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Buying a Grill? 6 Things you Need to Consider

All grills are not created equal. There are many makes and models available, sometimes with a dizzying array of options and add-ons. This can lead to a confusing array of choices for buyers, who may be left wondering what they really need. Before making an investment, several factors should be considered that may help you decide what make and model is best for you.

1. Does it come assembled?

This might not seem like a big deal on the surface but ask yourself this: do you want to spend hours putting together a grill? Do you have that kind of time? What if you run into problems during assembly? Do you have the tools and are you handy enough to do it? Often it can be hard to determine if the unit comes assembled, so take a close look at the product description or, better yet, ask a sales associate. This is one surprise you don’t need.

2. What materials were used in manufacturing?

Knowing what to answer to this question will give you an idea about a grill’s durability and resistance to corrosion or rust. If you’re looking for a basic grill that will serve you well for a few years and if you have a covered storage area to protect it from the elements, then a cast iron grill will suffice. But if you are looking for a grill that will last for at least a decade or more and can withstand the elements, then stainless steel is the better option.

3. What kind of warranty does it have?

You don’t expect anything to go wrong with your grill but, in the event that something does, what are your options? This is where your warranty comes in and it is one of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a premium grill. Most have a standard, comprehensive warranty that may not extend past one or two years. It’s a good idea to choose a grill that has a more extensive warranty, to help give you peace of mind.

4. How much cooking power will I need?

How much grilling will you be doing? Two or three times a week throughout the year? Will you be serving a lot of people all at once? If efficiency and output are key considerations, keep in mind the time required for a grill to reach full cooking temperature. Can you afford to keep you, your friends or your staff waiting? It’s pretty basic when you think about it. The more BTUs that a grill’s burners have, the more heat it will produce which means you can cook more, faster.

5. What kind of grilling will I be doing?

Low and slow? Hot and fast? A combination of both? Your grilling requirements are important and your grill should reflect that. Temperature and heat control are two critical factors to keep in mind when purchasing. The ability to turn burners off independently allows you to control how much heat is applied to a particular area of your grill.

6. Is mobility important?

Will you need to move your grill around? What kind of terrain or environments will it be used in? If mobility is going to be a requirement for your grill, make sure it’s up for the job. The last thing you need to worry about is losing a wheel or stability on uneven surfaces. Look for large, heavy-duty wheels and lockable casters. Welded body construction will help ensure stability and strength.

While these are the top six factors you should consider when investing in a premium grill, you should also look at other factors as well, such as the range of accessories that are available, ease of cleaning, safety, comfort and extras that will add to the overall value of your purchase.

Curious how our grills stack up? Take a look here.