Propane gas grills are undoubtedly one of the most popular outdoor appliances used today because of their convenience and easy maintenance. But with so many makes, models, and propane terms, shopping for a new grill can be overwhelming.
That’s why we’ve broken down what you need to know! Here are four common BBQ FAQs.
What are BTUs?
A BTU, or British Thermal Unit, is a unit of measurement much like a gallon or pound. It tells you how much fuel will be used in a given period of time. BTUs measure your grill’s fuel efficiency or OPB (output per burner) as well as all the burners combined.
But don’t be fooled by a big BTU: a common misconception is thinking that anything with a high BTU will be hotter and therefore better. Talk to a Co-op Home Centre team member for more information about which BTU is right for you.
How many burners do I need?
The number of burners required varies from person to person. Having more burners means you’ll have a more diversified grill and are able to cook different items at different heat levels at the same time.
Many grills will have three burners, so you could have two jobs going at the same time. For example, you could be searing a steak over high heat while roasting seasoned vegetables in another grill zone. This might be perfect for you, but if you require even more flexibility, Co-op offers grills with four or even six burners.
What are infrared grills?
Infrared grilling is one of the newest trends in outdoor cooking. An infrared grill is a gas grill that uses infrared technology as the heat source or as an optional burner.
In a conventional gas grill, the flame heats the grates directly. But in an infrared grill, there is an infrared element between the grates and the flame. The gas heats the infrared element, which radiates intense heat to the food.
Infrared grills barbeque food low and slow, much like ovens. Many people find the flavours to be more intense and less charred than a conventional gas grill.
Do I need a side burner?
One of the most underused pieces of outdoor cooking equipment is the side burner. The main advantage of the side burner is its ability to cook additional food without interrupting the temperature of your main course.
Grill side burners are powered by a separate flame from the main grill, which allows for cooking foods at a different temperature than the primary grate. Whether it’s to warm up beans or sauté onions, the side burner is a convenient option to save you time and mess.
The right tools make any job easy. Now that you’re ready to find the right BBQ, your grill master status is only a meal away! Visit Food.crs for original recipes, or follow us on social media: Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
