Grilling fans were recently surveyed for the top things they hate about grilling and they came up with a few, namely grills that break after only a couple of years of use, annoying flare-ups when cooking, and burnt food.
Most people blame burnt food on the chef, but are surprised to learn that it's more likely the grill that's at fault. You really get what you pay for when it comes to gas grills. The design and construction of a gas grill is a primary factor in how well it cooks. Choosing the right grill can mean the difference between eating juicy steaks or charred cheeseburgers.
If you are buying that first gas grill or if you are ready to replace the one you have, try to follow these simple steps to ensure you are happy with your purchase:
Step 1: Wiggle it
This means just grab that baby by the sides and shake. If its rattling at the store, then it will be the same as you use it in your backyard. Look for carts that are welded together, not fastened together.
If it relies on fasteners and screws to be put together, the less durable it will be.
Solid steel construction is the key.
Check the thickness of the metals. Look for a 304-grade in terms of thickness gauge on the hood and trim. This ensures it will last longer.
Check the wheels since this is where most manufacturers cut corners. Casters should be up to appliance standards. Wheels should be designed for extreme temperatures without cracking or breaking.
Step 2: See What Is Inside
Lift up the hood. Most shoppers just do this and figure if its heavy, it must be ok. But that's like judging a car on the weight of the hood! Check what's inside to really judge how it will perform.
Stay away if you see nickel or chrome-plated steel. That means rust in your future. Look for porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates, individually welded porcelain-enameled steel, or stainless steel.
Check the distance between the handle and the hood to make sure you will not be burned as you open and close it. Look for a heat and weather-resistant material like stainless steel or glass-reinforced nylon.
Look for a double-walled stainless steel hood. Double-walled hoods create an insulated air space protecting the outer finish from discoloration.
Step 3: Take Out The Grates and Look Underneath
Under the grates you'll see some type of system to disperse heat from the burners and channel away food drippings. A common system is to use lava rocks or briquettes, but you have to be careful since drippings can accumulate on these and cause those nasty flare-ups. The best design is an inverted v-shaped metal bar that rests on top of the burners to vaporize drippings.
Check where the grease goes. If drippings aren't properly channeled away from the burners, they can cause flare-ups or even worse, a grease fire in the bottom of your grill. A high-capacity catch pan to catch the drippings is important . The pan has to be deeper than a cookie sheet, otherwise, gunk will end up on your patio. It's also an advantage if you can have access to the pan without turning your grill around.
Step 4: Take Out the Steel Bars
Time to check the burners under the steel bars. Lower priced grills will have only one burner or burners shaped like an H, a U, or a circle. Designs like these create uneven hot and cold spots when you grill. This is the main reason why steaks or burgers might be overcooked on one side while still rare on the other side. Independently controlled burner tubes are better, since they run the length of your cooking space, resulting in evenly dispensed heat.
The best grills have at least two or more separately controlled burners, not just control knobs. Controls for each burner give you the ability to grill by the Direct or Indirect method. Also, check if the burners are spaced to provide even heat across the entire cooking grate.
Step 5: Think About Who Made This Grill
Make sure that the manufacturer is a reputable brand. Ask yourself if the company will be around when you need grilling advice, assistance, or spare parts for the next few years. Check if the grill is actually made by the company on the nameplate, you might think it's a quality product only to discover it's a cheap import hiding behind a well-known name.
Lastly, check online reviews and ask your friends, neighbors and relatives ! If they are happy with the product, odds are you will be too. It's the best way to gauge how satisfied you'll be with your grill after you get it home.
Author Resource:
Dolores is a student who is trying to make some money on the side by promoting a varied collection of web sites. If you are looking for a good pool store or a great deal in weber gas grills , try visiting her sites.
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