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How to Choose a Marine Grill

Planning a BBQ Party to celebrate the last traces of summer after an adventurous boat ride?

In this article, we help you pick the right marine grill for the job and how it’s supposed to be done.

HOW IS A MARINE GRILL DIFFERENT FROM A REGULAR GRILL?

boat grill
Photo of a Marine Grill

A marine grill has the physique of your regular grill except that it’s designed to withstand the effects of strong winds and salt water, so it doesn’t easily rust.

regular bbq grill
Photo of a Regular Grill

But if there’s something that makes the former BBQ grill a standout from the latter BBQ grill is its manner of installation. A marine grill is mounted on a stanchion or an upright post usually found on the deck of the boat to keep it in place.

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF MARINE GRILLS

There are two primary types of marine grills – square/rectangular BBQ grills and round BBQ grills. Their differences are usually found in their appearances.

square vs round bbq grill

WHICH IS BETTER: GAS OR CHARCOAL GRILL

Deciding which of the two is better is simply a matter of taste and preference. But at a closer look, there are a few points that make a gas grill for boat distinct from a charcoal grill and vice versa.

GAS BBQ GRILL

Pros

• Generally helps you control the amount of energy consumed.
• Starts heating process with just the twist of a knob.
• Gives less carbon emissions.

Cons

• Slightly expensive and can be bought around 200 Dollars.
• Some natural food flavors are lost.

CHARCOAL BBQ GRILL

Pros

• Inexpensive and can be bought around 100 Dollars.
• Some natural food flavors are maintained.

Cons

• Little to no control on the amount of energy consumed.
• Still needs gathering of charcoal and waiting for 15 mins before heating up.
• Gives more carbon emissions.

WHAT SIZE OF MARINE GRILL DO I NEED?

bbq grill sizes

In terms of sizing, just take into account how spacious you need your marine grills to be based on the number of food you’ll be placing in them. Basic marine grills are 22″ in diameter and can accommodate 12-13 pieces of burgers or hotdogs. However, if you’ll be feeding a really large bunch, the technique is getting twice the BBQ grill’s regular size (22×2=44″ to accommodate 23-24 pieces of burgers or hotdogs) and so on.

What about the BTU?

Let me know
 Many people are encouraged to buy BBQ grills that have a British Thermal Unit (BTU) of at least 100. This is the amount of energy needed to heat 1lb of water under the Fahrenheit scale. While this may say a lot about the quick heating capability of the BBQ grills involved, sometimes it only pertains to the primary burners which is why you need to ask for the BTU of the side burners as well. 

HOW MUCH IS A MARINE GRILL?

Marine grills are priced according to their features and classification. For example, stainless steel BBQ grills can distribute heat more evenly than those made from cast iron. Another is that some gas grills have many heat level options compared to other charcoal grills so you can control how your food is cooked.

Estimated Prices of Marine Grills

Cheap Marine Grills Standard Marine Grills High-end Marine Grills
Price $80-$90 $200-$600 $1,000+

WHAT MOUNTING OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR A MARINE GRILL?

cuisinart gas grill for pontoon boat
Photo Credit: Cuisinart

If you’ll be using large marine grills, then a dual mount is necessary for stability purposes. Since large grills (as in the case of the square-shaped BBQ grills) have a tendency to shake, dual mounts are attached to about 7/8 or 1-inch pulpit so they stay where they are.

bunker up fishing grill
Photo Credit: Bunker Up Fishin

If you’ll be grilling a fish on your fishing boat, it’s a good idea to use a rod holder mount. The thing about a rod holder mount is it has a lever lock that keeps your BBQ grill steady once it sits on top of it, regardless of the rod holder’s angle.

CONCLUSION

Buying a marine grill isn’t just about easily cooking food on a boat. It’s also about the safety of enjoying a comfort food and bringing the people that matter to you together – where and when you need them to be. Comment below on your first memorable experience of using a marine grill.

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