Picking the Right Portable Gas Grills
There are many joys of owning portable gas grills. You can take portable grills with you just about anywhere, even to campgrounds that have restrictions on open fires and charcoal grilling. They can be put in the back of the truck or the trunk of a car, ready for tailgating at your favorite game, or when you are out fishing or just want to have the taste of a fine barbeque. The problem is that for most people, they just don't know how to find the right model, and end up with something that is less than adequate. For those people who want to buy a gas grill, but don't know how to go about it, here are a few tips to help you choose the right one.
Now portable gas grills are different from a regular barbeque grill in many ways. Just because your outdoor grill has wheels on it doesn't make it a portable grill. One of the big differences between the two is that a portable grill is able to be placed on the tailgate, or even on a picnic table. Some models have longer legs and can also sit on the ground, making them more versatile. Another big difference between a portable grill and a regular one is that the portable grill uses a small propane cylinder rather than a conventional five-gallon propane tank.
One of the first things to look for in portable gas grills is the size of the cooking surface. If you are cooking for just yourself or for a couple of people, then you won't need that much cooking surface, but if you are tailgating, or have a larger family, then portable grills with a larger surface area are needed. Two hundred and fifty square inches may seem like a lot, but this will only realistically hold a few hamburgers and maybe a package of hot dogs at the same time. When you get into foods like steaks, chicken or pork, this small space fills up fast.
One of the next things to be watchful for in portable gas grills is their ease of use. You want to be able to easily attach the propane cylinder, as well as light it without burning your hands. Some people use an extendable lighter; others tend to want portable grills with electronic ignition.
The main reason for having portable gas grills is, of course, their portability, so you want your portable grills to have legs that can fold up when not in use and carry handles. The handles should be of a material that stays cool, even when in use. The legs should be able to raise the grill itself at least four inches off the table or tailgate, keeping the heat well away from the surface on which it is sitting. The gas should have easy to use controls, with varying heat settings, so your food doesn't burn.
Portable gas grills have either single or dual burners. Dual burners are ideal for portable grills that have accessories such as griddles, because the heat is more evenly distributed. However, the length of cooking time is less, so you have to keep your eye on it more.
Now portable gas grills are different from a regular barbeque grill in many ways. Just because your outdoor grill has wheels on it doesn't make it a portable grill. One of the big differences between the two is that a portable grill is able to be placed on the tailgate, or even on a picnic table. Some models have longer legs and can also sit on the ground, making them more versatile. Another big difference between a portable grill and a regular one is that the portable grill uses a small propane cylinder rather than a conventional five-gallon propane tank.
One of the first things to look for in portable gas grills is the size of the cooking surface. If you are cooking for just yourself or for a couple of people, then you won't need that much cooking surface, but if you are tailgating, or have a larger family, then portable grills with a larger surface area are needed. Two hundred and fifty square inches may seem like a lot, but this will only realistically hold a few hamburgers and maybe a package of hot dogs at the same time. When you get into foods like steaks, chicken or pork, this small space fills up fast.
One of the next things to be watchful for in portable gas grills is their ease of use. You want to be able to easily attach the propane cylinder, as well as light it without burning your hands. Some people use an extendable lighter; others tend to want portable grills with electronic ignition.
The main reason for having portable gas grills is, of course, their portability, so you want your portable grills to have legs that can fold up when not in use and carry handles. The handles should be of a material that stays cool, even when in use. The legs should be able to raise the grill itself at least four inches off the table or tailgate, keeping the heat well away from the surface on which it is sitting. The gas should have easy to use controls, with varying heat settings, so your food doesn't burn.
Portable gas grills have either single or dual burners. Dual burners are ideal for portable grills that have accessories such as griddles, because the heat is more evenly distributed. However, the length of cooking time is less, so you have to keep your eye on it more.
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