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The grill is king! And if you
haven't shopped for an outdoor kitchen 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 the Outdoor Kitchen 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 on outdoor kitchen
grills:
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 kitchen
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.
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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.
Small portable - $
Freestanding - $-$$
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Portability
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Dome, barrel, and flat tops
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Variety of sizes & cook surfaces
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Built-in accessories
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Charcoal, gas, pellet, and electric
Cabinet - $$-$$$
-
Portability
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Storage & workspace
-
Built-in accessories
-
Charcoal & gas
Smoker - $-$$
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Portability
-
Can smoke & grill
-
Charcoal & pellet
Smoker-grill - $-$$
-
Portability
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2 grilling surfaces
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Can smoke & grill
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Charcoal only
Ceramic Cookers - $$-$$$
Custom-Built - $-$$
Slide-In - $$-$$$
Drop-In - $$-$$$
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