BBQ season is here: These grills top our list

National Post

20-06-2025

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Were we tempted to put yet another Weber product in this category? Yes. Yes, we were. In fact, the Weber Q 1200 is certainly one of the best portable grills available. In the interest of spreading the love a little farther, however, we opted to go in a different direction.
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Were we swayed by the fact that the Cuisinart CGG-750 Venture has a sleek and stylish look? Also yes. In fact, one reviewer declared the Venture to be the most Instagram-worthy portable grill on the market. We can't argue with that, but this unit's design is impressive for reasons other than how pretty it looks.
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This is more than just a hot surface for grilling (specifically, a porcelain-enamelled cast iron cooking grate); it's really a miniature kitchen. The folding side shelves offer extra workspace for food preparation, and they can be folded down for compact storage. The most clever feature of all, though, is the fact that the lid doubles as a cutting board. How cool is that?
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Is it somewhat ridiculous to spend over $3,000 (after taxes) on a barbecue? For most of us, it almost certainly is. On the other hand, this thing is, well, ridiculous. In the best possible way.
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The Broil King Regal S690 PRO IR boasts two separate ovens, six burners and a rotisserie. A rotisserie! It also comes with a high-powered 10,000 BTU infrared side burner designed to generate a scorching-hot 927 C (1,700 F) flame
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Why would you ever need to cook something at that high of a temperature? If you have to ask that question, this is not the grill for you. If, on the other hand, you know exactly why you would want to heat something up to temperatures that rival the planet's molten core, you might have just found your dream machine.
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Getting into grilling can be a big commitment. It can also be insanely pricey (see the Broil King Regal S690 PRO IR, above).
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The Char-Broil Classic 280 is a good starter grill because it's compact enough to fit on most apartment patios and its price tag is in a range that means you won't have too much remorse if you get one month into barbecue season and conclude that this grilling business isn't for you and DoorDash is about to become your new best friend.
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The Classic 280 is a basic two-burner liquid-propane grill that is low on frills but easy to use and durable, with a porcelain-coated steel lid and firebox designed to stand up to weather and the elements.
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Many condos and townhouses don't allow propane grills, but that doesn't mean that you have to miss out on grilling season entirely.
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This Ninja grill is entirely electric, offering a safe, smoke-free way to enjoy grilled meats, veggies and more. It offers all the performance of a full-size propane grill with the same char and searing with optional wood-seared flavour when you add wood pellets. This grill also acts as a smoker and an outdoor air fryer for multipurpose cooking.