I have to add real life experience to my June 30th post.

I went to a fabulous barbeque throw down at a friend’s place. The food was all home cooked, Southern style: mac and cheese, bbq baked beans, collard greens, potato salad. All delicious, all made with love and skills.

I was happily anticipating my burger which had been marinated over night in a special sauce. When it came off the grill and I had my first bite, my friend asked to me if I could pick the secret ingredient in the marinade…

Uh, “lighter fluid” I thought.

I could not taste anything on that burger but nasty chemicals. I asked other friends afterwards and we all agreed. None of us could finish the burgers. Besides tasting foul, we all imagined we’d drop dead with cancer if we took a second bite.

I now firmly stand for gas and electric grills only. Besides being more green, they are also way better for your health. And they seal the deal for the reason you’re grilling in the first place; your taste palette.

It might look cool and bring back fond memories from childhood but, in my opinion, the charcoal grill should die with the dinosaurs.

Besides red, white and blue, a grill is the one element that makes our upcoming American summer holiday distinguishable. So, if you don’t already have one, I’m here to help. There are hundreds of choices out there and I want to make sure you’re spending more time celebrating than shopping. Take my Get a Grill Quiz and find out which type of grill is best for you!

Questions

1. Are you a basic burger cook or a gourmet chef?
2. Do you cook for a select few or do you like to throw down for a massive posse?
3. Which rates higher for you, the classic smoky bbq taste or neat grilling with an easy clean up?
4. Where will you be grilling? A few steps from your kitchen? A trek across the yard?
5. When you’re not grilling, where will your grill live? Under cover? Out in the open?

Answers

1. For basic burgers look for a straight up grill. For a gourmet chef you can go all the way with side shelves, rotisserie, lights, radio, cabinet space… you name it, they got it, but buyer be ware: the features cost extra.
2. Grills come in all sizes. Think about how many burgers you’ll need to cook at once to suit your party. Look at the surface area of prospective grills and go from there.
3. To charcoal or to gas, that is the question! A charcoal grill is more mess but if you really want that Fourth of July flavor, just jump in the pool afterwards! There are plenty of sleek gas grills on the market in all price ranges. If you want it ready for the 4th make sure there’s not a tedious instillation process necessary.
4. Consider a grill with shelves, side trays and even cabinets if you want to keep cooking utensils and condiments next to the action.
5. If your outdoor grill does not have a place to live that is completely covered, you must get a stainless steel grill unless you want to add rust to your next bbq recipe!