Choosing the Right Grill: Which Grill Is Best for You?
By - BBQBoSSMAN
Getting to Know your Cooking Style!
Before choosing a BBQ grill, it’s important to understand how you like to cook. One of the biggest factors that affects your cooking style is how well you can control heat—and that’s where adjustable burners or dampers come in.
What Are Adjustable Burners or Dampers?
Adjustable burners (gas & pellet grills) let you increase or decrease heat in specific areas of the grill.
Adjustable dampers (charcoal grills & smokers) control airflow, which directly controls temperature.
In Simple Terms - More control = better cooking results.
Why This Matters for Your Cooking Style
Direct Heat Grilling (Steaks, Burgers, Hot Dogs)
Needs high, fast heat
Adjustable burners let you crank up one side for searing
Dampers fully open increase airflow and heat
Best for: Gas grills, charcoal grills with good vent control
Indirect Cooking (Chicken, Ribs, Roasts)
Needs steady, moderate heat
Adjustable burners let you turn one side low or off
Dampers partially closed maintain even temperatures
Best for: Gas, pellet, and kettle-style charcoal grills
Low & Slow Smoking (Brisket, Pork Shoulder)
Requires precise, stable temperatures
Dampers fine-tune airflow for long cooks
Pellet grills automate this with digital controls
Best for: Pellet grills, charcoal smokers
What to Look For When Buying
Multiple burners (gas grills) → better heat zones
Smooth, responsive controls (no “all or nothing” knobs)
Top & bottom vents (charcoal grills)
Tight-fitting lid → better temperature stability
Avoid grills with poor airflow or limited heat control—they restrict what you can cook well.
Bottom Line
If you enjoy experimenting with different foods and techniques:
The more control a grill gives you over heat and airflow, the more versatile it will be.
Understanding your BBQ cooking style helps you choose a grill that works with you—not against you.
BBQ Cooking Accessories
Top Six Items to Consider When Buying a Grill
1: Fuel Type:
Different fuels affect flavor, heat control, and convenience:
Gas (Propane/Natural Gas) — Quick start and easy temperature control.
Charcoal — Classic smoky flavor, slower heat
Pellet — Precise temp control + wood smoke flavor
Electric — Best for apartments or no-smoke zones
Tip: Choose based on how you like to cook and where you’ll use the grill.
2: Cooking Power & Temperature Control:
Look at:
BTUs (for gas) or wattage (for electric)
Adjustable burners or dampers
Ability to hold steady temps for grilling/smoking
Why it matters: Consistent heat = better results and fewer flare-ups.
3: Cooking Area & Capacity:
Match grill size to your needs:
Small (2–4 people)
Medium (family meals)
Large (parties/entertaining)
Measure in square inches and consider:
Primary cooking area
Secondary racks
Side burners
Tip: Bigger isn’t always better — but too small can limit you.
4. Build Quality & Materials
Durability impacts heat retention, rust resistance, and longevity:
Stainless steel grates & burners
Cast iron for even heat
Porcelain coating for rust protection
Tip: Avoid thin, flimsy metals — they warp and fail faster.
5. Ease of Use & Cleanup
A great grill should be enjoyable to use:
Easy ignition
Removable grease trays
Accessible cleaning
Good instruction/manual
6: Warranty & Support
Longer warranty often reflects higher quality.
Use this link to view major vendor warranties.
Your Grills Warranty and Why it Matters!
Bonus features to look for:
Side shelves
Built-in thermometers
Tool hooks
Storage cabinets
Proper BBQ Grill Maintenance Ensures Longevity
Grill Cleaning Solutions
Additional Considerations:
Portability
If you plan to tailgate or camp.
Price vs Value
Look beyond price — durability and performance matter most.
In summary:
Ultimately, before buying a BBQ grill, think about how you actually cook—because heat control is the difference between a good grill and the right grill. If you want versatility and consistent results, choose a grill with multiple burners or precise airflow controls. These features are worth paying for and separate top-rated grills from budget models.
Manufacturer Guidelines: Be sure to follow the manufacturer's safety guidelines for heat settings, cleaning, and maintenance to maximize the life of your propane tank and your grill accessories.