Generators
When looking for generators, it is important to keep in mind a few basic principles. First, you need to have an idea of what you want the generator to be running. This will give you an idea of the size of generator that you need. Are you looking to run a few small appliances and maybe a computer or are you looking to be able to run your entire house. Knowing the answer to this question will start you off on the right track toward purchasing a generator. One important note is that manufacturers will often suggest that you get a generator that is bigger to account of surges of some appliances - like a fridge - when they first turn on. Consumer reports found that most generators will handle the surge. Take home message: don't buy a bigger generator when a smaller one will work just fine.
The actual length of time that generators run on a single tank of gas is significantly less than what you will see on the manufacturer's box. Usually, this is because they run the generator at half the watts than your normal appliances would be taking up. Just be aware that if the box says it will run for 12 hours, plan on only getting about 6-8 hours of run time at the most for each tank of gas (assuming you purchase a gas powered generator - which I think, based on the research I have done, is the best option).
On a precautionary level, I feel that it is important to warn that generators can be dangerous. Generators put high amounts of carbon monoxide. Never operate a generator in a closed or only partially ventilated space. From what I have read, generators put out enough carbon monoxide to be fatal; even in a partially ventilated area.
The information from this paragraph has been obtained from the proceeding websites.
Top Online Resources:
- ConsumerReports.org - 2/06: Portable generator, blackouts, power generator.
- Power Generators - Free quotes &advice for portable generators, diesel generators and electric generators
- Generators: Northern tool + Equipment
Outdoor Gas Barbeque Grills
There are a lot of things that need to be taken into consideration when buying a grill for your outdoor dining experience. The information provided by so many websites agrees that most importantly when buying a grill for you home is to ask yourself several questions: How many people will you be cooking for? How often will you be using your grill? What kind of foods will you be cooking? Simple enough questions, and with the right answers one can come out with the just the right grill for their needs.
When you know how many people you'll be cooking for you have an idea of how big their grill needs to be. If one is only buying for a small family group, or a large neighborhood gathering, it can alter the decision dramatically. When viewing grill size, it's best to imagine how many burgers or chicken breasts you’ll have on the grates. If the grill seems a bit large or a bit too small for what is needed, then move on. Also, do take into consideration BTU's or the amount of gas that can be used by the grill. Although the BTU rating doesn't necessarily relate to higher temperatures or faster better cooking, but it does tell you how much gas will be used, and does give you an idea for heating potential within the grill. Size matters! So take it into account when buying a grill.
Keep in mind that a grill never used is glorified lawn furniture and an expensive piece of lawn furniture at that. Considering how often the grill will be used more determines how much to spend than anything else. However, when over viewing the materials used in construction, the option of buying cheaper materials for a grill used less often also opens up. The recommended grates for gas grills are either cast iron or porcelain coated cast iron. However, stainless steel and porcelain-only grates are also produced. When looking at the body of the grill bring a magnet with you - cheaper steel has a higher magnetic rating and the grade of steel desired could be determined just by the amount of magnetism in each grill.
Most important is that abstract figures for size, BTUs and other numbers can help determine what kind of grill is bought, but in the end, what is cooked can determine more about the right grill than anything else. Always buy multi-burner grills. The versatility allowed by having different temperature setting all across the grill is indispensable. Meats like chicken and fish require different temperatures to cook right than do beef, pork or lamb. Also, look into getting side burners for pancakes in the morning, a rotisserie for spitting meats in a kebob style. Also, look for wider rods on the grates of the grill. The grates hold the temperature and sear the meat, the wider the grates, the more heat transfer to your meat thus more thoroughly cooking the meat. Other accessories include smoker compartments (for little wood chips to fill the grilling compartment with smoke) or secondary racks for veggies and grilled fruits.
Using the suggestions provided by these experts will decrease the time spent shopping and increase the time spent enjoying a grill. There's an infinite amount of choices out there, but answering the right questions will produce the right grill for any buyer.
Top Online Resources: