Although grilling is certainly a year-round passion, the summer months bring out the outdoor chef in all of us. Selecting just the right equipment is an essential part of successful outdoor cooking, and there is certainly a wide selection of barbecues and accessories available to choose from in today’s market.
One of the first, and most important, decisions to be made is whether to opt for a traditional charcoal grill, or a more convenient propane operated unit. While many diehards will never stray too far from charcoal, families with the need for fast and efficient cooking will almost always choose gas.
Often times, families or individuals who are passionate about their summer barbecues will choose to have access to both gas and charcoal. While gas may be considered to be faster and more efficient, charcoal offers the ability to cook meats slowly, and with a more consistent result. Because charcoal units are often very reasonably priced, having both types of cookers is very affordable.
Location is always an issue when choosing the right equipment. Families with their own homes have much more flexibility, while people who are living in condos or apartments may face certain restrictions. For those outdoor chefs that live above the first floor, local fire codes will often prohibit open flames on balconies. For this reason, portable cookers might be necessary in order to carry down to the ground level.
Size is very important when making a buying decision. While it can be very inconvenient to cook for a large family with undersized equipment, smaller families or singles will simply waste fuel when using a grill that is too large. Size will also be a factor when considering the space that is available for any barbecue equipment.
Regardless of whether charcoal or gas is the fuel of choice, accessories also represent an important purchase. From the perfect spatula, to forks, the sky is the limit when it comes to outdoor cooking tools. Once outfitted with everything that is necessary to create the perfect outdoor barbecue, it’s very important to maintain equipment and accessories. Keeping equipment clean, propane tanks full, and making sure there is always charcoal available, is a sure sign of a committed outdoor chef. Enjoy the summer!