Hassle-Free Grilling with Electricity & Natural Gas
Most people stick with the old standby grills using charcoal briquettes or liquid propane tanks. But both of these types can be inconvenient and expensive.
Another drawback you might not realize is the pollutants that charcoal and propane grills put into the air. Both types, especially charcoal, produce carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, as well as other harmful emissions.
Electric grills
A different option is an electric grill. It's much safer to use, with no open flames or flammable liquids, and it's very convenient - no charcoal to buy or gas tanks to fill.
Electric grills also cook food more evenly; the coils maintain a constant temperature that's easy to control, so you won't get hot spots or flare-ups. Electric grills are easy to clean - they cool down quickly and the cooking grid is removable so you can just pop it in the dishwasher.
Electric grills are also much safer for the environment, emitting 99 percent less carbon monoxide than charcoal grills, and they reduce carbon dioxide by 91 percent over charcoal and 21 percent over propane.
If you're interested in buying an electric grill, be sure to take into consideration the length of the cord and where you'll be using it. You should never use an extension cord with an electric grill, and always use an outlet with a ground fault circuit interrupter.
Natural gas grills
If you have natural gas service to your home, you can use it to fuel your grill. A natural gas grill offers all the benefits of propane: it's easy to start, it reaches cooking temperatures quickly and it's easy to shut down and clean when you're finished.
But a natural gas grill offers a few distinct advantages or propane. With a natural gas grill, you'll never have to lug around a 20-pound cylinder, and you'll never have to worry about running out of fuel.
Natural gas is also more economical - the annual operating cost is usually less than half of propane grills.
And like electric grills, natural gas models are earth-friendly. Natural gas is the cleanest-burning fossil fuel, so you won't be putting harmful pollutants into the air around your home.
You can find natural gas grills at many fireplace dealers - the professionals there will install it for you and make sure it's operating safely.
Be sure to remember all your natural gas safety rules, and as with any grill, it's important to keep kids and pets away to prevent accidents.
Learn more: Choosing the Right Grill - By the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association
