Should I Buy a Grill?
If you’re considering whether or not to invest in an outdoor grill for your backyard, you’ve come to the right place, because as backyard leisure specialists we are extremely into grills and we have a lot to say about them.
Before we walk you through what you need to know and to consider when buying a grill (from price to brands to backyard requirements), let’s look at why owning a grill is a good idea and how it can upgrade your backyard, enhance your enjoyment of your home, and make you the envy of the neighborhood.
Why You Should Invest in Owning a Grill
Owning a grill is a real life changer, transforming your backyard into a second cooking space that is not only fun to use, but provides a range of health and lifestyle benefits.
Most of us wish we spent more time outdoors and owning a backyard grill is an excellent way to get more sun and fresh air. And that’s to say nothing of the joy of eating outdoors. Because no backyard grill setup is complete with a patio dining table and chairs for al fresco meals.
Some people claim that food just tastes better when it’s cooked outdoors and, honestly, we agree. Chicken, steak, corn, peppers, and even pizza all get a serious upgrade when cooked over an open flame.
But the benefits don’t stop at just food and sun. Owning a backyard grill is an investment in your home and something everyone in your household will enjoy. To give you a taste of the benefits of owning a backyard grill, here is a short list of the different ways a grill can enhance your life.
You can:
- Enjoy being in the great outdoors
- Experiment with recipes that require grilling
- Host a ton of backyard gatherings and barbecues
- Keep your kitchen and home free of cooking smells
- Reduce your energy consumption with grills that are economical and efficient
Is your interest piqued?
If so, then the first question on your mind is probably “Do I even have the right space in my backyard for a grill?”. So let’s consider where and how you should set up a backyard grill.
Backyard Requirements for a Grill
Most backyards are prime territory for an outdoor grill, as long as they have enough open space that isn’t covered by an awning or eave.
Your grill will come with extensive manufacturer’s instructions for proper placement in a backyard, but the upshot is that you need to have a decent amount of clearance around the grill so that it can vent off the exhaust and it won’t damage or ignite any stray combustible materials that are located too close by.
Choosing an Outdoor Grill for Your Backyard
Backyard grills come in a variety of sizes, shapes, configurations, and price points. We’ve broken down your options into three main categories, to help you decide which is right for your backyard space and your lifestyle.
Movable Grills
A small, movable grill is great for backyards that don’t have a lot of extra space and that are multifunctional since you can roll them right out of the way whenever you need to. To expand the functionality of a small grill, you can always add on extras, like a rolling cart with shelves for added storage and counter space.
Price range: $300 to $3,000
Prefab Grill Stations
If you’ve got a bit more space (and budget), a prefab grill station is a great choice since it typically includes a grill, gas tank, island, and countertop that function as a mini outdoor kitchen. These all-in-one stations set up quickly and give you a lot more flexibility for cooking entire meals in your backyard.
Price range: $2,000 to $30,000
Custom Grill Stations
A custom grill station offers the ultimate in backyard grilling. It can be built to your exact specifications, so you have all the amenities you want, such as a granite countertop, appliances, storage, and lighting.
Price range: $3,000 to $50,000 and up
The Grill Brands We Recommend
At Backyards in Style, we pride ourselves on carrying only the best of the best, and two of our favorite brands for backyard grills are Del Sol and Delta Heat.
Why do we love them? Let’s look at some of their features.
Del Sol Grills
A Del Sol built-in grill is not only a beast when it comes to grilling, it’s also a beauty, with its stainless steel burners, seamless welds, and polished edges. Seriously, these grills double as backyard art pieces.
They also have an impressive list of features that are all geared toward giving you the ultimate freedom and versatility to grill like a pro, including:
- Stainless steel burners
- Direct heat and ceramic radiant grilling systems
- An easy-to-use ignition system
- Double lined grill hood
- Full-width drip tray for easy cleanup
- A removable warming and cooking rack
Del Sol also has a range of freestanding mobile grills that are just as gorgeous and just as versatile. They come in three sizes (25”, 32”, and 40” grill space), each with side shelves, swivel casters, and more.
Delta Heat Grills
Delta Heat is another leader in built-in and freestanding grills, with a product line that emphasizes design, construction, and performance. These top-of-the-line grills come with a lifetime warranty and have a range of cool features, including an easy-to-open hood assist system (for when you’re trying to carry a tray full of steaks in one hand and a chilled beverage in the other) and interior halogen lights that let you see what you’re cooking so you can achieve the perfect grill lines on your steak and burgers.
And just like the Del Sol grills, they set the standard when it comes to the grilling surfaces, with:
- Direct heat and ceramic radiant grilling systems
- Stainless steel U-burners
- Double lined hood
- Temperature gauge
- Electronic ignition
- Warming/Cooking rack
If you’re not sure exactly what kind of grill you need and what will work best with your backyard and your lifestyle, not to worry! We can guide you through your options and help you select a grill that’s just right.
Using Your Grill Safely
With great grilling power comes great grilling responsibility, so it’s important for any backyard grill owner to know the ins and outs of using a grill safely.
Once again, the manufacturer’s instructions that come with your grill will provide a complete list of safety tips (which you should read from front to back), but in general, here are some simple steps to follow to ensure that you can enjoy your outdoor grill safely and responsibly:
Position Your Grill on a Level Surface
Movable grills can tip over if they’re placed on a slope or other uneven surface, so find a place for your grill that is stable and even. A concrete patio is an ideal location.
Inspect Your Grill for Leaks
You should check your grill every time before you use it, and it’s especially important to give it a thorough inspection if it’s sat unused or stored away for any length of time. Leaks in the gas line can occur and lead to a buildup of propane or natural gas inside the closed lid, which is a serious hazard (and is also a good reason to always open your lid before lighting the grill).
Never Walk Away from Your Grill While It’s on
Just like with candles, you should never leave your grill unattended. Because they use high heat and an open flame, they should be monitored at all times. If you have to walk away from your post as grillmaster, make sure another adult takes over.
Keep a Spray Bottle Close By
The fat from meat can melt and drip onto your grill as it’s cooking and cause the flames to flare up. These flames can continue to burn on their own if not attended to, so have a spray bottle of water handy to put out the flames before they have a chance to spread.
Have a Fire Extinguisher Within Arm’s Reach
You should always be prepared for the worst-case scenario, and with an outdoor grill, that would be a fire. Keep a fire extinguisher close at hand and familiarize yourself with how to use it so that if an emergency does happen, you’re prepared.
How to Clean and Maintain Your Backyard Grill
Once you’ve chosen a grill, installed it, and have it up and running, you’ll never want to live without it again. The good news is, some basic care and maintenance is all that’s required to keep your grill working optimally and in great condition for years to come. You’ll want to do a quick clean of the grill surface after every time you use it, and then do a thorough overall cleaning a few times a year.
Here are the general steps to take to clean and maintain your grill so it’s ready to enjoy at all times.
1. Burn off Food After Each Use
Once you’ve finished cooking a meal, don’t turn your grill off right away. Leave it on high heat for about 15 minutes, which will zap any pieces of food that are still clinging to the grill surface. Once all the bits and pieces have been burned to ash, turn off your grill and allow it to cool down.
2. Clean the Cooking Grates
After the grill has cooled down substantially, unhook the gas so you can clean off the grates. Even with the food having burned off in step one, it’s still important to clean the grill grates with a steel bristle brush, since moisture, grease, bacteria, and other unwelcome substances can collect on them. Remember that your food touches this surface, so you want it as clean as any frying pan or pot you would use in your kitchen.
After a good brushing, you can spray down the grates with a dedicated barbecue grill cleaner. This is an especially good idea after your grill has seen a lot of action, like after a barbecue or a pool party.
Finish up by spraying a good coat of vegetable oil on the grates to keep them slick and to keep rust at bay. (As a word of caution, never spray oil on the grill while the flame is burning or the grill is on.)
3. Clean the Burner Protectors, Burners, Plates, and Bottom Tray
Bacteria can build up on any part of your grill, so it’s important to inspect every element of your grill and clean them at regular intervals. Warm, soapy water and a sponge are your best bet, since they’ll cut through grease, grime, and built-up gunk and won’t damage any of your grill components.
4. Clean the Outside of Your Grill
To keep your grill looking shiny and pristine, you’ll want to clean the outside every so often. Once again, simple soap and water will get the job done, but if you have a stainless steel grill, you may want to get a targeted cleaner for an ultra-professional-looking clean.
Finally, don’t forget to get a good cover for your grill. This will keep out dust, debris, and any curious neighborhood animals. It will also protect it from the sun’s UV rays, which can add needless wear and tear to your grill.
Shop for Top-Quality Grills Today
Ready to start setting up your backyard grill station? Our team of friendly and professional backyard leisure experts are at your service. Whether you already have your dream grill in mind and just need help loading it into your truck or you’re a total grill beginner that needs to know all the basics, we can help you find the best grill to upgrade your backyard and your life.
Have questions? Our fully loaded resource center includes up-to-date FAQs and an informative blog. Or simply reach out to us by email or drop in at our Anaheim showroom.