Tools of the Trade: Grills

Grilling for good

It used to be that you had to wait for warm summer weather to get out back and fire up the grill. Sure, summer’s still a great time to get the flames going, but with the wide variety of grills on the market today, you can enjoy this simple pleasure year ‘round. Combining exceptional flavor, quick cooking and easy clean-up, grilling is more popular than ever before.

With the wide variety of grills and grilling pans on the market, choosing the right grill for you may be a little bit overwhelming. Figure out when, where and how you’ll use your grill in order to simplify your purchase. In addition, aesthetic preferences and budget will also come into play.

One key factor to consider no matter what type of grill you buy is its material. The stronger and sturdier the material, the more the grill will cost. But remember, these grills will last longer, making the investment well worth it. The grates (or cooking surface) of many outdoor grills are made from heavy-duty plated steel or chrome plated aluminum; however, the best choices are cast iron, stainless steel or porcelain coated aluminum. The best indoor grills and grill pans are typically made from cast iron or non-stick Teflon.

Following is a list of the different types of grills on the market today. Look for features that are right for you and you’ll be thrilled to grill every time.

Standing Gas Grill: This powerhouse of backyard grills is easy to use at any time of year. Fueled by refillable propane tanks, all you need to do is turn on the burner to get the flame started. The best ones have at least two burners that heat the front and back or left and right sides of the grill. This allows for flexibility when cooking multiple items. If you are looking for something easy, convenient and quick that you can use practically all year long, the standing gas grill is perfect.

Kettle Grill (aka Charcoal Grill): For those who want the excitement of building their own fire and cooking over an open flame, kettle grills are the answer. Kettle grills tend to be smaller than gas grill so they cost less upfront. (However, charcoal costs may even out that margin in a short time.)To make them work, you need to preheat your charcoal in the kettle and allow the grill to come up to temperature. This can be time consuming and frustrating. However, proponents claim that cooking over charcoal creates better flavor and enjoy the challenge of cooking with a less predictable flame.

Portable Grills: Small gas and charcoal grills are perfect for those who have limited outdoor space, but still want that great grilled flavor. They are perfectly suited for compact patios and decks and also easily transported in the car for tailgating parties, camping trips and picnics. Portable grills cost less then large gas or charcoal grills, but can not cook for as many people at one time. These are great for singles and those on the go.

Electric Grill Pan: If you have no outdoor space, but still want nice grill marks on your food, an indoor grill is perfect for you. Electric grill pans just plug into the nearest outlet and heat up on their own. They heat fairly quickly and are easy to use, but their grilled flavor usually pales in comparison to outdoor grills. Some electric grills have two sides that may be pressed together to make grilled sandwiches and quesadillas in a snap, making them useful for a family with lots of kids. Unlike outdoor grills these can be difficult to clean; however, they provide great grilling solutions in cold winter months when hitting the deck simply isn’t an option.

Stove Top Grill Pan: A stove top grill pan is simply a skillet or griddle that fits on top of the burners on your stove. You heat it as you would any pan, but it has ridges on top that add a grilled look to your food. These simple pans cost less than electric grill pans and are easier to clean. As long as you have a stove that heats nicely, these grill pans make indoor grilling an easy endeavor.

Grill Maintenance

Maintain your grill by cleaning it properly before and after cooking. Always brush it with a wire grill brush after it has cooled to remove any remaining food scraps. Then, wipe it down with a lightly oiled side towel. Place the cover on the grill until you are ready to use it the next time. Also, make sure you always turn off the gas after using a gas grill to prevent leakage.