HGTV "Kitchen Cousins" Anthony Carrino reveals his top tips for shopping for a grill

There's nothing as synonymous with summer as grilling -- but there's so much more to grilling than hamburgers and hotdogs.

And the key to a perfect burger or dog might be as simple as finding the perfect grill. We caught up with Anthony Carrino from HGTV's Kitchen Cousins to learn his top tips on shopping for a grill, his suggestions for grill maintenance and what all first-time grill owners need to know.

AOL: Let's start at Grilling 101: What should customers keep in mind while shopping for a grill?

Anthony: While shopping for a grill, it’s important to first narrow down what type of grill you’re looking for based on the type of entertaining and cooking you plan to do this season. If you’re only hosting a few people or have a smaller outdoor area, look for a compact grill that saves on space. This Char-Broil Classic 2-Burner Gas Grill is perfect for a smaller cook out, but holds up to 15 burgers! If you’re in the market for something a little bigger, this Weber Genesis II E-355 3-Burner Gas Grill is equipped with a sear station, side burner and side table with integrated hooks for platter and tool storage.

Does a higher price tag necessarily mean the better the grill?

Definitely not! There are quality grills to fit within any budget, and it all depends on what you’re looking for. Home to top grill brands Weber and Char-Broil, Lowe’s is the number one grill retailer – so you can guarantee there’s a grill for you, no matter how much you’re planning to spend. And don’t forget, if you’re looking to build an outdoor kitchen setup, you can do it a piece at a time over a few seasons to lessen the impact of the cost – just make sure you do your planning up front so you wind up with a cohesive space!

What are some tips on grill cleaning and grill maintenance?

You want to make sure you’re getting the most out of your grill with every use throughout the season, and keeping it clean is the key. This Char-Broil Cool Clean Nylon Grill Brush is equipped with angled bristles that help deep clean between grates, and is equipped with Cool-Clean Technology to help clean surfaces without heat. My favorite thing about this brush is the detachable head, which you can throw in the dishwasher so it’s sanitary and ready for the next BBQ.

What is your favorite grill for customers on every budget?

Lowe’s has plenty of options available at every budget, but here are my top picks to try at various price-points: the Aussie 21.25-in Kettle Charcoal Grill ($54.98), the Weber Genesis II E-210 2-Burner Gas Grill($499.00) and the Char-Broil Classic 2-Burner Gas Grill ($1599).

Related: These HGTV stars reveal their biggest tips