Left: Portable Folding Charcoal BBQ, $24.99; Right: Barbecook Charcoal Barbecue, $119.99, both Canadian Tire.
Confession: I'm not the biggest fan of summer in the city. The daily humidity plus the energy-sucking, AC-fueled nights make me long for the sweat-free days and comfortable sleeping weather of spring and fall. One of the things I do love is the smell of roasting meat on the barbecue (I'm a carnivore, sorry if that offends), but my busted-up hibachi has seen its last days. Since I choose charcoal over propane for taste reasons plus a mild fear of explosions, I'm in the market for a compact free-standing grill.
Canadian Tire has a lot of charcoal options, but as a single, apartment-dwelling gal, I need something small enough for the balcony and inexpensive enough that I can justify the spend. I'm torn between buying better quality and going for the cheapie. The Barbecook, above right, has a handy upper tray for buns and I like the sturdiness of the base. The $25 folding BBQ on the left may only last one season, but it's also easy to transport for trips to friends' cottages and the beach.
Do you prefer charcoal or propane? Take the poll below.
Past Splurge vs. Steals:
Check out these Splurge vs. Steal copper fondue pots from our friends at Food TV.
Splurge vs. Steal appears every other Tuesday on Style Sheet.