As Canadians, we tend to barbeque all year long. In fact, I’m sure you know of at least one person who has braved the elements in the middle of winter to go outside and grill some steaks. Personally, I’m more of a fair weather barbeque-er and find myself thinking about getting prepped for a season of outdoor living as soon as spring hits. And spring has definitely hit here on the west coast. If you too are looking to get ready for BBQ season, here are some tips for honing your skills.
Accessories are a must
You might think of yourself as a modern day MacGyver, but those tongs you fashioned from two wooden spoons and some twine probably aren’t going to cut it. If you truly want to hone your skills, invest in some accessories that will help take your grilling to the next level. First, you need the basics–a spatula/flipper and tongs. You can buy these separately or as a set, but either way, make sure you choose tools with nice long handles so your hands are kept away from the hot grill. A two-prong fork and a marinating brush are also great tools to have on hand (side note, this four piece set with case is the ideal Father’s Day gift!).
Two other great accessories to help you flex your BBQ muscles are a stainless steel basket like this one from BBQ Devil, which allows you to grill veggies, shrimp, and other smaller items without them slipping right through the grates and a rotisserie kit, which will enable you to spit roast to perfection.
Take things digital
There is an app for absolutely everything out there, so why not find a handful that will help take your BBQ skills to the next level? Here are a few I’ve downloaded and am excited to test out:
- GrillTime
Regardless of what you’re planning to grill, GrillTime attempts to take the guess work out of how long you should keep your meat on the grill. It allows you to set the thickness and how you’d like your meat prepared and then alerts you with a timer when it’s ready. - Grill-It!
The Grill-It! App includes hundreds of BBQ recipes with detailed instructions and professional photos so you can follow along step by step to prepare dishes like Cajun grilled chicken breasts or grilled cauliflower steak. It even lets you search by ingredients so you can find a recipe to suit what items you have on hand.
Take care of your BBQ
My neighbor has a BBQ that he leaves exposed to the elements all year round, and the poor thing has taken quite the beating. Don’t be like him, and protect your BBQ with a high-quality cover. This one from Napolean Triumph is made from heavy-duty PVC polyester and the material is UV protected to prevent colour fading. You should also make sure you clean the grill entirely after each use. When your BBQ is in good shape, your grilling will be much more pleasurable.
If you’re in the market for a new BBQ, Best Buy quite the selection from which to choose. Whether you’re looking for gas or charcoal, there’s a model available to suit your needs and get your spring and summer off to the right start! Happy grilling!
 Napolean Triumph 50,000 BTU 5-Burner Propane BBQ |
 Charbroil TRU-Infrared Performance 30,000 BTU 3-Burner Propane BBQ |
 Napolean Apollo 285 Sq. In. Charcoal BBQ & Water Smoker |
Main image source: Blue Apron
