Buying a BBQ isn't just for suburbanites with homes and large backyards. Anyone can experience the joys of BBQing. As long as they have an outdoor space to do so.
If you live in an apartment or condo, there are a few questions to ask yourself before shopping for your future BBQ.
Grilling and measuring tape
First, it is important to know the dimensions of your terrace/balcony. Measurements in feet, inches, meters and centimeters are accepted. Measurements in: "it's about the same." or measurements in: "look at the picture of my balcony" are much less effective.
So, save yourself a trip to the store: Note the dimensions of the space where you want to put your BBQ. The BBQ expert who will advise you will be able to eliminate the options that do not work from the start and direct you to the BBQs adapted to your reality.
If your balcony or terrace has a weight limit, it is equally relevant to know it.
BBQ Anarchy and Municipal Bylaws
Second, please be aware of the municipal regulations in force in your neighborhood or city. Some landlords also put an “anti-BBQ” clause in leases. Although BBQ is synonymous with freedom and happiness, unfortunately there are certain regulations that must be complied with.
In fact, BBQ experts, as the title says, are experts in BBQ and despite all their good intentions, are not experts in municipal regulations.
However, there is no need to worry, the BBQ industry has more than one trick up its sleeve to grill legally. We will definitely find a solution for you.
Barbecue cover or chain with padlock?
Third, many people wonder if they should protect their BBQ with a cover. However, if your BBQ is in plain sight, you should rather ask yourself how to protect it from thieves. If you are a Montrealer or if you know one, you probably know an anecdote about an empty beer crate stolen from a balcony or the anecdote about the guy who had his bike stolen even though he was on the 4th floor. These anecdotes also happen with BBQs.
Choose models that can be easily secured with a chain and padlock.
You can also opt for more compact models that can be easily stored inside when you have finished using it.
PS. Avoid the BBQ cover. It retains moisture and may cause your BBQ to rust prematurely.
I think, therefore I am… a pitmaster!
Next, get to know yourself. How many people are you barbecuing for? What do you cook on your BBQ? Do you barbecue all year round or only in the summer? Do you want to be able to move your BBQ easily or will it always stay in the same place? Advisors will usually ask you these types of questions to better establish your needs and advise you on the ideal BBQs for you.
On the other hand, BBQs are now extremely versatile and offer a thousand and one gadgets, each more practical than the last. It is also very easy to get lost. What you are going to do with your BBQ is up to you. No one blames you if you do not want a rotisserie or if smoking is not part of your life dreams.
For these reasons, the more you know about your habits, the easier it will be to advise you.
Delivery and Secret of the Gods
When you buy a BBQ, it is usually possible to have it delivered to your home (in any case, we offer it, nananère!).
If you live at the end of a spiral staircase, in a 73rd floor apartment with a broken elevator, or the only access is through an alleyway the width of a bike path, there is no point in hiding it from us. Give us as much detail as possible about the delivery location.
Because, as the saying goes: Two forewarned delivery men are worth two... two who arrive with the necessary equipment to deliver your BBQ easily without damaging the BBQ or the premises.
Remember that buying a BBQ is exactly like making a BBQ. You can do it Hot'n'Fast or Low'n'Slow. All means are good to achieve the result. It's when you miss your shot that it leaves a little bitter taste.