The outdoor kitchen grill is king! And if you haven't shopped
for a grill lately, hold on to your hat -- you're in for a real
treat.
You're
in a brave new world where grill technology is completely
over-the-top.
It's a world where grills come
wrapped in sleek, state-of-the-art, stainless steel armor.
And multiple side burners, high-power, low-pressure
burners, infrared burners, flavor plates, sear zones, motorized
rotisseries, smoker boxes and trays, temperature and moisture
controls, built-in cook zone lighting, and automatic shut off
features are available for all who prize a perfectly seared
steak.
What's your fine food, alfresco pleasure --
charcoal, gas, or electric?
Undecided?
Well don't venture into unknown hearth and patio
shoppe, home center, or hardware store territory
alone.
Use this Grill Guide to get the lay
of the land first!
Choosing The Right
Grill
Grilling is a contact sport!
So before tackling your selection, know these
basics:
Avoid the temptation of
unnecessary accessories by thinking about what you like to grill,
and how often you'll grill it.
What kind of fuel do you like? Do
you enjoy building the fire?
Are you the busy type that likes your heat hot and
fast?
How many will you regularly grill for? You want
enough real estate to prepare everyone's food at the same
time.
How often will you use the outdoor grill?
Invest in quality and your grill will stand up to your grilling
style.
How much outdoor kitchen space will you dedicate
to the grill?
You'll get more grilling space and more options, too,
with a freestanding grill.
Small, portable grills are less expensive and have less
grill space than freestanding models.
And freestanding grills are less expensive and have
less grill space than a custom grill.
What's you budget? You can get a small, portable
outdoor kitchen grill for under $100.00. Or you can have a
no-holds-bared grill for around $10,000.00.
Grill Types
Look for grills with heavy-duty construction.
Before deciding, research grills with storage, built-in
prep areas, and high heat burners.
To keep the hot air in and drafts
out, the lid should have double wall construction.
Don't be afraid to give the grill a good shake to test
its ruggedness.
Roll it around to make sure the casters operate
smoothly.
All outdoor kitchen grills need some
protection from the elements. So consider a roof or custom covers.
Here are some features you can expect in the
different grill types.