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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1994-05-11, Page 14PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1994. What to look for when buying a barbecue AH barbecue grills are not created equal. So if you are in the market for a new barbecue grill this year, knowing about the features and benefits of different grill types can help you to make the right choice. Whether the method is gas or charcoal, don't be fooled by inflated claims or meaningless specifications. The following guidelines have been developed by Weber-Stephen Products Co., a manufacturer of barbecue grills for over 40 years. Gas vs. Charcoal Almost everyone you know has a grill. Some choose gas grills because they're clean, quick and easy to use. Others prefer charcoal grills because initially, they're less expensive. The choice is yours - look at all of the options. When purchasing a new grill look for a well known, trusted brand name. Make sure it is made by a reputable manufacturer - one who offers a good warranty on its products, replacement parts and accessories. Barbecue Grills in General Shop around for durability. Look for a barbecue made of strong, weatherproof materials. Well-built Redesign without remodelling Having a master bath is supposed to make life easier. So, how come you and your spouse are still bumping into each other the first thing in the morning and the last thing at night? Well, if you are tired of this confusion and don't want to resort to taking turns at the sink, the answer is as simple as the word "two." That's two sinks, two soap dishes, two waste paper baskets - two of all that is mundane, but really so important. If you are lucky enough to have two sinks, you are already ahead of the game. But whether you do or not, you should double all the important accessories as part of your redecorating project. "It's surprising how redecoration with bright, floral towel ensembles and the addition of pretty but practical bath accessories can change the entire character of your master bathroom," says Martha Stewart, an entertaining expert and lifestyle consultant. "They enable you to create a lighter, more spacious atmosphere. And I have found that doubling the attractive bath accessories preserves harmony and avoids collisions." According to Ms Stewart, you can completely change the look, character and convenience of your master bath without the cost of remodelling. If you have the right fabrics and co-ordinating patterns, it's quite possible to transform a small, badly-planned space into a cheerful, bright, practical place. It's fairly easy and inexpensive to refresh a bathroom by purely decorative means. "Most people forget that the first rule of redecorating a bathroom is the same as the first rule of designing one," says Ms Stewart. "When it's finished, it should be uncluttered and easy to maintain. This applies to bathrooms that are meant to be Spartan-looking and function or luxurious and relaxing: After all, the prime purpose of a bathroom is to provide a beautiful, private place to wash, bathe or shower in comfort." A boring white bathroom under the eaves can be made into a beautiful, cheerful place by adding barbecues are made of heavy-gauge steel sealed with porcelain enamel; they resist rusting and burning out. Make sure the legs are sturdy so the grill won't tip over. It shouldn't take an engineer to assemble the barbecue. Quality barbecues have few parts to assemble and minimal hardware. Superior construction, from the bolts to the burners, ensures a barbecue that will last for years. How much will you barbecue? If the normal menu is hamburgers for two, then a small, portable grill will suffice. But if you have a large family or barbecue for crowds at least once a month, invest in a grill with a larger cooking area. Outdoor cooking should be fun, not a chore. So look for a grill that offers the conveniences you want. Gas Barbecues There are a number of things to look for when investing in a gas barbecue. Knowing what is important saves time and money. Gas grills are available in LP or natural gas models. Quality, convenience, durability, easy lighting and efficient gas consumption should be top priorities. paint, border trim and co-ordinated bath accessories. First, apply a soft paint to the white walls. (Pastel colours create a light, airy look.) Next, add vibrancy to the pastel with touches of bolder tones in the floral border. Most people would rule out a border in an angular room because it doesn't fit at ceiling or at chair­ rail height. This problem can be overcome by putting the border just above floor level, over the base­ board molding. It directs the eye to the less angular dimensions of the room, relieving the cramped feeling. Also, remember that coloured towels, drapes, shower curtains and bath mats in deeper tones than the background walls add visual interest. Finally, lavish on the accessories - two of everything - because, while sharing is a beautiful thing, it doesn't have to include soap dishes, tissues and cups. Fabric and accessory florals bring a bathroom to life. Remember: co-ordinate and duplicate; it's a beautiful way for both of you to have your own luxurious ways. VAN DRIEL CONTRACTING STONE - SAND - TOPSOIL SEPTIC SYSTEMS - EXCAVATING BULLDOZING - FARM DRAINAGE I ^_Clmton__482-3783_^) . QrROy-BILTas ARGYLE MARINE AND SMALL ENGINES 88 Britannia Rd. GODERICH 524-5361 • Some gas grill manufacturers claim high grill BTU output, however, due to the inefficiencies of the design the majority of the BTUs are wasted, resulting in a waste of energy and money. Look for and choose the most efficient system. • Contrary to the conception of many people, glass windows are not necessary on gas barbecues. A lid made of solid steel coated with durable porcelain enamel construction offers more structural integrity than a lid that has a window. Window glass blackens quickly and in some instances can shatter from heat pressure which could be dangerous. • Stay away from ‘laval’ or ‘char’ rocks. They may create hot and cold spots on the heating surface and because they collect fat drippings, they can cause uncontrollable flare-ups. • A conveniently located, easy- to-use push button igniter is essential for quick and simple start­ ups. • Choose a barbecue with the best allocation of space. More square inches are not necessarily better. Look for a barbecue that provides more usable primary cooking space. Stacked cooking grates and warming racks may seem convenience but often limit capacity. • An LP gas tank should be easy to connect and remove for filling. Look for a hanging tank system with an accurate gauge that indicates fuel level to prevent running out of gas while preparing a meal. • Three stainless steel burners with individual controls allow for more versatility and enables the cook to use either direct or indirect cooking methods. • An extra deep hood accommo­ dates larger cuts of meal and poultry. • Buy a grill with durable porcelain-on-steel cooking grates as they are easy to clean. • Swing-up work surfaces, dual­ purpose thermometer, locking front caster, side burner, and storage cabinets are some of the features to look for that will add convenience to your new gas barbecue. Charcoal Barbecues Selection of the right charcoal grill can be a complex and confusing challenge. However, awareness of a few simple facts will make the decision much easier. There are a few attributes to look for, but even seemingly minor specifications can add versatility and convenience to a charcoal barbecue. • A well-built charcoal barbecue w,ill give you years of reliable service. Quality construction will pay off in the long run. Inferior grills will rust out and within a year or two the purchaser will be looking for a new grill. • Buying a covered grill will give you more options in how your food is barbecued. When covered, a grill cooks like a convection oven. Heat is reflected evenly around the food; cooking time is reduced and all of the natural flavour and juices are sealed in. The cover takes away the oxygen at the cooking surface thus eliminating flare-ups. A covered grill is versatile as it allows you to cook by the direct or indirect cooking method. • Barbecuing is definitely meant for moveable feasts, so portability might be important. Portable grills are made to be carried from the patio to beach to football games, but they usually have smaller cooking areas. • The cooking grill should be easy to clean. YARD CARE SALE 53 TROY-BILT® GARDEN TRACTOR • Powerful Briggs & Stratton Engine • Choice of _ mulching decks T • Tight 22" * turning radius Ask your dealer for complete details and a free copy of the TROY-BILT 7-Year Warranty TROV-BILT w « e 11 k r r FULL Ask About Our No Money Down Financing! NO-TIME-LIMIT WARRANTY TROY-BILT MULCHING MOWER • NEW Lightweight Cast Aluminum Deck. • NEW Grass Bagger option. • NEW Multiple speed transmission • 4 Models to choose from, 4-5HP • A removable ash catcher will collect ashes and simplify cleaning. Instead of having to scoop the ashes out of the grill, buy a barbecue that features a lever to sweep the ashes into the ash tray for easy removal. • A barbecue featuring al least three vents on the bottom, and one on the lid, will allow maximum air flow. Closing all of the vents when you are through cooking extin­ guishes the fire and saves charcoal. • Charcoal grills come in a variety of sizes. Selection should be based on the number of people you will generally be cooking for and the type of foods you plan to cook. Some people limit their outdoor cooking to hamburgers, steaks and hot dogs, while others cook complete meals on the barbecue. Many outdoor chefs are creative and enjoy experimenting with a variety of foods. • Carefully consider the total area of cooking space you may require. We frequently hear from people who bought a small grill and within a year of purchasing it have realized that a larger, more substantial barbecue would have been a wiser choice and a better investment. TROY-BILT TILLER • Original JUST ONE HAND® tiller • Prepare seedbeds in spring, weed in summer, power compost in fall • Models from 3HPto 8HP