Ask any participant in one of those competitive grilling contests which are usually held in the spring or fall, and they will confirm the following fact: The quickest way to start a ruckus at one of these events – from angry words to fist fights – is for someone to ill-advisedly but loudly proclaim, “I don’t care what you’re trying to grill, from ribs to rump roast; the best barbecue grill is (they insert their favorite type of grill here).”
Most likely, chaos ensues.
Why do grilling opinions run so, well, hot? Because the type of equipment used for grilling – much like the food prep that occurs before the performance commences – is inextricably tied to the grill master. This is usually based on a combination of culinary science, life experiences and even voodoo. There are LOTS of grills on the market, and this is why sales of outdoor grills in the US hover around $5 billion each year.
What This Means for You — Choosing the best grill for one’s family is a rite of passage. It is truly a battle for the buds – the taste buds! Before you venture into the fray, you’ll want to prepare a checklist. This analysis will help clarify what is important to you and your family, and you’ll thank us when your friends and family scream (in unison), Bravo Chef!
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Despite all other factors, the primary factors to consider when choosing a gas-powered, charcoal/wood (which includes convection grills) or electric grill are taste and convenience. Grilling expert Derrick Riches of The Spruce Eats notes, ”As a general rule, the more convenient a grill is, the less smoky flavor it produces. An electric grill is the easiest to use but doesn’t have that real fire flavor, while hardwood charcoal fires give you the best flavor but can be the hardest to deal with and require the most attention.
“The question to ask yourself is, do you want a fast and easy meal, or are you looking for something more? Hardcore grillers and barbecue cooks treat this style of cooking much more like a hobby than just a way to cook a meal. Of course, charcoal really isn’t that complicated and with practice can be just as reliable as using a gas grill.
“The authentic smoky, off-the-fire taste of grilled foods is strongest with the original heat source, wood. And charcoal, of course, is made from wood. As you move to electric units, there is very little of this flavor left. In fact, many electric grills add virtually nothing to the taste of food. However, the simplicity of flipping a switch and grilling can’t be beaten.”
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Considering the subject of “taste” this is where it gets a little tricky, especially for inexperienced grill masters. Unlike convenience, which is more or less objective, taste is completely subjective. Sure, adding basic (salt and pepper) or exotic (e.g. a “mopping” sauce made from a veritable cauldron of spices, vinegars, and other recipes that have been developed over generations) seasoning can change the taste of the meat and vegetables when they are ready for the table.
The Spruce Eats’ Derrick Riches concludes, “On the subject of taste, in a study conducted a while back, participants were presented with hamburgers and steak cooked on gas and charcoal units. No one could tell the difference between charcoal or gas when it came to hamburgers, but they could tell the difference with the steak. The charcoal grilled steak had a distinct smoke flavor. If you are going to be cooking larger items, particularly items that benefit from slow roasting and you want a deep smoke flavor, charcoal is the only way to go.”
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Families and homes come in all sizes and food preferences, and nowhere is this more obvious than at mealtimes. Deciding where the outdoor grill will be used and what type of food your family loves are important considerations for choosing an outdoor grill.
According to The Spruce Eats, “To decide what kind of grill is right for you, consider where the grill is going to sit. A small patio or covered area is not the place for a large charcoal grill due to the heavy smoke during startup and the likelihood of flare-ups during cooking. Electric grills produce no flare-ups and are safer in smaller areas. Gas grills do produce flare-ups and need to be away from any structure to avoid those pesky house fires. You’ll also want to consider if the grill will stay in one place or be taken to the beach or camping, in which case you’ll want a portable charcoal grill.
“Another thing to consider is how you plan to grill. If you want to come home from work and throw a couple of steaks or chicken breasts on the grill with virtually no hassle, then an electric or gas unit might be what you are looking for. These heat much faster and have the convenience of a general cooking appliance. On the other hand, if you like to relax on a weekend and have some drinks or socialize while you fine-tune your fire or slow-roast a chicken, charcoal gives you a lot more to work with.”
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Contemporary families are busy, and after an hour or two grilling dinner, sometimes the clean-up task is “postponed” until a few days later. This is not a good idea from a health perspective or the “icky” result. When choosing a grill, the demands of clean-up should be taken into consideration.
Charcoal, gas and electric grills differ significantly in their clean-up demands. Charcoal grills require ash removal and can be messy, while gas grills need regular cleaning of grease and burner tubes. Electric grills, with fewer parts, are generally the easiest to clean.
Click here for a quick primer on cleaning your grill.
As with every appliance, the cost for a grill depends on its features. More whistles and bells mean more bucks when it’s time to hand over the charge card. However, Derrick Riches of The Spruce Eats notes that gas grills are generally more expensive than electric or charcoal, with charcoal being the cheapest. He adds, “If you don’t want to spend a lot of money up front, then charcoal might be the answer. However, charcoal is a more expensive fuel and may cost more in the long run.
“Electric grills typically are the cheapest to operate, and you never have run out to the store for more fuel. Gas grills can be fueled by natural gas or propane. Because natural gas comes from your home hookup and requires no additional tank, it’s much cheaper and more convenient than using standard portable propane tanks.”
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Over the past decade, one of the primary trends of homeowners worldwide has been entertaining friends and family from home. Over the years, we’ve given you dozens of ways to take advantage of the largest room in the house – the backyard and patio.
Here are a few articles that offer tips and tricks for your very own “dining al fresco” experience.
Five Ways to Rock Your Outdoor Space
Grilling Recipes from Sweet Home Alabama
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to light ‘em up and let the fun begin!
