By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Rob_Schwing]Rob Schwing
Few things in life bring as much happiness as digging into burgers, ribs and steaks hot and fresh off our own backyard grill. And while there is no one “right” grill for everyone, there’s no question that some grills are created superior to others. Which grill you select depends upon you, your lifestyle, and how much you’re willing to pay to get what you want. Money doesn’t automatically equal quality, however. Get the most out of your gas grill by considering these five elements before you make your next purchase.
1. Construction: Why 304 Stainless Steel Matters
Stainless steel remains a popular choice for grills. While consumers like the look of a stainless steel grill on their deck or patio, grill engineers select stainless steel because the chromium content creates a protective layer on the surface of the stainless steel that makes it resistant to environmental corrosion and high temperature oxidation.
But not all stainless steels are created equal. Type 304 (commercial kitchen grade) stainless steel is superior and contains an additional 8 percent more nickel than the 430 grade, making it more corrosion resistant.
In a store and can’t tell which kind of steel you’re looking at? Here’s a quick and easy way to differentiate between 304 quality stainless steel and the 430 type. Higher-grade 304 stainless steel is non-magnetic, so if you hold a magnet up to the side of a grill, the magnet shouldn’t stick. If it does, the grill in question is not built for long-term durability.
2. Fuel Efficiency: Do BTUs Matter?
BTUs, or British Thermal Units, represent the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. The traditional school of thought is that the more BTUs, the better. However, BTUs have nothing to do with cooking performance, but everything to do with how often you refill your propane tank or the size of your gas bill.
Larger grills will naturally burn more fuel and therefore have higher BTUs, but this doesn’t always translate to a hotter grill. The best grills allow you to cook faster with fewer BTUs, reducing your gas consumption by up to 30 percent. The takeaway? Look at all the features a grill has to offer and don’t let BTUs be the deciding factor in your purchasing decision.
3. Grill Frills
What brings you enjoyment? Are you a straight-up burger griller or do you like to go the extra mile with rotisseries, smoker boxes and nighttime cooking lights? The best grill is one that makes you happy and allows you to cook the way you want. Like a house or a car, a grill tends to be a big purchase. Take your time to figure out what features matter-and don’t matter-to you before you leap into buying a grill.
4. Size
When you’re standing in the store, surrounded by shiny grills, each bigger than the next, it’s easy to get swept up into the excitement of “I need the biggest grill known to man!” mania. Take a step back. How much and how often do you actually grill? If you’re feeding neighbors and extended family on a regular basis, sure, go for the monster grill that cooks 12 burgers at once. But if it’s you, your condo and your cat grilling the occasional solo salmon fillet, perhaps you can get by with a smaller grill.
5. Taste
Your grill can have every bell and whistle but if the taste isn’t there, you haven’t done yourself any favors. Since you can’t take home grills and test them out, you’ll have to rely on research and reviews. Talk to family and friends, read online third-party reviews, talk to dealers (not big box stores) and then close your eyes and pick. Kidding. Take all the prior features into consideration, narrow down your choices and ask more questions. Then move forward with your purchase.
Your reward is that first big, thick, juicy burger that comes off the grill. Enjoy!
Not many people know more about grilling than Rob Schwing. The GM at SABER Grills and the author of Casual Living’s “Ask The Grill Guy” column, Rob possesses a lifelong passion for good food, good company and upscale outdoor living. Rob has led Char-Broil and SABER as a vice president in marketing, product development, consumer & warranty services, e-commerce and business development. Weekends find Rob doing what he loves most– surprising people with all that can be accomplished when cooking outside.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Getting-The-Most-From-Your-Gas-Grill:-5-Elements-That-Make-A-Difference&id=8636182] Getting The Most From Your Gas Grill: 5 Elements That Make A Difference
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