#521 - 5 Things To Consider When Buying A Grill

5 Things To Consider When Buying A Grill

Narrow down your grill selection with these five features to consider.

In the market for a new gas grill? These days, walking into the grill section of your local hardware store is like walking into a car dealership. With so many models, brands and features to choose from, it's hard to know where to begin. So whether you want to cook a simple steak or an elaborate seared tuna, there is a grill out there for you. We went to Home Depot's grilling expert, Ken D'Anastasio, who gave us five points to consider when grill shopping.

1. Price: Grills range from $149 to $1500, so it really depends on your budget. If you're buying a gas grill, keep in mind the propane tank is rarely included anymore, so you'll need to add on approximately $20 to the price.

2. Size: What food do you like to grill and how many people do you generally cook for? If you entertain often and cook 25 burgers at a time, you'll need a larger surface area than if you use the grill to cook occasionally for yourself. Additionally, consider the amount of space you have at home for the grill.

3. Material: Grills come in an array of materials: Most are cast aluminum, stainless or cast-iron. While stainless steel is the most expensive, cast-aluminum does not rust, so this may be a better option if you live in a high-moisture area.
For those who want stainless steel, keep in mind there are different grades:
- 203 Stainless Steel – Highest quality, you'll find this in Viking grills
- 304 Stainless Steel – Grade used in most Weber grills
- 430 and above – somewhat questionable

4. Grates: Under extreme heat, the material of many grates can chip off onto your food, so it's important to make sure the grates are durable. Heavy, cast iron grates are best because they hold a lot of heat and distribute it evenly. Plain iron grates require more maintenance than coated grates, so D'Anasastio suggests matte finished porcelain-coated grates, which he says won't chip and don't get as grimy.

5. Features: Many grills these days come loaded with all kinds of fancy features. These include:
- Side Burners: Allows you to cook complementary dishes
- Sear Burners: For those who like rotisserie cooking
- Smokers
- Infrared Technology: Employs convection cooking, using less gas and keeping the meat juicier
- Baffle System: Prevents food from falling onto the burners, helping to keep your grill clean

"Over 80 percent of customers will buy grills with all the extras, and never use them," D'Anastasio warns. He suggests considering what you'll use your grill for before you make the purchase to avoid spending more money than necessary.

excerpt from: fncimag.com