Spring is going to be here sooner than you think. This means the cookout season is upon us. Meanwhile, how’s your grill doing? Have you opened it at all this winter? If you’ve had it for a long time, it’s possible some components may have rusted over the years, and no one wants to cook on a rusty grill. If you think it’s time for a new one, let our Maryland outdoor kitchen suppliers bring you up to speed on what to look for in a modern grill, whether it’s gas, charcoal, electric or dual fuel.
Built-in Lights
The fun is just starting when the sun goes down! Grilling after dark is a very common thing you will probably do in summer, and most likely in winter too as it gets dark pretty early. Meanwhile, if you don’t have nearby lights on your deck or patio, or if your grill is facing away, it can be hard to see what’s going on with your food. Or maybe you don’t want to use the outdoor lights, so that you can maintain the ambiance or watch the stars. Choose a grill with built-in lights, so that you can see what you are cooking regardless of the time of day. Also look for an auto turn-off switch to have the light automatically turn off when the hood is down.
Smoker Box
Want to add some smoky flavor to your food but don’t want to buy a whole new appliance for it? Most modern grills can do this! Just make sure to pick one with a smoker box that can be loaded with your favorite type of wood chips for the desired flavor.
Zone Dividers
Some grills have zone dividers that are meant to space out different burners. The dividers focus heat distribution of a single burner in one area, so that you can cook with just one burner if you wanted to. This is great if you are firing up a grill for a small meal and want to save the fuel. This feature also comes handy if you have different foods that require different cooking temperatures. By controlling each burner, you can cook different foods at the same time but on different heat. Isn’t it neat?
Rotisserie
Do you enjoy the evenly-cooked and toasted meats or veggies made by rotisserie? Then get a grill with a rotisserie attachment! It’s usually tucked in the back of the grill and won’t get in the way when you are not using it.
Easy Hood
If you are going for a large grill, keep in mind that it will also come with a heavy hood. Opening a heavy hood can be challenging, especially when you are balancing plates and utensils in both hands. Pick a hood with assist technology that helps offset the weight though clever mechanics.
LED Knobs
This may be a purely decorative feature, but it’s worth considering. If you have a decked-out outdoor kitchen, you want a grill that matches in appearance and style. The lights built into the grill’s controls will make your appliance stand out and become a conversation piece.
Warming Drawers
Warming drawers are extremely handy when it comes to cooking on a grill. Sometimes you have to cook food in batches, so the meats and the sides don’t get done simultaneously. Put one in the warming drawer while the other one is still cooking. If you are feeding a lot of people or hosting a party, warming drawers can also help keep the food warm for those who come in later.
Want to learn more about grills or see the different models we carry? Stop by Leisure Specialties in Hampstead, MD. We have grills from Twin Eagles, Delta Heat, Fire Magic and other reliable manufacturers.