Michel Battles video




Thursday, January 10, 2008

Buying Great Grills Online

By Eleora Knoff

The days are getting longer, the air is a little warmer, and in just a few short weeks it will be your turn to host the annual family reunion. Then, you realize that your old barbecue just isn't up to the task.

Trouble is, the stores carry barbecues in limited supply and you don't have time to shop around. Lucky for you, the Internet offers an endless array of choices and you can easily buy barbecue grills online.

Knowing which features you need is your first priority, whether you're buying a barbecue over the Internet or in a retail store. It can be exhausting to drive from store to store comparing models, and knowledgeable clerks can be hard to find. Online shopping is so much easier, if you understand the many BBQ features.

The following points are designed to guide in your search and help you make an informed decision:

* Selection

Look for an online barbecue store that is able to offer the best selection of grills. Ideally, the website will show a chart of available grill styles, with detailed information on the features and benefits of each brand or style.

* Know Your Vendor

Beware the fly-by-night online retailers that are quick to take your money in exchange for a sub-standard product (or worse, no product at all). Find out as much as you can about the company before you make the purchase. Consider the company's reputation within the business sector. Ask questions to test their expertise on barbecue grills. Above all, make sure that the company is operating legally. If you are not able to contact the company and speak with a "real" and knowledgeable person, keep looking.

* Shipping and Warranties

Make sure that your purchase is guaranteed against missing parts, faulty operations and shipping damage before placing your order. Always verify the final shipping charges before you pay for your purchase. It's not uncommon for online shoppers to pay outlandish shipping charges on average purchases.

* Size

Look for the right barbecue to suit your average, day-to-day cooking needs. Don't worry about those times when you'll need to grill for a crowd. Estimate the actual grilling area you'll need for your typical meals, and choose your new barbecue accordingly. A massive grill that's big enough to cook ten steaks for your family reunion is simply not an economical choice for those other 364 days a year. You can always borrow an extra barbecue or two from your neighbours for those big family cookouts.

* Features

List all of the features that you want and need with your new barbecue. Some experts believe that it's best to buy a gas barbecue grill that uses ceramic briquettes or lava rocks. Dual heat control is another big benefit that adds ultimate comfort and convenience to a gas barbecue. With this feature, you can keep the heat low in one area while you cook at full heat on the other side of the grill.

* Cooking for Your Lifestyle

Don't try to adapt your lifestyle to suit your grill. Instead, find the perfect BBQ to meet your needs. The size of your patio or deck should always be top of mind, and a BBQ that's too big is no great bargain. Other areas, such as ease of assembly and available storage space, should also be considered.

Consider all of these points when shopping for barbecue grills online. Don't forget to read the customer reviews and commentaries, as these are a great resource for learning more about the pros and cons of each type of barbecue. Simple online research can also provide the information you need to buy a barbecue at a retail store.

If you don't know what to look for, it's hard to choose the best barbecue. Still, shopping for a great grill doesn't have to be a difficult task. You can order your new BBQ online, and then spend time perfecting your recipes while you wait for delivery. Summertime living doesn't get much easier than that.

About the Author:

No comments: