Warm weather is the perfect time to get out into the garden and have a barbeque

But what kind of grill is best? What about propane fueled or charcoal?

When summer is here and the steaks are ready to grill, the only problem is that you don’t know exactly what type of barbeque grill to buy.

>> Quick link to a selection of BBQ grills if you’re in a hurry

There are many questions that need to be asked when buying a grill. Things such as cost, ease of use, other uses besides grilling, flavor and portability should be considered. The most important item in this list depends on what you want.

This article looks in detail at the different categories and makes a judgment on which grills would be best in that category, charcoal, propane, natural gas or smokers.

If cost is the main factor, the grill to go for is charcoal. They start at $15.00 for a small, basic unit and only $30.00 for a standard 22″ kettle grill.

Propane grills are the next lowest in price, starting at around $100.00 for a basic unit. A small smoker starts at around $130.00.

Since natural gas grills are supposed to be hooked to a home’s gas line, they tend to be larger units, and more expensive starting around $300.00. They now have dual fuel grills as well that use natural gas most of the time but can also use propane; these are the most expensive with an asking price of $450.00 up.

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See a selection of portable and stand alone, charcoal, natural gas and propane, small and large

Ease of Use

The easiest grill to use is probably the natural gas grill. It is hooked to your homes natural gas line and therefore doesn’t require you to buy large propane tanks on a regular basis. Getting a grill that has a battery powered or electric starter makes things even easier.

Propane is probably the next easiest to use since there are no charcoal briquettes or wood chips to worry about. While it seems that a larger grill is a better grill, remember that larger also means a larger area to clean.

Additional Features

Natural gas or propane grills can offer additional cook spaces that a charcoal or smoker unit cannot. If you plan to cook full meals on your grill, gas burners and a warming tray come in handy. A rotisserie option may also be important to you depending on what you want to grill.

Flavor

If flavor is the most important item on your list, a smoker or a charcoal grill should be your first priority. Smokers are meant to slow cook over time and impart a smoky flavor to meats. You can choose the type of wood to smoke that will give you the flavor you are looking for.

The only problem with a smoker is when you want a quick pork chop or hamburger, it isn’t so quick. Consider a gas grill for quicker cook meals and a smoker when you really want to impress the neighbors. Charcoal is the next best in the flavor department with no gas undertone. Gas grills can also impart a good grilled flavor, and now many gas grills have a smoker option on them.

Portability

When portability is the most important requirement, propane is the way to go. Charcoal grills run a close second. Small propane tanks make it easy to take your grill camping or to a tailgate party and you aren’t left wondering where to put the smoldering coals. Charcoal can work and there are several small portable units available; just make sure you have a plan for what to do with the used briquettes.

Here are some related blog posts about bbq grills and cooking outdoors

BBQ Grilling Tips and Techniques – Gas Grill: How to Grill Methods

Learn grilling tips for the perfect BBQ gas grilling experience. When should indirect or direct grilling techniq fef ues be used? When should BBQ sauce be applied? 

Turn a 55-Gallon Drum into a Barbecue – Grilling

Your BBQ and grilling exploits don’t require a premium barbecue—in fact with a little scavenging you can be sporting a spacious grill for very little cash outlay. Follow this simple tutorial to turn a 55-gallon drum into a grill. … Even if you’re not as lucky, it’s not an expensive project given the size of the grill you end up with. Check out the tutorial for additional photos and tips. 

Stuffed Mushrooms on the Outdoor Barbecue: Grilling appetizers

Mushrooms are not often thought of as food for outdoor grilling; however, stuffed and grilled mushrooms make an outstanding party food.  

Technorati Tags: barbeque, bbq, charcoal, gas, grill, grilling, grills, natural, outdoor, portable, propane

Is propane is a clean burning fuel and a good alternative for other more traditional fossil fuels?

The current fuel options on the market range from the fossil fuels we’ve been using for many years to the hybrid electric cars now made by all auto manufacturers. There are many other potential fuels as well such as biofuel and ethanol that can now be a realistic way to power your engine. Propane may not sound like much of an alternative to petroleum but it actually is.

Most of us already make use of propane for cooking on barbecues or to power outdoor accessories. Though some people have propane vehicles, it isn’t as common as petroleum.

Propane is a gas that is converted to a liquid form in order for it to be used. It must be converted so that it is in a portable form and can then be put in tanks and moved. Though propane is derived from fossil fuels, it tends to be much safer. It is perfectly safe for heating homes instead of using natural gas. It may be wise to consider using it for vehicles as well since propane clearly does have some advantages. When compared to natural gas for cooking it proves to be cleaner burning and leaves food much more flavorful.

Propane is given an additive, a certain type of alcohol called ethanethiol. This gives the propane a very distinct scent so that it can easily be detected in the event of a spill or leak. Overall propane is relatively nontoxic. If it is abused as an inhalant it could become very deadly but with proper use it is quite harmless. Another advantage of propane use is that it is often cheaper than gas and tends to last longer with normal driving. It can be a change that eases the tension on your wallet.

A propane powered vehicle might not get as much power as a gas engine but most owners claim not to notice a difference. An added safety benefit is that a propane tank is much stronger than a gas tank and therefore is more resistant to any form of damage such as punctures. Some people make the decision to convert their gasoline car over to propane. This can be done though it does cost thousands of dollars. If you plan to do something like this, be sure to see a professional so it is done correctly.

It’s important to really consider why you want to make the switch to propane

Either way, it is still a fossil fuel and regardless, most fossil fuels are bad for the earth and they are not renewable resources.

On the other hand propane is also regarded as clean and environmentally friendly because its vapor doesn’t cause air pollution and is not harmful if accidentally inhaled  and because propane doesn’t pollute drinking water or damage water or soil based ecosystems. In addition it is non-toxic and isn’t counted amongst the greenhouse gases except for emissions from propane combustion and here the level of damaging emissions following LP Gas combustion is well below other carbon based fuels used in vehicles and engines today, well within the requirements for clean fuel vehicles.

Propane fuel is listed as an approved clean fuel by the U.S. Government and it can help to reduce the smog effects created by the use of other combustible fuels such as petrol and diesel

Fueling up can be an issue. You will likely have to make note of each gas station that has propane, not all of them do. If your goal is simply to save a little money then propane may be a great option for you. However, if you wish to make a difference on a global scale then a hybrid or flex fuel may be preferable. Do your research on all fuel types so you know what you’re really dealing with. Information is a major component of going green.

Author: Levi Quinn

Don’t pay more than you have to for auto insurance! Discover the fast and free way to price shop auto insurance quotes from respected insurance companies. Save money by finding rates that fit your budget, all from the comfort of your own home or office.

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I have selected a few extra sources of related information about propane if you would like to explore this subject further

Hot water heater wiring – DIY Chatroom – DIY Home Improvement Forum

Draining your propane water heater is an important annual to semi-annual maintenance project that will help to lengthen its service life and decrease energy costs. Draining your propane water heater flushes out the sediment

Rub-a-dub-dub

A Toast ! to you at Unique Gas Appliances, for that first glorious propane water heater; the Safety-vent Fridge is still going strong (and that nobody has broken any mantles in my Falks propane lights lately). 

Water Heater  Cruisers & Sailing Forums

I have a propane water heater in my new boat. The previous owner installed it because he hated running the diesel to get a shower. It can take a small separate propane tank tucked beside the holding tank, or can probably be spliced into …  

Propane Water Heaters – A Better Choice For Energy Efficient Water 

Propane water heaters possess immense utility. Any sort of household necessities such as cleaning, cooking, bathing, etc becomes convenient with the usage of propane water heaters. Propane gas is used as energy to heat water 

Technorati Tags: alternative, barbeque, fossil, fuel, fuels, gas, green, heater, natural, portable, powered, propane, tank, tanks, vehicle, water

What are your fuel options? Is propane one of them?

The current fuel options on the market range from the fossil fuels we’ve been using for many years to the hybrid electric cars now made by all auto manufacturers. There are many other potential fuels as well such as Biofuel and ethanol that can now be a realistic way to power your engine.

Propane may not sound like much of an alternative to petroleum but it actually is. Most of us already make use of propane for cooking on barbecues or to power outdoor accessories. Though some people have propane vehicles, it isn’t as common as petroleum.

Propane is a gas that is converted to a liquid form in order for it to be used.

It must be converted so that it is in a portable form and can then be put in tanks and moved.

Though propane is derived from fossil fuels, it tends to be much safer. It is perfectly safe for heating homes instead of using natural gas. It may be wise to consider using it for vehicles as well since propane clearly does have some advantages. When compared to natural gas for cooking it proves to be cleaner burning and leaves food much more flavorful.

Propane is given an additive, a certain type of alcohol called ethanethiol. This gives the propane a very distinct scent so that it can easily be detected in the event of a spill or leak. Overall propane is relatively nontoxic. If it is abused as an inhalant it could become very deadly but with proper use it is quite harmless. Another advantage of propane use is that it is often cheaper than gas and tends to last longer with normal driving. It can be a change that eases the tension on your wallet.

A propane powered vehicle might not get as much power as a gas engine but most owners claim not to notice a difference. An added safety benefit is that a propane tank is much stronger than a gas tank and therefore is more resistant to any form of damage such as punctures. Some people make the decision to convert their gasoline car over to propane. This can be done though it does cost thousands of dollars. If you plan to do something like this, be sure to see a professional so it is done correctly.

It’s important to really consider why you want to make the switch to propane? Either way, it is still a fossil fuel and regardless, they are bad for the earth and they are not renewable resources. Fueling up can be an issue too. You will likely have to make note of each gas station that has propane, not all of them do. If your goal is simply to save a little money then propane may be a great option for you. However, if you wish to make a difference on a global sca 1000 le then a hybrid or flex fuel may be preferable. Do your research on all fuel types so you know what you’re really dealing with. Information is a major component of going green.

By: Levi Quinn

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Don’t pay more than you have to for auto insurance! Discover the fast and free way to price shop auto insurance quotes from respected insurance companies. Save money by finding automobile insurance rates that fit your budget, all from the comfort of your own home or office.

Technorati Tags: barbecue, barbeque, camping, fuel, gas, going green, heat, heating, liquid, power, propane, tanks

>> See Popular BBQ Grills & Accessories 24 Hour Shipping & Free Gift on Select Grills

Your particular tastes and preferences will have to guide you in the brand and style that you get. While a lot of people enjoy the yeast of cooking that gas grill can give others really enjoy the smoky taste that a charcoal grill can only provide.

Gas Barbecue Versus Charcoal – Let Your Taste Buds Determine – Options for Your Gas Grill

Propane is the primary fuel for the gas bbq grill and is quite easy to operate with just a touch of a button and a few temperature controls. Another great thing about using gas is that your hands don’t get dirty and it doesn’t take long to get a really tasty barbecue going, during a busy week that is a real bonus.

Just by simply making a few adjustments of the temperature controls your food cooks a lot more evenly that will over a charcoal fire.

Some built-in barbecue grills have the option of using natural gas as its heat supply, but that is only an option if your home is plumbed for using natural gas.

A really great thing about the natural gas option if it is available to you, is the fact that you don’t have to go and fill your propane tanks that you do with a regular gas grill.

There is a small drawback to using gas grills, as some of the heating parts have a tendency to break down after a while and need replaced. You can pretty much count on the fact that your valves, temperature controls, and even igniters will eventually need to be replaced at some point in time.

Charcoal Options

In my own opinion, as a barbecue expert, I truly enjoyed the distinct flavor that charcoal adds to my meats and other foods that I throw on the grill, and I truly feel it is worth the extra effort in cleaning up the ashes and getting the fire lighted.

The good news is that most charcoal bbq grills do not have extraneous parts like the gas one that needs replacing. Charcoal is for the most part pretty cheap, it is pretty dirty though but you never have to worry about leaking gas or filling up your propane tanks.

Portability

If you like the barbecue when you’re camping or tailgating or just going on picnics, you really want to act about buying a barbecue grill that is transportable. There are both charcoal and gas options for sale that would be easily portable for you to take almost anywhere. When you’re looking at buying a barbecue grill you’re simply going to have to let your budget and your taste buds be your guide.

By: Frank Froggatt

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

I personally favor the taste of a charcoal BBQ grill but everybody taste buds are different. If you want to learn more about barbecues in general or would like some barbeque recipes, then visit www.freebarbecuetips.com

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