It may be snowing outside, but don't let that discourage you from warmer thoughts. Summer is just around the corner, and it will be outside grilling season soon. It's time to start thinking about the grill that died last summer and needs to be replaced. This is the place to start.

Locations for a Grill

Many put grills on a patio or deck, sometimes in a complete outdoor kitchen. To decide where to place your grill, get help over at rtaoutdoorliving.com. Once you choose a location, it's time to get busy selecting the correct type of grill.

Charcoal Grills

Charcoal grills have been a favorite for years. They give off a smoky, rich flavor from the charcoal and are easy to use. All charcoal grills operate in the same fundamental way. Air intake is located at the bottom of the grill and is adjusted to let in more or less air, and the air exits the top of the grill. The more air that comes in, the hotter the grill gets.

One of the benefits of charcoal grills is that once they reach the desired temperature, they will cook consistently at that temperature for quite a long time, provided there is enough charcoal. This is helpful when grilling tough cuts of meat, as it makes them tender and flavorful.

Charcoal Kettle Grills

Charcoal kettle grills are the most common charcoal grill. They are lightweight and portable. They are simple, in the shape of a kettle, and include just a rounded bottom, a tight, removable lid, a stand, and grill grates. Charcoal is placed in the bottom, and a small grate is elevated for cooking food.

Kamado Grills

Kamado grills work similarly to kettle grills but with a few differences. They are shaped like an egg and are sometimes called ceramic smokers. It is much heavier than a charcoal kettle grill and often weighs 150-500 pounds.

Airflow and temperature are still regulated through airflow into the bottom and top of the grill. Still, a slight adjustment in the air valve will significantly change the temperature. A kamado grill can be highly versatile because of its hot, consistent heat source.

An everyday accessory for the kamado grill is a heat deflector. This looks like a pizza stone and is placed over the coals but below the food. It deflects the heat to the grilling area, cooking more like an oven.

Pellet Grills

The Louisiana pellet grill is a hybrid of the smoker and the grill. Wood pellets the size of a pea are loaded into a hopper and delivered to a burn pot with an auger. Once the temperature is set, the burn pot keeps the grill at the desired temperature. Because of the electronic settings, this grill does require an electrical outlet.

Gas and Propane Grills

Gas and propane grills operate with burners emitting around 40,000 BTUs of heat, cooking the food from below with either indirect or direct heat. They are convenient because they heat up fast, and many accessories are available such as side burners, lights, and dedicated meat-searing areas.

Consider space and style before buying a new grill. Make sure to note the weight of the grill and size to ensure it will fit in the chosen area, and get ready to enjoy many delicious meals.