|
|
BBQ Grills Overview
Home » Outdoor Living » BBQ Grills » BBQ Grills OverviewThere aren’t many grand statements that apply to the American populace as a whole, but it’s safe to say that Americans love BBQ. In its many state and regional variations BBQ’s popularity continues to grow, and the last few decades have seen an explosion in both the numbers of people who own BBQ grills and the amounts of times they use those grills each year. Americans barbecue at home and at sporting events and vacation spots, just to name a few of the more popular BBQ spots. Research from the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association (HPBA) indicates that 85% of American families own a BBQ grill. Millions of new BBQ grills are shipped each year, and many grill owners cook not only in the summer, but throughout the year as well.
Of the millions of BBQ grills purchased each year, there are three principal varieties of grill, with many variations in features and options among each variety. It’s likely that you’ve consumed a burger or steak cooked on a traditional charcoal grill, and those grills still sell quite well. Charcoal grills are relatively inexpensive, with many models between $50-$100, and charcoal itself is also inexpensive and easily purchased. From a negative perspective, charcoal grills require more set-up time than gas or electric grills; they also produce more smoke, are more difficult to maintain at a steady temperature, and require a good bit of post-cooking work.
grilling/using-a-gas-grill/">Gas grills are usually a bit more expensive than charcoal grills, with prices ranging from $150 for standard units to $5,000 or more for large, feature-laden grills. However, the fuel for grilling/using-a-gas-grill/">gas grills is inexpensive and is also widely available. grilling/using-a-gas-grill/">Gas grills require less preparation than charcoal and it’s relatively easy to maintain a steady temperature on a gas grill. Additionally, grilling/using-a-gas-grill/">gas grills allow users to cook more quickly than on a charcoal grill, and cleaning a gas grill takes less time than cleaning a charcoal grill.
Electric grills have experienced a swell in popularity over the past few years. Prices range anywhere from $150-$500 and the grills themselves are very simple to use. Most electric grills can be used inside because of the absence of smoke or flare-ups, and the grills require very little preparation or cleaning time. However, because the electric grills require a power source, your ability to use an electric grill away from your home is lessened in comparison with a charcoal or gas grill.
Related BBQ Grills Articles