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The grill is the most expensive single item in most outdoor kitchens, and the wide variety of features can make the choice seem overwhelming. Here are some things to consider when looking for a grill:
Features and Fuel
Focus on the food, not the grill. What you cook and how you like to cook it will help determine the best grill for you. If steak seared to perfection is your priority, a grill with a high-Btu output or with infrared burners will serve you best. Want to roast large birds? Look for a rotisserie feature with a rear-mounted infrared burner. Some foods, such as pork, require high initial heat for searing followed by lower heat for thorough cooking; fish generally requires lower temperatures. In both cases, a conventional gas burner works nicely. The best grills typically offer several options, so you don’t have to trade versatility for performance.
Next, consider the fuel for the grill. Hard-piped natural gas is the most convenient and the most common fuel for built-in grills. Liquid propane gas (LP), typically stored in 20-pound cylinders, is used more widely than any other outdoor cooking fuel. It works well for remote locations or stand-alone outdoor kitchens. If you’re a traditionalist, there are still plenty of charcoal-burning units available. Many LP grills have an accessory pan that lets you cook with charcoal as well as propane.
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