Features to Consider Before Getting a Flat Top Grill
When summer arrives, all you want to do is go outdoors and have a relaxing pool party and a great BBQ where you invite all your friends and family to enjoy fantastic cuisine prepared to perfection. But what if your old grill is no longer sufficient for your cooking needs and you need to get a new one? Take a look at some of the elements that will help you decide whether or not to buy a new flat top grill.
Flat top grills are available in many sizes and designs. Here are the details you need to look at as you compare options:
1. Size
This is the most crucial factor to consider when choosing a grill. It needs to be big enough to cook for your guests. If you're only cooking for yourself and your family, you'd only need a small-sized unit that's just enough for your needs.
2. Burners
Flat top grills have their burners at the bottom of the unit. There are three types of burners that are commonly used in flat top grills.
Direct-vent burners: These are the most preferred because they're the safest units to use. They produce consistent heat because they don't consume a lot of oxygen.
Indirect-vent burners: They operate using natural gas or liquid propane. They're slightly more expensive, but they don't have any risk of carbon monoxide leakage.
Infrared burners: These burners have a special ceramic grate that produces infrared energy, which heats the food. They're usually used in combination with a griddle plate because they don't have a lot of BTUs.
3. Heat source
Two main heat sources for flat top grills include the direct and indirect sources. But there are also combination grills which have both types of burners. If you're buying a grill, you need to consider the type of heat that you need. This is because it's the main factor in choosing the right kind of grill.
Direct heat: Grills that use direct heat are great for searing meats. It's also good for cooking steaks and burgers with a nice char mark.
Indirect heat: Grills that use indirect heat are best for smoking as you can control the temperature easily.
4. BTUs/Max temperature
If you're a person who enjoys grilling for a lot of guests, you'll need a higher BTU grill. That way, you can cook for a large number of people without having to wait for a long period.
Most flat-top grills have heating elements that range from 7,500 to 15,000 BTUs. A grill with four burners, for example, may produce up to 60,000 BTUs.
More BTUs help a flat top grill to heat up rapidly and keep its temperature stable. A lower maximum BTU means you'll have to wait longer for the flattop to heat up. It may also be unable to attain the same high temperatures.
Maximum temperatures of at least 550 degrees Fahrenheit are anticipated with a 12,500 to 15,000 BTU flat top grill.
5. Tabletop vs. cart
Flat top grills come in two types: tabletop and cart or also known as built-in grills. Tabletop grills are lighter and can be easily moved from one location to another. Cart or built-in grills are much heavier and sturdier. As a result, it's more expensive, but you don't have to worry about transporting it around.
6. Material
Grills can be made of different materials. They're made of stainless steel, cast iron, ceramic, and porcelain. Flat top grills are mostly made of stainless steel because it's rust-proof and very durable. It's also very easy to clean and maintain.
Conclusion
A flat top grill is a big investment. If you're looking for a good flat top grill for your kitchen, take the things discussed here into consideration. It'll help you find the perfect grill that's suitable for your needs.
Do you want to try out a hibachi? Check out the hibachi at home grill options at Backyard Hibachi. Aside from the grills, we also offer hibachi cooking tools, grill accessories, replacement parts, and a whole lot more. Start shopping by going through the products on our website or give us a call for more information.
