If you are on the market for a new barbecue, the process can be both exciting and overwhelming. These days there are infinite options when it comes to grills, so how do you decide which one is best for you? Today, we will be going over what to consider when buying a new barbecue, from the different types of barbecues available to what barbecues are best suited for different needs.
Different Types of Barbecues
The practice of barbecuing has been around for a long time, and many different kinds of grills have been developed as the practice has evolved. Here we will take a look at some of the most common types of barbecues today, and whether or not they are suited to your BBQ dreams.
Gas and Propane
Gas and propane grills are arguably the most common type around today. Even within this fuel niche, there are many different styles and designs to choose from. Generally speaking, gas and propane barbecues operate in a very similar fashion. These types of grills offer high BTU output and a certain ease of control when it comes to temperatures and flames. You can turn the heat up or down with the twist of a knob. Most gas and propane grills come with at least two burners, and some have as many as six, so you can use different parts of the grill at different temperatures to perfect your meal. All of these factors contribute to why these grills are the most popular.
Charcoal
Charcoal grills are another extremely popular mode of cooking because they are easy to use and provide exceptional flavourings. To understand how a charcoal grill works, you might compare it to a wood stove: you adjust the air intake manually to determine how hot the grill becomes. The more oxygen that passes through, the hotter the grill gets. The charcoal maintains the temperature of the grill and provides a smokey, delicious flavour that just can’t be beaten. Charcoal grills are also quite popular because they do not require any type of gas for fuel.
Kamado
Kamado grills are technically part of the charcoal grill family, however, they are very unique and have a distinctive shape that sets them apart. Often called an “egg grill”, these barbecues have an elongated shape and are much heavier than your typical charcoal grill due to the thick ceramic material they are made of. The main difference that these factors produce is that a very small adjustment can result in a vast change of temperature. Kamado grills typically take around an hour to preheat and use all-natural hardwood charcoal. Because kamado grills can become so hot, they can also be converted to be used like an oven with heat deflecting accessories. All of these sophisticated features contribute to why the kamado grill has become such a popular upgrade from the average charcoal kettle barbecue.
Pellet
Last but not least on our brief list is the pellet grill. Pellet grills are a very interesting invention often reserved for the truly passionate barbecue enthusiasts out there. A pellet grill is very unique in its design, as it utilizes – you guessed it – pellets for fuel. These small wooden pellets are stored in a hopper and churned out by an auger to be ignited in a burn pot beneath the grills. A motorized fan flames the pellets to create a solid fire, and heat and smoke rise to be deflected and provide an even heat source to cook the food. Pellet grills run on electricity but it is not an electric element that provides the heat – rather, a Hot Rod is what is used to ignite the pellets, creating a fire that heats the barbecue. Pellet grills are a bit more complex than other types of barbecue but provide an awesome grilling experience and flavour you just can’t find anywhere else.
What Else to Look for in a Barbecue
Now that you have an idea of what it takes to operate these different types of grills, as well as what kind of results to expect – what else should you look for in a BBQ?
Your local BBQ store is the best place to go if you want a comprehensive idea of what to seek in your new grill. The truth is, only you know what type of outfit will make your grilling dreams come true. Going into a store to ask questions and get extensive information on the type of barbecue best suited to your needs is a better idea than trying to glean information from the internet.
Even if our article did better inform you of what type of grill you might like, the specifics of different makes and models are also something to consider. You want to make sure you get a good warranty and are aware of special features and specifications that will optimize your grilling experience. We wish you the best of luck on your search for the next grill!