Everything to Know About Buying a Grill

When you're buying a grill and deciding between gas, charcoal, and infrared, consider what you tend to cook and how you plan to use your appliance.

Are you a frequent, year-round griller? Go propane. It's the easiest, quickest way to get a reliable fire going whenever you want one. All you have to do is turn a few valves, hit a button and wait 15 minutes. When you're done, turn it off, give the grill 15 minutes to cool and cleanup is a snap. Though propane grills do cost more than charcoal grills, they end up being more cost-efficient over time.

Are you really into that live fire and smoky smell? Go charcoal. Though it's harder to get the fire started, you can customize the heat to your preferences — setting up a super-hot fire or a mellow, indirect burn. Since the technology hasn't changed much over the years when it comes to charcoal grills, they're not expensive. You'll have to be mindful of wind and rain conditions, and since the embers take a while to die down, you'll have to wait a little longer before you can clean up.

If you're eager to grill quickly and at very, very high temperatures, consider an infrared grill. While these tend to be pricey, they heat and cook faster and get much hotter than any other type of grill.

What to Keep in Mind When Buying Any Kind of Grill

Make sure the grill is sturdy, well-built and has a lid.

Look for ample grill space — the bigger the grate area the better. You want to be able to move food to hot spots without overcrowding.

Gas Grill Guidelines

• There should be a thermometer built into the lid.
• The better gas grills have two or more distinct burners. Multiple burners are crucial for indirect grilling and cooking several types of food at once. Some grills only have one bar that coils throughout the grill, which gives you hot and cold spots.
• Look below the grates to see if grease is easily drained out of the fire box — hot fats can cause flare-ups.
• BTUs, also known as British Thermal Units, determine how much gas will be used, not how hot your grill is. Larger grills have more BTUs.
• Don't get too tempted by all the bells and whistles — the fanciest and most expensive grill is not necessarily the best.
• If your grill doesn't already come with a weatherproof cover, buy one — it adds years to the life of your grill.

Charcoal Grill Guidelines

• Your basic charcoal grill includes a grate for the charcoal, another grate for the food and a lid with adjustable vents. Fancier models include attached tables, easier ash removal and grates that open and close for adding coal.
• Buy a "chimney starter" to go with your grill. It's a metal cylinder with a heat-proof handle, and it's one of the most useful tools for charcoal grilling. It not only lights coals perfectly without the addition of lighter fluid, but is also an easy way to measure your briquettes or charcoal. We suggest buying a large one which holds enough coals for a large grill.

Infrared Grill Guidelines

• Infrared grills can cook food at much higher temperatures than gas or charcoal grills, with some models able to produce temperatures above 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. They also heat more quickly than gas or charcoal options.
• If you want your infrared grill to accommodate a range of temperatures, consider looking for one with variable temperatures or seek out a hybrid model. The latter offers both infrared burners and conventional burners in the same appliance.