Charcoal
Charcoal grills are usually preferred if flavor is your main concern when grilling out. Charcoal creates that smoky flavor that grill-masters prefer. These grills are available in a variety of sizes, but they all use charcoal briquettes or lump charcoal to heat the grates. Charcoal grills cost less than most other types.
When cooking on a charcoal grill, you will need patience. It can take up to 45 minutes for the grill to become hot enough to sear meat. As with any grill, you have to keep it clean so the food will taste its best. Before cleaning, the grill must be allowed to cool completely and ashes will need to be handled safely.
Types of Grills: Propane and Natural Gas
Gas-powered grills are the most commonly purchased grills for family cookouts. They heat up quickly and are easy to use, igniting with just the press of a button. Some cooks aren’t a fan of gas because it doesn’t provide the same flavor that a charcoal grill imparts. When purchasing a gas grill, you’ll need to decide whether you want to fuel it with propane tanks or by hooking it up to the natural gas line.
Natural gas is often used to heat homes. For this reason, a natural gas grill is usually the choice for someone who already has a natural gas line. This fuel type is less expensive than propane and you won’t have to worry about running out of fuel while cooking. If your home doesn’t already have a natural gas line, installation can be expensive. Because the grill will be hooked up to the gas line, you won’t have the option of moving it around the property.
If your grill uses liquid propane, you can purchase the fuel at many hardware stores and gas stations. The fuel tank is attached to the grill, providing the portability that a natural gas grill does not.
Grilling With Pellets
Pellet grills are becoming more popular because they are able to smoke, barbecue, and grill food. The pellets used as fuel are compressed hardwood and while they provide great flavor, they are not as readily available as charcoal briquettes. A pellet grill cooks at a lower temperature than gas or charcoal and will need electricity to power its fan. However, pellet grills are easy to use. After filling the hopper with pellets, you set the temperature and can leave the grill to do its job.
Types of Electric Grills
Electric grills are a good alternative in places where charcoal or gas grilling isn’t allowed, such as in some apartment or condominium complexes. These grills are easy to use and you won’t have to worry about your supply of propane, briquettes, or pellets.
Electric grills do not provide the same grilled flavor as charcoal. They cook more slowly than charcoal or gas and don’t get as hot. However, their convenience makes them popular in many homes.
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