Summer is here and the steaks are ready to grill, the only issue is you're not certain which type of grill to buy. There are many concerns that need to be asked when buying a grill. Things such as cost, ease of use, other uses besides grilling, flavor and portability should be considered. The most important item in this list will depend on what you need. This article looks in detail at the different categories and makes a conclusion on which grills would be best in that category, charcoal, propane, natural gas or smokers.

Cost

If cost is the main factor, the grill to go for 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, beginning at around $100.00 for a basic unit. A small smoker starts at around $130.00. Since natural gas grills are thought to be hooked to a home's gas line, they tend to be larger units, and more expensive starting around $300.00. They now have dual fuel grills as well that use natural gas most of the time but can also use propane; these are the most expensive with a starting price of $450.00 up.

Simplicity of Use

The easiest grill to use is possibly the natural gas grill. It is hooked to your homes natural gas line and therefore doesn't require you to buy large propane tanks regularly. Getting 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 be worried about. While it seems that a larger grill is a better grill, remember that larger also implies a larger area to clean.

Additional Features

Natural gas or propane grills can offer additional cook spaces that a charcoal or smoker unit can not. If you plan to cook full meals on your grill, gas 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 crucial item on your listing, a smoker or a charcoal grill should be your first priority. Smokers are designed to slow cook over time and impart a smoky flavor to meats. You can prefer the type of wood to smoke that will offer you the flavor you are looking for. 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 truly want to impress the neighbors. Charcoal is the next best in the flavor department with no gas undertone. Gas grills may also impart a good grilled flavor, and now many gas grills have a smoker option on them.

Portability

When portability is the most important requirement, propane is the way to go. 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 thinking where to put the smoldering coals. Charcoal can work and there are several small portable devices available; just make sure you have a plan for what to do with the used briquettes.

Recommendation

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

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