Choosing a Barbecue: Save or Splurge
By Lisa Readie Mayer
Much like cars, barbecue grills might be grouped into several categories based on price and features: economy, standard and luxury. Whether you are searching for a basic model with a thrifty price tag or can spring for a bells and whistles-packed unit worth a bundle, you're sure to find a barbecue that meets your budget and grilling style.
Economy Grills
Economy-minded shoppers can find grills ranging between $99 and $400. These lower-priced units are found at big-box stores, home improvement centers and other discount chains (places where employees generally do not have specific training in outdoor cooking products). So in most cases you are on your own when it comes to learning about the grill, and sometimes even assembling it. This is not usually a big issue since economy grills tend to have only the most basic features, and many manufacturers have simplified the assembly process.
The lowest-priced category seems to go on sale the most because retailers want to clear out floor space right after the Fourth of July to make room for other seasonal merchandise.
Basic grills offer fewer amenities than their more expensive cousins, though many now include a side burner for warming sauces or sautéing vegetables. Grills are smaller, too, generally with two cooking burners and limited grilling surface. Support bases are commonly open carts that expose the propane tank.
Budget-friendly units typically have warranties of no more than three years-the expected lifespan of a basic burner. Burners and other parts can be replaced, of course, but you need to weigh the price of the replacement part against the original price of the grill or the cost of a new grill.
Still, these entry-level grills can be a good choice for the novice or infrequent barbecuer, or anyone with a limited amount of patio space or a tight budget.
Standard Units
If you are ready to upgrade, a standard model may be right for you. These moderately priced units are the sensible sedans or mini-vans of the barbecue world, offering roomier grilling surfaces, stepped-up features and good values. Prices range from about $500 to $1,500.
These types of units can be found at many kinds of retailers, including mass merchants and home improvement centers, as well as independent hardware stores and barbecue dealers. Specialty retailers usually offer greater expertise and pre- and postsale service, so be sure to factor that into your decision.
Middle-of-the-road barbecues, while still relatively easy on the wallet, offer significant upgrades over economy grills. They tend to have sturdier construction, heavier and thicker cooking grids and better-quality burners, offering higher BTUs and more even temperatures across the cooking surface. Durable stainless steel, used alone or in combination with painted finishes, is available as an exterior finish in this category.
Ignition systems are improved and sometimes even electronic ignition, which lights more reliably, is offered in this category. On some models, buyers can choose between propane and natural gas. And cart bases are not only more attractive, they are more functional, featuring doors to hide the propane tank and shelves for storage.
Grilling surface size is bumped up on these good-value grills, and there are multiple, individually controlled burners, making indirect grilling or other techniques easier. Features like rotisseries, smoking burners, side burners, griddle tops and handy grease-removal systems, are either standard or available as options. Warranties are longer, too, generally five to 10 years, but sometimes more.
Luxury Models
Like luxury vehicles, these grills are as much about status as function. They are big, bold and pricey, running anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 or more.
Stainless steel is the rule here, both for exterior finish and all interior parts. These grills are the ultimate in quality and can either be freestanding units or built into an island kitchen surround. Freestanding cart bases are heavy-duty stainless steel with features ranging from storage drawers and shelves to tilt-out trash bins, condiment racks and paper towel holders. Island kitchens can accommodate a host of other appliances, such as refrigerators, warming drawers and cocktail stations, which a number of manufacturers make to coordinate with their grills.
The grills themselves are virtual kitchens. Depending on the model, you can find infrared rotisseries, infrared searing burners, built-in convection features, high BTU side burners, low BTU smoking burners and pull-out easy-clean grease-trapping systems. Many units boast built-in grill lights, reversible cooking grids, drop-in wok and griddle attachments and electronic ignition systems.
Large luxury grills with multiple burners pump out a lot of BTUs, and just like big SUVs, they can be gas guzzlers, too. With all burners on, suped-up grills can drain a tank of propane pretty quickly, so you might want to consider going with natural gas if it is available in your area, or at least keeping a backup tank of propane on hand (just don't store it near the grill or in an enclosed area).
Manufacturers often offer lifetime warranties on these units. You may spend a hefty sum to purchase one, but you will not have to replace this grill any time soon.
Specialty Grills
Specialty grills with a wide range of price tags abound as well, each one offering a specific style of cooking or appealing to a targeted group of consumers. For instance, smokers cook indirectly over a low, slow wood or charcoal fire and produce a delectable smoky flavor that cannot be duplicated over any other type of barbecue.
Infrared grills cook at extremely high temperatures - up to 1,200 degrees - and create an exterior sear on meats, locking in juices beneath a great crusty surface. If you love steakhouse restaurant-style steaks, this is the grill for you. Pellet grills, on the other hand, infuse foods with the woodsy smoke emitted from compressed wood pellet fuel. And portable, camping grills are ideal for tailgaters, campers, hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts wishing to take it on the road.
Glossary: Grill Talk
BTUs - British Thermal Units measure the heat output of a burner & how much gas it'll use. The higher the BTUs, the higher the heat and the more gas it'll guzzle. Burners typically range from 13,000 to 15,000 BTUs each.
Burner - A system of tubes or cast bars that creates and disperses heat and flame through dozens of tiny ports. A grill may have multiple burners, depending on its size, and burners can be in various configurations.
Heat distribution system - Works in tandem with the burner to radiate heat while also protecting it from food drippings and preventing flare-ups. Entry-level grills use lava rock or ceramic briquets; high-end units use metal bars or plates
Infrared grill - uses a ceramic burner to produce radiant heat and cooking temperatures up to 1,200 degrees F, ideal for searing steaks and chops
Piezo igniter - a manual ignition system on low- to mid-range barbecues, which releases one to six sparks when the igniter is pressed or turned. (Electronic ignition offers continuous sparking and more foolproof lighting.)