According to the State of the Barbecue Industry Report released by the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association, burgers, steaks, hot dogs and chicken are the commonly prepared foods on outdoor grills. Burgers continue to lead the way as the most popular item to grill, although its lead percentage has dropped.... plus there are plenty of other grill-able items out there.

Tips for Safe Barbecuing
Consumer Guide to Grill Buying

Last May, chef-instructor Steve Latona appeared on an NBC segment with some tips on how to buy a grill:

Here's How To Find The Grill Of Your Dreams

Stainless Steel Grates Preferred By Chef Steve Latona

POSTED: 10:09 pm EDT May 25, 2005

UPDATED: 11:26 pm EDT May 25, 2005

PHILADELPHIA -- It seems to be a guy thing. Next to cars, men take their grills very seriously, and this weekend is opening season for backyard warriors.

Consumer reporter Tracy Davidson has some grill-buying basics for the serious cook.

"You know how some women send their kids to the toy department or the play area so they can shop? They send their husbands here because they know it's where they'll be when they're done shopping," said Rebecca Bocyck, a sales clerk at Wal-Mart.

"When the wife goes away, that's when they hit the big grill. They get underneath the grill. They get in the grill, they push the knobs they shake it," Bocyck said.

In checking out grills you should do the wiggle test, but don't be totally blinded by the bells and whistles. There are grill-buying basics, according to Chef Steve Latona from the Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College.

First, you should think about how much you want to spend.

Most grills sold range from $150 to $3,000. The fancy ones can go even higher.

The next thing to consider is power.

"The more power, the better," Latona said.

More BTUs will give you longevity, according to Latona. But, generally, 30,000 to 40,000 BTUs is a good output. You should look for 50,000 BTUs if you entertain a lot.

But Weber Grills said that more is not always better -- especially if you don't need it because it could cause damage.

The third item to consider is the materials that the grill is made of.  "I look for a good grate -- preferably stainless steel," Latona said. "(It) is going to last a long time."

Your element needs to be made of good metal, too.

"This is going to be your workhorse of the whole grill," Latona said.

Latona said that brass is the top of the line material to look for. Stainless steel is the next best choice.

Other basics to look for are an igniter, a second-tier grate and two to three controls.

Some things that are nice, but not required, are the side burners and the storage space. Also, ask whether a propane tank is included in the price. A tank can be another $20 to $25 if it is bought separately.

No matter how big or expensive, though, it is the magic on the grill that will get you raves. "I'd say, always have a clean grill. (To) clean your grill, get a good brush, oil your food and then put it on the hot grill and it'll be easier to turn," Latona said.

 

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