Barbecue photo by Lukáš Patka?

There’s not much in the way of controversy when it comes to backyard BBQ grills – except for perhaps the model you use. Yes, the BBQ grill is an immensely popular item in backyards throughout the world. It is this widespread success that has delivered to us a myriad of models to choose from.

By far the most popular is the conventional charcoal grill. It’s simple to operate and does a good job, albeit at predominantly one cooking level. No knobs, connectors, tanks, or hoses to contend with here. Just the lighter fluid, or possibly one of those electric coil starters possibly is needed. Lots of people swear these are the best – and yield the best outdoor cooked flavors you can get. If you’re after exotic tastes, you can throw any of several types of wood chips on the coals as desired.

Next in the in the backyard BBQ grill lineup are the propane models. These usually start at the price point of some of the better charcoal models, and go up from there. I mean way up too. You can have the discount store starter propane model for not much more than $100 and from there work your way up to one of those massive stainless steel models that are pouring out the doors of home improvement centers everywhere. Some of those get as big as a small car and cost well above the $1000 mark. These are some of the fanciest you can get that are portable yet border on the complete outdoor kitchen class of BBQ grill. Multiple burners, smokers, rotisseries, and more are often included.

If you are a homeowner and have a natural gas line to tap into, you can get a far more permanent backyard BBQ for your money. Granted, it won’t have wheels and you’ll have to be satisfied with wherever you choose to place it – but these built-in varieties clearly enter the home improvement class of backyard BBQ grills – clearly improving the value of your home. There is considerable product diversity in the built-ins too. Models vary from a simple pedestal style and otherwise typical looking model all the way up to much more substantial and functional drop-in range class models. The drop-ins are often installed in larger and often elaborate stone outdoor structures. They are often part and parcel of the ultra nice and modernistic outdoor kitchen – a dazzling extension of some of the nicest homes.

Over time you will likely transcend your way from one backyard BBQ model to another as I have. My very next model will likely be one of those stainless models, as I’ve now worn out several charcoal models and just recently determined I’m not going to struggle to retrofit my latest (and now worn out) second propane model. I’ve already done the ‘bring home a bag of expensive propane replacement parts’ routine once.

Regardless of your budget or preference for charcoal, propane, or natural gas, do consider your options the next time you wear out your current backyard BBQ grill. Product durability definitely corresponds with the model you choose which is of course also proportionate to its cost. Serious barbeque enthusiasts cook all year round, so it just makes sense to select a model you can expect to last. Cooking outdoors is pure pleasure any way you cut it. It’s also a good excuse to have the family over when the weather’s nice.

BBQ Spare Ribs photo by Robbie Owen-Wahl

With the days getting longer and the warmer weather setting in, many people are starting to plan their evening and weekend activities to take place outdoors. And as summer approaches, the outdoors are bound to offer even more – whether it’s perfect weather in your backyard, or beautifully clear scenery atop the nearest hiking hills.

However, while the spring and summer months – and the warmer weather that comes with them – might have many of us wishing we could take off on extended holidays or weekly mini-breaks, jobs and daily responsibilities await. So when you can’t take off on a holiday, why not take advantage of the splendid weather by continuing to plan outdoor activities – even if it’s just reading a book or eating outside as the sun sets.

One of the best ways to take advantage of the great spring and summertime weather is to hold outdoor BBQs. And because they don’t require a lot of fuss, you can have one after work on weekdays, or during weekends. All you need is a BBQ (along with some gas or coal), something to cook, and a little know how!

Indeed, meals are always better when the chef knows a bit about how to prepare the food. But, of course, there are many ways to cook in such a manner and many different things you can prepare – from ribs and steak to vegetables and even fruit! So you might want to start off with a few simple recipes, and expand your knowledge from there.

A lot of great barbeques start with a great marinade. So depending on the type of meat or vegetables you plan to cook, you’ll want to buy – or prepare from scratch – a complimentary marinade. It’s easy to find recipes online or in recipe books; but keep in mind that some recipes require you to marinade for a few hours, while others ask that you marinade for a few days! So you’ll want to pick your recipe based not only on what you’re intending to cook, but how much time you have to marinade.

Another tip to keep in mind is that there is a difference between barbequing and grilling. Many people grill on their BBQs, which also produces a tasty effect; but this often takes a lot more time, at a lower temperature. For example, beef ribs should be cooked at a low temperature for a long enough time – about 6 to 7 hours – to render the fat and tenderize the meat. However, chicken doesn’t take as long – about 4 to 6 hours – depending on the size of the cuts.

One more thing to consider is that different types of charcoal, gas and wood will give you different taste results. For example, while many might prefer the simplicity and cleanliness of gas barbeques, others prefer the smoky flavor they can achieve by using charcoal. However, you can always get similar results with gas by using wood chips in a foil packet while cooking; therefore, it’s worth experimenting with gas, charcoal and wood as you expand your knowledge to ultimately develop your own cooking style.

Finally, it is important to remember that many BBQs offer a range of features and accessories. So before you purchase one, ensure you know exactly what it comes with, that way you’ll know what types of tools you will have to work with.