Of course, there are master griller monsters that run thousands of dollars. But it’s all meat and veggies on the BBQ in the end, and your food won’t care whether it’s getting done on the cheap or receiving a luxury ride.

A Note of Caution

While grilling is fun, the food is delicious and the company often tremendous, there are safety issues at play. From lighting the grill to maintaining its heat to watching children running around to dealing with flames, a good grill master keeps a close eye on what’s going on and tries to avoid having an incident mar an otherwise fun event.

Here are a few things that are recommended to enhance your enjoyment of an outdoor grill.

1)    Read the owner’s manual – Sure, your Uncle Joe thinks he knows how to do things without all those fancy words and instructions. But the manual was compiled for a specific reason – your grill works best when you follow directions on its usage, assembly and safety procedures. Failing to follow them could result in dangerous leaks, failure to ignite or potential danger from heat going where you don’t want it directed. If you have a question, the owner’s manual always includes a hotline number where you can get specific questions on operation answered. Just be sure to have your make and model number handy when you place your call.

2)    Keep the home fires burning…outdoors – Grills were meant for outdoor use only except in industrial kitchens, where trained professionals and air outtake can handle the smoky conditions. Make sure you don’t become a victim of carbon monoxide poisoning or other dangers. Avoid using any grill in an enclosed space, whether that’s your garage, in or near a tent, cabin, or trailer. Carbon monoxide is a silent and deadly killer.