Grill Features Guide
10 common features you'll want to keep in mind when shopping for your next grill.
Today's grills have a variety of features that increase the versatility of a grill and can make cooking easier. Here are 10 common grill features you'll want to keep in mind when shopping for your next grill.
Tip!
Looking for more information about grills? Check out our guide Grilling 101: Types of Grills to Know to learn about the different types of grills.
1. BTU
A gas grill's heat output is measured in BTU (British thermal units). This measurement is related to the size of the burner, so it can be difficult to compare the BTU ratings of different sized grills. A small cooking area needs fewer BTUs, so in some cases, more BTU's aren't better. Though it's important to remember, the ability of a grill to sustain a consistent cooking temperature is more important than it reaching a high temperature.
2. Burners
High-end grills often include additional burners that allow you to cook sauces and other side dishes. You'll usually find the burners are on the side of the grill. The number of burners varies based on each grill.
Infrared burners use radiant heat source, rather than hot rising air (which is used in conventional grills), to cook food. Infrared burners heat up fast and cook evenly and thoroughly. They also prevent flare ups.
These attachments allow you to rotisserie cook, fry, or smoke foods.
A flat griddle attachment allows you to cook even more food, such as pancakes, bacon, and eggs.
Porcelain-Coated Cast Iron: The most desirable grid material, they wear well and are rust-resistant. This type of grid evenly distributes heat and is easy to clean. The porcelain coating helps prevent food from sticking, but can chip and rust if not properly cared for.
Porcelain-Coated Steel: While helping to prevent food from sticking, the porcelain coating can chip and rust if not properly cared for.
Stainless Steel: These grates are rust-resistant, but they can allow food to stick.
Cast Iron: Cast Iron grids require curing before use, much like cast iron cookware, to prevent rust. They are heavy grates that evenly distribute heat and stand up well over time.
Indicator lights or timers will alert you when the grill is warmed up and ready to use. Timers also help you keep track of cooking times.
8. Storage
Whether in the form of drawers, hooks, or shelves, some grills come with storage that makes the chef's job easier.
This allows you to monitor the internal temperature of the grill to help you gauge how long items need to cook.
Grease can drip from the cooking surface and create dangerous flare ups. Look for a grill with a deep, high-capacity drip pan to prevent flare ups.
Tip!
Read our guide Grill Sizes 101: How to Choose the Right Grill Size for Your Family to find the perfect grill size.
Now that you've learned about the top grill features, check out our collection of grills.
