Summer is a great time for barbecuing in the comfort of your backyard or on your deck. Why not take your grilling to the next level with these 5 high-tech accessories?
Over the last few years, more people have been getting fully equipped with the latest appliances for outdoor cooking. The good old gas grill has been joined by a pizza oven, a smoker, a pellet grill and more.
Aware of how much people love to grill on a near-daily basis, tech companies have created a host of new connected devices to make the job more pleasant. We’ve selected five that will help you achieve BBQ pitmaster status.
1. Always serve perfectly cooked meats
Gone are the days of having to cut into meat to check its doneness. Now you can use a meat thermometer, a traditional tool that has been improved over time. The latest versions let you monitor the temperature of several pieces of meat, veggies and more at the same time and will notify you when each is ready, right on your smartphone!
Download the thermostat’s app and select the type of meat and the desired level of doneness to get notified at the right time. Thermometer prices vary depending on how cutting edge they are.
Our advice is to opt for a wired model that connects the probes and receiver, as this type is often more reliable and affordable. A great example is the thermometer made by Inkbird, which lets you monitor four levels of doneness at once, and is Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-enabled.
Four-sensor Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Grill Thermometer, Inkbird, US$119.99
2. Make sure you can see what you’re cooking
How many times, even in the summer, have you cooked late in the evening after the sun has set? As autumn approaches, the days get shorter and darkness starts to fall before it’s time to eat, which means grilling your meat and vegetables in less-than-ideal light.
Thankfully, there’s a solution! Some grill models have one or more lights inside. If yours does not, there are other options for adding lighting. The LED grill light by Canadian company Napoleon, a world leader in outdoor grilling, will keep your skewers from getting burned. For less than $50, enjoy a fully lit cooking surface thanks to its wide beam of light.
Grill Light, Napoleon, C$44.99
You can also add smart ambient lighting to your patio to increase visibility and create a warm atmosphere.
3. Let a robot clean your grill
Keeping your BBQ’s cooking grates clean and in good condition is important for food safety. But let’s face it, after a hearty meal, scraping charred residue off your grates is often the last thing you feel like doing. Unfortunately, lack of maintenance will cause them to deteriorate over time.
There are many BBQ brushes on the market, some of which are electric! We found this fun little robot that can take over this tedious chore for you. Simply install it; then, when it has completed its cleaning operation, clean the brushes and you’re done! It sells for around C$200.
Automatic Grill Cleaning Robot, Grillbot, US$124.95
4. BBQ even with restrictions
Love grilling but live in an apartment building or a condo tower? Many such dwellings have rules prohibiting the use of propane, natural gas or charcoal grills, to reduce the risk of fire. Fortunately, the giants of the BBQ industry have introduced practical and ingenious products that will give you the full grilling experience within the rules.
A leader in the field, American company Weber recently launched the Lumin, an electric grill that goes up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit for quality results. This model does it all: it can sear, steam or smoke your favourite grillables. A great way to impress guests right on your balcony if you live in an apartment or condo.
Lumin Electric Grill, Weber, C$669
5. Keep full control over your cooking with a connected grill
Sometimes it’s too hot to use a conventional stove in summer. But if you’re in the mood for more elaborate dishes, a grill can do more than you might think!
Technological advances in BBQ grills have upped the game. Several brands now offer stable-cooking models that ensure a constant temperature over a long period of time. And that’s not all! There are also connected and programmable grills. Monitor the doneness of your grilled vegetables Provençal, keep a virtual “eye” on your merguez sausages and get notifications on your cell phone when your food has reached the target temperature.
Among the many options on the market, we’ve selected the flagship of American company Traeger: its Ironwood model. In addition to its exceptional performance, its double-sidewall insulation makes it possible to use this grill year-round, even on the coldest Quebec winter days.
Ironwood XL Grill, Traeger, C$2,899.99
Give your family and guests a superior BBQ experience with these innovative tools. All you’ll need to do is look up mouthwatering recipes that are sure to wow everyone.
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