With warmer weather here, many people are putting money into improving their backyards by adding a variety of features, including barbecues.
When it comes to choosing which barbecue is right for you and your family, there are several things that need to be taken into consideration.
The type of barbecue you buy usually depends on the type of food you are looking to cook, says Katie Schofield, manager of the hot tub, swim spa and barbecue divisions with Holland Home Leisure in New Minas, N.S.
If someone is looking to cook hamburgers, hot dogs, and an occasional steak, they are usually looking for a propane barbecue, says Schofield. If someone is looking to cook a roast, ribs, or even pizza, they are usually interested in charcoal.
“Charcoal gives you higher temperatures and bolder flavours that you typically can not achieve with a propane barbecue,” says Schofield.
Most people are looking for a standard three-burner propane barbecue. She recommends Saber’s Black Cast Three-Burner, which is budget-friendly but still provides users with a high-quality cooking experience.
Randy Eisnor, from Gow’s Home Hardware in Bridgewater, N.S., says their store carries several brands of propane barbecues. He often recommends the Weber.
“People like the quality of them and that they have the best warranty,” says Eisnor, noting that it lasts for 10 years.
Instead of replacing your barbecue every couple of years, consider investing in a higher-quality one that will last a longer time, he says.
Barbecues have even gone high tech, says Eisnor. Some of the Weber models come with a phone app that takes any guesswork out of grilling. Simply put the probes into your meat and the app will tell you when your meat is finished cooking.
“There is no guesswork. You set the temperature you need, and the app does the rest,” says Eisnor.
Home Hardware also sells wood pellet smoker barbecues, says Eisnor. You can do anything on that that you can do in an oven, he says, like smoking, barbecuing and roasting - flavoured wood pellets are now available too. The only downfall, he says, is you need electricity to run it.
Other brands, like the Napolean, come with an infared select burner that heats up very quickly, says Eisnor. Some have a heavier, stainless-steel grill with thicker bars, while others have dials that light up for nighttime use. The Weber has a light on the handle so users can see at night.
For apartment residents, Schofield says that both Saber and Big Green Egg have great options available. The Saber two-burner unit is small enough to fit on any compact balcony, while the Big Green Egg Mini-Max is always an apartment hit, she says. Both are portable, so it can be taken outside to use, then bring it back in if you don't have your own outdoor living space.
But, user beware – some apartments and provincial regulations do not allow for barbecue use. According to the P.E.I. Fire Prevention Act, no hibachi, grill, or other similar devices can be used on any balcony, under any overhanging portion or within 10 feet (three metres) of any structure. For anything other than one- or two-family dwellings, grills also can’t be stored on a balcony.
Safety tips
No matter what type of barbecue you end up purchasing, safety is of the utmost importance to ensure the only fire on your deck is in the barbecue, says David Rossiter, provincial fire marshal for the Province of P.E.I.
The first step, says Rossiter, is to make sure the lid is open when lighting a propane barbecue. If you light it with the lid down, the propane accumulates and there will be a small explosion.
Then, make sure the dials are off and slowly open the propane tank. If the ignitor doesn’t work, use a long match or barbecue lighter to light it through the top, or preferably through a hole in the bottom, he says.
When you’re finished and are shutting your barbecue down, Rossiter says to first shut off your tank, then turn your dials to the off position.
Propane and charcoal barbecues should only be used outside, he says, and barbecues should be placed well away from the home and deck railings. Don’t forget to look up – keep your barbecue away from eaves and overhanging branches as well.
“Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area. Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill. Never leave your grill unattended,” cautions Rossiter.
For charcoal barbecues, Rossiter says if a starter fluid is used, make sure it’s a charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire. When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.
Remember, if you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill. If the flame goes out, turn the grill and gas off and
wait at least five minutes before re-lighting it, says Rossiter.
Following these simple steps, this may be the best barbecue season yet!
Try some of these barbecue tips this summer:
- Host a barbecue party where every part of the meal - including the appetizer, main course and dessert – is cooked on the barbecue.
- Cook a pizza on the barbecue. Put a flatbread (with toppings) on the grill and cook it with the lid closed.
- Cook doughnuts on the grill. Colleen O’Dea from The Curtains are Open blog based in Halifax, N.S., offers step-by-step instructions on how to cook them.
- Try a new recipe, like barbecued chicken, from Jennifer Naugler of Simple Local Life blog based in Bridgewater, N.S.
