12 things that will elevate your backyard BBQ, according to an expert
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Summer's in full swing, which means it's time to fire up the BBQ and enjoy some char-grilled grub. Whether you're a year-round grill master or have yet to replenish last year's propane tank, Chef Michael Gray, M&M Food Market's head of product innovation, is here to help Canadians avoid common grilling gaffes and get the most out of barbeque season.
First, remember to 'spring clean' your BBQ
Chef Grey told Yahoo Canada that it is extremely important to spring clean your barbecue.
"Cleaning is a crucial step, and grilling amateurs and pros alike tend to overlook it," Grey said.
Grey suggests removing the build-up from last season to prevent grease fire and terrible tasting food and always check to make sure your BBQ is in working order and clean before lighting it up.
"For safety reasons, wooden scrapers are ideal. Don’t have a scraper? No problem. A ball of aluminum foil makes for a surprisingly effective scrubbing tool," Grey added.
Easy Function Grill Scraper
When asked for tips on having a successful BBQ season, Dara Greenberg, barbecue expert at The Home Depot Canada, told Yahoo Canada that grilling is all about experimenting with new ways to cook and having fun.
Think outside the box: BBQ accessories
“Consider building your arsenal of accessories to broaden the scope of your cooking from just burgers and hot dogs to creating an entire meal. You can buy grilling baskets, rib racks, cedar planks… the list goes on," Greenberg said. "And investing in a wireless thermometer is always a great buy as it will help ensure that you cook your food to perfection!”
Weber Stainless Steel Grill Basket
When it comes to shopping for gas grills, Greenberg said it is important to think about how many people you are cooking for and how often you will be using your grill.
“If, for instance, you have a family of four and plan on grilling three or more times a week for the spring/summer season, then you should ensure you look at grills that have at least three burners and come with a strong warranty to protect your investment," suggested Greenberg.
"You should also think about the type of foods you will be cooking. As an example, if you like to make chicken, consider a grill that you can add on a rotisserie kit to, or if you like to sear your steak, look for a grill with a sear station,” Greenberg added.
To help sort out your BBQ season, we've rounded up 12 backyard grilling must-haves, starting from $22.
Backyard BBQ must-haves: Splurge
Weber Spirit EX-315 Smart Grill
Grilling just got smarter with the launch of Weber’s wifi-enabled grills. Weber makes grilling the perfect meal easy by integrating its Weber ConnectTM technology into its top-selling Genesis and Spirit gas grill lines. These smart grills offer a precision grilling experience that caters to each griller’s individual cooking needs – from real-time food monitoring and grill notifications, so you don’t have to lift the lid of the grill, to notifications guiding you on when to flip your food, to temperature tracking and food doneness monitoring.
Traeger Pro 575 Wifi Pellet Grill
The Traeger Pro 575 uses WiFIRE technology, which allows you to monitor and adjust your grill anytime, anywhere from the Traeger app on your smartphone. The Pro Series wifi pellet grills now start quicker, heat up faster, and put out better smoke quality giving you consistent results infused with wood-fired flavour.
Mercury Row 4-Person Dining Set
Create a cozy and comfortable outdoor lounge area with Mercury Row's four-person dining set. The solid wood set comes with four chairs and one table. For a limited time, Wayfair shoppers can save a whopping 59 per cent on the "elegant and very comfortable" dining set.
Backyard BBQ must-haves: Spend
Ninja FG551 Foodi Smart XL 6-in-1 Indoor Grill
Thanks to Ninja's indoor-friendly grill, everyone can enjoy the taste of BBQ this summer, regardless of their set-up. The unit's cool air zones and cyclonic grilling technology minimizes smoke, delivering a delicious char-grilled taste. This easy-to-clean appliance doubles as an air fryer so you can crisp-up yummy side dishes, like homemade French fries or crunchy zucchini chips.
MEATER+165ft Long Range Smart Wireless Meat Thermometer
This wireless smart meat thermometer is perfect for outdoor cooking. Monitor your food using the free app available for smartphones and tablets. It has dual temperature sensors that allow you to monitor the meat's internal and external temperatures. It can also estimate how long to cook your food and help you manage your time.
BBQ Accessories Set
This 36-piece accessories kit sets you up for BBQ success. The top-rated set comes backed by hundreds of five-star reviews from Amazon shoppers, who say it's "very worth" the investment.
Backyard BBQ must-haves: Save
FoodSaver Marinating Containers Set
This three-piece set of marinating containers keeps food fresh for up to twice as long as regular storage containers. The vacuum seal lets you know when the container is airtight so that your food stays fresher for longer.
Barbecue Rubs to Go: Grill Edition Gift Set
This gift set includes five BBQ rubs, including Cajun, Caribbean, Mexican, Southwest and Memphis. According to one Amazon reviewer, the flavours are "tasty."
Napoleon BBQ Smoking Starter Kit
Turn your gas grill into a smoker with Napoleon's BBQ Smoking Starter Kit. Fill the stainless steel smoker tube halfway with the chips of your choice, submerge in water, then place on the sear plates of your grill. Preheat the grill to low and place whatever you're smoking on the grill. Close the lid and cook low and slow for perfectly smoked flavour.
BBQ Mesh Grill Bags
These BBQ-friendly mesh bags make grilling shrimp, fish, vegetables, and potatoes a breeze. The non-stick grilling bags have snap-closure buttons to ensure that nothing slips out and falls between the grates.
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