Over
the Coals With Northline’s “Grill Sergeant”
Back to Outdoor
Cooking
 He’s never told us which branch of the
service he retired from, but he does know how to drill those
grills! He puts them to the test so you don’t have to. You
can be assured that any grill from Northline Express will
get five salutes.
That said, there are so many models.
How is a civilian supposed to choose? According to the
sergeant, it comes down to a few simple questions.
Totally Portable, Moveable, or Fixed?
Are you planning to maneuver from one
side of the patio to the other? Do you want to make your
grill a permanent base of command? Or do you want to bivouac
to the park, to the cabin, and then to the tailgate party?
Answering these questions will narrow the search for your
perfect grill.
Totally Portable
If you want to take a grill to the
campground, the beach, or a roadside park – or if you don’t
have the yard or storage space – then a compact, portable
model is the right choice for you. For the portable grill,
concentrate on table-top designs. These grills aren’t just
the charcoal variety – gas models have joined the ranks.
Moveable
 Mounted on carts, these grills can be
rolled out of storage, in and out of the shade, and even
from the backyard to the driveway for a block party. But you
probably won’t want to load one in your trunk for a picnic
in the park – especially with some of the “biggest and
baddest” on the roll call in this category.
A moveable grill is right for many
applications. You can move the grill out of the way when not
in use, cover and protect it outside year-round, or push it
into the garage or shed for storage. (Remember, don’t use
your grill in an enclosed garage or shed! That’s an order.
“Yes, sir, grill sergeant!”)
Fixed
 You don’t have to be as fanatical as
the grill sergeant to find that grilling can become a way of
life. More and more homeowners are creating outdoor kitchens
with permanently fixed grills. Some of these kitchens also
include refrigerators, ovens, sinks, and dishwashers. But
whether you have an elaborate outdoor kitchen or a simple
in-ground or patio/deck mounting, fixed grills are “command
central” for outdoor entertainment.
Charcoal, Gas, Infrared, or Hybrid?
This question is at the heart of your
flame. Some grill purists say that only charcoal counts.
You’ll recognize them when they say, “I love the smell of
lighter fluid in the evening.” Others want the immediacy of
a gas flame because life’s too short to wait for good chow!
Grills from Northline cover all of the
bases – and improve on tradition with the latest grill
technology.
Charcoal
Again, the grill purists say the best
smoky taste comes from charcoal grills. That’s a matter of
opinion – or heated debate. But one thing is for sure about
today’s charcoal grills: these aren’t like your
grandfather’s grill.
Historically, the charcoal grill meant almost an hour of
prep time before the first steak could hit the grill.
Today’s models cut this time significantly. Most are less
than 30 minutes. Some even march triple-time and are ready
in less than 10 minutes.
If you don’t want to commit to only
charcoal, there are charcoal grills that can use an LP
cylinder when you need to get cooking faster.
And even purists will like the patented
Weber® Touch-N-Go™ gas ignition system. Using the igniter
button, the attached gas tank brings charcoal up to
temperature fast.
Modern charcoal grills also offer
easier cleanup than the grills of yore, with easy-to-clean
ash catchers.
Gas
Gas grills include the propane variety
that uses LP tanks – as well as built-in grills with natural
gas hookups. The most common on the market, gas grills come
with many options and configurations.
Overall, LP gas tanks are readily
available. But one clear benefit of a fixed grill is the
option of connecting to a natural gas line. This eliminates
the filling or exchanging of LP tanks, and you won’t have to
worry about running out in the middle of a rib eye. Plus,
natural gas costs less and can cook hotter.
Infrared
More than twice as hot as traditional
gas grills, infrared grills use radiant heat to boost the
BTUs. With cooking temperatures around 1,600°F, you can sear
steaks like a high-end steakhouse. Above the gas burner, a
radiant plate deploys the heat while keeping the food moist.
Hybrid
Also available are hybrid grills that
combine an infrared burner for searing and traditional gas
burners. So you can have your steak and sear it, too.
Small, Medium, or Large?
The sergeant is here to tell you: size
does matter. But the most compact model can be the grill of
your dreams. It’s all in how you use it.
When deciding on the right size, the
sergeant says to “go with your gut” and not shortchange your
future grilling needs. You should have your grill for a long
time – if not a lifetime. Don’t go too small if your family
or parties are growing.
Here are some guidelines for the
correct size:
• For the small family grilling simple
meals, the two- to four-burner models are ideal for most.
• Four- to five-burner models are great
for larger families and parties.
• Five-burner and higher models – some
with side burners – serve large parties and families,
especially when entrees and side dishes are involved.
The more burners your grill has, the
more control you have. Not in the “global domination” sense
– more heat control. You can place different foods in
different areas of the grill for varied temperatures and
cooking rates.
Grill experts recommend a minimum of
four burners, but your space and needs may call for
something smaller. While four-burner models are also most
popular, make sure that the size of the grill matches your
lifestyle and what you like to cook. If you are roasting
chickens and turkeys, you’ll want the headroom and possibly
a rotisserie. If you want to grill 40 or so hamburgers at
once, then make sure you have at least 900 square inches of
grill surface.
Other Features To Consider
Side Burners
Side burners allow you to prepare other
dishes on the grill’s “stove top” without running into the
house.
Cooking Surface Construction
For grates,
look for stainless steel, porcelain-coated, cast iron, and
porcelain-coated cast iron. The porcelain grates keep food
from sticking, but care is needed so they aren’t damaged.
Heat is distributed evenly with the heavy cast iron, but it
needs to be seasoned with oil.
For
rust-resistant burners, porcelain-coated and stainless steel
are good choices.
Built-in Thermometers
Always make sure you are heating foods
to safe temperatures. Whether the thermometer is built-in or
an accessory, safe grilling includes checking the internal
temperature of all meat, fish, and poultry.
Electronic Ignition
Most grills are equipped with this
easy-start ignition.
Grease Is the Word
Check for good grease collection. A deep collector pan
that can be removed and
cleaned will reduce flare-ups.
Smoking Capabilities
Smoker chip trays or smoker boxes turn
a grill into a smoker. Not the three-pack-a-day kind. More
like hickory or apple wood chips.
Accessories
Don’t forget the grill cover. Like a
good tent, the cover keeps your grill protected from the
elements and ready to serve at a moment’s notice.
Prepare To Grill
That’s basic training from the grill sergeant. Your duty is
to make a few decisions and find the Northline grill that’s
perfect for you and your family. Dismissed!
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