Weber Original Kettle Premium One-Touch Cleaning BBQ Grill

In many areas of the country, when the weather turns warm, the barbecue grills come out. Summertime is for backyard get-togethers where hamburgers and hot dogs are grilled up and handed out. Foods like steaks and chicken are never quite as good as they are when cooked on a good grill.

But if you haven’t shopped for a new barbecue grill in a while, you may be surprised at the many options. You’ll still find plenty of gas-powered grills, but even they have improved. You can now find grills that use technology to ensure every inch of the grill is heated to the same temperature, eliminating the need to move food around to make sure everything cooks evenly. You’ll also find that some grills start with the push of a button and heat up quickly, which means you won’t have to stand around waiting for it to reach the right temperature.

“There is a dizzying array of options to consider when you start looking at BBQ grills, and it can be a little confusing,” says culinary expert Julie Chernoff, member of Les Dames d’Escoffier, dining editor for Better magazine and food journalist. “Some people prefer the ease of a gas grill — easy to turn on, quick to get to temperature — but there are other energy sources to consider, like infrared, wood pellet, electric, and charcoal briquet. ”

One newer type of grill that has become popular is the wood pellet grill. This adds a smoky flavor to your meat that you can’t quite get from charcoal or gas grills. This type of grill can be much more expensive, but for true foodies, the smoky taste is well worth it. These grills can act as a smoker, tackling foods like ribs and chicken, or cook more traditional grilled foods, like steaks and hamburgers.

“If you’re looking for that wood-grilled flavor, the wood pellets will impart that smokiness to the food, and they come to temperature faster than charcoal,” Chernoff says, “Although they also burn quicker, so for longer grilling projects, you will probably have to supplement.”

Another newer available type is the infrared grill, which uses gas or electricity to heat a solid surface; the radiant energy from this surface heats the food. Infrared grills reach high temperatures and are excellent for searing meats to seal in flavor — “but overcooking and drying out of proteins can be an issue,” Chernoff notes.

And of course, there is the traditional charcoal grill.

“Charcoal, the old standby, is super versatile, and lends itself well to larger grills,” Chernoff says. “The coals are generally piled in a chimney and lit; once they are ready, they are spread out over the bottom of the grill, and the cooking grate placed above. After the cooking is done, the cooled ashes are cleaned out and disposed of.”

You don’t even have to wait for good weather to grill, thanks to the indoor units that are on the market today. These grills have expanded in recent years, growing in size and capabilities. You’ll also find that some indoor grills can be used outdoors, as well, coming with a special pedestal that can be removed when you bring it indoors. Many of these are electric.

“Electric grills can be used indoors or out, and they are very affordable, though generally smaller,” Chernoff says. “They do not get as hot as any of the other grilling options.”

If you’ve ever tried to cook for a crowd on a grill, you probably know space can be at a premium. Now, there are grills on the market that keep that in mind, creating enough cooking space to squeeze in plenty of burgers, hot dogs, steaks or whatever else you want to cook. Some also come with side burners and warming areas that make it easier to keep multiple items going at the same time.

Cleanup is also a factor with any grill you buy. Plenty of outdoor chefs have wasted valuable time scraping away melted on food particles. To avoid this, look for a grill that collects waste and food debris in a separate tray to keep your cooking surfaces as clear as possible. Removable grates and other pieces are also helpful. If they can be put in the dishwasher, that’s even better!

Affordability can also be a big differentiator. You’ll likely find that wood pellet grills are far more expensive than standard gas grills, which is understandable, considering their expanded functionality. Features like even heating and extra warmers may also drive up the price among standard grills, so if you notice one is more expensive than another, consider all of the extras you’ll be getting. On the far more affordable end are the indoor grills, which may not make food that tastes quite as good as what you’ll get with a gas grill or a wood pellet grill, but will have plenty of advantages in addition to low price.

• When it comes to any cooking appliance, what you really want to know first is, “How will the food taste?” In recent years, pellet grills have become increasingly popular due to the rich, wood-grilled taste you get with each bite. You can even find models that are both wood-pellet grills and smokers that allow you to grill, smoke, bake, roast, sear, braise, barbecue or chargrill your food.
• Electric grills create delicious-tasting food for what they are, but you still won’t get the same taste as you would on a charcoal or propane grill.
• When you’re ready to grill, you want plenty of space to squeeze all your items in. Grills with a cooking surface area of 700 square inches are ideal for families and couples who host large outdoor barbecues. Keep in mind that a grill with a 450-square inch surface can grill up to 12 burgers at the same time. Smaller grills with a round cooking surface of just 240 inches are okay for individuals and couples who like to cook a few pieces of chicken or a package of hot dogs.
• If you’re looking for easy setup, the Techwood Smokeless Grill 1500W Indoor Grill is the best choice. It comes completely assembled. Some grill models require complex setup processes, so you’ll want to set aside some time at the outset.
• Electric grills rely on a power cord, which is oftentimes fairly short. Make sure you have somewhere to set it near a power outlet, whether you’re using it in your kitchen or on your back patio.
• If you’ve ever owned a grill, you probably know how hard it is to find one that emits consistent heat across every square inch. You shouldn’t have to move your items around from the warm area to the hot area to make sure everything cooks. Some grills build in TRU Infrared technology to cook evenly across the entire surface. This is also the tech behind how a grill warms up faster and gets hotter than other grills.
• Electric grills are able to offer even cooking, but they also give you more control over how much heat you’re using. With some pellet grills and smokers, you’ll get consistent temperatures unless the heat controller unit malfunctions. This is a known issue with these grills.
• If you want a grill you can take along with you, perhaps for a family reunion, you’ll want to stick with a model that’s around 4 pounds. This makes it easy to transport. Some models can even rest on a countertop, as they have removable legs.
• Electric grill lines specialize in letting consumers achieve that grilled effect indoors, which keeps you grilling even during those long, cold months. To use them inside, you’ll just need to remove the pedestal and take it inside. But one of the best things about this type of grill is that it can also be used outside. These grills are rather large, so you’ll need to make sure you have enough counter space for them.
• Nobody wants to spend time scraping and cleaning the grill after use. Look for a specially designed waste and oil collector to help keep the surface clean while you cook. Additionally, a grill with a removable cooking plate that has a non-stick coating makes cleanup easier. Unfortunately, these often aren’t dishwasher safe, though.
• If you’re looking for an affordable grill, the Techwood Smokeless Grill 1500W Indoor Grill will be appealing. But if you want a gas grill, there are other contenders. Wood pellet grills and smokers will usually be priced well above other grills, due to the fact that they can give food that desirable smoky taste.