BBQ Grill and Outdoor Kitchen FAQs

When you're shopping for the best BBQ grills or designing your dream outdoor kitchen, it's common to have questions along the way. So, we've gathered our most frequently asked BBQ grill and outdoor kitchen questions to make this process easier for you. Let's dive in!

What's the better grill, gas or charcoal? 

Let's start with our most popular question. There are so many great gas and charcoal grills on the market that it's hard to know the right fit for your needs. Grills come in various fuel types—gas, charcoal, and electric. Each has its pros and cons. Gas grills offer convenience and quick heating, while charcoal brings that classic smoky flavor. Electric grills are easy to use but might lack the traditional grilled taste. At The Outdoor Appliance Store, you’ll find a wide range of grill types in each category, giving you ample options to choose from based on your preferences. Bottom line... it comes down to opinion and preference. 

Do I need to preheat my grill? 

The answer is yes - you absolutely do!  Here's why:

• Even Cooking: Preheating ensures that the entire grill surface reaches the desired temperature, resulting in more consistent and even cooking of your food.


• Food Safety: It helps to kill off any bacteria or contaminants on the grill grates, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.


• Better Sealing: Preheating helps to create a sear on the food, sealing in juices and flavors for a more delicious result.


• Prevents Sticking: A properly preheated grill reduces the likelihood of food sticking to the grates, making it easier to flip and preventing tearing.


• Faster Cooking Time: Starting with a hot grill reduces the time it takes to cook your food, ensuring quicker meals.


• Enhanced Flavor: The high heat produced by a preheated grill caramelizes sugars in food, enhancing the natural flavors and creating that desirable grilled taste.


• Improved Grill Marks: Preheating allows for better grill marks on your food, adding to its visual appeal.

What's the best way to avoid flare-ups?

Flare-ups are flames that surge up from the grill because of fat drippings from food. They aren't entirely avoidable, but you can do a few things to minimize flare-ups. Most importantly, start with keeping grill grates clean to remove grease and old food residue. Another pro tip is to reduce the amount of fat that gets in the grates while you're cooking by leaving the lid open for particularly fatty foods, trimming fat, and reducing the amount of oil used to grill.

How do I deal with flare-ups? 

No matter what, flare-ups still happen. When flare-ups occur, get the food off the grill to avoid burning it completely. Then cover the flare-up up by shutting the grill lid and wait it out. Flare-ups survive on oxygen in the air, so if you can smother it with the lid of the grill, do that. It's critical that you DON'T squirt water on a flare-up. It will get an ashy mess everywhere, and it doesn't actually subdue the flare. To be on the safe side, have a fire extinguisher nearby. 

How often do I really need to clean my grill grates?

It is ideal to get in the habit of cleaning your grill grates after using the grill. This is the same for both gas and charcoal grills. Grease, fat, and food particles build up on the grates and can cause flare-ups. It's also wise to give your grill a deep clean at the beginning of every season to ensure it runs safely and efficiently.

What size grill do I need?

Choosing the right-sized grill matters. First, think about the number of people you usually grill for. Typically, you want at least 72 square inches of room on the main grilling area for each person. If you like cooking all types of food on your grill, make sure your grill has a good height between the grates and the inside of the lid. This makes your grill flexible to cook a whole turkey! 

Does an outdoor kitchen need to be covered?

Technically, no, but we highly recommend having some protection for your outdoor kitchen. Installing your outdoor kitchen under a covered patio, adding a cover like a pergola, or at least covering the appliances when not in use is the best way to get the most life out of your outdoor kitchen. 

What's the best location for an outdoor kitchen?

Your outdoor kitchen is where all the fun will be happening in your backyard, so choosing the right spot is key! You'll want to place your outdoor kitchen in an area that's easy to access your home to transport food in and out. Also, consider a place that's a safe distance from kids' play areas. Finally, look at how much space you will need as well. You should have plenty of room to safely and comfortably move around the appliances to cook and entertain your family and friends.

What appliances or features should I include in my outdoor kitchen?

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  • Grill/Barbecue
  
  
  
  


• Outdoor Vent Hood


• Smoker


• Side Burner


• Refrigerator


• Sink


• Outdoor Ice Maker


• Warming Drawers


• Beverage Center/Bar


• Kitchen Islands


• Outdoor Lighting


• Dishwasher


• Kitchen Packages

How do I design my outdoor kitchen?

Great question! It can be overwhelming to create a beautiful outdoor kitchen from scratch. That's where The Outdoor Appliance Store comes in! We offer free design services that consist of multi-view colored renderings, a custom layout, expert advice, and an itemized quote.

The Outdoor Appliance Store is your place for top-quality BBQ grills and outdoor kitchens. We offer the top professional grill and appliance brands to help bring restaurant-quality food and experience right at home. Contact us today to talk with outdoor kitchen and grill experts! Explore a world of possibilities with us at The Outdoor Appliance Store! Our collection transforms your backyard into a culinary haven. Connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram for more tips on enhancing your outdoor kitchen.