after some thorough research, these are the grill features that I decided I couldn't live without prior to the purchase:
price range = < $400
must operate on propane fuel - although charcoal offers a more flavorful finished product, I knew I didn't want to spend the time or energy f'ing with coals and lighter fluid. natural gas wasn't an option since I don't have a hook up at the place that I rent.
must have a side burner - gotta be able to cook burger toppings and sides without having to go back and fourth to the kitchen.
must be cute - surprisingly it was impossible to find a pink grill. guess stainless steal or red would suffice.
must have porcelain covered grates - I read that they are easier to clean.
must be of adequate size - 3 + burners with a good size cooking surface area. I want to be able to throw a party and cook more than 4 burgers at a time.
BTUs - I don't care. there are way more important things to worry about.
grill was purchased in June of 2011. please see actual results below:
price range = < $400 $200. I was toying with the idea of moving to an apartment and/or leaving SD. I figured if I pay less than $200, and managed to avidly use the grill for at least 2 months, I could sell it for like $100 and still make out.
must operate on propane fuel - although charcoal offers a more flavorful finished product, I knew I didn't want to spend the time or energy f'ing with coals and lighter fluid. natural gas wasn't an option since I don't have a hook up at the place that I rent. check
must have a side burner - gotta be able to cook burger toppings and sides without having to go back and fourth to the kitchen. the grill I ended up with who by the way is now know solely as Sh'Antel (name explained below) has the side burner but still have not used it due to its sensitivity to the wind. the BBQ is situated close to the kitchen door so its not a big deal to use the stove for toppings and sides.
must be cute - surprisingly it was impossible to find a pink grill. guess stainless steal or red would suffice. decided that my best bet would be to go with a big black girl {grill} and name her appropriately.. ...black will compliment my patio decor regardless of the color scheme. i read too many reviews that complained about stainless steel becoming discolored over time. I learned that you probably wouldn't get a good grade of steel on any grill below $500.
must have porcelain covered grates - I read that they are easier to clean. porcelain covered seems to be working out fine but I'm concerned that the coating might peel away like that of a Teflon pan? you are supposed to discard pans on the first sign of peeling due to health concerns. I wonder if this is the same for coated grates? solid porcelain seems like a better way to go.
must be of adequate size - 3 + burners with a good size cooking surface area. I want to be able to throw a party and cook more than 4 burgers at a time. the one I ended up with has 463 square inches of cooking area. its more than enough space for the majority of the time when I'm just cooking for me and the roomies. it was a good size for the BBQ of 50 + people that I threw shortly after the purchase. Parties that size would be few and far between... especially if I moved to an apartment; guess I could have gone smaller but I have no size complaints this time (for once).
BTUs - I don't care. there are way more important things to worry about. Sh'Antel features 46,000 BTUs -10,000 of that goes to the side burner. you cant tell how hot a grill will heat based off of BTU's alone, but I read that 100 BTUs per square inch of cooking area is a good rule of thumb. That means that Sh'Antel's heating capacity is a little on the low end. this has not been a problem for me. maybe burgers take a few seconds longer to cook than usual? not noticeable.
the next time I purchase a grill, it needs to have a storage cabinet (for obvious reasons) and a warming rack that is connected to the lid (so that the rack moves with the lid when you open it). I've burned myself a couple of times trying to reach food that is under the warming rack.
necessary grill accessories:
water/weather proof cover - don't think you will pull it in and out of the garage. you won't. I tried.
metal tools - spatula, tongs, fork
cleaning brush - no need for the double sided one. you only need the wire brush. brush off the grates after each use while the grill is to hot is the easiest way to maintain its cleanliness.
non stick tray - to prevent small veggies, etc from falling through the grates
oven cleaner (fume-less) - use it once a month to deep clean your grill.
unnecessary grill accessories:
slider holders - the cooking surface varies too much in temperature. its easier to just turn the sliders one at a time an place them on the warming rack as they become ready to serve.
fish baskets - just put it on foil or a non stick tray maybe a wooden cutting board that has been soaked in water?
smoker / wood chip boxes - I don't know. just doesn't seem worth the hassle.
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| Miss Sh'Antel |
