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Buying an outdoor grill can be a challenge, especially
with today's ever changing technology. Abt offers a huge variety of outdoor
grills and the expertise to help our customers understand the features
and functions of the many makes and models. Some things to consider:
- Type of grill - Decide whether gas (natural or liquid
propane) or charcoal is best; each has its own benefits including convenience,
cost, and affect on the flavor of food.
- Set up - How much work will be required to set it up?
Some grills require more assembly than others.
- Space - That amount of room that is available affects
the size grill that will be appropriate.
- Cost - The buyer should determine how much they wish
to spend. There are plenty of grills to fit every budget, and higher
price doesn't necessarily mean food will taste better.
- Performance - Make sure the grill has the proper amount
of heat (about 100 BTUs per square inch), is sturdy, and provides enough
surface area for food preparation.
BTU's (British Thermal Units)
BTU's are not a measure of cooking power. They indicate the volume of
gas a grill can burn. Tightly engineered grills use fewer BTU's and cook
food more efficiently. Sometimes less is more. Too many BTU's can cause
damage to burners and reduce the life of the grill. In general, large
grills with large cooking surfaces require higher BTU's.
Burners
The number of burners you have (not just control knobs) allows a greater
control of heat. Grills with only one burner do not allow you to control
heat as well as grills with multiple burners. Multiple burners allow direct
and indirect cooking. Burners also come with spider/insect screens to
keep pests out of them.
Cooking Grates
Cooking Grates can be made of two different types of material: Porcelain
enamel, and Stainless Steel. Porcelain enamel grates create wider sear
marks and are much easier to clean after cooking. Stainless Steel grates
create visually appealing sear marks and retain heat longer so you can
cook on lower temperatures, however require more maintenance when cleaning.
Crossover Ignition System
The Crossover Ignition System feature permits you to light all burners
without having to push the ignitor for each one.
Drop-In Grills
Drop-In Grills are not unlike most outdoor grills. Drop-In Grills provide
the option of being installed into a cart that you can purchase from the
manufacturer. Drop-In Grills could also be built into a brick, stone or
wooden deck style fixture.
Flavorizer Bars
Flavorizer Bar is a patented cooking system designed by Weber. The flavorizer
bars are made of Porcelain enamel or Stainless Steel. This system virtually
eliminates flare-up. It also removes the need for lava rocks and ceramic
bisques. Flavorizer bars are designed to take the juices that drop down
into the grill and convert them into smoke, adding flavor to the food.
Portable Grill
Portable Grills have most of the important features standard grills have
with the added ability of being mobile. Portable Grills have matchless
lighting with easy to use push button ignition and a removable grease
drip pan for easy cleaning.
Post Grill
Post grills have most of the important features that standard grills have.
Post grills can be mounted on a concrete patio, wooden deck, or lawn.
Most post grills are designed to be hooked up directly to natural gas.
Primary Square Inches
Primary Square Inches refers to the size of the main cooking surface and
is the main measurement for determining the size of barbecue.
Push-button ignitor
Push-button ignitor is the modern day match for your grill. The ignitor
gives you quick, successful lighting every time.
Quick-Disconnect
Quick-Disconnect is a connector that will allow you to quickly and easily
connect and disconnect rigid or flexible tubing to a hose or pipe without
the use of tools.
Rotisserie
Rotisserie's move heat around the food, not the food around the heat.
The advantages to rotisserie cooking are that meats are generally juicier
when self-basted and slow roasted.
Secondary Square Inches
Secondary Square Inches is the size of the warming racks, which may be
included with a barbecue.
Side Burner
Side Burners can be used for sauté pans, cook pots, or to cook
your favorite soup.
Slide-Out Bottom Tray
Slide-out bottom trays funnel grease and cooking juices into a catch pan
for easy clean up.
Smoker Box
A Smoker Box adds more flavors to your food with smoke. It can be used
with gas, electric, or charcoal grills. Fill the Smoker Box with your
favorite wood chips and set on the hottest area of the grill.
Swing-Up Work Table
A Swing-Up Work Table can be pulled up and locked into place when extra
workspace is needed. Most are made of a granite-style thermoset that is
a very durable and heat resistant material that is easy to clean.
Thermometer
Thermometers are used to monitor cooking temperature in the grill. Some
Weber grills come with a multipurpose thermometer that can be removed
and used as a probe to check food for doneness.
Tool holders
Tool holders enable you to keep barbecue tools close at hand. They are
usually located on the side of the BBQ.
Total Square Inches
Total Square Inches is the combined area of the primary and secondary
cooking surfaces.
Warm-Up Basket
Warm-Up baskets are attached to the inner housing of the grill hood. This
adds space and allows you to keep grilled foods warm
Work Surface
The work surface is a table located on either side of the grill. Most
grills are made of granite-style thermoset that is a very durable and
heat resistant material that is easy to clean.
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