As we continue growing and the world keeps urbanizing more and more, our daily lives tend to become busier by the second. Work, school assignments, house chores and many other responsibilities take up more than half of our day. This can lead to piled-up stress and anxiety, which is why it’s important to take some steam off every once in a while, and what better way to do so if not by bonding with family and friends on a tasty BBQ event.
Outdoor barbecue parties are quite popular, especially during the summer days. They are a great event to which you can invite over your closest friends, family and even your neighbours. Music playing in the background, the mouth-watering smell in the air and all of you enjoying the moment while eating a tasty barbeque meal. It sounds perfect, does it not? So, if you are looking to throw an event that will boost everyone’s mood up, including your own, definitely go for a nice barbeque get-together. Now, besides the drinks, decorations and the music, the most important thing at this kind of party is the grill. It’s where all the magic will be happening, so you have to know your grills and choose correctly. Continue reading below to find out more about the main types of outdoor barbeque grills and make sure you make the right decision.
The Main Kinds of Backyard Grills
To throw an unforgettable BBQ party means to have a quality grill. Now there are several types to choose from, so let’s take a look at the main kinds of grills:
Gas Grill
The most common type would have to be the gas grill. It has proven to be the best kind of patio barbecue grill that will help you cook tasty meats fast and easy. It makes an excellent choice because it requires no dirty charcoal handling or no ash to clean up afterwards. You just go ahead, turn the knob and get to barbecuing!
Another thing that makes the gas grill so great is the fact that it will take up less of your time. They heat up super fast and as mentioned above, they have knobs with which you can control the overall temperature. You can even choose if you want to grill your meat on direct on indirect heat. They mainly function on natural gas or bottled propane, which both make great choices and it’s up to you to choose which is most convenient for you.
An important thing to note here is that these kinds of grills are quite expensive, but it’s without a doubt that they make a great long-term investment. You can place it on your backyard patio and use it whenever you feel like it. It makes a really fun and tasty activity.
Charcoal Grills
The charcoal grill is also one of the most popular choices out there. They are a great choice for people who like the old-fashioned kind of barbecue event. They are very easy to use, portable and are way more affordable than the gas grill.
The most common reason why people choose the charcoal grill is because of the smoky flavour it provides. After preparing the meat of your choice on this kind of grill, it will surely taste very delicious and rich. The way these grills work is mainly by air. When air comes into the grill, it passes through the charcoal and exits through a vent on top of the grill, which is very similar to a wood-burn stove. When more air gets in, the grill becomes hotter. The good part is that you are the one who will be controlling just how much air will be entering the grill. This will offer perfectly balanced heat which will cook up your meats nicely.
The cons of this kind are that it will take up a bit more time and it will be really hard to clean up afterwards. It’s important to know what you are getting into to make sure you enjoy the whole barbecuing process.
Electric Grills
Now, what if you don’t have a huge backyard or if you live in a city where it’s forbidden to regularly use charcoal or gas-based grills. Well, then definitely opt for a quality electric grill. They come in both in and outdoor varieties that you can choose from and they don’t require fire. Their main heat source is located inside the electric plates.
The best thing about these grills is that they are much more convenient for the urban lifestyle. They are very easy to handle and clean afterwards. The only con would be that they definitely won’t provide the same authentic, smoky taste as the other types of grills can, but it will surely get the job done and prepare your meat. Another thing to note is that they tend to be an expensive variety.
The Pellet Grill
Another grill you can choose from is the classic pellet grill. It was very popular back in the days and it is still quite requested now. They are also known to be called hybrid grills because they can act as a grill, a smoker or even a regular kitchen oven.
They mainly function by burning up wooden pellets, which will add a very rich flavouring to your foods. The best thing about these grills is that they function on their own. They come with an installed digital controller that will regulate the temperature adequately, and a system that automatically adds pellets when needed. You won’t need to babysit just like you would while cooking on a charcoal or electric grill, which will give you more time to focus on your guests and enjoy the party.
A con would be that they are an expensive option and they won’t allow you to be fully in control of the cooking act. Overall, they make a great choice of an outdoor barbecue grill for people who like to focus more on socializing.
How to Choose the Right Grill for You
Now that you are aware of the main types of grills, let’s answer the question you are asking yourself – What should I look for when buying a BBQ Grill? Here are a few things to consider when buying a barbecue grill:
- The Size – Before purchasing you should first consider the size of the grill. A bigger sized one will take up a lot of space and it will be much more expensive. Take into consideration how many people you will be cooking for occasionally and will you need a large-sized one or not.
- The Materials – Without a doubt, the best materials for grills are cast iron, stainless steel or cast aluminium. With the proper maintenance and cleaning, the right materials won’t rust and will not ruin the taste of your foods. Some of them will heat up faster, which will speed up the whole process. So read up and choose wisely.
- The Extra Features – Some grills come with no features at all which is why they won’t be as expensive. But if you think you might need some add-ons, then it will surely make a good investment. Features like lids and hoods, thermometers or side burners will enhance your whole barbecue experience and make it more convenient.
- The Price – It’s important to check on your budget. Spending a large amount of money on pricey grills if you don’t plan on barbecuing regularly will just be a recipe for disaster. Make sure to sort your money and buy a quality grill that will match your needs.
To Sum Up
Barbecue parties are the way to go if you want to add fun to your summer days. Just be sure to have the proper essentials. Get the best patio barbecue grill out there, grab the cooking utensils and the right kind of serving trays along with drinks and you will be ready to have an event of a lifetime. Don’t forget to sit back and enjoy the tastiness.
