Father’s Day is coming up, and the dads in your life deserve some love! They work so hard throughout the year, and what better way to reward them than with a new grill? It’s a great gift for so many of the dads in your life, but if you’re not that into grilling, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s where this article comes in! We’ve got some great information below on things to consider when picking out a grill this summer.
Gas vs. Charcoal
- The gas vs. charcoal grill is an age old debate, and while we’re not picking a side, we can help you lay out the pros and cons of each type, which can help determine what might be a better fit for your Father’s Day gifting. One of the great things about charcoal grills is that they can be great for both high temperatures searing as well as the low-and-slow technique. Charcoal grills are also (usually) a little easier to transport than gas grills. If you know anything about charcoal grills, you probably also know that one of the things so many people love about it is the flavor of the smoke it offers. However, that flavor comes at a price: time. Charcoal grills can take a while to heat up and actually get to a proper cooking temperature, but for some people, that extra time is worth it.
- Gas grills on the other hand are quick and can start cooking almost immediately without the cleanup of coals afterwards. It’s also easier to control the temperature of gas grills since they are equipped with knobs allowing you to turn the temperature up or down. However, gas grills are generally more expensive than charcoal grills, and they can produce flare ups, meaning they need to be farther away from the house or other structures to prevent fires.
What about infrared?
- Some gas grills offer an infrared cooking option either in addition to traditional gas grilling or in place of. These burners use a ceramic material to help the gas burner heat up more quickly. If you, or the person you’re buying for, really prioritize being able to cook quickly, this could be worth it. However, it can be easier to burn food on an infrared burner or grill, and there is less temperature control than traditional gas grills.
What about smokers?
- Smokers are a whole different class of outdoor appliances. Grills use direct heat to cook food, while smokers use indirect heat instead. While grills can often be used for indirect heat, if you or the person you’re buying for is really into the low-and-slow approach of cooking, a smoker might be the best fit.
Built in vs. freestanding
- Freestanding grills are grills that can be moved from place to place. These are what you will typically see in big box stores, and they are often equipped with wheels to move around. However, for those with an outdoor kitchen or planning on an outdoor kitchen, built in grills are the best option.