best choice undoubtedly. You have the option to choose this grill powered by any fuel of your choice. Check out the best portable grill list.
Smokers
If you are looking for a grilling device that will be helpful with your events and family parties, you can confidently opt for a smoker. You can use this grilling appliance as a pizza oven and it will be a perfect companion for BBQ and for grilling lamb and beef.
What to Consider When Buying a Smoker?
Similar to other grilling appliances, smokers are also powered by different fuels. So, consider the fuel used before you shortlist a smoker. Further, not all smokers offer temperature adjustment facilities. Look for this facility so that you can adjust the temperature as required based on the food you cook. Further, this appliance comes in different designs and shapes. So, consider the design and shape that fits your requirement. Of course, user-friendliness is an essential factor to consider before you shortlist a smoker.
Why Buy a Smoker?
You can easily replenish the fuel and can adjust the heat in a smoker grill. The reason is that it has been designed to smoke meat using a horizontal long chamber that is placed alongside the source of heat. It means that it does not smoke the food directly. In other words, when you cook in a smoker, you need not have to remove the food from the heat for adding the required fuel. So, as against other types of drilling appliances, you can expect even cooking with this grill. Continue to read the detailed smoker buying guide.
Outdoor Pizza Ovens
An outdoor pizza oven is called by other names like a stone oven, brick oven and also a masonry oven. This oven will have a baking chamber that is made using brick. Also, the chamber is made using other materials like stone, clay, or concrete.
What to Consider when Buying an Outdoor Pizza Oven?
Outdoor pizza ovens come in different sizes. So, you should first check the space available in your home or commercial pizza restaurant so that you can decide on an outdoor pizza oven that will rightly fit into the space you have. Also, consider the size of the pizza you wish to make using the oven. If you wish to make 16-inch pizzas, you should opt for a convection oven. Otherwise, brick ovens can help you make medium-sized pizzas.
Why Buy an Outdoor Pizza Oven?
The good thing about an outdoor pizza oven is that it will let you make more than just pizzas. Yes, you can cook delicious bread slices, savory entrees and desserts with this oven. With this unit, you can make tasty and healthy pizzas at home quickly. Read our outdoor pizza oven reviews.
Charcoal Grills
A charcoal grill cooks using charcoal as the heating source. It radiates heat from the lower part using natural lump charcoals or charcoal briquettes. After burning, the charcoals become amber and the ambers radiate heat for cooking the food.
What to Consider When Buying a Charcoal Grill?
You should check whether the charcoal grill has been made with safety to users as a consideration. Also, you should know whether it needs a lot of maintenance from your end. Its durability and size are other key considerations.
Why Buy a Charcoal Grill?
One of the key reasons to buy a charcoal grill is to get an authentic taste to the meat. As compared to an outdoor grill, this grill will be cheaper. Many people love the smokey flavor this grill adds to their food. Check out the list of the top-rated charcoal grills.
Air Fryers
If you wish to make crispy foods without much oil, an air fryer can be the best choice. The good thing about this cooking appliance is it will not fry your food. Rather, it distributes hot air swiftly not only for cooking but also for making the food crispy.
What to Consider When Buying an Air Fryer?
You should consider the capacity of the air fryer first. Different air fryers come with different types of controls. So, you should check whether the controls used to look good and most importantly easy to use. When the fryer has a removable drawer, it will be easier to take out the cooked food and this feature will ensure easy cleaning as well.
Why Buy an Air Fryer?
With an air fryer, you can ensure oil-free or less-oil cooking. It will be possible to achieve crispy food with this unit. You can cut out on unwanted calories from oils as some air fryers enable totally oil-free cooking. Check out the best air fryer reviews.
Conclusion
Without any doubt, grilling is an art. Moreover, it will help you enjoy your cooking as a family or with a group of friends. Choose one of these grilling appliances that will make your grilling healthy, tasty and authentic.
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