ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, May 8, 1996 TAG: 9605080008
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 8 EDITION: METRO
MEMO: ***CORRECTION***
Published correction ran on May 9, 1996. An incorrect phone number
for information on buying a barbecue grill was listed in Wednesday's
Food section. The correct number is (800) 621-6929.
The big grilling season is about to get under way, and many will-be barbecuers are right now shopping for a new grill.
The Barbecue Industry Association says more than half of all grills are bought to replace another grill. These second-time buyers are looking for upgraded, higher quality grills with lots of additional features to add convenience and versatility to their outdoor cooking.
Whether this will be your first grill or you're looking to replace an old one, you've got many choices. Today's grills span from bare-bones tabletop models to veritable al fresco kitchens, in every price range.
To decide which type of grill is right for you, first determine what kind of barbecuer you are or want to be. Ask yourself:
* How often do you barbecue? Do you merely flip burgers on the major summer holidays, or do you cook out several times a week almost year-round?
* What do you grill? Do you stick with the basics like chicken and steaks, or are you a master barbecuer, experimenting with many different foods and techniques?
* How many do you cook for? Are you usually serving two or a crowd?
* Where do you usually barbecue - away from home or on the patio?
* Are there any restrictions on the type of grill you can have? Some condo associations allow only electric grills on balconies.
* What is your budget?
The next step is knowing your choices. Here is an overview of the kinds of grills available:
GAS grills can be fueled by either liquid propane or natural gas, though proprane is far more popular (owned by 55 percent of grill owners vs. 6 percent for natural gas).
According to industry research, gas grills are favored by consumers because of their convenience - they heat up quickly and there are no ashes to dispose of. Though charcoal grills just slightly edge out gas as the most popular, far more grill owners (55 percent) say they will buy a liquid propane gas grill next (29 percent say they'll buy charcoal).
Because they are so convenient, gas grills tend to be used year-round more than any other type of grill - something to consider if you're apt to don galoshes and a parka just to get a taste of barbecued food in February.
Gas grills come in everything from portable tabletop models to extra large, state-of-the-art appliances with a wide range of options. Prices range from about $20 for tabletops to $500 or $600 for high-end models.
They generally offer more accessories and features than charcoal or electric grills, allowing greater versatility for the backyard chef. Features to consider include a large cooking surface (preferably porcelain coated for easy cleanup), warming racks, a side burner for preparing side dishes, a grease catcher, a built-in grid for grilling delicate foods and a rotisserie attachment. Some gas grills even come with a water or wood chip compartment for steaming and smoking.
CHARCOAL grills are available from small portable models and open braziers perfect for tailgating, to kettle grills, square covered cookers, and large wagon grills. Charcoal grills are generally less expensive than gas grills, though they still come in a wide range of prices.
Research shows that many barbecuers believe charcoal provides the most flavorful barbecues and is therefore worth a little extra effort. Charcoal grillers are more likely to use wood chips to enhance the flavor of grilled foods. Smoking over a low fire, and indirect cooking with coals banked to one side, are also easily accomplished. Keep in mind, however, that wood chips may be used on gas grills, combining ease of use with genuine smoke flavor!
Features to look for include sturdy construction, porcelain coatings, vents in the bottom and top of the grill and an ash catcher.
ELECTRIC grills are good options for people who live in condos and apartments and can't have a charcoal or gas grill. They also make sense for people who barbecue occasionally but don't want the extra effort involved with a charcoal grill or who are most comfortable cooking on electric. They are available in portable and stand-up models.
The major drawback with electric grills is that they must have access to an outlet, which restricts the bounds of your barbecuing to the length of the electrical cord.
Though they still represent a small portion of grills owned, electric grills have come a long way since they were introduced in 1985. There are some very high-quality electric grills on the market with many of the features enjoyed by gas barbecuers.
Great grilling gadgets
If you're a gadget addict, you'll want to add some of these accessories to your collection:
* Barbecue wok: Porcelain-coated, wok-shape grid that won't let delicate foods fall into the fire, sits on the grilling rack and gives a smoky dimension to stir fry.
* Electric rotisseries: Available in various styles to fit many different grills.
* Smoker box: Metal box to hold wood chips in the base of the grill. Perfect for gas and electric grills because it traps the ashes, preventing them from falling into and clogging the burner.
* Delicate cooking grids: Have smaller openings to prevent seafood, veggies and other delicate foods from falling through the cracks of the regular cooking grid. They come in a variety of sizes and some are stick-resistant, porcelain coated for easy clean-up.
* Grilling baskets: Available in a multitude of shapes and styles to hold everything from hamburgers to chicken wings to whole fish. Makes turning everything on the grill all at once as easy as a flip of the wrist - and food stays intact.
* Charcoal chimney lighter: This tool has been around awhile, but it still can't be beat for lighting charcoal quickly and easily with practically no mess. Based on the Boy Scout coffee-can-method, charcoal is placed in the top compartment of the tall metal cylinder. Newspaper is placed in the base and lit with a match. After about 10 minutes, a stay-cool handle makes easy work of pouring the hot coals into the grill base and it's ready for cooking.
For more information and a free accessory catalogue write to: Accessory Catalogue Request, Sunbeam Outdoor Products, 4101 Howard Bush Drive, Neosho, Mo., 64850-9164 or call (800) 629-6929.
LENGTH: Long : 112 linesby CNB