How to Find the Perfect Grill for You and Your Family

If you’re thinking of buying a grill but don’t know where to start, I’ve got you covered! Picking the right grill for your family can seem tough sometimes. You’ve got so many options to choose from, not just whether you want gas or charcoal. This guide will help you choose the best grill to help you cook up some unforgettable outdoor summer nights with your family and friends.

Price

Often, picking a grill comes down to how much you’re looking to spend. When it comes to grills, this can be anywhere from a very basic $15 charcoal grill to high-end gas grills that cost upwards of twenty grand. There’s really no need to spend that much when looking for a good grill, though. You can find high-quality grills that will last your family for many years of summer barbecues for under a couple of hundred dollars, depending on what you’re looking for. Charcoal grills are usually less expensive than gas grills, and smaller grills will cost you less than larger grills. If you’re looking to add any of the extras, such as rotisserie burners, smoke boxes or light-up knobs, expect to pay a lot more. Also keep in mind that purchasing gas is less expensive than bags of charcoal, and with the right hookup you can even connect your gas grill to your home’s gas line, giving you an endless supply of cooking fuel.

Upkeep

Another important consideration when choosing a grill is how much work you want to put into it. There are different maintenance needs to keep them safe and make them last depending on the type of grill. Charcoal grills require you to clean out the ashes, but gas grills need their burners and tubes cleaned at the beginning of the season. 

Gas grills are considered to be easier to use. There’s no fumbling with matches or lighter fluid. Just connect your gas tank, turn your knob and you’re ready to cook. Charcoal grills need time to warm up enough for cooking, and you may even have to add more charcoal if you’re cooking for a large number of people. Regardless of what you choose, make sure to store your grill under some type of cover to keep it safe from corrosion.

Flavor

One of the main reasons so many people love charcoal grills is because of the smoky flavor they give your food. According to some people, this is a flavor that just can’t be achieved with a gas grill. Sure, you can get a smoke box for your gas grill, but it’s going to cost you. On the other hand, if you like cooking outside but don’t want your food to taste like smoke or accidentally get ash and carbon monoxide particles on it, then a gas grill may be for you.

Portability

Many people like to take their grills with them when they go camping or on trips to the park or beach. When it comes to portability, charcoal grills are definitely the way to go. Charcoal grills fold up easily and can go with you anywhere. Gas grills, on the other hand, are often larger and harder to carry around, especially with the heavy gas tanks attached. Even in your backyard, if you’ve connected your gas grill to your home’s gas line, it’s pretty much stuck there.

While there are many different features to choose from when it comes to grills, this guide can help get you started in choosing the right one for your family. I can’t hope to settle the age-old charcoal vs. gas debate here, but I hope you can use this information to decide which kind is best for you.