What to Consider When Renting a Grill
What to Consider When Renting a Grill
- Power source. Rental grills commonly run on propane gas, charcoal, wood or some combination of these fuels. Charcoal and wood grills offer the added flavor of charcoal or wood, but usually take a long time to heat up to the proper cooking temperature. They also take a long time to cool down once you finish cooking and then you have to find a place to dispose of the remaining charcoal or wood and ashes. Unlike charcoal grills, propane gas grills provide a fast start-up time, fast cool-down time and precise temperature control. When you rent any kind of grill, make sure that you obtain enough charcoal, propane or wood to cook the necessary amount of food.
- Cooking area. The cooking area of rental grills can vary. Rental grills typically come in widths from 30 to 72 inches. Some tow-behind units with four grills offer up to 40 square feet of cooking area. The size of grill you need to rent depends on both the number of people you will serve and the type of food you will cook. For example, you generally can cook twice as many burgers as steaks in the same amount of grill space.
- Cleaning options. Grease removal systems, such as drip pans and shields, keep grease away from the burners on the rental grill to minimize the risk of flare-ups and make for easier cleanup. Other grills offer self-cleaning features.
- Burners. When you rent a gas grill, you should take into consideration the number of burners available. You can control the distribution of heat better when you have a greater number of independent, adjustable burners.
- Hood. Renting a hooded grill can provide a more sanitary cooking environment, which can aid in meeting health department regulations. In addition, some hooded grills provide the benefits of convection cooking.
- Other options. Many grills available to rent allow you to add options to them depending upon your needs. For example, if you plan to roast a hog, you probably will need a rotisserie. Other options to consider adding include a bun rack, sink, water tank, ice chest, collapsible counter, work shelf or steam pan. Make sure to discuss your grilling plans with your local, rental store professionals and ask them what options you can add to your grill rental to make it more functional.