Choosing the right barbecue keeps summer sizzling

Summer is here in full bloom. Mainers are getting outside more, tending to flower and vegetable gardens and entertaining guests on the back deck or at camp.

Cooking outside on the barbecue grill in summer is an old New England tradition dating back several decades. Whether hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken, steak, pizza, shish-ka-bob or any other hot-weather delicacy, food always seems to taste better when cooked on the grill.

Maybe your grill is on its last legs, having put in several years of yeoman’s service, and it’s time to replace it or at least plan to replace it next season. There are so many choices in grills, it might be worthwhile talking about a few that will best meet the home barbecue chefs’ culinary needs.

Cooking meat over an open flame has been around since fire was discovered by humankind. There is no doubt that a debate on the origin of the word barbecue exists. Aside from the segment of the population that believes the word is derived from the Spanish, the most plausible origin is from the French Haitian term for open-fire cooking: barbe a queue, which roughly translates into “from whiskers to tail.” That description covers most of the territory of various meat cuts that might be cooked on the grill.

In America, it is said that the barbecue started in the Southeast, that is, open-flame cooking with a sweet, tomato-based sauce. This practice migrated to the North and, in particular, to the Chicago area during the American Civil War. Southern slaves seeking freedom brought the practice of barbecue with them. The gourmet purists would argue that barbecue and grilling are two separate processes, but in the interest of space we will not split pork chops here on the subject.

How to buy the right grill? Grills today cost between $200 and $500 and more if you seek built-in products or models with all the bells and whistles. The consumer should carefully analyze their outside cooking practices such as the number of people likely to be served, how often it will be used, what types of accessories are desired. Side burners and warming racks are popular. Fuel source is also important, whether charcoal or LP gas. While we’re at it, never, ever use one of these grills inside the house or in a confined space as the carbon monoxide gas generated might not only end your grilling, it could very well end you. To be more direct – carbon monoxide gas can and will kill you.

Many grill models are using more stainless steel these days. Take a magnet with you at the time of purchase. Good stainless steel will not attract a magnet, cheap stainless will. Cast iron or porcelain-covered cast iron make better, longer lasting grill grates than cheap steel ones. How you store your grill is also something to consider. Waterproof fabric grill covers are popular, but if not properly attached, they may be found in the neighbor’s backyard at the first January snow gale. Garage or shed storage should only occur when the unit is certifiably stone cold and not a risk of starting a fire or producing carbon monoxide.

Ablation or flaking of metal parts is the chief reason for grill failure. Gas burner units and heat shields often must be replaced as they flake metal until they fail. There are many barbecue veterans who buy their spare parts when they purchase their new grills to avoid chasing needed parts later and to extend the life of their prized cooking unit. Most grills are made in China these days, so replacement parts may be difficult to find in the future. Also check with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (www.cpsc.gov) to see if there have been any grill safety recalls.

There is something wonderful about barbecuing outside that brings family and friends together to enjoy delicious food, drink and camaraderie. Enjoy the best that Maine has to offer this summer and build positive barbecue memories that will last long after the grill has cooled down.

Consumer Forum is a collaboration of the Bangor Daily News and , Maine’s membership-funded nonprofit consumer organization. Individual membership costs $25; business rates start at $125 (0-10 employees). For help and information write Consumer Forum, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402-1329.