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After a cool and gloomy spring, nothing says summer quite like a smoking grill giving off scents of spices and marinating sauces clinging to a tender pieces of meat. So leave the oven behind and head outside for some fun in the sun to grill this summer.

"Grilling is always better," said Clark's Country Market's meat cutter Ryan Wilson. "You sear one side, the side you start off with, then flip it over and sear the other side, and by doing that you are trapping in the flavors.

"When you are slow, slow, slow cooking in the oven you see all the drippings or the juices draining into the pan."

Almont resident and customer at Country Smoke House, Sylvia Schneider, could not agree more with Wilson.

"There is nothing like the taste of grilled food and the smell of fresh hamburgers or hot dogs... there is just nothing like it," Schneider said.

Brian Kamer of Deerfield Township has been using his charcoal grill for nearly two months already, and said the taste of food is better on it, and he also enjoys the opportunity it avails to spend more time outdoors.

"I'll throw some brats on the grill sometimes, other times it's burgers, chicken or even an occasional steak," Kamer said outside a local meat market Wednesday. "The thing about grilling is that you don't need to have the most expensive cut of meat, because just about everything grilled tastes good as long as you don't overcook it."

Hamburgers and hot dogs certainly give off a classic American scent, but this year more people are trading in the classic for something new. Clark's Country Market said their customers are forgoing the classics for a nice, tender rib eye steak.

Wilson recommends cooking the rib eye slowly. He said if one has the time to cook it slowly and can tolerate it being a little pink then do so because that is the best way to prepare it. For those who prefer their steaks cooked all the way through, the rib eye is such a tender meat that it should taste just fine that way as well, Wilson said.

To add extra flavor to the meat, Clark's Country Market's customers like garlic the best. Garlic is a good spice to put on any fish, meat or poultry. Clark's also recommends using any of the wide variety of Lesley Elizabeth spices.

Others recommend using honey mustard or Italian dressing. The Italian dressing can be used by itself or it can be added to dried tomatoes, basil and garlic, Wilson said.

Rebecca Christian of Imlay City said her family has two grills -- a traditional charcoal grill and a propane-fueled "Cadillac" model.

"To be honest, I still like my little charcoal grill that I've had since before I was married. It's simple to use, and everything tastes great coming off it. But I'm also a great cook," she chuckled while hauling a bag of charcoal to her vehicle at the Meijer store in Lapeer. "We put just about anything on the grill. I do fish, vegetables and even some fruits. To me, nothing says summer better than a good barbecue."

She added, "One of the saddest things to do each fall is to store away my grills, because it means summer has come to an end."

For those still in the market for a grill, now is the time to buy. Chuck Walker, a power equipment specialist at The Home Depot in Lapeer, said from Memorial Day to the Fourth of July is the peak selling and buying time for grills.

Walker said buyers should look for grill features such as a stainless steal outside, stainless steel burners, side grills and an electronic ignition.

Also, look for grills that have a porcelain-covered cast-iron or stainless steel top, as they tend to be easier to clean. Buyers should avoid regular cast-iron tops because food sticks to it, and since it is very brittle is makes scrubbing and cleaning a long, hard task, Walker said.

Home Depot's most popular grill this year is the $369 Charmglow four burner stainless steel grill with rotisserie. Any grill in the $250 to $400 range tends to be very popular though, Walker said.

As always, when grilling put safety first. Never leave the grill unattended and before one starts to grill to be sure to check for any gas leaks. Walker also suggests covering the grill when it's not in use to prevent any damages to the grill or to yourself.

Editor Jeffrey Hogan contributed to this article.