4 Things to Know Before Buying an Outdoor Grill

An outdoor grill is one of the most versatile kitchen appliances you can own, which makes it all that much more important to get an outdoor grill that fits your lifestyle and needs. Whether you’re looking to take your cooking skills up a notch or want an easier way to entertain family and friends, there are several things you should consider before making your purchase. Here are four things you should know before buying an outdoor grill.

How Much Space Do I Need for My Outdoor Grill?

Outdoor grills vary greatly in size. Some take up space equal to two refrigerators while others fit easily on a countertop. Be sure you have enough room for your new grill by determining how much space you can spare before making a purchase. In addition, consider where you’ll store your grill when it’s not in use. If you live in a small apartment, avoid large gas or charcoal-fueled models that will take up too much valuable floor space. On the other hand, if you live in an enormous home with a sizable deck or patio, be sure to choose something that won’t be dwarfed by your space. In short: don’t buy more grill than you can handle!

What Type of Outdoor Grill Should You Get?

There are various types of grill you can choose from, each offering unique features and benefits for outdoor cooking. Here are some grill types you may come across in your buying journey:

Gas

Gas grills use natural gas or propane as its heat source. Most gas grills need a lot of space and cannot be placed too close to any structure, so if you don’t have a large area available, you probably shouldn’t purchase a gas grill.

Charcoal

A charcoal grill uses either all-natural lump charcoal or manufactured charcoal briquettes as its heat source. You can use lighter fluid or a charcoal chimney to light your charcoal, but it typically takes 20-30 minutes for them to be ready to cook on. Once they are ready to cook on, charcoal grills are able to reach high temps, perfect for searing. Charcoal grills also add an unbelievable smoky flavor to your food.

Pellet

Pellet grills use food grade wood pellets as their heat source, so it should come as no surprise that the taste of the wood comes through in the finished product. A pellet grill is a very easy grill to learn to use. Using one is as simple as filling the hopper with pellets and setting the desired cooking temperature. An auger that’s inside then feeds the pellets down to the firebox where they burn.

Electric

An electric grill obviously uses electricity as its heat source. It has low, medium and high temperature settings. It generates intense radiant heat and then powers off and re-energizes its heat coils intermittently on a timer or if the temperature drops.

Storing Your Outdoor Grill

You can add a few years to the life of your grill by covering and storing it properly during rainstorms. Since New England is known for getting lots of snow, look for a grill with good sturdy wheels and handles for easy moving. Even after you’ve covered it, it’s not the best idea to leave it in the rain or snow during the winter. Make sure you have room to store your grill during the harsh New England winters.

Keeping Your Outdoor Grill Clean

One of the best ways to increase your grill’s longevity is to make sure you keep it clean. No matter what type of grill you’re using, it needs some time with a brush and soapy water, whether that means scrubbing down metal parts or wiping down a ceramic model. Cleaning your grill will help prevent food from sticking and keep all those delicious flavors inside your meats instead of stuck to your cooking surface. Additionally, keeping it covered or storing it under cover and out of the elements will greatly increase the life of a grill.

Find Your Next Outdoor Grill With Energysavers

The first step to finding your next outdoor grill is to consider your needs and wants, as well as where you’ll be using it. The experts at Energysavers can help you find the right outdoor grill for your style and budget.

About Energysavers, Inc. 

Founded over 40 years ago, Energysavers is family-owned and operated out of Meredith, NH. We are proud to provide quality, dependable pellet stoves, wood stoves, fireplaces, hot tubs, saunas, outdoor grills, and more. Visit the store room and choose from the many models and sizes we have in stock and receive the best price and quality service. Call us today at (603) 279-7961 to visit our store or schedule a home inspection.