Summer is here and you might be in the market to buy a new grill. There are different types of grills to choose from, and some people like to have more than one for variety. Here is an overview of some ways to cook outdoors and also some safety tips to keep in mind.

Popular Types of Grills: Charcoal Grill

Charcoal grills are considered the classic option because some people prefer the taste of cooking food over charcoal. You can find charcoal grills in the round kettle style or a rectangular model. It takes a bit of time and effort to get the charcoal hot enough to cook food.

To start the charcoal, use a charcoal chimney and newspaper. Let the coals burn for about 10 minutes until they are covered with grey ash, and then you can start cooking over them. While you won’t have the same instant gratification that a gas grill offers, many people enjoy the process of getting a charcoal grill going.

Gas Grill

Gas grills are popular because of their convenience. Lighting the grill is as easy as turning on the stove inside your house. If you like to grill out daily in the summertime and don’t have a lot of extra time to prepare for dinner, a gas grill is right for you.

If you have a natural gas line to your home, you can hook it up to your grill. Alternatively, you can use propane tanks bought from a hardware store. Use caution grilling with gas. You’ll need to check for gas leaks and always open the grill lid before igniting it to avoid a buildup of gas.

Electric Grill

An electric grill is portable and convenient as long as you have an outdoor outlet close by. Simply plug it in and it is ready for use. They are also affordable and easy to clean. One drawback is the size of the grilling area; electric grills tend to be smaller than charcoal and gas grills. This grill is a good option if you live alone or have a small family.

Smoker

A wood smoker is usually most appreciated by a meat-smoking enthusiast who treats it as a hobby. Smoking meat with a wood fire takes attention to detail, time, and skill. The temperature must be managed by controlling the amount of wood burning on the fire and the meat needs to be smoked for the perfect amount of time.

There are now high-tech pellet smokers that take the art out of smoking meat and let you set and forget it. You can achieve delicious results without all the effort, but for a high price tag.

Safety Tips for All Types of Grills

No matter what type of grill you are using, always make safety precautions the top priority. Use the grill outside in an open area, not underneath a cover of any sort. Give the grill 10 feet of clearance away from buildings, trees, and fences. Use long-handled grilling utensils to prevent burns.

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