7 Things you might want to Consider When Buying Outdoor Gas Grills
If you're a novice when it comes to buying a gas grill then there are a number of important factors that you might want to consider especially if you want your buying experience to be a pleasurable one.
1, The Cost
As with all purchases that you make, it is wise to be aware of the price tag involved and how this relates to the budget that you have set for yourself. Outdoor gas grills can vary a great deal in price, ranging from less than $100 at the lowest end of the scale to well over $2000 at the top. A good quality gas grill could last you as long as 10 years although you are unlikely to find anyone offering a warranty for this long but the warranty is often a good indication of quality and build.
2, Will it last?
It really goes without saying that if you keep your grill clean and covered it will last longer. Construction is a major factor if you want your outdoor gas grill to last and one of the key elements is that the grill comes pre-assembled and welded together. The fewer the parts and the less assembly you have to do, the better, the fewer problems in the years ahead. Be aware of grills with an inferior frame; painted steel frames will rust over time. An outdoor gas grill is usually kept outside in all kinds of weather. If you want your grill to last it is essential that it is kept clean and that you invest in a proper fitting cover for when it’s not in use.
3, What Gas?
Gas grills are designed to run off two different types of gas, natural gas and propane gas. Natural gas requires a line where will be cooking and is the cheaper option in the long run whereas Propane gas comes in a cylinder which means you carry your fuel with you and therefore you are able to take your gas grill wherever you wish. You cannot change between the two fuel sources, so if you purchase a propane gas grill it cannot operate on natural gas.
4, Basics and More
Some reports state that your outdoor gas grill should ideally have a minimum of 3 independent burners. While there is an element of truth in this, it will depend a great deal on the size of the grill and of course the important thing isn't really how many burners are there but is the cooking area heated consistently. As previously mentioned the cooking grate should be made from stainless steel or ideally have a baked-on porcelain-enamel coating as they distribute the heat more readily. Finally, your outdoor grill will either be fully portable or will come with a wheeled stand for easy maneuverability.
5, How Big?
It is worth thinking where you will keep your grill before you purchase it as this may have a bearing on how big your grill can be. How many people you are typically going to be catering for, is a big factor and of course, the food that you are likely to be cooking. A small portable grill may only provide you with around 200 square inches but for a large family you will need a grilling area that is 300 to 400 square inches.
6, Heating it UP
The usual measurement for the heat output for your outdoor gas grill is recorded as British Thermal Units per hour or BTU's which, although a standard unit for describing the heat value of fuels, is a meaningless measurement for the majority of us; especially when you consider the fact that it really doesn't tell you how well your grill will cook but is simply an indication of the volume of gas it can burn. A well engineered gas grill may cook more efficiently and therefore consume less gas in the process. The BTU rating can be a good comparison between similar models but nothing more. It is also worth considering how variable the temperature settings are on your gas grill. Some higher end grills allow total flexibility with the heating control whilst others offer a degree of variance perhaps restricting this between high, medium and low. The more control you have over the temperature settings the more readily you will be able to cook your food to perfection; just how you like it!
7, Do I Really need That?
It's always nice to have lots of extra features but you need to remember that the extras are often an excuse for a price increase. It's my advice that you decide what you need and what you can do without. Don't be wowed by the extra features unless you know you’re going to use them. For instance the vertical rotisserie, smoker box or even simple side burner all sound fantastic but carefully consider how much use they will get. If you have an outdoor gas grill already without any of these features then the chances are that you probably won’t use them if you had them.
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