how do i choose a bbq grill

• Fuel type. There are hundreds of grills out there, and narrowing down your options can be intimidating. Pinpointing the right fuel for your fire is a great place to start.
• Size. Once you've decided what fuel type is right for you, think about the size grill you need. ...
• Extra features. At the most basic level, a grill should just cook well. ...

Full Answer

How do I choose the right grill for me?

Sep 14, 2011 · How to Choose a BBQ Grill. If you are planning on buying a new grill for your garden or patio, there are two major categories to choose from: charcoal BBQs and gas grills. As always there are pros and cons for each type. To help you with your decision, here are some tips on choosing a BBQ grill that will suit your family’s needs and result in ...

What should be considered when buying a barbecue grill?

Also question is, how do you know what size grill to get? Here are some helpful tips he recommends for choosing the right size grill. Understand the true size of the cooking surface. Total cooking area for grills is measured in square inches. Think about indirect cooking. Stay in control. Don't crowd the grill. About Family Features Editorial Syndicate.

What size Grill do I need for long BBQing?

Look for gas grills with an optional charcoal tray accessory or gas/charcoal combo grills that let you use gas fuel alongside charcoal in two separate fireboxes. A wood chip smoker box will help you infuse your BBQ with amazing flavor.

How far should a BBQ Grill be from the House?

Ultimate Grill Buying Guide: How to Buy a BBQ. Buying a grill can be a little overwhelming. Go into a store or look around online and most of the BBQ grills don’t look that different but the price tags rang from $50 to upwards of $10,000.

How do I choose an outdoor grill?

What kind of BBQ grills are best?

What kind of grill is best for beginners?

How many BTU should a good BBQ have?

Which is better gas or charcoal grill?

What are the 4 types of BBQ?

What is the easiest BBQ?

What is the safest grill?

How do you start a charcoal grill for beginners?

Is higher BTU better for BBQ?

How many burners do you need on a grill?

How many BTU do you need to cook a steak?

Where Are You Going to Use Your Grill?

The first question that you need to answer is “Where are you going to be using your grill?” If you need a grill for tailgating or camping the best grill is going to look a lot different than a grill to keep on your back patio. If you want a portable grill, you’ll want to look at some of the smaller models.

What Type of Fuel Type Should Your Grill Use?

This can also be partially answered by the first question. If you are primarily going to be grilling somewhere that cooking with an open flame (charcoal, gas) is not allowed, such as a condo building, then you are defaulted to an electric grill. Click here to jump to our section on how to buy an electric grill.

How Much Should You Spend on a Grill

Once you figure out your fuel type, the next big question to answer is the price. How much do you want to spend on a grill. While price can be an indicator of quality, you can also spend $30 on a small simple charcoal grill that will cook amazing steaks.

What Size Grill Do You Need?

The next question is “How many people will you typically be cooking for?” If you’re primarily going to be BBQing for you and one to two other people then a grill with ~300 square inches of primary cooking space (2 burner grill) is probably sufficient.

How to Buy Electric Grills

If you are looking at buying an electric grill, hopefully it is because you plan to use it somewhere that a gas, charcoal or wood grill is not allowed due to the open flame. If this is not the reason, please reconsider. ( click here to skip to the charcoal grill section)

How to Buy Charcoals Grills

While charcoal grills tend to be less convenient than gas grills they are generally cheaper and still help you make great tasting steaks. They also burn hotter than most gas grills so you’ll get a better sear from a charcoal grill.

How to Buy Gas Grills

Due to their ease of use and convenience, gas grills are the most popular choice for many backyard grill masters. While they are more convenient, that doesn’t mean they are simple. Gas grills are packed with features that can be overwhelming. Don’t worry though, we’re here to walk you through buying a gas grill.

Fuel type

There are hundreds of grills out there, and narrowing down your options can be intimidating. Pinpointing the right fuel for your fire is a great place to start.

Size

Once you've decided what fuel type is right for you, think about the size grill you need. Most small to medium charcoal grills and two-burner gas grills will do just fine if you're cooking for four people or fewer on an occasional basis. The Weber Spirit E-210 is a good example of a two-burner grill with plenty space.

Extra features

At the most basic level, a grill should just cook well. In addition to taking the right steps to prep your grill, there are a handful of extra features you can look for that will enhance your experience. For example, a side burner is a great place to heat up sauces or sides without dashing between your kitchen stovetop and patio.

In the market for a new grill? We're cookin' up some recommendations for the most popular types of grills

The warm weather is finally here and like us, you’re probably ready to get some tasty grilling recipes on the table! But if you’re in the market for a new piece of equipment, it can be hard to know exactly how to choose a grill, because you’ve got way more options than charcoal vs. gas.

Barbecued Picnic Chicken

I like to serve this savory chicken at family picnics. Cooked on a covered grill, the poultry stays so tender and juicy. Everyone loves the zesty, slightly sweet homemade barbecue sauce—and it's so easy to make. —Priscilla Weaver, Hagerstown, Maryland

Find the Best Grill for Your Inner Chef

We test, evaluate, and compare the latest grills to match your cooking style and budget.

How CR Tests Grills

CR tests grills to fit various cooking styles and a wide range of budgets, from portable models you can take camping to larger grills designed to feed an extended family.

Gas Grills: Factors to Consider

More Than Burgers#N#A basic gas grill is fine for cooking burgers and hot dogs, but if you also enjoy grilling fish and sizzling steaks with sear marks, look at the temperature-range score in our gas grill ratings. The higher the score, the better the grill is at cooking a variety of foods.

Types of Gas Grills

Gas grills are classified by size. Grill manufacturers differentiate models by the number of burners—typically two to six—but that doesn’t necessarily tell you the size of the grill. CR classifies size by the usable cooking surface, which we measure by how many burger patties a grill can fit.

Portable Gas Grills

A perfect bring-along for camping trips and tailgate parties. Portable grills are also a suitable option for smaller decks and patios.

Small Gas Grills (18 or Fewer Burgers)

Compact, nonportable grills save space and are a good option for a small cookout. Most small grills have fold-down shelves to decrease the grill’s footprint. Small grills vary widely in price and appearance, from painted steel carts to stylish stainless steel.#N#Cost: $100 to $1,000

Midsized Gas Grills (18 to 28 Burgers)

This is the most widely sold grill size. You’ll see basic grills and souped-up models with plenty of storage, plus LED lights and backlit knobs for cooking after dusk. Many mid- to higher-priced gas grills have burner warranties of 10 years or longer.#N#Cost: $150 to $2,500

Comparing barbecues

Barbecue-cooked meals are one of the celebrations of summer. Built-in, mobile or portable, charcoal, gas, pellet or electric and charcoal. There are barbecues to suit everyone’s taste! Here are criteria and features to consider when purchasing a barbecue this summer.

The Models Available

There are many barbecues available: charcoal, gas, wood pellet and electric. Barbecues can be mobile, portable, built-in to a counter, or integrated into an outdoor kitchen.

The Features

The most popular barbecue in use today is the mobile propane gas barbecue. With independent central and side burners, it is ideal for cooking several dishes at the same time at different temperatures. The gas barbecue reaches the desired temperature much more quickly than charcoal and electric barbecues.

Pro tip

Opt for a barbecue with an additional grate above the main grill which will provide you with extra cooking space, the possibility of keeping dishes warm, and the option of simultaneously cooking different things at different temperatures.

The Tools and Accessories

Cover - An adjustable cover that fits the barbecue properly will protect it from the elements. The choice of material depends on your needs and, of course, on your budget.

The Portable Barbecues

Delight in summer cuisine where and when you like with a portable barbecue. Smaller than conventional barbecues, the portable version is limited to the basic components. Pay particular attention to weight, the quality of the closing mechanism, and the comfort of the handle you'll be using to carry it.

The Maintenance

A little maintenance will go a long way towards ensuring a properly functioning barbecue for a long time.