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Written by Amy Hoak, MarketWatch (MCT)
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Monday, 23 April 2007 |
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Grills aren't just for summer anymore.
The trend of outdoor living and the popularity of grilled cuisine have more people using this appliance throughout the entire year. Still, as summer approaches, some consumers might be weighing a new grill purchase in time for peak grilling season.
But before heading out to buy the grill of your dreams, do some thinking about your wants and needs — and maybe most importantly, your budget.
"Get the biggest grill that makes the most sense for you," said Steven H. Saltzman, deputy editor for the home & yard franchise of Consumer Reports magazine. The magazine is releasing a report on grill performance in its June issue.
The average price of a gas grill — the most popular type, according to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association — is $263, Saltzman said. Prices, however, will range wildly depending on the size and features of the machine. Set budget guidelines before looking around at what's out there, he said.
To avoid a mismatch between you and a grill, ask these five questions before buying:
1. How much grill do you need?
"You don't want to have something that is too small," Saltzman said. On the other hand, it doesn't make sense to invest in grilling space that you'll never use.
Those who have a grill already might want to think about how many times they've had to cook in shifts because there just wasn't enough useable grilling space, he said.
Another question to ask: "How many people do you cook for on its primary cooking surface?" said Rob Schwing, vice president of marketing and product development at Char-Broil. A family of six to eight will need more primary cooking surface than a family of four.
Also be mindful of how much space is available for the grill on the deck or patio.
2. What will you use the grill for?
Don't invest in features you'll never use, Saltzman said.
"If you don't think that you're going to use the side (burner) or the rotisserie, buy a slightly smaller grill that may have more cooking surface or better storage," he said.
3. Mind your BTUs
Pay attention to how many BTUs a gas grill has, but understand that the number is a better indication of how much gas is being used — and a high number doesn't necessarily guarantee faster heating or improved searing, Saltzman said.
In fact, what is really important is the evenness at which the grill cooks and the ability to control the heat, Schwing said. Even if a grill has a high number of BTUs, it won't make a difference if the energy is disbursed over a large grilling, cooking and/or warming space.
"The American consumer has been educated to believe more of anything is better," Schwing said. When it comes to grills, more energy isn't always best.
4. Know what you're buying
Porcelain coated cast iron grates do a much better job of searing than steel grates — and are more expensive, Saltzman said. There's also a growing segment of infrared grill features on the market, aimed at flash searing food or providing a constant heat to a rotisserie.
Pay attention to the outside of the grill too. While stainless steel is popular, it has also gotten more expensive, he said. That has led some manufacturers to use other materials in addition to stainless steel. To know what you're buying, take a magnet: it will stick to lower quality materials, Saltzman said. Also keep in mind that stainless steel will discolor over time.
5. Safety — and sturdiness — first
Make sure that the grill isn't going to tip over if it gets bumped and look for sharp edges that can cause injury, Saltzman said. Examine knobs for sturdiness.
Also be sure to make sure that there is enough space between the handle and the cover so that fingers or hands aren't burned by touching the lid surface when the grill is hot. | Only registered users can write comments.
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