Article by: Elizabeth Rogers

Need a gift, gadget or some new ideas for the grill? Find out what’s hot for the barbeque this year.

Where is the best place to find a tasty menu and relaxing atmosphere? It may just be your backyard. New cooking techniques, the latest grills and new accessories are lending sophistication to the centrepiece of outdoor cooking — the barbeque.

“In today’s economy an increasing number of people will be electing to stay at home to entertain, rather than head to their nearest restaurant,” said Duff Dixon, President of Ontario Gas BBQ, in a recent press release. “With consumers rediscovering the pleasures of home, it’s no surprise that many Canadians are focusing on home cooking and BBQing at home.”

Need some new ideas? Here are five hot trends for the grill this year.

Pellet smokers

The secret is in the smoke, and the pellet smoker trend continues to grow. Not only do pellets provide an even convection heat, they give meat a distinctive flavour. Imagine grilling a steak with the smoky flavour of mesquite, or the smell of hickory and chicken roasting on the grill.

Pellet smokers are ideal for barbeque aficionados who don’t mind putting in the time and attention required for a slow, steady cooking process. Models can vary widely in price depending on the brand, size and features, so it’s worth shopping around and paying close attention to the product specifications.

Fruitwoods and planks

What’s the latest trend in wood products? This year it’s all about pairing fruitwoods — like apple, cherry, plum, pear and citrus — with your favourite meats.

You don’t have to have a pellet smoker to take advantage of this trend: there are a variety of attachments and accessories on the market that work with your current grill. For instance, the Smoke Pistol ($69.99) attaches to the outside of your barbeque. The Grill Kicker ($8.99) — a device that looks like a beer can with holes in the top — sits directly on the grill. Both devices use cartridges or refills that let you switch up the flavours each time you cook. Smoker tubes or boxes (both start at $14.99) are also inexpensive ways to try this hot trend.

If you’ve enjoyed success with cedar planks, it may be time to branch out. The process is the same for fruitwoods — including pre-soaking and brushing with vegetable oil — but the flavour will be different.

Sauces, seasonings and rubs

One simple step can dress up any meat — from staple items like hamburgers and chicken breasts to steaks and seafood. Evoke the flavours of your favourite dishes — like Asian, Mexican or Caribbean fare — for a theme party, or try a sauce or seasoning with an unusual ingredient like tea, coffee or lemonade.

Of course, the meat doesn’t have to steal the show. Many rubs, sauces and marinades can add some to spice to your grilled vegetables. You can even find dessert rubs — made with ingredients like vanilla, sugar, cinnamon and spices — for grilled fruit. Prices range from $5.00 – $15.00, depending on the size and the ingredients.

They also make great gifts for the foodies on your gift-buying list (like your hard-to-shop-for host or hostess).

If you’re looking to save a little cash, opt for rubs — they’ll go farther than sauces or marinades. You can also make your own mixes and sauces using recipes from cookbooks or cooking websites. (See Barbeque on a budget for details.)

Charcoal barbeques

They’re making a comeback against the favoured propane grill. Barbeque enthusiasts are going old school, thanks in part to the practicality of charcoal barbeques. The size and portability makes these grills a great solution for smaller outdoor spaces, and they’re perfect for the campsite or cottage. They’re easy to use and store, and you can even use one at your condo (if regulations allow).

The low price also makes them an accessible way to get grilling. Smaller, simple models often retail for less than $50. While you won’t be able to feed a party of people, up to $100 can still buy a decent sized grill. (Larger, stationary models start around $200.)

Outdoor heating solutions

Gone are the days where the cook huddled over the barbeque for warmth while the rest of the party retreated indoors. Outdoor heating items aren’t just attractive, they let you enjoy your outdoor space on chilly evenings and stretch patio season from spring to fall.

There are many options on the market, including more traditional choices like outdoor fireplaces, fire pits or fire bowls as well as items to suit any style or décor. Choose a fire bowl to sit in an out-of -the-way location, or combine fire with function with a combination fire pit and patio table.

A word of caution: keep safety in mind when you buy. Read all of the instructions and safety precautions, and check that your item meets local fire regulations and by-laws before you buy. You may want to quell the flames when kids and pets are around too. (For more ideas, see Hot trends for outdoor decor.)

Hungry yet? The barbeque has near-universal appeal, and there are many options to help cooks experiment with new ideas this year.

ON THE WEB

For more information on barbeque products and trends, visit www.bbqs.com.

Additional sources: About.com, barbeque manufacturers’ websites, CanadianTire.ca.

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Tags: barbeque, BBQ, cooking, summer