Grilling can be a fun and rewarding way to prepare delicious meals for summertime family cookouts and make unforgettable memories. New to grilling? Before you fire up the grill for your first burger, let’s get advice from Chad Kvangnes, Sales Manager at Judd & Black, about grills, especially for newbies. Here’s Chad’s guide to finding the perfect BBQ grill for your lifestyle.
What is the first step to choosing a BBQ grill?
Chad: Before diving into the world of grills, take a moment to consider your grilling needs. Ask yourself these questions. How much space do you have for a grill on your patio or balcony? Are you picturing yourself grilling up classic burgers and hot dogs, or are you dreaming of slow-cooked pulled pork and smoky vegetables? How many people will you typically be grilling for? Answering these questions will help narrow down your grill options.
Another important factor is your time commitment. Charcoal grills require more time to preheat than gas grills, so consider how much time you have for setup and cooking. Finally, set a realistic budget for your new grill. Grills come at a few price points, so figure out how much you’re comfortable spending upfront. Like most things, cheaper is not better when it comes to grills. More on that in a bit.
What kinds of BBQ grills are there?
Chad: Now that you’ve considered your grilling needs, let’s get into the different grills available. At Judd & Black, we’re in love with Weber®. This brand is known for its durable products and reliable performance. Here’s a bit more about our favorite Weber® grills.
Gas Grills: Gas grills are very user-friendly and are an excellent choice for beginners. They offer quick and easy push-button startup with knobs for temperature control, making them perfect for those who want to start grilling right away. Weber® gas grills come in various sizes and models, from the compact Spirit®, ideal for small patios, to the feature-packed Genesis®, a great choice for most grillers, to the Summit® with high-end finishes and smart grilling technology. Weber® gas grills feature the innovative Flavorizer Bar system that vaporizes drippings, minimizing flare-ups and adding a smoky flavor to your food.
Charcoal Grills: The Weber® classic kettle grills are a favorite among grill enthusiasts who crave that smoky backyard barbecue taste. Charcoal grills deliver superior flavor but require a bit more setup time than gas grills and ash clean up once cooled. The kettle series has several grill sizes and fun colors; most are very portable.
Smokers: For those who love the low-and-slow cooking method, Weber® also offers the Smokey Mountain Cooker™ charcoal smoker. The first bite of tender, smoked meat makes it worth the wait. Just like other Weber® grills, the Smokey Mountain Cooker™ is available in several sizes with ample room for smoking several items at once.
Pellet Grills: The Weber® SmokeFire® and Searwood™ pellet grills offer the convenience of digital controls and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity. Pellet grills use wood pellets as fuel, infusing food with a smoky flavor. Wood pellet grills are similar to charcoal grills because you must maintain the fuel source during the cook and clean pellet dust when cooking is complete.
What is the biggest trend in outdoor cooking?
Chad: The hot trend in grills right now is the flat-top griddle. This versatile cooking surface is a perfect addition to any grill on your deck or patio, offering a perfect platform for everything from pancakes and fajitas to burgers and stir-fries. Weber® offers standalone griddles and griddle inserts that can be placed on your existing grill grates.
What are your top tips for new BBQ grillers?
Chad: Invest in Quality: A well-made grill, like those from Weber®, will last years. While a cheap grill might seem like a good deal upfront, you’ll likely end up replacing it sooner rather than later, costing you more money in the long run. Weber® grills also come with a 2, 3, 5, and 10-year warranty, depending on the model and part.
Safety First: Always operate your grill in a safe location, at least 10 feet away from your house or any building. The heat from a grill can melt siding quickly and flare-ups can ignite balconies and overhanging structures.
Cleaning and Maintenance: Remember to clean up after every grilling session. The good thing is that Weber® grills are designed for easy cleanup, with pull-out grease management and Flavorizer Bars and grill grates that can easily be scraped clean.
Accessorize for Success: There are a variety of grilling tools, cleaning brushes, and grill covers to keep your grilling experience smooth sailing. Nothing beats having the right tools for the job.
With the right grill, you can be proud of what you serve, including that secret family recipe and your summer traditions. To us, a BBQ grill means cookouts, family fun, and great memories made right in your own backyard, at the park, or at the tailgate. Judd & Black is proud to offer Weber® grills; many of us own them. Weber® is known for its durability, consistent performance, and innovative features, like the Flavorizer Bar system, which makes grilling easier and more enjoyable for beginners and experienced grill masters alike.
Hurry in and visit Judd & Black today to see our early-season in-stock selection. Our friendly staff can answer your questions and help you find the perfect Weber® grill to kickstart your grilling adventures; plus, we offer free assembly on all grills!