Five Tips For Buying a Quality Barbecue Grill
By Doug Morris
Does it seem like you have to buy a new grill every season? If you are like most people you might find yourself taking a trip every spring to the discount store to buy another grill. The same barbecue grill that you bought last spring, after a few uses, the legs got wobbly and the grate rusted through. Even a little rust can be bad because it gets on the food and that's never a good thing for many reasons.
They are a few differences that separate quality grills from those one-season wonders. A good quality grill, with proper care, will provide many years of use. Outlined below are five features you should always look for when considering the purchase of a grill that will last you many years.
16 gauge Stainless Steel Grill
The quality of the materials that are used make the biggest difference. Any grill worth its weight will be made of 16 gauge stainless steel. Stainless steel doesn't rust and it's resistant to oxidation caused by heat. Oxidation caused from heat is the leading reason grills rust through quickly. Most discount grill manufacturers will not use low-grade stainless steel as to keep production costs down.
Cast iron grill grates
Cast iron grates will last the lifetime of the grill if proper care is taken. Cast iron grates must be seasoned, just like your grandmother's old cast iron frying pan. Well seasoned iron grates are non-stick and will actually improve with age adding flavor to your food when it cooks. Cheap grill grates are made of steel that is coated with a chrome surface to prevent the steel from rusting. This works well until the first time you use the grill. The reason for this is because the heat degrades the chrome plating causing it to crack. Then the heat rusts the steel underneath causing it to rust from the inside out.
Adjustable charcoal rack
This is a feature you may find on grills that don't have any of the other qualities listed here. However, this one feature by itself shouldn't be the reason for buying a lesser grill. The reason an adjustable charcoal rack is important is because this allows you to adjust the heat for direct cooking. This means it's possible to cook steaks and burgers with less charcoal. This feature is also very useful for indirect cooking making it possible to try many new barbecue recipes.
Powder coated finish
A powder coated finish is applied in powder form to the stainless steel then infused to the stainless steel by applying heat. This makes it a permanent color coating that will never chip and peel. Powder coated finishes are very resistant to scratches making them the most durable finish you can have. The reason discount grills rust all over is because most manufacturers use of high heat paint. This may sound like a great idea but it doesn't work. This is because cheap steel oxidizes and begins to rust under the high heat paint causing it to peel away. Even if the steel doesn't rust it will expand and contract with the heat causing the paint to chip and peel anyways.
Stainless steel charcoal rack
If there was any one part of a grill that needs to be stainless steel it's the charcoal rack. This is because this one part endures the most intense heat. Heat causes oxidation, which results in rust. Rust is the biggest reason why you have to by the $40 special every spring. The bad part is that a lot of people will continue to cook on a rusty grill, which is very unhealthy.
These five tips for finding and buying a quality grill will ensure many years of enjoyment with your outdoor cooking endeavors. Now that you are armed with some knowledge about grills you are ready to find the perfect grill for you and your family. Be sure to visit http://barbecuegrillsandsmokers.blogspot.com for tips, tricks and recipes for cooking on a charcoal grill or smoker.
Get the latest reviews on [http://www.mygrillandsmoker.com]quality grills and smokers from MyGrillandSmoker.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Five-Tips-For-Buying-a-Quality-Barbecue-Grill&id=556486] Five Tips For Buying a Quality Barbecue Grill
What You Need to Know Before Buying Propane Grills
What You Need to Know Before Buying Propane Grills
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jonathan_Goodman]Jonathan Goodman
When it comes to grills, propane has become the fuel of choice because of its numerous advantages. Close to 60% of the grills used by consumers today run on propane. Propane grills can be switched off and on, letting you start cooking right away. The heat can be controlled for mild to extreme grilling. These grills also cool down quite quickly. As there is no actual fire, there are no sparks, and therefore, no issues with cleaning after you grill.
Barbecue grills using propane run on liquefied petroleum gas, which does not give off any odor. It is also colorless and non toxic. The 20 pound propane gas tank used for grilling can take about nine hours of cooking. Grilling being a way to enjoy great outdoor cooking, and with propane also being readily available, a lot of homeowners go in for built in indoor propane grills or at the poolside or on the deck. This provides for entertainment, as well as raising the value of the property.
With their even heat, propane gas barbecue grills are much more convenient than charcoal grills and are environmentally friendly. It is not surprising that home buyers lean more towards a home that has access to outdoor cooking equipment that is handy to use and easy to clean.
You have a choice of different types of propane grills. These are as follows:
Portable propane grills that are small, lightweight and easy to carry. You can use them both indoors and outdoors. They can be taken along on camping trips. If you happen to go fishing often, then a propane grill can be a great companion as you can savor the smoky flavor of fresh grilled fish.
Backyard grills that come with independent stands with substantial grilling area on which you can grill beef, ribs, wings and in fact, the entire bird.
Propane grills are efficient and probably the biggest advantage is their portability. Even when you move homes, you can easily carry your barbecue grill with you. In inclement weather, these can be moved indoors for cozy meals. If it is too sunny in a part of your backyard, you can always move your grill to a shaded spot.
With gas grills, you need to keep track of your propane usage, particularly if your cooking sessions are long. When the propane tank runs out, there must be a replacement readily available for uninterrupted cooking. You can also get propane tanks refilled with a local supplier, and this is not a costly affair.
Propane barbecue grills are inexpensive to run and are preferred by most barbecue chefs. The models available range from the basic to the advanced. You can easily get a good basic propane grill for under a hundred dollars. There is no lighting procedure involved like the charcoal grills, save for switching on the equipment. Food cooks quite fast, so it is time to get your cookbook with your favorite grilling recipes ready.
If you enjoy tailgating and believe in entertaining outdoors on most weekends, propane barbecues are the way to go. In fact, it does not have to be a planned event, either, as your gas grills does not need intense preparation. Propane grills are ideal for any season. Summer evenings can be fun with your outdoor cooking aromas. Winter can be made enjoyable by moving your grilling equipment indoors and looking forward to your grilled beef dripping in basting sauce. When the holidays are around the corner, you can just pick up your grill and get going on your camping trips.
About The Author: Jonathan Goodman is the owner of Market Merchants an online retailer specializing in home and garden products. My passion for bbq grilling and fireplaces is the core focus of Market Merchants. I am a member of the Hearth Patio Barbeque Association (HPBA), the National BBQ group (NBBQ), and the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS). We sell these products because we love them and are passionate about consumer living needs. So whether its furniture and decor, home improvement, kitchen and dining, or outdoor living Market Merchants brings a dedicated commitment to the customer and a passion for high quality products.
Visit Market Merchants for a wide selection of grills and smokers from our propane grills and smokers departments.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?What-You-Need-to-Know-Before-Buying-Propane-Grills&id=1142129] What You Need to Know Before Buying Propane Grills
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jonathan_Goodman]Jonathan Goodman
When it comes to grills, propane has become the fuel of choice because of its numerous advantages. Close to 60% of the grills used by consumers today run on propane. Propane grills can be switched off and on, letting you start cooking right away. The heat can be controlled for mild to extreme grilling. These grills also cool down quite quickly. As there is no actual fire, there are no sparks, and therefore, no issues with cleaning after you grill.
Barbecue grills using propane run on liquefied petroleum gas, which does not give off any odor. It is also colorless and non toxic. The 20 pound propane gas tank used for grilling can take about nine hours of cooking. Grilling being a way to enjoy great outdoor cooking, and with propane also being readily available, a lot of homeowners go in for built in indoor propane grills or at the poolside or on the deck. This provides for entertainment, as well as raising the value of the property.
With their even heat, propane gas barbecue grills are much more convenient than charcoal grills and are environmentally friendly. It is not surprising that home buyers lean more towards a home that has access to outdoor cooking equipment that is handy to use and easy to clean.
You have a choice of different types of propane grills. These are as follows:
Portable propane grills that are small, lightweight and easy to carry. You can use them both indoors and outdoors. They can be taken along on camping trips. If you happen to go fishing often, then a propane grill can be a great companion as you can savor the smoky flavor of fresh grilled fish.
Backyard grills that come with independent stands with substantial grilling area on which you can grill beef, ribs, wings and in fact, the entire bird.
Propane grills are efficient and probably the biggest advantage is their portability. Even when you move homes, you can easily carry your barbecue grill with you. In inclement weather, these can be moved indoors for cozy meals. If it is too sunny in a part of your backyard, you can always move your grill to a shaded spot.
With gas grills, you need to keep track of your propane usage, particularly if your cooking sessions are long. When the propane tank runs out, there must be a replacement readily available for uninterrupted cooking. You can also get propane tanks refilled with a local supplier, and this is not a costly affair.
Propane barbecue grills are inexpensive to run and are preferred by most barbecue chefs. The models available range from the basic to the advanced. You can easily get a good basic propane grill for under a hundred dollars. There is no lighting procedure involved like the charcoal grills, save for switching on the equipment. Food cooks quite fast, so it is time to get your cookbook with your favorite grilling recipes ready.
If you enjoy tailgating and believe in entertaining outdoors on most weekends, propane barbecues are the way to go. In fact, it does not have to be a planned event, either, as your gas grills does not need intense preparation. Propane grills are ideal for any season. Summer evenings can be fun with your outdoor cooking aromas. Winter can be made enjoyable by moving your grilling equipment indoors and looking forward to your grilled beef dripping in basting sauce. When the holidays are around the corner, you can just pick up your grill and get going on your camping trips.
About The Author: Jonathan Goodman is the owner of Market Merchants an online retailer specializing in home and garden products. My passion for bbq grilling and fireplaces is the core focus of Market Merchants. I am a member of the Hearth Patio Barbeque Association (HPBA), the National BBQ group (NBBQ), and the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS). We sell these products because we love them and are passionate about consumer living needs. So whether its furniture and decor, home improvement, kitchen and dining, or outdoor living Market Merchants brings a dedicated commitment to the customer and a passion for high quality products.
Visit Market Merchants for a wide selection of grills and smokers from our propane grills and smokers departments.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?What-You-Need-to-Know-Before-Buying-Propane-Grills&id=1142129] What You Need to Know Before Buying Propane Grills
Winter Cleaning and Storing Tips For Your Barbecue Grills
Winter Cleaning and Storing Tips For Your Barbecue Grills
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Brad_Vitosh]Brad Vitosh
With the approach of winter, I know that some of you are thinking it's time to pack your grill away until spring. And I also know that some of you are planning on forgetting and just letting your grill sit under a foot of snow all winter. Of course that's not what anyone plans on doing, it just happens that way. If you do you deserve to find your trusty barbecue rusted come spring.
After a long summer of grilling you probably have a good build up of black, greasy gunk in your grill. Nasty as it sounds, you want to get in there and get all of that cleaned out. This stuff can be corrosive burners. Dismantling your gas grill and cleaning off the individual parts is actually the easiest way to go. Once you have the grill stripped down to the shell you can clean it out easily with warm soapy water and a good rinse from the hose. The burners and grates can be cleaned up inside. You should also make note of any part that is rusted through and need replacing. You might not be able to find those parts in the off season but you will know exactly what you need when the stores roll out their barbecue selection next year. This is an excellent time to repaint your grill either entirely or parts that need paint.
With the shell and all the components clean you can reassemble the grill. Fire it up one last time to make sure that it is completely dry. Now you can go over the metal parts with some cooking oil or spray. This will repel any moisture that might build up during the winter. Now you should cover your grill and park it in a place where it will be sheltered from the elements. An important note about gas grills is that while a nice dry corner of the garage is the perfect place for the grill, it is not the place for the gas tank. Never store propane bottles in an enclosed area. Even the slowest of leaks can flood an area with explosive gas. It's best to keep the tank in a well ventilate area, protected from the weather.
If you have a charcoal grill the same basic rules apply. But you'll have a much easier time of it. Charcoal grills and smokers tend to only need a light coat of oil over the cooking grates and don't need to be oiled down like a gas grill. When spring arrives always let your grill or smoker heat up completely before you cook. This will burn off this protective oil covering.
You can get more information about Gas Grills or Charcoal Grills at http://www.outdoorgrillsandsmokers.com
Brad Vitosh
Owner
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Winter-Cleaning-and-Storing-Tips-For-Your-Barbecue-Grills&id=1632102] Winter Cleaning and Storing Tips For Your Barbecue Grills
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Brad_Vitosh]Brad Vitosh
With the approach of winter, I know that some of you are thinking it's time to pack your grill away until spring. And I also know that some of you are planning on forgetting and just letting your grill sit under a foot of snow all winter. Of course that's not what anyone plans on doing, it just happens that way. If you do you deserve to find your trusty barbecue rusted come spring.
After a long summer of grilling you probably have a good build up of black, greasy gunk in your grill. Nasty as it sounds, you want to get in there and get all of that cleaned out. This stuff can be corrosive burners. Dismantling your gas grill and cleaning off the individual parts is actually the easiest way to go. Once you have the grill stripped down to the shell you can clean it out easily with warm soapy water and a good rinse from the hose. The burners and grates can be cleaned up inside. You should also make note of any part that is rusted through and need replacing. You might not be able to find those parts in the off season but you will know exactly what you need when the stores roll out their barbecue selection next year. This is an excellent time to repaint your grill either entirely or parts that need paint.
With the shell and all the components clean you can reassemble the grill. Fire it up one last time to make sure that it is completely dry. Now you can go over the metal parts with some cooking oil or spray. This will repel any moisture that might build up during the winter. Now you should cover your grill and park it in a place where it will be sheltered from the elements. An important note about gas grills is that while a nice dry corner of the garage is the perfect place for the grill, it is not the place for the gas tank. Never store propane bottles in an enclosed area. Even the slowest of leaks can flood an area with explosive gas. It's best to keep the tank in a well ventilate area, protected from the weather.
If you have a charcoal grill the same basic rules apply. But you'll have a much easier time of it. Charcoal grills and smokers tend to only need a light coat of oil over the cooking grates and don't need to be oiled down like a gas grill. When spring arrives always let your grill or smoker heat up completely before you cook. This will burn off this protective oil covering.
You can get more information about Gas Grills or Charcoal Grills at http://www.outdoorgrillsandsmokers.com
Brad Vitosh
Owner
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Winter-Cleaning-and-Storing-Tips-For-Your-Barbecue-Grills&id=1632102] Winter Cleaning and Storing Tips For Your Barbecue Grills
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