How To Choose The Right Grill
Ask any grill master, and they’ll probably tell you that grilling is an art. But, it doesn’t become an art overnight – it all starts with choosing the right grill to perform with.
Okay, so how do you do that? Here's some of our favorite tips, courtesy of the esteemed Chef Hans Schadler of Waypoint Seafood and Grill in Williamsburg, Va.
First and foremost, do your research and set your budget.
Grills can cost anywhere between $150 to more than $1,000.
When exploring your grilling options, pop into Phillips Energy showrooms in Gloucester, Mathews and New Kent with any questions you may have and we can walk you through the purchasing process.
Then, pick the type of grill you want.
The most popular choices of grills are propane/natural gas grills or charcoal/wood-burning grills.
Each type has its different pros and cons. Depending on your preferences, you will likely sway more towards one over the other.
Propane and natural gas grills:
• Provide an easier start up when grilling. They also require less time spent on clean up.
• They’re easier to maintain at a constant temperature because of thermostat controls.
• They provide a cleaner grilled-food taste, but still have the option to use a smoking box to achieve a smoked flavor.
Charcoal and wood-burning grills (like the Primo smokers we carry):
• Charcoal grills generally burn hotter and need more time to burn and get ash/charcoal ready for cooking.
• They will also require more attention and time to achieve your desired flavor – charcoal grills have hot and cold spots which again, need attention to ensure proper cooking.
• With this type of grill, you can achieve more depth of a smoked flavor than you would on a gas grill.
In the end, it comes down to preference. Using a gas or propane grill can be less time consuming, but you can develop a great grilled flavor. On the other hand, using a charcoal grill takes a little bit more time and experience in grilling, but it allows you to achieve a deeper grilled or smoked flavor.
Take into consideration your skill set as a grill master, your personal taste and how much time you have to devote on the grill, and your purchase will likely be an easy one.
