Is it possible to save money cooking on the grill? It absolutely is! Let us show you how.
Most consumers know they’ll save money cooking at home, but do you know how a grill helps you maximize those savings during the summer months? Every meal you eat doesn’t have to include a ribeye steak. Stick to affordable cuts of meat and nutrient-rich fruits and veggies, and you’ll find grilling out becomes your go-to budget option.
Don’t believe us? Here are three ways grilling helps you save:
#1: Grilling Lowers Energy Use
Your oven is one of the biggest energy suckers inside your home, second only to the central air conditioning. This is one reason running the oven in summer is so expensive. Not only are you using the energy needed to cook your meal, but you’re raising the heat of your home, forcing your air conditioner to work even harder to cool things down.
What it costs to run your oven for an hour depends largely on the model and how much your electric or gas company charges. How much does that impact your energy bill? How cool do you need to keep your home to stay comfortable?
Most homeowners will save a small amount by grilling instead of using the oven. There are many dishes you can make with the toaster oven, microwave and crockpot which provide similar benefits.
#2: Grilling Avoids the Expense of Fast Food
According to The Simple Dollar, the average American spends $232 a month eating fast food. Per person, not family. While that seems really high, there are a chunk of single people who stop at fast food restaurants or order in lunch at work every day. How much is your family spending on bland fast food when you could be cooking up rich and flavorful grilled dishes at home in the great outdoors?
Anytime you can improve your experience while paying less, it’s a good idea to try it out. With just a bit of advance planning, you’ll find grilling is quick, easy, more affordable and infinitely more enjoyable than pulling into a fast food place on your way home for work. You can even cook more than you need at night and pack it away to enjoy a healthier, tastier, cheaper option for lunch that will leave your coworkers drooling.
Grilling isn’t difficult and doesn’t restrict you to hot dogs and burned burgers either. Challenge yourself to learn a few simple recipes, and you’ll find a host of affordable, healthy, filling food options waiting just outside your back door.
Here are just a handful of fast, easy meals perfect for the making on the patio:
- Chipotle Chicken Legs
- Rosemary Kabobs
- Juicy Pork Tenderloins
- Tilapia Tacos
- Greek Snapper
- Pork Chops
- Pizzas
- Street Corn
- Catfish
- Mushrooms
- Brats and more!
#3: Grilling Puts More of Your Groceries to Good Use
Did you know nearly half of the food you buy at the grocery store winds up going to waste? Before you throw away those odds and ends, consider saving them for the grill instead. Remnants of salad dressings and sauces make excellent veggie rubs. The last handful of wilted lettuce? Toast it up over charcoal for a ridiculously tasty twist on an everyday salad.
Cut aging fruits and vegetables into chunks and stick them on a skewer. Use the last bits of meats, poultry, and fish to create a variety of foil packet dinners. Grill up an apple and add some caramel or cinnamon for a quick ice cream topper, or toast up your stale bread for a quick leftover-friendly supper assortment.
It can take time and practice to learn how to save money cooking. If you need a bit of wiggle room, a title pawn can help. Call or visit your nearest Title Tree store to find out whether you qualify.