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Grilling from home is one of the few activities that busy families, single professionals and retirees can easily enjoy without much energy or fuss.

2 Grilling from home is one of the few activities that busy families, single professionals and retirees can easily enjoy without much energy or fuss. Grab some friends, some tasty food and head out to the grill - the rest just kind of happens. However, an easy, successful grilling experience has everything to do with the grill you own and how it fits your lifestyle, skills and motivation. If you ve never owned a grill, and you re considering the investment, take a few minutes to gather your thoughts. Learning about the different types of fuel, grill sizes and top brands will ensure you make the right choice in a grill that fits your needs and lifestyle best. Whether your budget is conservative, or you re looking to invest in a top of the line grill, getting familiar with grills and how they work will improve your buying experience, and prevent you from getting frustrated and overwhelmed. We ve created The Ultimate Grill Buyer s Guide to help you navigate the grill buying process like a pro. Remember, the more you know, the easier it will be to talk to sales people and find the one grill that was made for you. Ready to get started? Let s get grilling! 2 This guide provided by: Costello s Ace Hardware

Step 1 - Discover Your Unique BBQ Lifestyle First time buyers often fail to think about the basics behind grill buying success - correctly identifying their unique BBQ lifestyle.

3 Step 1 - Discover Your Unique BBQ Lifestyle First time buyers often fail to think about the basics behind grill buying success - correctly identifying their unique BBQ lifestyle. Your grill persona is what you will do with your grill, and how often you ll do it. For instance, how often do you plan on cooking outdoors? Is it something you see yourself doing every day? Or, do you simply want a reliable grill to cook a few burgers with friends once in awhile? Being clear about how you plan to use your grill - and honest about how often - will help you narrow your choices. A grill designed for daily use may look much different from one that spends most of its time with the cover on. Your grilling lifestyle also includes who you cook for. If you eat alone, even if you cook outdoors every day, you probably don t need a monster grill. On the other hand, if hosting parties and entertaining groups is part of your personality, you may want to consider a grill that offers plenty of space to cook, store and prepare food for your guests. Finally, how much room do you have to accommodate an outdoor grill? Obviously, you can t buy an oversized grill if you live on the second floor of an apartment complex. However, don t forget to think about space and how much actual room you need to properly and safely bring a grill home. Step 2 - Understand the Different Fuel Types While most grills operate in pretty much the same way, there are a few different ways to fuel your investment. The good news is, each fuel source has its own set of 3 This guide provided by: Costello s Ace Hardware

advantages and it s pretty easy to find the one that best meets your needs. Here s a convenient breakdown of available fuel types to get you started. Gas - Gas grills are easy and convenient.

4 advantages and it s pretty easy to find the one that best meets your needs. Here s a convenient breakdown of available fuel types to get you started. Gas - Gas grills are easy and convenient. They re super simple to fire up, and don t take much work to care for. If you re interested in a gas grill, there are two basic types: natural and propane. Most gas grills have a button on the front side of the grill to start or ignite the gas. Some models have a dial that can be turned to activate the grill starter, which ignites a spark near the gas outputs. Gas is easily the most common method of grilling, and it s easy to see why. Compared to other fuel sources, gas grills get hot fast and actually cook faster too. Plus, they burn clean, they re inexpensive to operate and can be customized with all kinds of accessories. Top Gas Grill Benefits Ease and convenience - heat up in minutes and clean up in a jiffy. Flexible temperature control - cook food at different temperatures. Evenly distributed flame for perfect results. An all-natural, clean burn. Cost effective fuel options - propane or natural gas. 4 This guide provided by: Costello s Ace Hardware

5 Charcoal - A more traditional option, charcoal is the other fuel type associated with grills. With all charcoal grills, charcoal is placed under the grill grate and burned to create hot embers for cooking. Charcoal isn t for everyone - it can be time consuming, and not nearly as convenient as gas. When you cook with charcoal, some temperature control is possible by adjusting the vents of the grill to permit or restrict airflow. More oxygen in the vented area produces a higher heat, and less oxygen lowers heat. Grill enthusiasts often say that food tastes better on a grill that s fueled by charcoal. While opinions vary, food cooked by charcoal does taste different. Cooking with charcoal can produce incredible taste, but requires more skill and attention to detail. Charcoal is also more difficult to maintain, as burnt embers need to be removed. Charcoal does not burn as clean as gas and can be inconsistent (it s tough to get heat to distribute evenly). Cost can be a concern too - it s expensive to buy and replace charcoal and charcoal fuel. Nevertheless, buying a charcoal grill may be less expensive up front. They tend to be small, portable and more affordable than larger, stationary gas models. Top Charcoal Grill Benefits Unmistakable flavor - you just can t beat a juicy piece of smoked piece on a charcoal grill. Manageability - charcoal grills are often portable, take it with you when tailgating, camping etc. 5 This guide provided by: Costello s Ace Hardware

Simplicity - There s nothing complicated with a charcoal grill, just a grate, and a chamber that collects ash.

6 Temperature range - Increase or decrease temperature by moving the vents on the grill, the perfect solution for slow cooking over long periods of time. Simplicity - There s nothing complicated with a charcoal grill, just a grate, and a chamber that collects ash. Use it, clean it and put it way. The traditional grilling lifestyle - when you think about grilling outdoors with the family, a charcoal grill is about as traditional as you can get. 6 This guide provided by: Costello s Ace Hardware

7 Wood Pellet Grills - Traeger Wood Pellet Grills is committed to producing the best BBQ experience for each of our grill owners. Along with the original wood pellet grill, Traeger is also the pioneer in BBQ Wood Pellets. Traeger offers a premium wood pellet product in 8 flavors (Hickory, Mesquite, Alder, Maple, Cherry, Oak, Apple & Pecan) that have a superior cooking experience producing the best BBQ food possible. For grill enthusiasts who crave that hearty, smoky flavor, a wood pellet grill is the only choice. Wood pellet grills were designed to provide precise temperature control resulting in an incredible smoke flavor. Traeger grills can grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and barbeque. With several techniques at hand, the possibilities are endless. The size of the pellets is what makes it possible to get precise temperature control. Each pellet is the exact same size, providing consistency and predictable BTU output. Using a pellet grill is pretty straightforward. First you load the pellets into the hopper, or storage area attached to the grill. Then, the pellets automatically drop into the area beneath the cooking grates where they create smoke and heat. Natural wood pellets offer the best of both worlds robust flavor of charcoal fuel with the ease and convenience of a gas grill. Top Wood Fired Grill Benefits Taste - Wood naturally enhances flavor. Versatility - Wood fired smoke convection allows you to bake, roast, braise, grill, barbecue, and smoke. Ease - Automatic feed, thermostatically controlled, and do direct flame = no need to babysit, set it & forget it. Consistency - Cook like a pro every time. 7 This guide provided by: Costello s Ace Hardware

Electric - When the urge to grill strikes, but charcoal or gas isn t an option, an electric grill works great. Electric grills are typically safer than gas or charcoal versions.

8 Electric - When the urge to grill strikes, but charcoal or gas isn t an option, an electric grill works great. Electric grills are typically safer than gas or charcoal versions. And, with no open flame, they re the perfect solution for an apartment or area where outdoor grilling is impossible. Grill indoors or out, with no concern. Electric grills heat up fast, and distribute heat evenly for an easy, consistent grill experience. Top Electric Grill Benefits Indoor and outdoor use. Safe for enclosed, small areas. Easy to use and maintain. Even, predictable heat. 8 This guide provided by: Costello s Ace Hardware

Large grills offer more space and flexibility to cook more items at once. If you entertain often, or need to cook many different items at once, having space to coordinate on the grill is handy.

9 Step 3 - Choose Your Grill Size How big of a grill should you buy? Aside from thinking about the obvious how much space you have - choosing the right size grill comes down to knowing your cooking style. Large grills offer more space and flexibility to cook more items at once. If you entertain often, or need to cook many different items at once, having space to coordinate on the grill is handy. On the other hand, if you live in an apartment or condominium with limited outdoor space, a small, compact model may work just fine. Think about how many people will be eating grilled food at once. If you live alone or with your spouse, you can probably get by with a smaller grill than if you have a family of six. The number of people you grill for is an important factor in choosing the perfect size grill. Don t limit your options, but don t overbuy either. Luckily, BBQ grills are available in a wide range of different shapes and sizes. You can find them in small, mid-size, and large, oversized models. Of course, be sure to look at not only the size of the grill itself, but the available cooking space too. 9 This guide provided by: Costello s Ace Hardware

Here are four top brands to get you started. Weber - Weber introduced their first grill in 1952.

With gas, charcoal, electric and portable grills, Weber is known for cool design and state-of-the-art features. It s easy to recognize a Weber.

For over three decades, Traeger grills have been making it easy to create extraordinary culinary creations from home.

10 Step 4 - Look for Quality Brand Names Good news for consumers - there are plenty of quality brand name grills available today. Choose the right one by making comparisons and then narrowing down your list. Quality brands offer the most value in terms of craftsmanship, durability and performance. Here are four top brands to get you started. Weber - Weber introduced their first grill in Since then, they ve become the most recognized name in quality BBQ grills, whether you re a backyard chef, or just getting into grilling. With gas, charcoal, electric and portable grills, Weber is known for cool design and state-of-the-art features. It s easy to recognize a Weber. And, with excellent customer service, this is one brand that you can depend on to provide the quality grill experience you crave. Traeger - The best name in wood pellet grills is easily Traeger. For over three decades, Traeger grills have been making it easy to create extraordinary culinary creations from home. Traeger wood pellet grills pack big hardwood flavor, from cherry to mesquite into everything you grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, sear and BBQ. And, wood pellets are made with 100 percent pure, natural hardwood for the best flavor. Char-Broil - Char-Broil introduced one of the first charcoal grills in and they ve been innovating ever since. With performance driving every feature and every product, Char-Broil delivers an experience unlike any other, whether you re an avid grill enthusiast, or just someone who enjoys a great burger. Best known for the oil-less turkey fryer and their true infrared cooking system, Char-Broil makes amazing outdoor cooking possible in every backyard. Big Green Egg - The Big Green Egg stands alone as the most versatile barbecue or outdoor cooking product on the market, with more capabilities 10 This guide provided by: Costello s Ace Hardware

than all other conventional cookers combined.

your expectations for culinary perfection.

maintaining accuracy within a few degrees!

11 than all other conventional cookers combined. From appetizers to entrees to desserts, the Big Green Egg will exceed all your expectations for culinary perfection. Grill, smoke and bake on your EGG at exact temperatures by easily adjusting the patented air flow systems. You have complete and total control over the temperature at your fingertips, maintaining accuracy within a few degrees! The Made in USA temperature gauge provides precise readings to 750 F/400 C. Many indoor ovens cannot match the accuracy of the EGG's temperature control! 11 This guide provided by: Costello s Ace Hardware

12 Step 5 - Don t Forget to Accessorize! Armed with the right knowledge about grilling basics - what kind of fuel is available and the best brands to look for should make it easy to find the perfect BBQ investment to fit your needs. Whether you ultimately choose gas, charcoal, electric or a pellet smoker, identifying your unique grilling lifestyle is the key to finding the one grill that will maximize outdoor cooking. Remember, the best, most memorable grilling experience comes from experimentation and creativity - having fun creating something delicious with family and friends. But after you buy, don t forget to think about how to get the most from your grill with the perfect accessories. Most brands offer all kinds of interesting addons, like rotisseries, thermometers, storage drawers, grill covers, tools, griddles and more. Plan your purchase carefully, and you ll enjoy peace of mind and confidence that your investment will deliver on a promise of high performance, durability and fun. 12 This guide provided by: Costello s Ace Hardware

About Us It all began back in 1976. Our country was going through a terrible recession. Our local economy was devastated.

Looking for a means to support his wife and 10 children, Vinnie stumbled upon a business opportunity, a retail hardware store.

13 About Us It all began back in Our country was going through a terrible recession. Our local economy was devastated. At the time, our founder Vincent Costello was forced to close his air conditioning and heating contracting business. Looking for a means to support his wife and 10 children, Vinnie stumbled upon a business opportunity, a retail hardware store. Originally opened in 1973, it was a small, neglected, under stocked store, just over 2,000 square feet located in Deer Park, NY. With no previous retail experience and no other options, Vinnie courageously embarked on a journey that few would ever have dared. Sales were dismal, and the store was in desperate need of attention. He worked every day for five years and managed to make the store profitable. While most would have been satisfied with this amazing feat, Vinnie was determined to grow beyond that one small store. By refinancing his home, he opened a second location in This 5,000-square foot industrial store was also located in Deer Park, on the other side of town. In 1988, another opportunity arose. A shopping center was being constructed in the little-known town of Nesconset, NY. It wasn t the most populated area, but Vinnie 13 This guide provided by: Costello s Ace Hardware

14 had lived there for over 10 years and he thought that the residents of Nesconset would respond well to a neighborhood hardware store. Did they ever! The 4,000- square foot store was an instant success, profitable from day-one. Over the next four years, the success of that store helped fuel the expansion of the company to larger stores in Farmingdale and Central Islip. During those early growing years, Vinnie s children worked in the business and contributed to its success. Today they carry on his legacy as leaders in the company. Costello s Ace Hardware is a people-centric organization. The people who work in our stores and the customers that shop in our stores are all a part of the Costello family. Our dad taught us the importance of taking care of our customers. Treat them like family, he would say. He taught us how to solve their problems and how to learn from them. Most importantly, he taught us that the most sacred bond between us and our customers, is trust Says Michael Costello, CEO Costello s Ace Hardware. In 2001, with Vinnie s encouragement and guidance, six of his children opened a 25,000-sq. ft. store in Bellmore, NY. This store was the size of all the other locations combined, it was huge. I remember thinking that we would never be able to find enough products to fill it. It took some time, but eventually we had a successful home center. Costello s has successfully distinguished itself as the loyal, helpful hardware store, staffing each location with associates eager to assist and relate on a personal level with their neighbors. We are a small business that has grown from a single store in 1976 with just 3 employees to an organization of over 700 employees serving over 3 million customers annually. We live in the community and we buy in the community. We hire our customer s children. We are engrained in the fabric of the communities in which we are privileged to serve. We are neighbors serving neighbors. A family that Vinnie would truly be proud of. 14 This guide provided by: Costello s Ace Hardware

15 Find Us At Costello s Ace Hardware we take pride in the local communities in which we are privileged to serve. As a locally owned and operated business we are connected with our customers on a personal level Every customer that shops in our stores, every time they shop here will find Costello s staff to be available, willing, friendly, knowledgeable, caring and able to solve their problems. We re not the huge corporate place. We re the friendly, helpful, local place. To find your local Costello s Ace Hardware call This guide provided by: Costello s Ace Hardware

Made in the USA

Made in the USA www.hearthlandproducts.com 888.883.2260 Memphis Wood Fire Grills Revolutionizing Outdoor! Memphis Grills continue to revolutionize outdoor cooking! Memphis Wood Fire Grills are 3-in-1 Outdoor Centers.