Buying a barbecue? Let us help!

Pros: 

• Give meat and other foods a delicious smoky taste 

• Cook at a very high and consistent temperature, making it possible to sear meat 

• Can be used to cook a wide variety of foods 

• Some charcoal barbecues are equipped with gas ignition systems 

• Most charcoal barbecues have a temperature control system 

• Can be used to smoke food 

Cons: 

• Some models take a long time to heat up. But you can always use a chimney starter and natural wood charcoal to speed up the process. Result: Most charcoal barbecues heat up as quickly as natural gas barbecues. 

• You have to clean out the ashes after each use (some models have an ash compartment for easier cleanup) 

Both propane and natural gas appliances are on the market.  

Pros: 

• Easy to light 

• Preheat in a few minutes 

• Come with one burner or multiple burners 

• Easy to move (propane models) 

• Continuous fuel supply (natural gas) 

• Usable year-round, even during heat waves  

Cons: 

• If your BBQ is hooked up to your home’s supply line (for natural gas), you won’t be able to move it more than about 3 metres (10 feet) 

Pros:

• Easy to light

• Radiation cooking

• Thermostat-controlled temperature and cooking

• Can be used indoors or in tight spaces (as long as they’re well ventilated)

Cons:

• Slow to heat up

• Slower cooking than gas barbecues

• Few models on the market

• Cannot be used during power outages (may be used with a battery-powered converter)

Pros: 

• Easy to light 

• Many compact models are easy to transport 

• Give a delicious smoky flavour that varies with the type of wood used (oak, maple, cherry, hickory, etc.) 

• Produces extreme heat 

Cons: 

• Fuel must be purchased separately (lighter fluid and wood) 

• Batteries or an adapter required to power the fan 

• Small cooking surface 

Pros: 

• Easy to use 

• Plug in like electric barbecues 

• Give a delicious smoky flavour 

• Thermostat-controlled temperature and cooking 

• Can be used for grilling and smoking 

Cons: 

• Cannot be used during power outages (may be used with a battery-powered converter) 

Almost all the barbecues listed above also come in a portable version. To decide which one’s right for you, consider the following: 

• Weight 

• Size 

• Transport (does it come with a bag?) 

• Setup 

• Cleanup 

• Fuel (will it be easy to find when I get to my destination?) 

• Budget