There are many features that one should consider when purchasing an outdoor grill. The main feature that one should consider would be the type of fuel for the outdoor grill. Charcoal grills are probably the most used types of grills. Charcoal grills use charcoal briquettes for fuel. You have to use lighter fluid to light the briquettes unless you purchase the more expensive brands of briquettes that can be lit without having to use lighter fluid. Charcoal grills also come in small sizes, which is useful for those who live in apartments or who have no room to store larger outdoor grills.

Another type of outdoor grill is the propane grill. You can use a propane grill to cook foods quickly. Propane grills use propane gas as the fuel source. The fuel is stored in small propane tanks that have to be re-filled once all of the fuel has burned out of the tank. The propane tanks are heavy, so if you cannot lift heavy items then you may find it difficult to get your tank re-filled.

Natural gas grills require more room than propane or charcoal grills. Natural grills hook up to your homes natural gas line, and cannot be transported easily. Since they run off natural gas, they are environmental friendly.

Another type of outdoor grill is the smoker grill. Smoker grills cook meats slowly and add a rich smoky flavor that can't be matched with gas grills. Smoker grills use charcoal or wood for their fuel. You can use different types of wood to add different smoky flavors to your meats.

Once you decide which type of outdoor grill will suit your needs best based on the fuel it uses, you will then need to determine the amount of grilling space provided by each type of grill.

If you wish to use your outdoor grill for camping trips or tailgate parties, then you may find that a small charcoal or propane gas grill will meet your needs best. If you wish to host barbeques for a large number of guests, then a large smoker or natural gas grill would probably be your best option.

You should also think about maintenance. If you have time to clean your outdoor grill using a wire brush and elbow grease, then you can save money by purchasing a grill that does not provide features for easier cleaning such as non-stick surfaces. If you do not have much time in your day left for cleaning, then you may want to select an outdoor grill designed to make cleanup faster and easier.

These are just some of the things one should consider before purchasing an outdoor grill. One should also consider prices and safety features provided with whichever grill they choose to purchase. A charcoal grill with study legs is always much better than a propane grill that is wobbly. But once you consider all of these things, cost, safety, size and fuel source, you'll find selecting an outdoor grill to me a less daunting task.