Chargrilled burgers, perfectly seared rib-eyes, and slow-smoked ribs. These are just some of the flavours of summer. With a BBQ grill in your backyard, you can unleash your inner grill master as you cook for family, entertain friends, and gather around the grill for good times and great food. From classic charcoal barbecues to spacious built-in models, Best Buy has a wide selection of the best BBQs for your outdoor grilling adventures.
Types of BBQ Grills
From backyards and balconies to decks and patios, there’s a barbecue to fit your outdoor space. Here are two popular types of BBQs to consider.
Full-Size BBQ
Full-size standalone barbecues are a popular choice amongst grill enthusiasts. These BBQs are simple to assemble out of the box and come in various sizes for both big backyards and petite patios. Their freestanding designs means you’re not limited to where you put your barbecue.
Built-In BBQ
If you dream of building an outdoor kitchen, then a built-in barbecue is the ultimate addition. Install one on an outdoor island and you can play backyard chef all summer long. With a built-in BBQ and outdoor kitchen, you can enjoy indoor kitchen conveniences – counters, cupboards, and plenty of cooking space – all in the fresh air of your backyard.
Barbecue Fuel Types
From coal to electricity, barbecues are fueled by different sources. Here are your options.
Charcoal BBQ
Some grill masters would say that charcoal is king. That’s because charcoal BBQs produce that distinctive chargrilled flavour you won’t get with other types of BBQs. This type of barbecue takes longer to heat up than its non-charcoal cousins, but reaches such high temperatures that you can achieve a beautifully seared exterior that locks in flavour.
Propane BBQ
Propane BBQs are a popular choice because they heat up quickly and deliver consistent heat for easy, even grilling. Fuelled by liquid propane, propane BBQs require much less prep and cleanup work than a charcoal grill, so you can get those burgers, hot dogs, and kebabs onto the table faster. Propane BBQs generally don’t produce the same chargrilled flavours as a charcoal BBQ, but this can be achieved through a smoke box or liquid smoke.
Natural Gas BBQ
Like propane BBQs, natural gas BBQs are fuelled by gas. The difference is, a natural gas BBQ connects to your home’s natural gas line. This provides a constant source of fuel for the BBQ, so you don’t have to worry about running out of charcoal or propane in the middle of a big bash. Because it’s linked to your home’s natural gas line, a natural gas BBQ can’t easily be moved around.
Electric BBQ
If a charcoal or gas BBQ is out of the question, then an electric BBQ may be a suitable alternative. It plugs into an electrical outlet and can be used safely in less-ventilated areas like covered balconies. Because its source of power is electricity, an electric BBQ can be used almost anytime – except when there’s a power outage, of course.
Other Barbecue Features to Consider
When you’ve narrowed down the type of BBQ you want, consider these other important factors.
Grill Size
A barbecue’s cooking surface determines how much food you can grill at once. When choosing a grill, think about how many people you’ll usually be feeding and whether you plan to entertain often. Grill size is measured in square inches and can vary from small 200-square-inch models to spacious 1,000-square-foot monsters.
Burners
Gas grills can have multiple burners with independent heat controls. This gives you greater control over what you’re cooking. Sear a steak at the highest temperature on one burner and slow cook chicken wings on another. Some BBQs even have side burners for simmering sauces or whipping up side dishes.
Warming Rack
When you’ve grilled enough burgers and wings to feed a small army, you can keep them warm on a warming rack. This rack sits above the main grill and also offers a great spot to toast buns or slow cook vegetables.
BTUs
The number of BTUs, or British Thermal Units, determines how much heat a gas barbecue can generate. A gas BBQ with higher BTUs will produce more heat, but will also burn fuel more quickly. Generally, BBQs with larger cooking surfaces will have higher BTUs than ones with smaller cooking surfaces.
Shelves and Storage
Some BBQs have shelves on the side for convenient food storage and prep. Others have cupboards or drawers for stowing away grill tools and other accessories. Other extras you may find include a cutting board, ice bucket, or integrated bottle opener.
Want More Info? Check Out These Resources:
Outdoor Kitchen and BBQ essentials
The BBQ Buying Guide
Upgrade your grilling experience with premium Napoleon BBQs
