Can you smell it? That hypnotizing scent of meat grilling as you sit in your back yard. If the smell of steaks, burgers and ribs cooking on a hot grill is not coming from your yard, maybe it’s time you looked at buying a new BBQ.
Do you need a new one? Time for an upgrade? Just because? These are all valid reasons to invest in a new grill. Today there are so many variations when it comes to style, size, price and purpose, that there truly is a BBQ for everyone.
I started out with one of those portable camping grills, moved up to a standard propane BBQ and now I have a top-of-the-line smoker sitting in the backyard. I love to grill, smoke, bake, roast and sear anything I can get my hands on.
My advice would be this.
Follow these steps before buying a new BBQ.
- What do you have right now for grilling? Is it good enough?
- Are you cooking for a few or do you love to entertain?
- Do you love your grill? Does it excite you to use it?
- Honestly come up with a budget that you can spend on a new BBQ. I said honestly.
- Do you have any interest in low and slow smoking? Or just the steaks and burgers?
- What space do you have for a grill? Condo balcony or spacious backyard?
- Propane, natural gas or charcoal?
After answering these questions, you should be in good shape to start shopping.
You can find a wide selection of barbecues and grills at Rona. Even though I have a BBQ that will last me a lifetime, I still love to walk around the store and look at the newest, shiniest and coolest new barbecues. If I had the money and space, I would love to have an assortment of grills to match whatever mood I was in. I am sure my wife would disagree. Maybe when I am retired?
What to grill first?
Let’s fast forward to that first Sunday afternoon with your new BBQ. You have a cold beer at your side and you are debating on what that first cook should be.
I would suggest getting to know your new BBQ with something simple, but yet tasty. You don’t want to have to be playing with temperature and options, you just want to get as big a flame going as possible and char something to the perfect taste.
Really open it up with a high heat. You also don’t want to have the pressure of cooking for guests that first time. So in preparation to this joyous moment, buy a personal sized steak and a six-pack of your favorite brew.
Lightly season your steak with salt and pepper, get the grill nice and hot, rub it with some cooking oil and throw that baby on.
Oh that first sizzle. It’s magical. Depending on the cut of your steak and the way you like it cooked, I would suggest high heat for a minute on each side to get that crust. Then close the lid, turn off the BBQ and let it sit there for four or five minutes. Take the steak off, let it rest for a few minutes and then grab your fork and knife and give it a try.
Great right? You just christened your new BBQ. Way to go.
