We all have a bit of Frank Lloyd Wright in us when it comes to designing our own outdoor island for grilling up masterpieces that will have them writing poems to us after we're long gone. But the reality is that after our dreams of the perfect design become a reality, we have to make the decision as to what grill and accessories we should use to get us through the challenges sure to face us on the rocky road to grilling nirvana. You should consider that if you put a grill in your new island that won't hold up to the future you have in store for it and you have to replace it, you will be faced with two choices. First, you either replace it with the same grill you already have and be faced with the same problem again, or replace it with a more durable grill and do some heavy remodeling to your island. Since we don't want to do that, we need to select a grill that won't let us down.
It's no surprise that the heart of any grill is the burner. Choosing a grill with a tube type burner is just asking for trouble with a built in grill. Even if the burner is easy to replace(they aren't), and even if they were easy to get(it could take two weeks), you'll generally go through a time where your grill is burning very hot in one area and hardly any heat coming out at other areas of the grill. It's nice to be able to count on a stable temperature in all areas of your grill. So, what type of burners should you look for? What are your choices?
We've already talked about the rolled tube type burner, and the next is the cast iron burner. These burners are reliable, but they have a tendency to rust and that can sometimes interfere with the gas flow, making it more turbulent and affecting your heat distribution. The next type of burner is cast brass. This burner will not rust and has excellent heat distribution. Lynx grills have this type of burner, and their confidence is high enough that they place a lifetime guarantee on their burners. Their confidence is well placed.
The last type of burner is cast stainless steel. This burner is generally considered to be the strongest of the burners, with excellent heat distribution and a lifetime guarantee. Fire Magic Grills carry these burners as standard equipment.
Other things that are necessary to consider with your new island are the ergonomics of the grill. How easy is it for you to use. Is the hood too big and heavy for convenience? Can it catch the wind and close when you don't want it to? How are the controls? Easy to see? Easy to use and understand?
These are some of the options you should consider when buying a grill, and of course there are many others. I would say the best way to make sure you don't spend the next thirty years looking at a grill you hate is to talk to a professional about the grill you are looking for and get their opinion and weigh it with your own. Talk to more than one. I would suggest that here is a good place to start. Gator Gas Grills.
