Grilled foods have become a staple during the spring and summer months. If you're buying outdoor kitchen appliances, you may be trying to decide between a grill, smoker, or both. To help you choose the right equipment, here's what you need to understand the differences between smokers and grills and how they affect the way that you cook. 

Should You Buy a Grill or a Smoker?

1. Meals to Prepare

One of the differences between grills and smokers is the temperature they use to cook food. Grills can climb as high as 400°F, which is perfect for trapping flavor in your meat for a short period. It's the preferred appliance for preparing tender cuts of meat, such as pork chops, chicken, ribs, burgers, and hot dogs. You can also use grills for cooking corn, eggplants, and other vegetables. 

However, opt for a smoker if you want your meals to absorb the flavors of hickory, cherry, or applewood. These appliances' internal temperature only goes as high as 160–300°F, giving the smoke more time to penetrate the meat. Because of this, you'll be serving large lean cuts of meat and poultry with a moister interior.

2. Cooking Methods and Equipment Additions

Grills allow you to cook your food using direct heat, or indirectly by putting it next to the flame. To stop the air from drying out your meats, keep the lids closed and be swift when replacing the coals and flipping the food to prevent burning.

Smokers are also covered cooking appliances, but unlike grills, they eliminate the need to adjust the meat while cooking. Instead, you manage the heat source by adding more wood and moving the coals when necessary.

3. Waiting Time

Grills take advantage of open flames and higher temperatures to cook meats faster. This makes them a cook's perfect companion during outdoor celebrations, especially when you need to serve a lot of food within a short time. Just remember to watch the meat carefully to avoid burning it. If you have hours to spare, use smokers so that the flavors can saturate your dishes. This is ideal for special occasions or weekends when you have a lot of time to prepare meals.

Find the best smokers and other kitchen appliances at Boyd Appliance Center in Creston, IA. Since 1945, this appliance store has been providing high-quality, affordable products from reputable brands, from cooktops and ranges to outdoor kitchen devices, refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, and laundry appliances. Visit their website to learn more about their products, and call (641) 782-2163 to inquire about their home delivery solutions and rebates.