The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Grill for Your Backyard

Grilling is a great American past time. Choosing the best grill, however, is not always as fun of an experience.

In this Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Grill for Your Backyard, we have outlined the different types of grills, size considerations, cleaning tips, accessories to consider, and a few of our favorite models. This grill buying guide will help you to purchase the best grill for your backyard.

Consider Your Budget

Your budget can make a dramatic difference when purchasing a grill. Make sure you know how much you are willing to spend before making the purchase.

Grill prices can vary from as little as $100 to thousands depending on what you want. Here are some tips to help you save and stay within your budget.

• Compare prices. Some brands can cost more or less than others. Prices also vary based on the features included in the grills.

• Look for sales. If you are not in a rush to purchase a new grill, consider waiting until you see a good sale on the grill you want.

• Consider the cost of fuel. Make sure that you consider the cost of the grill’s fuel source as well. You will need to factor in the cost of charcoal, wood pellets, propane, or electricity, respectively.

• Work with an expert. Shopping in person at an appliance store will ensure you are working with an expert that can match you with the best-priced grill to meet your needs.

The Best Type of Grill for Your Needs

Once you have determined your budget, the next biggest thing to consider in purchasing a grill is the type of grill you will be buying.

There are four main types of grills. Each is a little different from the other. Choosing the best one for your backyard will depend on your cooking style, time, and more.

We have broken down the main types of grills and their features below.

Charcoal Grills

A charcoal grill uses charcoal as the heating element while cooking your food. Generally, you will use a lighter fluid to get the charcoal burning and then cook over the hot coals.

With a charcoal grill, you are going to get a smoky flavor and smell. Before investing in a charcoal grill, consider if you and your regular guests enjoy the taste charcoal cooking creates.

Wood Pellet Grills

Similar to charcoal grills, pellet grills use the heat created from burning wood pellets to cook your food. Barbequing with a pellet grill results in a smoky flavor as well.

Pellet grills offer a wider selection of smoke flavoring though than charcoal grilling does. You can purchase hardwood pellets for your grill that add a hint of hickory, applewood, or cherry taste among others.

Gas Grills

Gas grills include grills that can be heated by propane gas, natural gas, infrared heat, and charcoal/gas hybrids. Gas grills heat quickly compared to pellet and charcoal grills and are great for cooking quickly.

Gas grills allow you to easily maintain temperature control and adjust accordingly.

Smokers

Smokers can include pellet grills, electric smokers, and more. Smokers cook food for an extended period of time at a low temperature to achieve a strong flavor and tender meat.

Size & Portability

After you have decided which type of grill you would like to purchase, next you will need to decide if you would prefer a freestanding, built-in, or portable grill.

Freestanding Grills

Freestanding grills are the most common grill type and can include gas, charcoal, and pellet grills.

Freestanding grills range in size and can be easily moved around the yard, patio, or deck. This mobility makes it easy to store them in a shed or garage during times that they are not being used to keep them out of the weather.

Built-in Grills

Built-in grills require a designated area on a deck or patio. Most people will build them with counter space and even a sink nearby. This is the ultimate setup for a grill master that wants to impress their guests.

Portable Grills

Portable grills allow you to take them wherever you want. They are much smaller than a full-sized grill and can easily be stored in a vehicle or camper.

If you are not a regular griller, travel in an RV often, or like to tailgate, these may be a good option for you.

Maintenance and Cleaning

No matter which type of grill you choose there will be maintenance and cleaning involved. Upkeep varies depending on the grill type you choose. However, these are some things that you will have to do no matter which type of grill you choose. Some of these include:

• Wipe down after use. Make sure you remove any food particles and remainders of fuel such as charcoal and pellets. You should lightly oil your grilling surfaces with cooking oil as well.

• Deep clean regularly. This can be a chore but is essential if you want your grill to last. Cleaner all surfaces of your grill, take parts out that can be removed, and clean the exterior of the grill with soap and water. Dry and oil cooking surfaces as well.

• Replace parts as needed. Using broken parts can deteriorate your grill over time. It can also prevent it from working properly and eventually cause your grill to break down completely.

Grill Features to Consider

There are certain features that accompany select grills that you may want to consider. We have detailed a few of our favorite grill features below.

• Rotisserie. Select grill models include a built-in rotisserie feature and some brands have additional accessories that can be purchased to allow you to utilize a rotisserie cooking option on your grill.

• Storage. Having extra storage on your grill can help save you trips in and out of the house to gather your cooking supplies each time you grill.

• Side tables. Side trays are a game changer. Consider the amount of room you will have to place cooked food, plates needed, seasonings, etc. while you are cooking.

• Side burners. Side burners are helpful in allowing you to cook your entire meal outdoors rather than preparing a side dish indoors while grilling your meat outdoors.

Accessories You Need

Make sure that you are buying the appropriate accessories for your grill. Not all grilling utensils are created equally. You will want to make sure you purchase the right accessories for your specific grill. A few things you will likely need include:

• Grill brush. Get the correct brush for your cooking surface. You cannot use the same brush on each grill. Grate brushes do not work on griddles. Replace your grill brush annually or as frequently as needed.

• Grill cover. Make sure you cover your grill to prevent it from being worn down by the elements. Purchasing a quality grill cover is essential. Covering and storing your grill in a garage or shed is ideal.

• Thermometer. Having a thermometer can ensure you are cooking at the right temperature. Make sure your thermometer is working correctly and replace it when necessary.

The Best Grills on The Market

With years of experience, we know everything there is to know about grills. The experts at Cullen’s Home Center have curated this list of the best grills on the market today. We highly recommend choosing one of these models.

• Weber Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill

• Large Big Green Egg

• Weber Q™ 3200™ LP Gas Grill - Titanium

• Pit Boss Memphis Ultimate 2.0 Grill

• Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill

• Pit Boss 4-Burner Griddle

Each person’s backyard and grilling style is unique. Stop into our store today to find the best grill to meet your needs.

Shop at Cullen's Home Center

If you are ready to make a new grill purchase we would love to help you at Cullen’s Home Center in Alexandria, MN. We offer financing and a 30-day price guarantee. Work with an expert today to get the best specials available on the appliances you want.