Few things can help turn your backyard into the ultimate retreat quite like a BBQ grill. A grilling area can become the ideal gathering place for family and friends at almost any time of year. Whether you’re getting ready for the big game or having some friends over for a summer party, the grill offers the perfect place to gather round and prep hamburgers and other favorites.
While some grills may look fairly similar to each other when you are shopping online, there are actually a wide range of differences that you will want to be aware of. Before you make your purchase, understanding which type of grill best fits your lifestyle and cooking preferences will ensure that you make a selection you will be happy with.
There is no “right” or “wrong” grill to buy. But knowing some basic factors that differentiate grills from each other is an absolute must for finding the right fit for you.
Fuel Type
One of the biggest considerations when choosing a BBQ grill is the type of fuel it uses. There are five main types of “fuels” that can be used for a BBQ grill, and your selection will have a big impact on your cooking experience and future maintenance needs.
- Charcoal: Charcoal briquettes are considered the “classic” fuel for grills. You place the briquettes in the grill, light them, and once they heat up, you cook your food. Charcoal is considered to impart a more distinctive flavor that electric or gas grills. However, cooking with charcoal can be a bit more complicated, especially when it comes to achieving the right cooking temperature. It is generally recommended to arrange charcoal in a pyramid shape on the charcoal grate (beneath the surface where you’ll be grilling your food). You’ll also need lighter fluid and a lighter to start the fire. The coals generally need to heat up for 10 to 15 minutes before you can start grilling. Though charcoal requires more patience, it rewards users with a rich, distinctive flavor. Keep in mind, however, that you’ll also need to empty out cold ashes and clean the grill after use to keep it running properly.
- Electric: Electric grills are less common than other fuel types, but they are still worth mentioning. Electric grills tend to be smaller, and use a heating element to provide current resistance that turns electricity into heat. Though not the most efficient source of energy for cooking, it still heats up the grill quickly. Grill purists argue that electric cooking doesn’t add any flavor to the foods. If you don’t plan on grilling super frequently, however, this can be an easy, low-maintenance solution.
- Propane: Propane gas provides a lot of power, allowing the BBQ grill to heat up rather quickly. All you have to do is connect a can of propane to the tank, and your grill is ready to go. Propane grills are also quite easy to use, as you can adjust the heat simply by turning a dial. Many propane grills feature multi-zone cooking or indirect heating, allowing you to cook different items (such as meat and veggies) at different temperatures at the same time. Propane grills are generally low-maintenance, making them a great choice for someone who plans on using their grill on a regular basis. Propane tanks are also relatively affordable, and safer than in the past (though you should still try to keep them away from other heat sources).
- Natural Gas: Natural gas can be a bit pricier to set up, but it can make managing your fuel needs much easier in the long run. Natural gas grills connect to the natural gas lines already running into your home. This fuel isn’t sold in tanks like propane. This makes it a great choice if your home already uses natural gas, as you would just need to extend the current gas lines. If you don’t have natural gas already, you’re probably better served by another option. Plan carefully before installing your natural gas BBQ grill, as this will be a permanent installation. However, this fuel is easy to use, as you’ll never need to worry about buying replacement fuel after your grill has been set up.
- Wood: Finally, there are wood pellet grills. Those who use wood pellet grills swear that this fuel provides the richest, most distinctive flavor of any grilling method. Various types of wood pellets are available, with different wood species imbuing different flavors to your meat. Wood pellets burn slowly and at a high temperature, making them flexible and easy to use, even for smoking meat. Though wood pellets are generally more expensive than charcoal, they tend to last longer, making them a great choice for a true grilling enthusiast.
Number of Burners
Size matters — and this is especially true of your BBQ grill. The number of burners you have on your grill will directly impact how much food you can cook at the same time. Most grills have two or three burners, but there are also smaller models with a single burner, and larger grills with as many as five.
Unsurprisingly, the more burners you have, the more food you’ll be able to cook at the same time. For most grills, each burner is controlled individually, meaning you could set one burner to higher heat for grilling burgers, while setting another burner at a lower temperature for slow cooking — all simultaneously. With multiple burners, you have more flexibility in your meal prep.
Of course, if you only plan on cooking for yourself and one or two other people, a one or two-burner grill will generally be sufficient. There’s no need to invest in a lot of extra grilling space that will simply sit unused.
On the other hand, if you plan on regularly hosting get-togethers with medium or large groups of people, err on the side of getting a BBQ grill with more burners. Three or more burners will give you the space and flexibility to get everyone’s food ready in a timely manner.
In addition to the burners that are included with the base grill, some grill masters also buy BBQ side burners to further expand their cooking space. Side burners are generally attached to propane gas grills. With a smaller surface, they generally aren’t suited for cooking your main dish. Instead, they provide a convenient place for preparing sauces, vegetables, and other sides.
Side burners come with their own control settings and are heated separately from the main grate, allowing users to adjust the temperature without interfering with the main course. Side burners can even serve as a “backup” option if your main grill gives out at the last minute. As an attachment, the side burner can still work independently, even if the main grill is off or not working.
Installation Type
How you plan to use your BBQ grill can also play a role in determining the type of grill installation you get.
Most people are used to the idea of portable grills. Sleek and stylish, this installation style is suited for charcoal/wood pellet grills or grills that use propane tanks, which do not require utility hookups. A portable grill can easily be moved to any location in your backyard, making it a great choice if you plan to rearrange your porch or patio later on. Portability also allows you to bring the grill into storage for winter or when a severe storm is on the way.
For a more permanent installation, you can choose between built-in or drop-in grills, as well as post grills. Built-in and drop-in grills are typically installed as part of a larger outdoor kitchen. The grill itself may be added on to an outdoor island area that also provides counter space and houses additional items like a sink or storage drawers.
Because built-in and drop-in grills are attached to a sturdy patio installation, you don’t have to worry about them getting knocked over or damaged during severe weather. The permanent nature of the installation also means you can use electricity or natural gas as a fuel source, if desired.
Finally, post grills offer a permanent grill installation that can work well when you don’t have the space for a full outdoor kitchen setup. These grills typically have small cutting boards to either side, while the post is mounted securely to the ground. The grill isn’t going anywhere, even if the installation doesn’t seem quite as robust as a grill that has been built in to an outdoor countertop. Most post grills use natural gas.
For the full outdoor kitchen experience, you can’t go wrong with installing a BBQ grill island. In addition to the grill itself, these high-end installations also include a side burner, refrigerator, and doors and drawers for additional storage. Aluminum counter surfaces provide the perfect location for prepping food before placing it on the grill. Additional matching products, such as vent hoods and beverage centers (complete with water hookups) can turn your grilling area into a fully functional outdoor kitchen. Some islands, like the Fire Magic IL660-FOD-116BA 116 Inch L-Shape Reclaimed Wood Island System, French Barrel Oak, Medium Pantry, even include space for seating or an umbrella!
Extra BBQ Grill Features
Most people are understandably focused on the burners and fuel source when buying a grill — and for good reason! However, many BBQ grills offer extra features that can make your outdoor cooking that much more enjoyable.
For example, a glass viewing window can allow you to peek in at the progress of your meat without opening the lid and releasing that precious heat. Lighting options available on some grills allow you to continue your cookout well into the night, even if you don’t have the best patio lighting.
Other grills come with a C-smoker box or a griddle to further expand the ways you can cook on your grill. Grill covers are another common extra included with many grills. A polyester or vinyl cover will offer extra protection against the elements when your grill is not in use.
While such features are hardly a “make or break” part of the grill-buying decision for most, they do serve as nice extras that will help you get even more out of your cook space. Many of the grills available at Kitchen & Bath Authority come with such extras, allowing you to create the ultimate grilling experience on your property.
Find Your Next BBQ Grill at Kitchen & Bath Authority
While Kitchen & Bath Authority may not be the first name that comes to mind for your next BBQ grill purchase, we’re proud to offer a varied selection of grills that are perfect for your home. With products from top brands like American Outdoor Grill, Fire Magic Grills, Broilmaster, and more, you’ll have no trouble finding the right fit for your property.
These high-end grills don’t just deliver the lasting quality that you want from your next BBQ grill. Many of our grills, including BBQ islands, are available at significant discounts off MSRP, allowing you to save hundreds of dollars on this exciting purchase. Each of our grills is shipped for free.
No matter what type of grill you feel is right for you, you’re sure to find a quality match here at Kitchen & Bath Authority. Check out our entire selection of outdoor products so you can start transforming your yard!
