As winter winds down and warmer days approach, now is the perfect time to begin planning backyard upgrades for spring and summer. The centerpiece of most backyards, of course, is the grill.
Whether you’re purchasing your first backyard grill or upgrading an existing one, there are a few key features and elements to consider before deciding.
“A grill isn’t just a cooking tool – it’s the heart of your backyard gatherings,” says Garry Scott, vice president of marketing at Napoleon, a leader in grill design and manufacturing. “A great grill should offer the perfect balance of performance, convenience and longevity to enhance your outdoor cooking experience.”
Here are some important factors to keep in mind when searching online or walking down the barbecue aisle at your local distributor, courtesy of Napoleon:
Fuel – The first question to ask is what kind of barbecue suits your needs. A classic charcoal grill offers that smoky flavor. A propane grill is known for its portability and ease of use. If your home has an outdoor natural gas connection, a natural gas grill provides ultimate convenience – no more worrying about running out of fuel mid-cook. Or consider an electric grill for a modern, eco-friendly option that’s perfect for smaller spaces or areas with restrictions on open flames.
Heat – The core purpose of a grill is to cook, and heat plays a critical role. Grill heat is typically measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units), and higher numbers generally mean higher cooking temperatures. But other factors also influence performance: airflow, for example, impacts how evenly and consistently heat is distributed. Too much airflow reduces retained heat, while too little can cause food to burn.
Size – Consider the space you have for your grill and the size of your usual audience. A smaller grill might be perfect for singles or couples, while larger families or those who enjoy hosting gatherings will benefit from a bigger model with more burners and a great cooking surface.
Materials – The materials used in your grill affect both its durability and performance. A cast aluminum firebox heats up quickly and retains heat efficiently. Heavy-gauge stainless steel burners and cooking grids are built to last and perform well under consistent use, while stainless steel hoods help retain heat effectively.
Features – Modern grills go far beyond basic cooking. Infrared side burners offer restaurant-quality searing to lock in flavor. Back rotisserie burners provide consistent, even heat for spit roasting. Smoker tubes add new dimensions to flavour in your dishes. Built-in lighting makes nighttime grilling easier, and charcoal trays add versatility to gas grills, letting you enjoy the flavour of charcoal when desired. Safety knobs are another essential feature, providing better control and peace of mind during operation. For those who value connectivity, smart grills with app-based monitoring allow you to control and check your grill remotely, adding unparallelled convenience.
Assurance – A grill is an investment, so consider the warranty that comes with it. Does it cover all the essential components? For example, a lifetime warranty on burners won’t matter if the firebox rusts or the cooking grills fail prematurely. Select Napoleon grills come with a 15-year warranty or a lifetime limited warranty on major components, giving you peace of mind.
Napoleon recently introduced new models in its Prestige and Rogue series, designed to meet these key considerations and take outdoor cooking and entertainment to the next level this season.
Photo Courtesy of Napoleon