Outdoor Grill Buying Guide

Gas grills are powered either by liquid propane or natural gas. Propane grills tend to be the more popular of the two options due to their portability, cheaper upfront cost, and ability to heat up faster when compared to natural gas grills. If you have a natural gas utility line, then a natural gas grill is a great way to keep your overall energy cost low.

In general, gas grills are easier to use, easier to clean, and have faster heat-up times than charcoal grills, making them the preferred choice for high-volume use. Plus, they emit less smoke, making them a great option for cooking meats and poultry as well as grilling fish, vegetables, and fruit.

Charcoal grills utilize charcoal to deliver a natural smoky flavor that enhances the flavor profile and texture of foods. While they are slower to heat up than gas grills, charcoal grills are able to reach hotter temperatures. Because they do reach higher temperatures and produce more smoke, charcoal grills are ideal for beef, pork, and chicken but may not be the best choice for cooking more delicate foods such as fish and vegetables.

Charcoal grills do not have temperature control knobs, so the temperature cannot be precisely regulated and operators will need to arrange the coals to create cooking zones. While charcoal grills are more time-consuming to clean than gas grills, many operators believe that the trade-off is well worth it for the taste.

Pellet grills are one of the most versatile and easy-to-use grills, and they allow you to grill, sear, braise, roast, and smoke all with the same unit. They feature a digital control panel that can set timers, monitor internal temperatures, and measure the temperature of the meat with incredible precision. Because of the digital control panel, pellet grills do require electricity to operate.

Fueled by wood pellets, they feature an auger that automatically feeds the pellets from the hopper into the flavor chamber to be heated and turned into flavorful smoke. The automatic feed system also means that they are very efficient in terms of fuel usage.

Outdoor smokers are ideal if you have a large outdoor space and are looking to have a menu specializing in smoked and barbecued foods. Some types of smokers feature digital and programmable controls for easier, more precise cooking while other smokers require more oversight throughout the cooking process and are considered to be the most authentic way to smoke meats.

Most outdoor smokers are used for low and slow-cooking meats and other foods. Some smokers do have the capabilities to bake, braise, roast, and even grill foods, making them a versatile option for operators looking for a more diverse menu.

A kamado grill is an egg-shaped grill of Japanese origin. The ceramic body provides superior heat retention, which cooks the foods more evenly and also conserves fuel better. While they are charcoal powered, kamados are more versatile than a standard charcoal grill, allowing you to grill, smoke, and roast your food all with the same unit.

A kamado grill has ventilation, which allows you to control the heat within the ceramic body for a more consistent and even cook. Many also have two-tiered cooking grates to cook large quantities at a time.

A kebab grill, or mangal, features a long charcoal bed, open top, and ventilation holes on the sides. Its shorter width allows the skewer sticks to hang over each side of the grill, which makes it easy to rotate them as they cook. Popular in a variety of cuisines across Eurasia, a kebab grill is used to cook shish kebab, shashlik, spiedini, and other meat or vegetable skewers.

With its compact, simple design, transporting a kebab grill is a painless task, making it great for catered events and outdoor patios. They are also quick to clean and come with a tray for easy disposal of the charcoal ash.

Prepare authentic Argentinian-style barbeque with an Argentinian grill. Designed to burn wood or charcoal for low and slow cooking, it is great for grilling beef, chorizo, chicken, and vegetables for a traditional asado or your Argentine menu. An Argentinian grill features a movable grill grate that allows you to bring your food closer or further away from the heat to control the intensity.

An Argentinian grill, also known as a parilla, provides grillers with easy access to the coal bed for greater temperature control. It features a firebox on the side of the grill to burn the wood down to embers, making it easy to refuel the coals.

Roast whole pigs easily and efficiently with a pig roaster. Their large size makes it easy to cook whole pigs, ribs, and brisket without turning the meat. They are fueled by charcoal or wood to infuse the meats with a smoky flavor.

Pig roasters feature an adjustable chimney flap to provide greater control over the airflow and cooking temperature. They are ideal for country clubs, caterers, and other establishments looking to cook large quantities of meat for a crowd.

If you are looking for a more permanent solution to your outdoor grilling needs, a built-in grill may be the best option for you. They are ideal for establishments like resorts and tiki bars that keep their outdoor spaces open year round.

Built-in grills often boast higher power capabilities, making grilling for many customers at once an easy task. They come in natural gas and liquid propane options and can be used with compatible attachments, such as a smoker box, to expand their cooking capabilities.

If being able to transport your grill from location to location is one of your biggest priorities, then a towable grill is a great option for you. They are ideal for tailgates at a big sports event, catering an outdoor wedding, and other outdoor events.

A large grilling space allows you to cook dozens of different items all at once. The grills are mounted on trailers and conform to all transport safety standards, allowing you to tow them with your vehicle on any road or highway.

In addition to choosing the best outdoor grill, ensure you have all the equipment and accessories you need to expertly grill your meats!

• Basting Brush: Spread liquid marinades over the top of meat with basting brushes to enhance the flavor of your food. Most basting brushes feature very long handles to protect the operator from the hot grill.
• Grill Thermometer: Thermometers are important for determining whether your meat has reached a safe temperature for consumption. Many grill thermometers mount right inside your grill so that you can monitor temperatures at a quick glance.
• Grilling Gloves: Maximize safety while grilling with grilling gloves. They protect your hands and wrists from accidental burns and allow you to pick up food directly off the grill grates once the heat is turned off.
• Grill Cleaning Tools: There are a variety of grill cleaning tools, such as grill scrapers, bricks, and screens, that remove burnt-on food, debris, and grease from your grill with ease.
• Marinade Injector: Infuse flavors directly into your meats with marinade injectors to enhance their tenderness and juiciness. Simply inject and cook for delicious results.
• Grill Cover: Protect your grill from snow, sleet, hail, rain, and other inclement weather conditions with grill covers. They help keep your grill looking like new year-round.
• Grill Side Burner: Adding a side burner to your grill is perfect for sauteing or keeping sauces hot to increase your efficiency. You can even move items that are finished cooking over to the side to keep warm.
• Dome Lid: Use a roll dome lid to cover the cooking surface while using the grill to lock in heat and smoke. It also provides an easy way to protect the grates while the grill is not in use.
• Grill Side Shelf: Keep your spices, utensils, and other ingredients close by as you grill by adding side shelves to your grill. They also offer extra space for plating, ensuring the ultimate fresh-off-the-grill presentation.