Have you ever been to a BBQ store? They’re an essential summer stop because they sell many different kinds of equipment and essentials that are unavailable anyplace else. Barbecue stores sell utensils, charcoal, and other ingredients necessary to prepare a barbecue. And they also have the accessories, flavours, and tools that you didn’t know you needed. We’ve put together a checklist of the top 5 things to buy at a BBQ store so that you have an idea of what you might be missing out on.
1. Barbecue Grills
Barbecues were created to cook food by applying fire heat from below. They are the modern world’s preferred way to cook food over a flame. As barbecue culture continues to develop, there have been many iterations of the grill.
And with such a wide array of options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the variables you need to consider when selecting a barbecue grill. Here are our favourite three varieties of barbecue grills:
Gas Grills
The gas grill has emerged as one of the most popular choices for outdoor cooking. Gas grills are often built with a cart design. They can run on either liquefied petroleum gas from a tank attached to the trolley or natural gas from an adapter kit that is connected to the grill and the gas supply.
Charcoal Grills
Charcoal grills offer the traditional smokiness most people think of when they imagine that just-grilled flavour. They come in many different shapes and sizes, and it’s no surprise that the charcoal grill design is so widely recognized today. Charcoal grills have their quirks, though, so you’ll need to be prepared to put in some work if you go this route.
Pellet Grills
Pellet grills contain an internal microprocessor that allows you to set the grill to the exact temperature you want and burns woodchips to generate this heat. Wood chips suitable for burning are stored in a bin on the sides of the grill. Food cooked slowly over a pellet barbecue is delicious. However, the pellets are pricey and difficult to buy compared to other grill fuels like gas and coal. Having options on where to call or go online to place an order is essential.
2. BBQ Accessories
There are all kinds of problem-solving, flavour-enhancing, convenience-increasing accessories to be found in a BBQ shop. This is the place to go for the best selection of BBQ tools such as tongs, flippers, and thermometers. Whether you need a full set of instruments or you’re just missing the perfect spatula, you’ll find what you’re looking for in a BBQ store. And if they don’t have exactly what you need, it’s not unlikely that they’ll be able to order it from their supplier – which you know will be better quality than the first find on Amazon.
3. Marinade Oils and Rubs
Since not everyone has the culinary chops to make their own BBQ sauce from scratch, there are many who prefer to purchase marinade oils and rubs to acquire the perfect flavour.
Adding a rub is a great way to spice up your barbecue meals. Marinades can be made with olive oil or garlic oil. By using olive oil in a marinade, you may tenderize the beef in your barbecue recipes while also increasing its taste and moisture content.
Barbecuing out is a simple and enjoyable way to celebrate summer. Enjoying the outdoors while preparing some of the cleanest meals possible is a win-win. The best way to add some spice to BBQ foods is to pick up the specialty oils and spices.
4. Outdoor Kitchen Storage
There are outside kitchen storage solutions available at many barbecue shops. Cabinetry for an outdoor grill can be similar to that found in a traditional kitchen, only it is built to withstand the environment and adds functionality to your outside cooking area. Many barbecues have storage cabinets attached to the unit, but other people opt to have the barbecue integrated into a custom outdoor kitchen space.
Ensure your cooking equipment and accessories all have their own dedicated spaces without cluttering your kitchen. The next time you would like to barbecue a steak, you won’t have to lug your spatula and dry spices out of the house because you now have the perfect spot to keep them.
5. Hot Sauce
Add some heat to your meal with some chili pepper-based hot sauce. Although you can find hot sauce at most grocery stores, BBQ stores often carry brands that are specific to grilling. In most cases, these shops will know exactly what kind of flavour and how much heat you want in your food, and may even have tips on how to prepare your food for the effect you want.
The Options are Endless
These are just a few of our favourite things to buy in a BBQ store – don’t forget that most BBQ stores also carry outdoor furniture and accessories like patio sets and outdoor heaters. Check out your local BBQ store today to see what they have!