As grilling season approaches, more and more Americans are heading to their backyards and turning up the heat. The cooking heat, that is! Grilling is America’s #1 summer pastime. If you ever wanted to join the fun, here is all you need to know to get started.

GRILLING vs. BARBECUING: What are we talking about?

This is an area open to debate. Some people will tell you grilling and barbecuing are the same thing. Others will argue that grilling is the actual cooking method, while barbecuing refers more to the social gathering that usually goes along with cooking on an outdoor grill.

According to Mark Atwood, a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, “grilling and barbecuing can be considered two different methods of cooking, with the primary difference being the heat level and the time it takes the food to be ready.” Barbecuing is a slower method of cooking, over indirect heat from a hardwood fire. Grilling is quicker and hotter. 99% of Americans grill.

GAS OR CHARCOAL? Choosing the right type of grill for your needs

The main difference between gas and charcoal grills is in the flavor. Charcoal gives you a distinctive smoky taste, while foods cooked on a gas grill will basically retain their natural flavor. Some people insist the wood flavor is essential, while others hate it. Ultimately, it’s a question of preference.

Charcoal grills are generally cheaper and simpler than gas grills. Basic models come without a hood and may consist of a simple metal box. Newer models include both a cover and a tiered rack and are mostly rounded, which imitates the way a convection oven works.

Gas grills go from the very straightforward to complex models costing thousands of dollars. They work with clean fuel that doesn’t produce smoke. You have a little more control over the temperature and cooking time than with charcoal, since you can adjust the heat settings.

Both types of grills can be safe or dangerous depending on how cautious you are when you use them. In gas grills you are dealing with propane tanks and you should make sure all connections are secure before you attempt to turn the grill on. On charcoal grills, go easy on lighter fluid and be careful with flare ups, which can cause fires.

Finally, some cities do not allow homeowners to light charcoal grills on their backyards due to the risk of fires. Make sure you check local regulations before investing on a grill.