With summer around the corner, it’s time to enjoy the great outdoors with family and friends. Your deck or patio can make a great gathering place, and with the perfect grill, you can transform your backyard into an outdoor kitchen. 

What’s Your Type?
When it comes to selecting a grill, first consider the fuel source. Liquid natural gas, which includes propane or natural gas, and charcoal grills are the most common. Alternatives such as electric and pellet grills are gaining in popularity, but are more restrictive on fuel accessibility, as an electric grill does requires a standard 110-V outlet nearby. 

Convenience with Gas
Gas grills are thought to be the most convenient as they are powered by either a permanent gas line installed underground that connects to the grill, or a portable propane tank. A connected fuel source means no-fail, easy start-ups that will have you cooking in no time. With average use in the summer season, a single propane tank can last an entire season. Many find it helpful to have a back-up propane cylinder ready to go in case the fuel runs low mid-grill. The Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association reports that the majority of gas grill owners have their propane tanks refilled, while others take advantage of an exchange center to return their empty propane tanks for a new one for a moderate fee. Several grocery stores and gas stations provide liquid propane exchanges.

If the thought of outdoor gas cooking makes you weary, rest assured gas grilling is safe. Cylinders are equipped with an overfill prevention device that prevents them from being filled more than 80 percent. This prevents any fire hazard by leaving room for expansion associated with higher temperatures and prevents fumes from leaking into the air.

What will the convenience of a gas grill cost you? A small grill without the bells and whistles start as low as $199. Top-of-the-line stainless steel (often built-in) models with lots of features can go as high as $5,000 to $10,000. Low to middle priced units can be found at local home and hardware stores, while most of the higher end models can be found at specialty recreation stores. Brands to look for include Weber, Char-Broil, Kenmore, Lynx, Jenn-Air, Viking, and Wolf.

Taste with Charcoal
For those grill coinsurers who prefer the taste of the real outdoors, a charcoal grill might be a better match for you. Cooking with charcoal can add that unique, barbecue flavor often associated with outdoor cooking. If you’re feeling especially grill-savvy, charcoal grills also accommodate wood chips for fuel that can add flavor, such as mesquite and hickory. Wood chips also burn longer than charcoal briquettes and can provide a “slow-roasted” and smoky flavor to your outdoor cuisine.

Although it may offer more flavor, charcoal grills can be less convenient when it comes to firing up. Charcoal grills are often started with the help of lighter fluid, to create a quick flame to get those coals red hot. Others use the help of electric lighters that heat the coals to get them started.

Charcoal grills are available for every kind of budget and range from $60 to $1,000 for especially large grills. For $200 to $300, you can find charcoal grills equipped with a built-in gas start that offers the convenience of gas and the taste charcoal lends. Several manufacturers offer a variety of sizes, styles and colors, including Weber, Char-Broil, and Perfect Flame.

Other Flame Factors
Once you’ve decided which cooking method you prefer, there are other factors to consider prior to your purchase. For one, determine the size grill you’ll need. Factor not only the total space the grill will take-up on your balcony, deck or patio, but how much cooking space you’ll need for your family and all your guests too. Grills are measured in square inches of cooking surfaces. A good rule of thumb is 300 to 400 square inches typically cooks enough food for 2 to 4 people. If you have a larger family, or know you’ll be entertaining a lot throughout the season, a grill with up to 600 square inches can hold enough food for 8 people.

Where you will be grilling may dictate the size of the grill. If you have a balcony, you’ll most likely opt for a small gas grill to save your outdoor space for living and to prevent live flames making contact with your house. If your grill is the latest addition to your permanent outdoor living room, several manufactures provide modular cooking and preparation space, complete with undercounter refrigerators, counter space and even dishwashers for easy clean-up.

Besides cooking space, both gas and charcoal grills come equipped with a variety of features, albeit gas grills boast more bells and whistles. Rotisseries, auto-starts, light-up handles, side trays, side burners, condiment holders, built-in temperature gauges and utensil hooks are only a few of the available options you can select through different models.

Don’t forget a splash of color when choosing your new outdoor cooking appliance. Like the white goods segment, grill manufactures are offering products in a variety of colors and finishes that are now including colors. Finishes are available in porcelain enamel, aluminum and powder-coat, and stainless steel. Stainless steel is the most durable, while porcelain enamel and powder coat are easier to clean and retain heat better. Of course, it all depends on personal preference and whether your grill is the focal point of your outdoor living area.

Red Hot Accessories
Once you’ve carefully selected your latest cooking appliance, don’t forget about the necessary accessories. Since cooking on a grill is different from that of a stove, you’ll need durable and larger utensils that can withstand and protect from the heat. A set of long-handled tongs, fork and brush will handle just about anything, but also consider a knife, spatula and skewers to make grilling a snap. A quality steel wire cleaning brush will make clean-up easy and won’t melt when used on a warm grill rack. For off seasons, a cover will protect your grill from the harsh winter elements and can help keep it clean during the summer rainstorms. Bon Appetit!