How many burners should a grill have

Usually, you will start by getting the actual measurement of your cooking surface, mainly in square inches. Various manufacturers will list the least cooking surface area that you should have. This space will often include the warming rack that stands above the cooking area. This measurement ensures that there is limited loss or waste of heat in the long run. The standard is that you should allow about square inches per person. That means that if three of you are cooking, you will need around square inches.

Enough space between one person and the other ensures that there are fewer chances of accidents. While at it, the size will depend on the kind of food you want to prepare. For instance, if you intend to prepare hamburgers or hotdogs over the weekend, a 24 by inch grill will suit you. On the other hand, if you want to be more adventurous, a grill measuring around square feet will come in handy for you. Remember, you will be free to pick up to a square inch burner. This burner will be suitable for those with large families or those who appreciate regular cooking.

Assuming that you opt for a three-burner, it will often measure between and square inches. This measurement makes it ideal for a standard household, and it allows up to three or four people to use it at once. Besides, it allows you to prepare up to three meals at once. On the other hand, you could consider a six-grill burner if you have a large family. This grill will often measure around to about square inches. Did you know that a side burner could help you in cooking veggies and even sauces?

You cannot ignore what an incredible role it plays in cooking small foods. Note that the bars and shroud are also made up of stainless steel.

The cooking grates on the other hand are made of a combination of stainless steel, porcelain-coated steel and porcelain-enameled cast iron. As a result, you can grill food for up to 10 people at any given time.

The unit also comes with a total of eight control knobs. Bear in mind that you can either purchase this unit as a natural gas or liquid propane grill depending on your preference. This gas grill comes with two side shelves that also feature tool hooks so you can hang your cooking utensils.

It also comes complete with a side burner, smoker burner and rear mounted rotisserie burner. This is the unit to pick if you want a grill that comes with an enclosed cart.

And the manufacturer also included a built-in thermometer. You can use this grill to prepare different meals such as meat and burgers. The first question you need to ask yourself before deciding on the number of burners to pick is what kind of cooking method you want to do. On any given occasion, you have two types of cooking methods to pick from; direct or indirect. The main differences are highlighted below:. On the down side, cast iron can crack due to thermal shock and material can suffer external damages over time.

Moderate-to-high priced grills often feature stainless steel cooking grates. Stainless steel is the most durable of all grate types. Its shiny finish makes it easy for grillers to see browning food and it is also the easiest material to clean due to its resistance to corrosion. Though an excellent cooking material altogether, stainless steel does not have as high a conductivity of aluminum, nor does it retain temperature as well as cast iron.

Over time, the finish may discolor or pit. What size grill do I need? The primary factor in determining grill size is cooking area. Cooking area is expressed in terms of square inches. A typical three burner gas grill features square inches of cooking area, which is generally sufficient for the average household. People that entertain often or have large families may want a grill that offers five or six burners and features square inches of cooking area.

In addition to cooking area, the footprint of a grill should be considered. Most barbecue grills feature side shelves that can be removed or collapsed. As a safety measure, manufacturers require the grill to sit feet away from the house and other combustible materials. Another example is warming rack which hangs from the top of the grill. This rack, set further away from direct heat, is ideal for toasting food items at lower temperatures. Which fuel type is best: natural gas or liquid propane?

While liquid propane has been the standard fuel type for many years, an increasing number of customers are having natural gas lines installed. The advantage of using natural gas is having a constant gas supply.

Liquid propane tanks require maintenance as they must be exchanged periodically when the tank runs out. However, despite the extra maintenance required with LP tanks, there are still advantages to using them. Propane grills can be easily re-located and the cost of using liquid propane tanks versus installing a gas line is far more economical.

LP tanks have also been standardized, making them adaptable to fist most gas grills. Grills must be ordered with a specific fuel type: natural gas or propane. With rare exception, it is not easy to convert from one fuel source to another. If the need arises to alter the fuel type after original purchase, conversion kits can be purchased at additional costs.

The process of conversion can be labor intensive, even with the aid of the kit. While cooking performance is the top concern of grill manufacturers, they are also making efforts to transform what was once considered a backyard eyesore into an attractive, stylish outdoor fixture. Many models are constructed entirely of stainless steel for a more sophisticated, commercial appearance. Much like indoor appliances, an increasing number of custom colors are introduced each year in the grill lineup.

Green, copper, cobalt blue, brick red, and bronze are just a sampling of color choices. These models often use stainless steel as an accent color, providing striking contrast in the overall grill design. Some brands offer a wide selection of built-in grills which allow for ultimate flexibility in design. Built-in grill heads or storage cabinets can be inserted into a prefabricated island area — generally built of brick or stone. Built-in grills are best used in an outdoor kitchen setting.

If the prefabricated area is made of a combustible material, such as wood, insulation jackets can be purchased at an additional cost. How does grill design impact cooking performance?

Gas grills usually have a heat diffuser over the burners to protect them from dripping grease and to distribute heat more evenly. Some use metal plates. They can rust and occasionally need replacing. Others use lava rocks or ceramic rocks. They eventually saturate with grease and need replacing, although some cooks I know think they cook their best with they are really greasy. Starter or igniter. Gas grills need a starter or igniter. Some are electric and need a battery.

Others use a button or dial to generate a spark. Crossover ignitions work by lighting one burner first, and the flame crosses over to other burners. Electronic starters are faster, but this is not a deal breaker. There should also be a manual ignition hole so if your igniter breaks you can insert a wood match or stick lighter. Keep long wooden matches on hand in case the ignition fails as it occasionally does. Most grilling is by radiation or convection , but where the food is in contact with the grates, the cooking is by conduction and that's how you get good crunchy grill marks.

Chrome or nickel coated wire grates don't leave a wide mark and tend to rust. Cast iron grates conduct heat to the meat well but they need to be oiled to keep them from rusting. They give great wide grill marks and they are easy to clean. Best of all: Porcelain coated cast iron. But you will need a forklift to remove them. Just handle porcelain carefully, it can chip or crack if you drip it.

I know. On charcoal grills, some manufacturers offer hinged grates or access doors so you can easily add more coals when necessary. But don't let crappy grates kill the deal. You can always buy replacement grates like my faves, GrillGrates.

Rotisserie cooking is an excellent method for cooking whole chickens and turkeys. Most charcoal grills cannot be outfitted with a rotisserie and most gas grills can. You need access to electricity for their electric motors to run. A good rotisserie should have a sturdy motor and a counterweight to balance the load. The best rotisseries are basket types rather than the more common spear that pierces the meat and cooks it in the center.

Rotisseries usually cost extra. If they only have the spear model, skip it and get a basket type from Weber. Most thermometers on grills are bi-metallic and not accurate. Usually the temp at the meat height is different than the temp in the hood where the thermometer lives. Get a good digital thermometer on a cable that you can place next to the meat. If you do, then it doesn't matter how bad the grill's thermometer is.

Dual fuel. If you are buying a liquid propane LP gas grill, can it be adapted to household natural gas if you want to do this? How much does the adapter kit cost? Carts and wheels. Many grills come on carts. They should be well built, with sturdy welds and bolts. Some carts are enclosed for storage. You want sturdy shelves and doors. Check to see if they are rainproof. You don't want your charcoal or pellets getting wet.

You may want to move the thing when you set it up, so it should have wheels or come apart easily. On really rainy days I roll my gasser right up to the back door so I don't have to go out. If it has wheels, how sturdy are they? Rubber or plastic? And are they large enough to roll smoothly on a rough surface such a deck, concrete, pavers, or the lawn? Side shelves. Wooden shelves rot. Are the shelves sturdy? Will they hold a turkey? Side burners. A side burner is a handy, but not necessary feature.

They're great for making side dishes or warming sauces. A few even have a griddle that sits over them, perfect for eggs, fish, or grilled cheese sandwiches. Most have trouble maintaining a low simmer, so they can burn your sauces. Most grills come knocked down and they can be tricky to assemble. If you don't have the necessary time or tools, or aren't confident in your skills, many merchants will assemble for you.

For a fee.