Outdoor cooking is such a part of our culture that it’s inconceivable to picture summer, Father’s Day or the Fourth of July without a grill of some kind being fired up. Burgers on the BBQ; ribs being grilled by the pool; or a steak on a charcoal grill while camping – these are some of the iconic images of summer we are all familiar with. And while most people enjoy a grilled burger or spending time in the backyard with friends and family, the number question is "What type of grill should I buy?" With all of the choices out there, from top brand names like Weber Grills and Napoleon Grills to the many different types like charcoal grills, outdoor gas grills and electric grills, it’s no wonder that beginner grillers might be a little confused.

The answer is actually simple. It’s all up to you; how you want to cook outdoors, how you would like your food to taste and what you plan on cooking on a regular basis. Charcoal grills, outdoor gas grills and electric grills, even brand names like Weber Grills, all have their own unique, distinctive "flavor."

Charcoal Grills

Charcoal grills have to be the old classic standby of the grilling community. All they require is charcoal briquettes heated to cooking temperature and you’re good to go. Charcoal grills do take longer than other outdoor gas grills to be cooking ready, and are generally messier. But they tend to be the least expensive type of grill; they don’t need tanks, hook-up lines or an outdoor outlet, so from that point of view, they are the easiest to use. If you like that special flavor that wood smoke (briquettes) gives a hamburger (or anything else you choose to put on the grill), then charcoal grills are the type of grill for you.

Outdoor Gas Grills

Outdoor gas grills fire up almost immediately; they don’t require a lot of effort to keep clean or to maintain; and they generally are available with more features than charcoal grills. Top brand name manufacturers of outdoor gas grills like Weber grills or Napoleon Grills offer a range of grills in sizes for portable to large with all of the bells and whistles. Many outdoor gas grills have features like side burners, optional infrared burners, all-weather wheels, swivel casters, temperature gauge and tool hooks. Since a gas grill Because outdoor gas grills use propane gas tanks that require filling, it’s good to have a spare back-up tank on hand – you don’t want to run out in the middle of that big family BBQ.

Electric Grills

Electric grills are easy to use, and because all they require is a power outlet, the heat they produce is consistent and continuous. They tend to be smaller in size than other kinds of barbecues. Many models are portable. An electric grill typically utilizes a heating element that is embedded within the cooking surface or directly below it. Unlike other kinds of barbecues, many types of electric grills can be used both indoors and outdoors. They are great for urban living spaces like apartment balconies or townhouse patios