Using Gas Grills
The act of Barbequing or Grilling has been around as long as humans. Cavemen quickly realized that food tasted good after it was cooked over an open fire. Barbequing has become a standard American tradition for families. The reasons as clear as to why, not only does the food that comes from barbequing on a gas grill has a taste that is unmatched by other cooking methods, but barbequing presents a reason for families to gather together.
Using Gas Grills Safely
A gas grill can offer you many benefits, including delicious grilled food and the chance to enjoy the outdoors. However, using gas grills safely is vital to a safe grilling season. Read on to learn how to safely use a gas grill. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Components of a gas grill
While many people aren’t aware of the many components of a gas grill, these pieces are vital for grilling success. Heat shields protect the burners from debris and ensure that the grill’s cooking surface receives even heat distribution. Many older grills feature lava rocks to maintain a consistent heat, but newer models incorporate durable ceramic briquette trays and metal heat shields. While heat shields are essential for cooking success, these components aren’t cheap.
A common gas grill consists of the gas source, hose, check valve, burners, cooking surface, and a warming rack. Charcoal grills also include several additional parts, such as the lid and chimney. These are usually attached to the lid, and cooking grids are installed in the bottom portion of the grill. A charcoal grill will also have an optional rotisserie. These include a motorized rotisserie, which spins the meat on a rotating skewer, which is attached to the grill’s legs.
Types of cooking surfaces
There are many different types of cooking surfaces available for gas grills. Whether you are looking for the most durable surface or the best heat transfer, a grate is an important feature. A grate should be durable, resistant to chipping, and provide excellent heat transfer. It should also prevent food from sticking to the surface. The wrong grate can detract from the quality of your grilled meal.
There are three common cooking surfaces on gas grills: porcelain coated steel, cast iron, and stainless steel. Although the least expensive option, porcelain coated steel grate sets are still very effective. Porcelain coated steel grate systems provide high heat and grill marks similar to cast iron. Additionally, they are easy to clean. But, while porcelain coated steel grate surfaces are less expensive, they may not last as long as other grill surfaces.
Price range
Gas grills come in all different price ranges, from less than $200 to over a thousand dollars. However, even at the cheaper end, some good deals are available. Make sure to read reviews and check warranties to see what the pros and cons are of various models. When comparing gas grill prices, consider what you really need from a grill, and look for features that are important to you. A higher-end model should last longer, so make sure to compare prices carefully.
Weber produces quality gas grills for under a thousand dollars. The Genesis E-325s is a handsome and functional grill that’s great for active grillers. If you’re looking for a smaller model with great functionality, try the Weber Spirit SX-315, which is a compact model with the quality of a Weber gas grill. The Cuisinart CGG-999 is another excellent option that features a three-burner cooktop and an easy-to-clean nonstick surface.
Zone cooking
Zone cooking with gas grills allows you to cook a variety of food at different temperatures. This is particularly beneficial when you’re cooking multiple types of food at once. For example, you can cook asparagus and lobster separately in one zone, while moving other types of food to the direct heat zone. This prevents the food from burning, which can be particularly dangerous for meats. Additionally, the indirect zone prevents food from overcooking.
To begin zone cooking, pre-heat your grill, and then divide the burners up into two separate zones. The number of zones you create will depend on the size of your grill and the types of foods you plan to cook. For example, if you have a four-burner gas grill, you can create two separate 2-burner zones. If you have a five-burner gas grill, you can create five zones, with each zone containing two burners.
Safety precautions
If you’re going to use a gas grill at home, there are some safety precautions you should know. The grill’s hose should not be left in an open space. If it is, debris could fall onto the tank, which could cause a leak. Additionally, keep children away from it. It is best to keep them five feet away from it. Here are some additional safety tips:
Always keep a fire extinguisher near your grill. Make sure you know how to use it, and always call 911 if you’re not sure. Don’t overfill your grill, because food fat can drip onto the flames, resulting in a big flare-up. Keeping a lid on the grill is another safety tip. This can prevent food from becoming overcooked and contribute to fire.
Cost
Gas grills are popular in restaurants, and are the most common type of cooking equipment. With a long list of advantages, these grills are the choice of professionals. Here is a look at the cost of using gas grills. Listed below are some of the most important costs associated with gas grills, as well as the benefits of using them. Before you purchase a gas grill, make sure to weigh the costs involved.
You will also need to install a gas line. The gas line can be made of stainless steel, copper, or plastic, and can cost anywhere from $25 to $75 per foot. You should install a gas line near the house to be near the prime location where you will grill. After the line is installed, you’ll need to install a shutoff valve. Once the gas line is in place, you can install a gas grill and enjoy the benefits of natural gas.
Purchasing Your Gas Grill
Gas grills work by a spark igniting the gas within the grill. Gas grills typically have a knob or button in which you push, which in turn activates a small hammer. The hammer hit’s the top of an ignition crystal. Then the burner mixes the gas with oxygen and spreads it all over the cooking surface.
Gas grills come in all shapes and sizes, which makes then ideal for just about any type of barbequing party. Smaller gas grills give you the portability needed to plan barbeque parties away from home. Larger gas grills are handy and efficient for cooking larger amounts of food quickly, and without the mess of other types of grills.
So after deciding that you indeed are in the market for a barbeque grill, there are several factors that you must consider when you purchase your first gas grill.
Weight
Gas grills literally come in all shapes and sizes. The type of grill you get should really depend on what you plan on using the grill for. If you foresee camping trips, barbeques at the beach or tailgate parties, you may want to consider getting a smaller gas grill. Smaller gas grills can range from anywhere from 10 to 40 pounds. Portable gas containers are also available for these types of grills. If your plans are more focused on home cooking, then larger grills should suit you fine.
Cooking Surfaces
Gas grills, unlike some of the other grills types, have the ability to come with many different types of cooking surfaces. These different cooking surfaces include a BBQ surface, a flat grill, and a ribbed grill. Some grills even offer these types of surfaces as none stick, which allow you to cook a whole array of foods that you would not be able to cook on a grill otherwise. You will be able to cook your whole meal, including side dishes if you plan correctly.
Some gas grills even contain a Wok type surface for cooking pasta and rise dishes, or a full rotisserie set that allows you to cook rotisserie chicken.
Surface Area
Similar to weight, you should consider the amount of cooking surface area you will need, depending on the situations you will be in. If you will only be cooking for yourself or you and one other, you will want a gas grill with a smaller surface area, as it will be easier to clean. If you plan on holding parties or cooking for a larger family, then you will want to consider a gas grill with a larger surface area.
This surface area may also include different types of cooking surfaces. Look for the type that suits you best, or is interchangeable.
Cost
Gas grills are typically on the higher end of the cost scale, as they require more mechanical parts then other grills. You can expect to spend anywhere from $200 for a smaller grill up to $1000+ for a large stationary grill. You also have to remember that you must also purchase the gas for your grill.