When buying an appliance, especially a costly one, one thinks about buying the right piece. In the case of buying a gas grill, the choice of whether to buy a gas-powered grill over a charcoal one is already made. However, when choosing which gas grill to buy, another hurdle has to be overcome.
Nowadays, with the proliferation of products that seem to have the same features, it helps to be armed with information. One can get it by word of mouth, through the recommendations of family and friends. Information may also come from the Internet, newspapers, brochures and even salespeople. So what are the things one should consider when buying a gas grill?
The first consideration when buying a gas grill or any appliance, equipment or costly object is the price. Consider how much you want to spend on this piece of equipment.
- Within a given price range, what does this cost include in terms of features?
- Does it include side tables, a built-in thermometer, fuel gauge, and one filled gas tank?
- Does it function on natural gas or propane?
Is the gas that it uses compatible with your existing gas line? There may be additional costs in the installation of a natural gas pipe at your desired location. Costs can also arise if you need to purchase conversion kits.
Frame & Body Construction
Also, buying a gas grill means considering the kind of material from which the grill is made of. The most important part of the grill is its frame and body. Equipment that is subjected to heat, mess, and mobility must be sturdy enough. They should be made of stainless steel – which is quite expensive – or cast aluminum, cast iron or sheet metal. The frame and body must be resistant to rust and corrosion since it is subjected to mess, like liquids or drippings. Check if the material can be found on only some parts of the grill or on the entire body of the grill. It’s a given that cast aluminum is longer-lasting than stainless steel.
Durability
Durability follows with the kind of material that is used. This does not mean that a grill’s durability is dependent solely on its material. Even if it is made of the most durable stainless steel or cast aluminum, if you as the owner don’t care to clean it, it will rust and eventually disintegrate. Make sure that even its innards – the burners – are free of drippings when grilling time is over. Drippings can sometimes clog the burners leading to uneven heating and the start of corrosion.
Grill Size
Another thing to consider when buying a gas grill is its size. Think about what you’ll be cooking on the grill and for how many people would you most likely be feeding using the grill. Conversely, think about where you’ll be positioning and storing the grill.
It’s no problem for grills that will be placed as part of an outdoor entertainment area but when it is stored indoors, in the garage or patio, would it fit? Fitting should also take into account the overall safety of the grill as well as the house and its residents.
Accessories
Lastly, bear in mind the features that come with the grill and ask yourself if you really need them. Do you really need a smoker box, rotisserie or a side burner? Do you find lights and a warming surface more of a fancy addition than a practical requirement? Don’t also be misled by higher BTUs.
The number also depends on the size of the grill and how efficient it is at circulating the heat it has generated. Even smaller grills can dish out an efficient amount of heat at lower BTUs.