Gas Grills, Gas Fireplaces and Accessories

Grills, Fireplaces, and Stoves Blog - Boston, Sudbury MA

Gas Grill Buying Guide – Boston, Sudbury, MA

Joseph Coupal - Wednesday, April 26, 2017

West Sport in Sudbury, Sudbury, Boston, MAYou've looked at all types, sizes and price ranges of gas grills. You've listened to salespeople tell you about surface areas, BTUs, rotisserie burners, side burners, infrared burners, and a dozen things you've never heard of. Now you're more confused than before. Here is a little friendly advice in your grill shopping.

Price

Rule number one: You get what you pay for! If you drop in your local department or hardware store (even grocery store) you will see gas grills in the price range of around $150 to $300.

However, there are some that can run over $10,000. There are literally hundreds of gas grills on the market each year through your local stores may only carry a few, so having an idea of how much you want to spend will help narrow your search. When comparing prices, find out whether or not a propane tank is included. This can add about $20 to $30 to your total cost if you have to buy it separately.

Fuel

The second thing to take into consideration is the fuel. Do you want propane or natural gas? Natural gas requires a gas line at the location of your grill. Many grills can be bought in either configuration but you can't run a propane grill on natural gas or visa-versa. Many lower priced grills do not have the natural gas option although more and more grills do these days. Watch the price, though. Some natural gas conversion kits can cost between $50USD and $100USD.

Of course, natural gas will cost you less in the long run and save you trips to the propane store.

Material

Next is the material the grill is made out of. The main body of the grill is usually made from cast aluminum, sheet metal, cast iron, or stainless steel. Stainless steel is the preferred material of professional cooking equipment and the most expensive, but not all stainless steel is created equally.

One thing to watch for is not just the body, but also the frame. There are many "stainless steel" grills that have painted steel frames that can rust. Once you decide on the material, look over the whole grill to see how it's put together. Is it all stainless steel (try using a magnet)? Manufacturers take shortcuts with metal! The truth is that cast aluminum will typically outlast any quality of stainless steel.

Size

Once you have these factors decided, you need to pick the size and features you want. For the size, think about the kinds of things you will want to cook on your grill and for how many people you might want to cook for. If you're planning on a large turkey or being able to cook up 40 hamburgers at a time you'll want a larger grill. If you just cook a few steaks or chicken breasts once in a while, you'll probably want a smaller one. Also, look at the space you have for the grill. Get one that will fit safely and conveniently.

Features

Do you want a side burner? How about multiple level cooking surfaces, or a smoker box, side burner, rotisserie burner, lights, or any one of a dozen things that get added to a grill these days. Remember that a basic grill will do lots of stuff and most of the extras get very little use.

Features cost Money! Only buy the features you know you'll use.

Heat

Another factor is the BTU rating. This is a measurement of the amount of heat created by the burner. A grill with higher BTUs doesn't necessarily produce more heat. It is a factor of the heat created, the size of the grill and how well it holds and distributes that heat. Don't buy a grill just because it has a high BTU number. Compare that number with the size and the shape of the grill. Smaller more compact grills can produce higher cooking temperatures with lower BTUs.

Durability

Materials, the thickness of metals, and quality of parts play a major role in how long a grill will last. However, the biggest part of the lifespan of your gas grill is how well it is taken care of. A well taken care of grill can last a long time! The best grill out there will rust and fall apart if it is left uncovered and uncleaned.

Of course, a better grill will last longer, but you can get a long time out of a cheap grill is you take care of it.

One way to separate the bad from the good is to look for name brand grills versus store brands. Name brand gas grills have replacement parts, customer support and a company that will survive or not based on the quality of their products. Store brands change factories annually and lack the depth of support that will help keep you grill working for years to come, because if you take good care of it, it should last for many, many years.

For more information on the best gas grill for you, contact West Sport in Sudbury.

The Spruce

Primo Ceramic Charcoal Grills are the Only Way to Grill on Charcoal - Boston, Sudbury, MA

Joseph Coupal - Thursday, April 20, 2017

Primo ceramic grills are the only ceramic grills that are made in the USA. Cooking good food is done best on a Primo charcoal grill and smoker. With ceramic grills, the heat and moisture are retained inside the grill. No matter how hot the temperature inside, the exterior of the grill gets only warm to the touch. Metal retains heat and lets it escape. Ceramic keeps the heat inside, along with the moisture in your meat.

No matter what you want to cook, from grilling to smoking to baking, this charcoal keg style grill is the way to do it. This grill is an oval keg-style grill, and oval is better than round every time!

Watch the video to find out more about Primo Ceramic charcoal grills.

Contact West Sport in Sudbury for more information.

Add an Outdoor Kitchen to Your Living Space in Sudbury, Weston, Wayland, Lexington, MA this Summer

Joseph Coupal - Wednesday, April 12, 2017

You have a beautiful home, why not add a beautiful outdoor kitchen to your living space? Outdoor kitchens provide a gorgeous and unique space where you can relax, dine, entertain, and play. Enjoy family, friends, and the outdoors this summer by adding a dynamic and enviable space in your yard.

Fire magic gas grills offer the best in built-in grills, outdoor kitchen appliances and other outdoor kitchen components. At West Sport, we have the lowest prices around, and we'll match online pricing as well. Right now, you can receive 20% off your entire outdoor kitchen project.

Watch the video for more information on Fire Magic built-in gas grills. Contact West Sport in Sudbury for more information.

Buying a Gas Grill – Sudbury, Boston, MA

Joseph Coupal - Friday, April 07, 2017

Fireplace and Grill Shop, Sudbury, MAMidpriced gas grills look great in store displays, all shiny and new. That’s because they’re protected from the elements, grease free, and spiders haven’t had a chance to take up residence in the burner tubes. Looks aside, even if you spend up to $1,000 there’s no guarantee you’re buying a grill that’s impressive at grilling.

With the swipe of a credit card spending $450 to $1,000 can get you a small, medium, or a large gas grill that delivers impressive performance. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Construction tends to be sturdier than less expensive models. When shopping test sturdiness by nudging the grill from different points. Inspect the cart, lid, firebox, and wheels. Grip the handle to check for clearance: You don’t want your knuckles to be too close to a hot lid.
  • Grates should be heavy-duty stainless or cast-iron. Both are good at maintaining even temperatures and for searing. Stainless are more durable.
  • Fire up with an electronic igniter. Most grills in this price range have one and it’s usually more convenient than one that’s rotary or push button.
  • Features often include four wheels or casters for easy moving, a fuel gauge that reminds you it’s time for a refill, and a side burner for cooking corn or simmering sauce. Check the manual to find out the side burner’s weight limit. You’ll want to know how heavy a pot it can hold.
  • Warranty on burners, the most replaced part, is typically 10 years or longer.

Choosing a Size

Measure the grill's main cooking area so you can match it to the number of people gathered around your table. Manufacturers may include racks and searing burners when tallying their measurements. Consider how much space the grill will eat up on your patio or deck.

Brand Reliability and Satisfaction

Ask your friends about their experience with a grill brand. Ask your local grill retailer about their experiences and about customer feedback. There are all kinds of online reviews as well.

For more information on buying the right gas grill for your home, contact West Sport in Sudbury.

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