Every spring and summer in Maine is another opportunity to celebrate everything we love about being outdoors, including cooking. Few products come in as wide an array of price ranges as grills, so almost anyone who wants a grill can find one within their budget. But remember, a more premium grill offers more features to enjoy and tends to last longer, providing a stronger return on your investment.
What kind of grill is best for you? It depends on your space, what you like to cook and how you like to prepare it. First, ask yourself the following questions:
How much time do you want to spend cooking?
If you’ve got a busy schedule, you may prefer the convenience of gas or electric grills. However, if you love spending time perfecting the ultimate outdoor meal, you may enjoy a charcoal grill, smoker or kamado grill.
How much space do you have?
Do you host frequent large gatherings? Go big on your barbecue size to optimize these special occasions. For a big backyard, a larger grill with a kitchen island can create a focal point for entertaining. But a premium portable or compact grill is your best option if you live in a condo or apartment, or for a cabin or other vacation destination with limited space.
What do you love to cook?
Many grills offer specialized features for certain foods. Think rotisseries if you love roasted chicken, or side burners for soups and stews. Want to expand your outdoor cooking repertoire beyond the grate? Consider a grill with ample space for pizza stones.
To help you discover your next favorite grill, here are the features of five major grill types to consider when making your choice.
Gas
If you want convenience and faster meal prep, a gas grill may be right for you. As with your kitchen stove, your food can be ready to cook in 10 minutes and it’s easy to regulate cooking temperatures.
Charcoal
If you love being hands-on with the nuances of outdoor grilling, a charcoal grill may be the choice for you. Some say charcoal provides the best flavor experience. You can use your charcoal grill for classic low-and-slow cooking and high-heat searing.
Pellet
This is a great option for people seeking optimal flavor. With pellets available in hickory, mesquite and oak, you can enjoy a truly flavorful cooking experience.
Electric
If simplicity appeals to you most, an electric grill may be your best bet. Designed to produce constant heat and operate without an open flame (without charcoal or propane), they’re especially suited for apartment or condo dwellers.
Kamado
For people who love cooking all styles and who keep grilling year-round, kamado grills’ excellent insulation works perfectly for both grilling and smoking. They’re very versatile, use wood and charcoal, and can also roast or bake.
Explore more recipes and plenty of grilling inspiration from the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association at WhyIGrill.org, or find your new grill by locating a retailer near you at HPBA.org.
Grilled Street Corn
By Matthew Eads of Grillseeker
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
4–6 ears of corn, husks on
2 cups grated Cotija cheese
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
Directions:
1. Light your grill with coals on one side and allow the temperature to stabilize at 350°F.
2. While the grill is preheating, whisk together mayonnaise, extra-virgin olive oil, salt and pepper in a bowl. Place the mixture in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Once the grill has reached 350°F, place the corn on the grill on the opposite side of the coals, leaving the husks on. The husks will steam the corn as it cooks. Grill for 30 minutes.
4. When the corn is ready, remove it from the grill and peel the husks back, but not all the way off, for a unique presentation. Be careful — the steam inside the husks is hot.
5. Coat the corn with a thin layer of the mayo mixture.
6. Pour Cotija cheese onto a plate. Hold the corn over the plate and spoon the cheese onto the corn to coat the mayo mixture.
7. To finish, top with a pinch of cayenne pepper or your favorite barbecue rub. Garnish with cilantro and fresh lime juice as desired.
