Barbecue Tips and Trends

This is three handy tips for backyard chefs this season, courtesy someone who should know, Linda Lee, manager of Windsor's popular Patio Palace.

- Inspect. Clean up the barbecue, not just the obvious fixtures but check for spiders and and insect nests in the venturi tubes, the tubes that extend from the burner to the control valves. "Make sure the flame is blue, not yellow. If you see yellow, get it cleaned," Lee cautions, pointing to serious fires that have occurred. She says the siding of one house was destroyed because of a fire from the barbecue.

- Read labels. When buying a new barbecue, check whether it's North American-made. If not, parts and service may be hard to come by, Lee emphasizes. At least, find out whether parts and service are available from the retailer for the brands on display. Brands like Broil King based in Waterloo, Napoleon from Barrie and Weber in the United States provide support, including parts and service.

- Know your needs. Barbecues can cost $300 to more than $1,000 and come with a variety of features. "Know what's best for you," Lee advises, when it comes to choosing between models. She's seeing more models that are more affordable. They may have fewer features than higher-end, luxury barbecues but may still be a good value.

Accessories remain popular as a trend, with items like rib racks to provide more grill space and keep bones from burning, pizza stones for wood-fired grilling, and grill brushes that can be filled with water to hasten cleaning.

Such toys for the grill actually have a practical purpose, Lee maintains. They make the barbecue appliance more useful, providing more possibilities for cooking.