If you are an avid griller , you know the importance of using a quality grill. However , if you are new to this method of cooking , find the right grill for you can be confusing. Below is a quick rundown of some different types of grills and how to best utilize them.Charcoal GrillsCharcoal grills are one of the most used types of grills. Charcoal grills utilize charcoal and lighter fluid to heat up and cook your food. Charcoal grills come in all shapes and sizes , and vary in cost.Charcoal grills come in small sizes , which are ideal for apartment dwellers or people with small homes. Once you have used your charcoal grill , you can clean it , and store it away.One of the most noticeable features when using charcoal is the flavor of the food you cook. To cook with a charcoal grill , you must buy charcoal briquettes and lighter fluid. Charcoal is a one use item , and will need to be discarded after each use. Charcoal can be picked up at your local superstore , gas station , or grocery store , and is typically pretty inexpensive. Charcoal must be lit and allowed to burn until the charcoal is no longer on fire , but is red embers. The best way to get the pile to burn is by stacking it in a pyramid.Propane GrillsPropane grills are also useful for someone in small areas , since they can come in smaller sizes.Gas grills work by a spark igniting the gas within the grill. Gas grills typically have a knob or button in which you push , which in turn activates a small hammer. The hammer hits the top of an ignition crystal. Then the burner mixes the gas with oxygen and spreads it all over the cooking surface.Propane grills use propane gas to cook your food. If you want to quickly cook foods while still maintaining a grilled flavor , you may want to consider Propane grills.Gas grills , unlike some of the other grills types , have the ability to come with many different types of cooking surfaces. These different cooking surfaces include a BBQ surface , a flat grill , and a ribbed grill. Some grills even offer these types of surfaces as with a non-stick coating , which allow you to cook a whole array of foods that you would not be able to cook on a grill otherwise. You will be able to cook your whole meal , including side dishes if you plan correctly. Some gas grills even contain a Wok type surface for cooking pasta and rise dishes , or a full rotisserie set that allows you to cook rotisserie chicken.Natural Gas GrillsThe easiest grill to use is by far the natural gas grill. Natural gas grills are designed to hook directly into your home’s natural gas line , eliminating the need to provide the fuel source. Natural gas grills are also one of the easiest grills to clean since you do not have to worry about cleaning out the charcoal or wood.Natural gas grills are a little more complicated then smaller grills , so they require more room.Smoker GrillsSmoker Grills are used when flavor is the number one priority. Smoker grills use wood to slow cook your meat. Flavor can be controlled by using different types of woods.Some of the common types of wood used are: Cherry – Similar to apple , but slightly bitter because most Cherry wood comes from chokecherry trees. / Use on Poultry-turns skin dark brown. Sugar Maple – Smoky , mellow and lightly sweet. / Use on Fish & Beef. Hickory – The most highly used wood , both commercially and for home use. It has a strong , heavy , bacon Flavor. / Use on Pork , Ham , and Beef. Mesquite – One of the hottest burning woods. Predominately a honey , earthy flavor with a slightly bitter aftertaste. / Use on Beef , Fish , Poultry. Oak – A lighter version of mesquite. Red oak is quite Similar to mesquite; white oak is milder. / Use on Beef & Fish. Hopefully this information will allow you to make the best choice for your grilling needs and create a tasty and fun outdoor experience.
