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What grill features are important to you?

Written by Terry on June 12, 2007 – 9:59 pm -

Grills are available in many different sizes, materials, and cooking options. Here are some of the main things to consider when choosing which features are important for you.

Size of Cooking Surface
Most manufacturers provide two (2) measurements to describe a cooking surface:

(i) primary or grilling surface - the area that you cook on

(ii) total cooking surface - includes that same grilling surface plus the size of the warming rack or warming baskets, if applicable

These measurements are provided in square inches so that you can easily compare

it to other makes and models. The chart below may also give you perspective on

sizes.

	Grill Size	Total Cooking Surface
	Small	300 - 500 sq in
	Medium	500 - 700 sq in
	Large	700 and up sq in

Consider what you are cooking and the number of people you normally cook for and that will give you a good idea of the size of grill you need.

BTUs

British Thermal Units is a measurement unique to gas grills. BTUs describe how much energy your grill can produce from the gas it burns. The higher the BTUs, the more cooking power/heat it will deliver. Look for grills that have at least 20,000 - 25,000 BTUs to cook most foods in a reasonable amount of time. Grills in the

25,000 - 45,000 BTUs range are very common and will give you the power/heat you need to cook anything. Grills that deliver more than 45,000 BTUs are designed

to give you maximum flexibility. They generate enough heat and high enough temperatures (over 600 degrees) to properly "sear" steaks and cook most foods quickly if you want to.

Porcelain is a baked-on coating that is "stick" resistant. It is very common on many types of grills and easy to clean. Use your wire brush after the grates have cooled down. Occasionally wash with soap and water.

Stainless Steel is usually made with the same high quality steel as the hood.

• These grates are also "stick" resistant and very durable. Clean with wire brush, even if the grates are warm. Also wash with soap and water.
• Cast Iron is generally heavier that porcelain or stainless and extremely durable. In addition, cast iron retains heat for more even cooking. Plus it makes professional looking grill marks on burgers or steaks. Cast iron grates
  can usually be used on either side.

Grates

The three (3) most common types of cooking grates are porcelain-enameled steel, stainless steel or cast iron. Each piece is welded for long life and durability. And remember, if you are cooking low fat meats, lightly spray or wipe down the grates with cooking oil before you start your grill.

Burners
Burners deliver the gas to heat the grilling surface. They are usually tube-shaped or

U-shaped with small holes to allow the gas to flow. The most common materials are cast iron, stainless steel or brass. Cast iron is durable and long-lasting but will eventually rust and wear over time. Stainless steel and brass burners are more expensive but even longer-lasting because they are more rust resistant. Ideally each burner should be controlled separately, with its own knob. This allows you to adjust

Rotisseries
Rotisseries are used for cooking large meats, such as roasts, whole chickens or

turkeys. They use a spit and clamping system to hold the meat in place. The rotisserie fits in the side grooves of your grill and slowly spins over the heat. Most rotisseries are electrically powered so having access to an outdoor outlet is best. Some are battery powered. Rotisseries are designed for slower cooking but don't

forget to check on it periodically.

Back Burners & Side Burners
A back burner is just like the burner inside your gas grill only this one is mounted on the inside back of your grill. They are used in conjunction with a rotisserie and

sometimes have a protective mesh screen. It allows you to "slow cook" exclusively with the back burner rather than using the full power of the grill. If you don't use a rotisserie, then a back burner is not necessary. A side burner is just what it sounds like: a burner that fits on the side of your grill. It takes the place of a side tray and can be used to heat up sauces or boil water. Use it just like your kitchen stove top. If you want to make your entire meal on the grill, then a side burner is something to

consider.

Flare Ups

When grease from your food drips into the grill box and gets too close to the burners, it can cause a fire flare up. To minimize this, manufacturers use various materials to create a barrier between the gas burners and the grill grates. Some use ceramic briquets while others use metal plates or brackets to deflect grease and sauces away from the burners. In either case, the grease is vaporized when it hits the barrier, which greatly reduces flare ups.

Warranty
Varies by manufacturer but good grills (such as ours) offer multi-year coverage on burners, valves, grill compartment and workmanship. Your owner's manual will have the terms of the warranty.

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