Buying The Right BBQ For Your Grilling Goals

Buying a new BBQ is exciting, but the variety of choices can be overwhelming. From simple gas and electric grills to smokers and ceramic kamados, it’s tricky to sort out which BBQ is right for you and your grilling goals.

While our expert team is always ready to walk you through the options, we hope that this BBQ guide will help you get a clearer idea of what you’re looking for so you can get grilling like a pro. 

 Our Guide to Choosing The Right Grill

Buying a gas BBQ for ease and speed 

Gas barbecues are fueled by a gas line or a propane tank and come in various sizes, including small portable models. Gas barbecues are the most popular because they require little time or work: there is no need to feed them coals or wood, and they reach high temperatures quite quickly. 

These grills are great for summer go-to’s like burgers, hot dogs, brochettes, etc. You can also use a gas grill to sear steaks and fish or cook ribs and roasts (using an indirect heating method). 

Many models also come equipped with a side-grill—a small separate burner that lets you grill more.  

If you want a hassle-free and straightforward grill to handle meats and veggies, you may not need to look any further than a quality gas barbecue. 

Are you interested in adding a gas barbecue to your grill game? Take a peek at our selection of gas barbecues, and give us a call to learn more.  

Choose a charcoal BBQ for enhanced flavour 

As the name suggests, these grills get their fuel from lump or briquette charcoal. To further enhance flavour, you can also add different types of woodchips to mimic the effect of a smoker.

In general, charcoal grills are either small and round (kettle grills) or larger and rectangular (barrel grills). The grills rest above the burning coals, allowing you to cook or sear your food.

While the use of charcoal adds incomparable flavour to your food, using a coal-fueled grill is a more involved process than using a gas or electric model. For instance, you need to fill the coal bed and light the coals with some lighter fluid. It takes at least 20 minutes for the coals to heat up.

While charcoal grilling requires more know-how and attention than gas grilling, it allows for excellent temperature control. The temperature depends on the size of the fire you build, the airflow, and the distance you leave between the grill and the coals. Dampers allow you to control the airflow, and some models even have a built-in thermostat.

Depending on how you build the coalbed, you can use charcoal grills for intense searing, low-and-slow cooking, and everything in between.

What about Kamado grills?

Kamado grills (such as The Big Green Egg) are a type of charcoal grill designed to be more airtight. This enhances the temperature-controlling power of the adjustable dampers. Some Kamado grills are ceramic-lined, which maximizes heat retention. 

If you’re already a relatively experienced and comfortable griller (or if you’re looking to learn how to master a more nuanced cooking system), a charcoal grill may be the way to go.  

Interested in upgrading your BBQ game? Browse our selection of charcoal grills and give us a call to learn more.  

Buying a pellet BBQ for versatility 

If you’re an adventurous cook who likes to use a variety of different methods to prepare meals, a pellet grill will be a dream come true for you!  

Pellet grills are fueled by hardwood pellets and allow you to smoke, braise, barbecue or sear your food with ease.  

While not as quick and simple as turning the dial on a gas grill, pellet barbecues are worth the extra work and time. 

With a pellet grill, you have the freedom to choose your own woody flavours (such as apple, oak, maple, cherry, mesquite, or hickory) and sear a steak one night and smoke a fillet of salmon the next day.  

 An electric BBQ lets you cook indoors & outdoors

Electric grills  are great if you want the option to grill indoors as well as outside. These grills tend to be more compact (for indoor storage) and produce minimal fumes. 

One drawback is that it can take a long time for the grill to heat up since there is no actual combustion. 

These flameless options are perfect for apartment or condo dwellers who are perhaps not allowed to have barbecues fueled by combustibles on their balconies. 

Browse our selection of electric grills and give us a call to learn more.  

Summer is for grilling. Choosing the right barbecue for your space and grilling ambitions is key to enjoying the season to its fullest. From small electric grills to fully-accessorized Big Green Eggs, from simple gas barbecues to the ultimate pellet smoker grills, we’ve got what you’re looking for!  

 We are open for curbside pickup and delivery during the provincial stay-at-home order. Give us a call, and our experts will help you select the best products to get you grilling! 

Your Fireplace, BBQ & Patio Experts Since 1952 

 The Fireplace Center and Patio Shop is your one-stop shop for all your indoor and outdoor essentials. With one of Canada’s largest showrooms, we have over 200 fireplaces on display. With extensive knowledge in BBQs, heating and cooling, and patio furniture, you can trust our team to provide expert advice, quality assembly and installation. Call us today.