Grilled ribeye steak or fresh grilled salmon with a lemon butter sauce? Classic barbeque chicken or sweet baby back ribs? Perhaps you’re in the mood for a grilled steak salad or something different like rosemary ranch chicken kabobs! Whatever you’re in the mood for, it’s summer grilling season and that means it’s time to get the grill ready. For those looking for a new grill, here are some things you need to know about buying a grill for the summer cooking season.
What to Consider Before Buying a Grill
When beginning to shop for a grill, it is important to assess your individual needs. Before heading to the store, ask yourself these questions to help you narrow down your search and head to the store prepared!
- How many people are you cooking for?
- How much space do you have outdoors to cook?
- How much time do you have to prepare your meals?
- How often do you plan to grill?
- What is your budget?
Types of Grills
Once you have determined your budget and your reasons for wanting a grill, it’s time to start the shopping process. There are four main types of grills on the market: charcoal, gas, infrared, and electric. Each type serves different purposes and has different price points. Check out our descriptions below to help you determine which grill type is perfect for you.Charcoal- Charcoal grills are great for generating that classic, smoky taste. Prices for charcoal grills can range from $35 to high-end models that can run close to $1,500. You can find charcoal grills in almost any hardware or large retail store. You may ask, “Is a charcoal grill right for me?” Charcoal grills require time to heat up – on average anywhere from 15 – 30 minutes depending on the size of your grill and the amount of charcoal you’re using. Some charcoal grills have limited cooking space compared to gas grills, so when shopping make sure to compare different surface sizes depending on how much you plan on cooking at a time. If you have time to cook, love the smoky taste of charcoal, and don’t mind paying a little extra for the charcoal, this is the perfect grill for you.
Gas- Gas grills are popular because they are extremely quick to ignite and take minimal time to start grilling. The hard part about choosing a gas grill is choosing among the many styles, brands, and features that are available. Prices for gas grills can range from a few hundred to several thousand for high-end models. Most experts agree, when looking at different gas grill options, one of the most important things to look for is two burners. This allows you to cook more food items at different temperatures if necessary. When it comes to price, you often get what you pay for. If you plan on grilling a lot during the summer season – several times or more each week – you’ll want to make sure you’re investing in a quality grill. Be sure to inform your local hardware sales person of your intended use and they will guide you in the right direction.
Infrared- Infrared grills have become more and more popular over the past two years. Unlike traditional gas grills that use convective heat (hot air) to cook food, infrared grills use natural, radiant heat to cook food directly without drying. This helps cook food faster and locks in food’s moisture and taste. Infrared grills are very similar in size to gas grills and include many of the same features. Prices can range from several hundred dollars to a thousand dollars or more. Again, speaking with your local hardware representative will help lead you in the right direction when choosing one of these grills.
Electric- Electric grills are great for compact spaces. Many electric grill models can be used indoors and outdoors, and provide all of the great benefits of healthy cooking. Electric grills heat up fast and are effective at cooking a wide variety of foods. Prices for electric grills can range from $20 to a few hundred dollars. If you are in the market for an electric grill, be sure to not use metal utensils because it will scratch the surface.
Now that you have picked out your perfect grill, you may be in need of some extra funds to make your purchase. Mariner Finance is here for your financing needs! Contact your local Mariner Finance branch today to discover how we can help!
