Frequently Asked Questions About Gas Grills and Accessories
Should I buy a charcoal grill or a gas grill?
Charcoal grills are usually less expensive than gas grills, but also tend to come with fewer amenities. But some avid grillers love the process of starting the fire and insist that the food tastes better.
Gas grills are either Natural Gas (NG) or Propane Gas (LP). Natural Gas connects to your house gas line where Propane is sold in tanks. Natural Gas costs more to install but you never run out of gas.
What are BTUs?
The British Thermal Unit (BTU) is a rating of the amount of heat the grill emits.
Gas grills come in a wide range of BTUs. As the BTUs increase so does fuel consumption.
Should I buy a rotisserie with my grill?
Rotisseries rotate the meat using a motor which eliminates the need to flip the meat and reduces flare-ups. Most rotisseries use infrared burners to cook the meat. Rotisseries cook the meat more evenly reducing the chances of burning the meat.
Should I buy a side burner with my grill?
Side burners work well to allow you to prepare other foods while you’re grilling. This stops you from having to go back and forth from the kitchen to the grill. Side burners make cooking more convenient and enjoyable.
Is a warming rack useful?
Like side burners, warming racks allow the cook to monitor the grill and not have to be tethered to the kitchen. Warming racks provide a more convenient cooking environment.
What is a drip pan used for?
Drip pans catch the naturals juices that drip from the meat you are cooking. They help to keep your deck or patio clean.
Should I buy a smoker with my grill?
Some grills come with smokers built in. Smoking meat gives the meat a rich smokey flavor that can’t be duplicated.
What control setting should I use when I’m cooking?
Most cooking failures are a result of excessive heat. Except for searing the meat, the high setting should be used for preheating the grill and for cleaning the grill. Medium and Low settings are for cooking the food.
When do I need an Insulated Jacket?
These are required for installations where the grill will be installed in combustible cabinets. For example, if you have a wood frame cabinet you will need an insulated jacket to protect against fires.
When do I need a Vent Hood?
A vent hood should be used anytime a grill is installed where there could be poor ventilation. For example, if you are installing a grill under a covered patio next your home, there could be poor ventilation, in which case you would need a vent hood.
How do I use a meat thermometer?
An oven-safe thermometer should be put into the thickest part of the meat. For an accurate reading, make sure you are not touching bone, fat, or the rotisserie rod.
Do I have to thaw my food before cooking?
You can cook meat that is frozen. It will usually take a little longer to cook. However, it’s always preferable to thaw the meat first. It will taste better that way.
