Summer is never complete without a family barbecue. BBQ get-togethers are an excellent way to bring your extended family together for an unforgettable outdoor dining experience. Moreover, grilled meat tends to have more nutrient composition and less fat. Therefore, investing in a barbecue grill will provide you with good, homemade food, and give you an excuse to get together with friends and family. 

So, if you’re looking to buy a grill, these should be your top considerations:

1. Gas or charcoal?

The gas or charcoal debate is often a hot topic among grill masters. Gas grills are ready to use right after purchase and are easier to clean than charcoal grills. However, gas grills also carry a greater risk of fire outbreak if a gas compartment malfunctions. Charcoal grills, on the other hand, are generally more affordable than their gas counterparts. You can expect more heat from charcoal grills than gas-powered grills. Charcoal grills are also better at adding smoke flavor to steaks, but they also often leave a bigger mess than gas-powered grills. Besides that, they tend to be highly portable but lack the side burners and other accessories present in gas grills.

2. Easy to use ignitor

An ignitor is a critical component of many gas or propane-powered grills. The most popular types of igniters in gas and pellet grills include push button, battery-powered, or electric igniters. The push button’s working mechanism involves turning a knob to light up the gas-powered grill. Turning the knob generates a clicking sound and a spark that ignites the grill. Battery-powered ignitors rely on battery packs to create the igniting spark. Electric-powered igniters are the latest trend in grill ignition. Regardless of which you prefer, it’s essential to consider safety and ease of use when comparing different ignition mechanisms.

3. Heavy-duty grates and burner

Grill grates hold your meat and other food as it cooks. Cast iron and stainless steel are the two most common materials used in grill grates. Cast iron grill grates can either be enamel-coated or uncoated. Enamel-coated cast-iron grill grates have superior non-stick properties compared to uncoated alternatives. On the other hand, though they heat up much quicker, stainless steel grates are less efficient at heat retention than cast iron alternatives. Stainless steel grates also handle corrosion much better than cast-iron alternatives.

4. Accessories and extras

Grilling accessories or extras, like the following, can refine your overall grilling experience in terms of time, heat, even cooking, and taste:

• Side burners : Side burners are a standard accessory in a pellet grill and come in handy in outdoor cooking setups, as they make it possible to cook side dishes alongside the main meal. The design and ignition type are the top considerations when shopping for side burners.
• Smoker boxes : This accessory typically goes above your grill grates. It helps add a desirable smoky aroma and taste without having to use charcoal burners. Smokers come in various shapes and sizes; opt for smoke boxes that fit seamlessly to your primary grill.
• Wood scrapers :  Scrapers are an essential grill maintenance accessory, as the barbecuing process can get messy due to the oil and meat residues. Choose scrapers with a good handle and a uniform tip for best results.
• Rotisserie : The rotisserie is a neat accessory that makes grilling large pieces of meat a breeze. When choosing grill rotisserie accessories, you should consider grill size, fuel type, and British thermal units (BTUs).