Although it’s hard to beat the taste of food cooked on an outside grill, sometimes you need something that’s convenient and weather-proof for making grilled vegetables, or juicy burgers in a hurry.  I’ve used two different indoor grills over the past couple of years, including a George Foreman grill.  I’m surprised at how many times I’ve reached for them when I need to cook something fast.  I use my indoor grills most often for pork chops, steaks, burgers and veggies.

This George Foreman indoor grill features removeable plates for easy cleaning.  It also has a 1-inch floating hinge for accommodating thicker cuts of meat.  What I especially like about the George Foreman grills is that they cook from both sides simultaneously- which cuts the cooking time in half. And, the tilted design lets grease drain away from the food quickly.  The George Foreman Grilleration indoor grill is available at Boscov’s for $99.

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!