Buying a grill? Here are some sizzling suggestions
In the Houston area, grilling season is always on, with many hosting backyard barbecues at their homes, but before you can invite guests over to your house for a fantastic meal, you will need a barbecue grill that meets your overall entertaining needs.
The Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas offers some tips for purchasing grills:
• Start by choosing a fuel type. Grills come in a range of different budgets, so start by narrowing your search according to fuel type.
Gas grills, popular because of their convenience, light with the touch of a button and the turn of a few dials. If you want a gas grill, you’ll also need to decide between natural gas and propane. Natural grills plug into your existing natural gas line, which means you’ll never run out of fuel. Propane grills use a cylinder that will need to be refilled. However, if you don’t already have a natural gas line at your home, propane will be significantly cheaper.
Basic charcoal grills or specialized ceramic grills give you greater control over cooking temperature. The bigger you build a fire, the higher the temperature. Charcoal grills offer more of a classic grilled flavor than gas grills, but they do have a steeper learning curve.
Wood pellet grills are designed to make food taste like it was cooked over a wood fire. They often have digital thermostats that allow you to be very precise with the cooking temperature.
• Do your research and set a budget. Check out businesses selling grills at BBBHouston.org and read complaints or customer reviews. Grill prices range from hundreds to thousands, so be sure to set your budget and know how much you can spend before you start shopping.
• Choose the right size. If you are cooking for a family of four at your home, a two-burner gas grill or most small to medium charcoal grills will work fine. Many grills are measured in square inches. Grills around 400 to 500 square inches are a good choice for most families. If you intend to host events at your home and are grilling for a crowd, you may need something larger.
• If you are new to grilling, start simple. A basic starter grill that only costs a couple of hundred dollars will allow you to improve your grilling skills and decide if you want to invest in something fancier.
• Check for solid construction. The more solid the grill, the more grilling seasons it will last. Give assembled grills a jostle to see if they feel shaky or unstable. Grills with welded joints are usually sturdier and more stable than carts assembled with nuts and bolts. Check the wheels as well to see if the grill is easy to maneuver or if it could present a tipping hazard when moved around.
• Get to know the grill materials. Different grill materials require different methods of care and cleaning. For example, cast-iron grids (surface where food cooks) require curing to prevent rust, but are very durable. Stainlesssteel grids are resistant to rust, but they may allow food to stick and are more difficult to clean. Porcelain-coated steel grids are suitable for nonstick cooking. However, the glaze can chip, and the steel can rust if the grids aren’t properly maintained.
• Read the warranty. Every grill warranty is different, so read the fine print for what is covered. Some grill manufacturers only offer warranties on their burners, which generally last for two to 10 years. You can expect burners with a 10-year warranty to last longer than a grill that offers no burner warranty.
Visit www.bbbhouston.org or call 713868-9500. Leah Napoliello is BBB VP of operations. Send questions to Leah Napoliello, Better Business Bureau, 1333 West Loop South, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77027, or e-mail lnapoliello@bbbhou.org with address and phone number.