Barbecue, Grill or Tandoor Set: How to Choose and Buy Well
Barbecue, grill or full outdoor kitchen
First decide what you want to cook. A simple charcoal barbecue is for skewers. A charcoal grill with a lid lets you roast meat and vegetables, because the lid holds the heat. A gas grill heats up fast and is handy for everyday use on a terrace. A smoker or a kamado is a different thing, for people who like slow cooking.
For a farmhouse or a large garden, people often order a fixed barbecue or a full barbecue unit with a roof, a side table and space for a large pot. For trips and picnics, choose a foldable or take-apart model.
Material and thickness decide how long it lasts
A thin barbecue warps quickly in the heat. For steel, 2–3 mm walls are the usual starting point, and thicker for regular use. Stainless steel doesn't rust, but holds heat less well; cast iron stores heat nicely, but is heavy. Brick units are built on site, and that is a mason's job.
If you want something special, such as wrought-iron details, you can order one made to your sketch. In that case describe the dimensions, the design and the deadline in your request.
What to put in your request
- type — barbecue, charcoal, gas or electric grill, smoker, kamado, full unit;
- material and thickness — for example, 3 mm steel;
- size — how many skewers, grill area;
- design — foldable or fixed, with side table, roof, lid, wheels;
- ready-made or made to order — to your sketch or your design;
- brand and model — for factory-made grills;
- new or second-hand;
- delivery city and budget.
Example: “I need a new charcoal grill with a lid, about 57 cm across, Weber or similar, with a thermometer in the lid. Toronto, I will collect it. Budget up to $270.”
Compare offers by what you get
Two similar prices can mean different things: one is thin steel with no coating, the other is thick steel with heat-resistant paint. Ask about weight, thickness, what the metal is coated with, and whether the grate, ash tray and skewers are included. For factory-made grills, check the warranty and whether spare parts (grates, thermometers) are available. For made-to-order items, ask who will deliver it and whether you can see photos of earlier work.
On BlaBlaPrice you don't have to tour warehouses and workshops: you write one request, and sellers and makers reply in a chat with price, terms and delivery. Each one sees where their offer ranks, so they improve their terms to win your request. The system shows the best-value offer first, and seller reviews are right next to it. Your contacts stay hidden, so there will be no spam. See how it works on the “How it works” page.
Common mistakes
People buy a barbecue that is too small for the group: the charcoal doesn't last, and the food has to be cooked in several rounds. They don't check the height: too low or too high is awkward. They save on wall thickness and replace the barbecue after one season. For a farmhouse garden, look at greenhouses and polytunnels and pools before you buy, and for more ideas for your plot, see “Garden and allotment”.
