With a large variety of grills to choose from, how do you decide which one is best for your backyard? Many factors determine your decision, but the biggest factor is the size of the grill. A larger grill means more cooking space and higher temperatures, while smaller grills offer fewer options and are easier to maintain.
Travel Size Grills
Travel size grills are a great option if you need a grill to use on a camping trip, for picnics, or even for tailgating at the big game. These small grills will usually fit into a backpack or carry case that makes them easy to transport from place to place. However, they don’t offer the same cooking power as larger grills, and their grids are usually made from thin metal that can warp with heat exposure, while some veggies and other foods may fall through the slats while being grilled, resulting in lost food.
Collapsible Grills
Cargo, foldable and collapsible grills also have some advantages over regular-sized grills because of their portability. They collapse down, making it easier to store, but this also means that the grill area is also smaller, and often, hot spots will be an issue. Cargo grills are a good option for large groups because they can hold a lot of food, but since they cannot support a lid, you’ll need to keep a close eye on your food while it’s cooking.
Folding grills offer more options than cargo models because these grills have folding legs that allow them to support lids. This means that your food won’t fall through the slats while cooking, and it also provides other advantages, such as allowing you better control over airflow when you’re using charcoal instead of propane. However, the downside to these types of grills is their size when folded up. In addition, they take up a lot of space in your car or RV when traveling.
Cart Grills
Another choice is the cart grill which combines the mobility of a folding grill with the sturdy construction of a larger unit. These grills feature wheels and often come with an attached cart that allows you to easily move the grill around while cooking, but they take up more room when used or stored away.
Electric Grills
With electric grills, there are no gas tanks to worry about. You simply plug them into an electrical outlet and wait for their heat up before placing your food on the grids. Electric grills are good for people who live in apartment buildings where burning charcoal could be hazardous in shared areas or in places where propane tanks may not be allowed at all.
Propane and Charcoal Grills
Choosing between propane and charcoal grills is another big decision. Both have their pros, but for personal use, most people prefer either one over the other. If you care about the environment, use a propane grill because they release fewer toxins into the air than charcoal grills do. Propane also offers more control over temperatures which makes it easier to use.
Charcoal grills are more traditional and produce higher quality results due to longer cooking times at lower temperatures. But what is most important when choosing your grill is how much room you have in your backyard patio. That should be the biggest factor you consider when making your choice.
On top of size, it is important to pay attention to features such as side burners and rotisseries. Rotisserie cooking requires a lot of room on the grill because it can support a large roast. Side burners allow for additional cooking space and are especially useful if you plan on hosting big parties regularly. Also, remember that adding grilling tools such as rotisseries and side burners also take up more room than other types of grills do, so keep that in mind.
