Outdoor grilling is a unique mix of savory food and socializing. It’s interesting how cooking in the kitchen can be more solitary, but when you’re grilling outside, it becomes the focal point of conversation. People stand around you talking or sit on nearby patio furniture telling stories. It’s a wonderful way to mix food with community.

Outdoor grills also make for healthier cooking, as meat or vegetables get that dark, smoky flavor without oils or butter. When the meat cooks, the heated fat drips out of the meat in a greasy form—that means less fat is ingested when you eat it!

The most common types of grills are propane and charcoal. Charcoal grills are usually smaller in size and have a more rounded shape. The charcoal fuel source for this grill is sometimes difficult to light, and the cooking temperature is also harder to control. Not to mention, you also have to clean your grill more often of the charcoal ash. However, when charcoal grilling, your food has better flavor, and I find that more than makes up for the small hassles of a charcoal grill.

Propane grills or gas grills are very convenient. They often come square or rectangular in size and are much larger. Gas grills many times come with nice features such as a double level cooking grid, warming plates, and side shelves. They are a breeze to light, and you can control the cooking temperature much more easily. However, gas grilling, in my opinion, has a lack of flavor compared to charcoal. But, they are much more convenient.

Grilling is an experience of flavor as well as an experience with family or friends. It will change how you cook forever.