Choosing the Right Grill for Your Patio or Back Deck

Summer season is officially here, which means millions of families will be enjoying backyard barbecues. There's nothing that compares to grilling your favorite foods on a nice summer evening. The combination of good food and good atmosphere makes this a special treat that everyone can enjoy. However, you'll want to make sure you have the right grill for the job.

With so many different types of grills available for sale, choosing can be a daunting and downright difficult task. Some people automatically assume the most expensive grill is the best, but this isn't always the case. To learn more about the different types of grills and which one is right for you, keep reading.

Charcoal Grill

The most basic type of grill is a charcoal grill. These have become a popular choice due to their ease of use and low maintenance requirements. Just toss some charcoal into the bottom of the grill, light it, wait for the coals to heat up, and you're good to go! Aside from the mess they create, the only real downside to a charcoal grill is the fact that it takes time to heat up. You can expect to wait around 10-12 minutes for the coals to becoming white-hot, at which point they are ready to cook your food.

Gas Grill

If you aren't willing to wait the 10+ minutes for charcoal to heat up, you can always opt for a gas grill instead. Keep in mind, however, that gas grills are inherently more dangerous than their charcoal counterpart. Owners who fail to properly clean and maintain their gas grills place themselves at risk for injury.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), three out of five households own a gas grill. The NFPA goes on to say that 8,800 house fires are attributed to gas grills each year.

Electric Grill

A third option to consider is an electric grill. They may not be quite as popular as charcoal or gas, but electric grills are still a viable alternative to consider. Electric grills typically connect to a nearby power outlet via a power cord. This means you don't have to worry about charcoal or propane, but at the same time, you need to be aware of the power cord. Accidentally tripping over it could result in serious injury, or it could knock your grill over and cause a fire.