Living Large (on a Budget): 2011 Griller’s Guide
May is National Barbecue Month and Memorial Day is right around the corner, which can only mean one thing—it’s time to go outdoors and get grillin’! If you’re in the market for a new grill, finding a great deal on the right one to fit your needs can feel like a full-time job. So we’ve taken a look at what’s on the market and paired our top choices with some of our best offers to come up with The Coupon Craze 2011 Griller’s Guide. We’ll be breaking down how to quickly choose the right type of grill and then present our top picks across 3 price points. Ready to grill? Let’s get started!
Three Big Decisions Before You Buy
Before you jump on that shiny new grill you saw online, you should ask yourself three simple questions to make sure it’s a good fit for you.
1) Gas or Charcoal? You can snatch up a charcoal grill for under $100, which is great for portable cooking. But remember, they take longer to get going than gas grills, give you less control and you have to be prepared to do a lot of cleaning up. That’s one reason why quick-and-easy gas grills are the mainstay of American backyards, accounting for 57% of sales last year.
2) Big or Small? Is your grill an outdoor showcase or just a functional extension of your kitchen? Be realistic about how much room you have and how much grilling power you need. Super-sized grills look great online and provide oodles of cooking surface, but they can eat up valuable outdoor space – especially in smaller backyards. Smaller grills work well in nearly any space, but limit how much you can cook at once. Big or small you’ll want to make sure you have at least 400 or more square inches of cooking surface.
3) Value or High End? Finally, know what your budget buys you. The most popularly priced gas grills sell for between $129 and $299, says the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association. Last year, they also found that the average price for a stand-up charcoal grill was $68, while stand-up gas grills averaged $264. Expect higher-end gas grills to cost between $300 and $500. Top-of-the-line models will run you $500 to $1,000.
Great Grills to fit Every Budget
OK, you know what type of grill you’re looking for, but the dizzying array of models makes it near impossible to actually choose one. Don’t worry, we’ve simplified things by highlighting our favorites across 3 price points.
Starter Grills. If you’re on a tight budget, check out the big box retailers. Walmart is one of our top choices, and this year they have a neat little Kingsford charcoal grill which, from the outside looks like a gas grill—except for the nifty $84 price tag—but on the inside is all about the charcoal. Gas grills at Walmart start as low as $118 with free shipping, and The Uniflame 40,000 BTU model is a great choice that sports any starter Grill must-haves: two burners, external temperature gauge, side shelf and burner, and 380 square inches of cooking surface. Be sure to checkout the deals at Walmart here before you shop.
High-end Grills. If you’re looking for a more high-end grill, but prefer value over sizzle, barbecue specialty stores like CS Grills carry a big selection of models such as the Ducane Affinity 3100 and a perennial favorite, the Weber Spirit E-310. A price point between $300 and $500 should get you three burners, a warming rack, ample work space and about 36,000 BTUs—delivering better heat control and distribution for better cooking. Ready to grab one? Get free shipping and additional savings with our CS Grills coupons.
Luxury Grills. Looking for a gorgeous grill that’ll turn heads? Above the $500 range you'll typically get 4-5 burners, room for add-ons like a rotisserie or griddle and between 50,000 and 75,000 BTUs of pure cooking power. Of our favorite luxury grill deals, from the country that might rival America’s love affair for all things BBQ, there’s Australia’s Beefeater line, available with some serious discounts at Barbecue Grill Superstore. The five-burner grill comes completely pre-assembled, cranks at 75,000 BTUs and sells for $969. But don’t overlook the big name retailers. Sam’s Club currently has a six-burner Jenn-Air Grill for $949 and free shipping that’s big enough to cook for a small army!
Don’t Forget the Finishing Touches
A new grill isn’t quite ready for prime-time without the right set of tools. This year we’ve found a few great deals on must-have grilling utensils that you can grab for a bargain. If space is a concern, Sears Outlet is currently selling their 3-piece Folding Grill Tool Set at 40% off for only $23.99, and have a 40% off sale going on grills and outdoor furniture. Lowes is offering their Char-Broil Commercial Series Grilling Toolset for $32.44, and you can get free shipping on any order over $49.
So what are you waiting for? Grilling season’s right around the corner!
