Summer is here and the steaks are ready to grill, the only trouble is you're not sure which sort of grill to buy. There are many questions that need to be asked when choosing a grill. Things such as cost, ease of use, other applications besides grilling, flavor and flexibility should be considered. The most important item in this list will depend on what you want. This article looks in detail at several categories and makes a judgment on which grills would be best in that group, charcoal, propane, natural gas or smokers.

Cost

If cost is the primary factor, the grill to choose is charcoal. They start at $15.00 for a small, basic unit and only $30.00 for a standard 22" kettle grill. Propane grills are the second lowest in price, starting at around $100.00 for a basic unit. A small smoker begins at around $130.00. Since natural gas grills are supposed to be hooked to a home's gas line, they are typically larger units, and more expensive starting around $300.00. They now have double fuel grills as well that work with natural gas most of the time but can also use propane; these are the most expensive with a starting price of $450.00 up.

Convenience of Use

The simplest grill to use is probably the natural gas grill. It is hooked to your houses natural gas line and therefore doesn't require you to buy large propane tanks frequently. Buying a grill that has a battery powered or electric starter makes things even easier. Propane is probably the next easiest to use as there are no charcoal briquettes or wood chips to bother about. While it seems that a larger grill is a better grill, keep in mind that larger also means a larger area to clean.

Added Features

Natural gas or propane grills can offer additional cook spaces that a charcoal or smoker unit fails to. If you plan to cook full meals on your grill, gas powered burners and a warming tray come in handy. A rotisserie option may also be important to you depending on what you want to grill.

Flavor

If flavor is the most significant item on your list, a smoker or a charcoal grill should be your top priority. Smokers are meant to slow cook over time and exert a smoky flavor to meats. You can choose the type of wood to smoke that will provide you the flavor you like. The only problem with a smoker is when you want a quick pork chop or hamburger, it isn't so quick. Consider a gas grill for faster cook meals and a smoker when you really want to impress the neighbors. Charcoal is the second best in the flavor department with no gas undertone. Gas grills can also impart a good grilled flavor, and now many gas grills have got a smoker option on them.

Portability

When portability is the most essential requirement, propane is the solution. Charcoal grills run a close second. Small propane tanks make it easy to take your grill camping or to a tailgate function and you aren't left wondering where to put the smoldering coals. Charcoal can do the job and there are several small portable units available; just make sure you have a strategy for what to do with the used briquettes.

Recommendation

The Weber Q-100 Portable Gas Grill is the best gas grills for tailgating, camping and traveling. It's handy, built with durable materials that last a long time, it lights quickly, lightweight and it's a fun to cook on. For an affordable portable propane grill you can't beat the Weber Baby Q.

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