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Gadgets

The 5 Best Grills on the Market

Are you shopping for a new grill? Before falling for the latest fad in grills or trying to one-up your neighbors, ask yourself what kind of grill you want. Do you want a gas grill? Gas provides an excellent level of control over the cooking temperature but doesn’t add much flavor. Charcoal grills use briquettes and add a distinctive flavor to the food but can be more time-consuming. Electric grills can be plugged in and adjusted to particular cooking temperatures, and pellet grills use wood pellets to provide an earthy, smoky flavor. Here are the five best grills on the market for 2020.

Genesis II E-335 Propane Grill

In terms of gas and propane grills, this one is a winner. It can slow cook chicken or sear a perfect ribeye steak, and it has all of the bells and whistles you want for the ideal neighborhood barbecue or family get-together. For just under $1000, this propane grill may be out of reach for those who want more of a bargain; however, it will not disappoint those who want to fork over the cash.

Ranger Tabletop Pellet Grill   

This pellet grill is about $400 and is an excellent option for anyone who wants to try a hand and pellet grilling. Pellets are more reliable than charcoal and are less fussy, but they can be more challenging to find and pricier. This grill can braise, smoke, roast, or barbecue anything you want; it gives the wood-fired flavor that pellet grills are known for.

Commercial Tru-Infrared Gas Grill

If you are searching for a reliable gas or propane grill but at a lower price point, consider the Tru-Infrared gas grill. This one is great for beginners, as it relies on knobs that reliably turn the heat up and down without any fuss. The temperature quickly gets high enough to sear a steak, but the food remains juicy and tasty. This grill uses only two knobs, so it has very little fuss but all of the accessories that you need (without all of the fancy additional bells and whistles that look cool but you may not need).

Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill

Charcoal grills are pretty straightforward, as long as you know how to ignite the charcoal and get it to burn. This one comes in at under $200, making it an economical option for those who prefer charcoal. This grill has no bells and whistles and is just a dependable, sturdy charcoal grill that can be rolled around and easily stored. You can still claim your grill master title using this affordable charcoal grill. Get ready for the endless compliments from your loved ones as their mouths melt over your bacon cheeseburgers and barbecue chicken.

George Foreman Electric Grill

When looking at an electric grill, nothing beats the George Foreman line-up. Nonstick coatings mean that you don’t have to use a lot of oil or chemicals to keep your food from sticking, and these grills are famous for drawing the fat out of meat. You have a plethora of models to choose from, including indoor ones (some that you can use on your counter!) to outdoor ones that can cook for up to a dozen people at a time. 

Sources:

“8 Best Outdoor Grills of 2020, According to Appliance Experts,” by Betty Gold. Good Housekeeping. April 6, 2020.

Categories
Gadgets Technology

5 Best Tablets on the Market

When many people think of computer tablets, they automatically think of iPads, the first popular tablet (and still a significant trendsetter in the market). However, if you are scouting for a reliable tablet, there are plenty of options. Some you probably know, like the iPad, but others may be brand new — and just right for your budget and needs. Check out these five best tablets on the market for 2020.

5. Microsoft Surface

Microsoft Surface is a series of touch-screen tablets that compete with iPads on many different fronts. The Microsoft Surface Pros have many of the same functionalities as iPad Pros, though they use various software programs. Microsoft Surface tablets also have dual functionality as laptop computers. What does this mean for you? It means that they are the best of both worlds: they have the portability of a tablet with the dependability and functionality of a laptop. One drawback is that many apps may not be compatible with the operating system.

4. Chromebook Tablet

If you are shopping for an inexpensive tablet that can get the job done without any bells and whistles attached, you may want to look at Chromebook tablets. They are a version of the popular Chromebook laptops, which offer a computer’s functionality at an affordable price point. Chromebook tablets are compatible with Google-based apps, with the drawback of not having much memory – usually 32GB or less – on the hard drive.

3. Amazon Fire

Amazon Fire tablets are not for everyone, but if you are keen on streaming instant videos from Amazon, you may be interested in an Amazon Fire. Be aware that these tablets push Amazon products and services and don’t have much functionality outside of them. They are super cheap, though, usually around $150 to $200, depending on the model. A kid’s version of the Amazon Fire can be a good option for monitoring the content that your children watch.

2. Samsung Galaxy

Have you ever heard of the Samsung Galaxy? It is one of the best reliable names in tablets, and these high-functioning gadgets come in at a higher price point. Nevertheless, they have features to make them worth the extra dollars, including the ability to connect to monitors (including smart TVs) and other hardware, such as a keyboard, mouse, and trackpad. As an Android, it is compatible with many apps on Google Play, and you can get as much memory as you want, depending on how much you are willing to pay.

1. And, of course, iPads

There are plenty of alternatives to iPads, but some people do want an iPad when considering getting a tablet. Different iPads have different functionalities and come in at various price points. An iPad Pro can meet the needs of creatives, especially those who need video and audio editing or creating visual art. iPad minis are relatively inexpensive options that can allow you to access the apps that you want and save information, including pictures. Moreover, there are plenty of versions in-between, such as the iPad Air (a lightweight version) and the standard iPad, which gets a new upgrade every year. Be aware that Apple will intentionally make these products obsolete after a few years, so you will need to upgrade continually.

Sources:
“Best tablet for 2020,” by Scott Stein and Alexandra Garrett. CNet. July 21, 2020.
“The Best Tablets,” by Jeffrey Van Camp. Wired. November 15, 2019.