Home Improvement News Bureau

Get Fired Up: Grilling Is Hot

And it’s not just for summer any more – but which one is right for you?

THE MONEY PIT NEWSBUREAU – May 15, 2004:  The biggest grilling holiday of the season – July 4th—is just around the corner.  But research by the Hearth Patio and Barbecue Association shows cooking outdoors isn’t just for summer anymore, and nearly 70 percent of gas grill owners cook out year-round.  If you’re looking to update your model, Home Improvement experts and co-hosts of The Money Pit Radio Show Debby Robinson and Tom Kraeutler suggest some tips to help you choose the best type of grill to suit your needs.

“Grilling has never been hotter – no pun intended,” says Kraeutler.  “There’s no longer a grilling season, it has extended to last year-round, leading to a new trend.  Bee-hiving is the opposite of staying in and cocooning – it’s getting out and about in the great outdoors and enjoying life.”

Grills truly come in all sizes, shapes and price ranges.  Where to begin?  Robinson suggests asking yourself a few simple questions.  “Taking a little time to assess how and when you grill will save you time in the long run,” she says.

First, ask yourself where do you typically barbecue – is it in your backyard?  Do you use it to go camping or to tailgate at football games?

Second, when you grill, how many people are you cooking for and how much room do you need in the cooking area?  Is it just a couple of hot dogs or meat plus vegetables or other side dishes?  Do you cook for one or two people, a family of four, or typically a larger group?

Third, how often do you usually grill?  Once a month?  Once a week?

Fourth, what’s your budget? Small charcoal grills start at $15; gas grills range from $100 - $5,000; and electric models are typically $100 - $300.

Next the biggest decision is what type of heat source best fits your needs: gas, electric or charcoal. While charcoal gives a great flavor, it requires more time to start the fire and is messier to clean up. Electric can be a good option for places where gas grills might not be allowed.   Gas grills are a favorite for their ease of use.  Char-Broil (www.charbroil.com) offers two new types of gas grills that are a value – the Terrace Series for the novice griller or the Stainless series for passionate griller.  Both offer additional features such as warming racks and side burners as well as electronic start. 

Kraeutler also suggests looking at the Kenmore line of grills (http://www.kenmore.com), which covers the entire spectrum including some hybrids that offer dual fuel options. The Kenmore Command Flame grills are stainless steel and feature cast-iron burners.  The Kenmore Elite grills are high-end models that offer optional granite and stainless steel grill-island kits to make your outdoor kitchen rival that of the indoors. “You can spend $15 on a grill or $2000 – but what matters is choosing one that will fit when, where and how you want to use it,” says Krauetler.

For a unique twist especially designed for do-it-yourselfers, Robinson suggests checking out the Tool Box Grill by Hans Plads (www.toolboxgrill.com).  It’s available in both charcoal and gas versions – a big hit for tailgating, camping, picnics or the backyard.  Yet another version is a kettle barbeque.  These all purpose cookers work on a convection system and allow not only grilling and broiling but roasting and baking, too.  Outdoor Chef International (905-258-8217) offer both charcoal and gas versions in a variety of colors.

Above all, find the grill that’s right for you – you might find you use it more than ever before.

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