Buying a Barbecue
ask an expert: shoppingcanada
(May.25.10)
I'm looking to purchase a new barbecue this summer. What things should I consider before buying?
Debbie I. emailed us at expert@sweetspot.ca, and Weber Grilling Expert, Naz Cavallaro (aka BBQ Naz), answered;
The Cooking System: Higher-priced grills generally have two or more separate burners; this allows for greater control of heat. Most lower-priced grills have only one burner, so the lack of heat control may result in hot and cold spots on the cooking surface.
When cooking on a gas grill, juices from the food drip down and accumulate near the heat source until they reach a flash point and burn off. The best systems quickly burn the drippings, eliminating flare-ups and creating flavourful smoke. The best grills use a steel bar system (pioneered by Weber) that funnels the grease away from the burner flames, greatly reducing flare-ups.
BTUs (British Thermal Units): BTUs indicate the volume of gas a grill can burn. Tightly engineered grills use fewer BTUs and cook food more efficiently. Too many BTUs can cause damage to burners and reduce the lifespan of the grill. Generally, large grills with large cooking surfaces require higher BTUs.
Solid Construction: A well-built grill feels solid and sturdy; a poorly made grill will wiggle. If a grill isn't solid on the sales floor, chances are it will fall apart quickly. Choose a grill made of high-grade U.S. steel. Opt for a baked-on porcelain-enamel finish. The cart should be sturdy and wheels should roll easily. The best cooking grates are made of cast iron, stainless steel, porcelain-coated aluminum or cast iron.
Safety: A good grill lights effortlessly, controls heat easily and has handles that stay cool to the touch.
Assembly: Fast and easy assembly is a priority. Better brands reduce or eliminate the amount of assembly required by the consumer.
Service & Maintenance: High quality grills should include top-notch after-market service, including thorough information about the product and a toll-free service line. A good grill is easy to clean and maintain, and the product's lifespan can be extended by easy access to replacement parts and service. A long warranty is also important, as the best manufacturers can afford to stand behind their products.
Chef Naz Cavallaro, Weber's Grilling Expert, has a passion for grilling that demonstrates his knowledge and enthusiasm. He provides outdoor cooking enthusiasts with helpful maintenance tips and applications for the grill. BBQ Naz also helps consumers understand their grills. Find out more at www.weber.com.
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