As consumerism moves into the digital realm, we’ve gone from brick and mortar to click and order. Most stores – regardless of what they sell – are joining the masses in eCommerce (which is the fancy term for buying or selling products online). You can now access anything from personal and business services to household and luxury items via the internet.
But can you buy a barbecue?
The answer is a resounding yes! Though many BBQ buyers hesitate to forgo visiting their favourite BBQ store, purchasing your barbecue online has become a convenient option for others. But what should you consider before deciding whether to buy a grill online or in-store?
Making the Choice
If you’re on the market for a grill, the investment can be a bit overwhelming. A good grill isn’t cheap. Even a low-end model can cost you up to $400, though it likely won’t last more than a few years.
You also need to think about want vs need: if you’re only cooking for yourself and perhaps a partner, you won’t need a huge ensemble. However, if you plan to host large gatherings, you’ll want to be able to cook for everyone. If you’re not much of a chef and keep things simple, you don’t need additional features on your grill. If the barbecue is your passion, there are endless bells and whistles!
We understand how challenging it can be to factor in all of these considerations. To help you on your journey, we’ve compiled this article so that you know exactly where to go to get your ‘cue.
How Well Do You Know BBQs?
If you are new to the grilling journey, we recommend doing your research and making at least one trip to the BBQ store. While they may seem simple, it’s important to have a basic understanding of how a grill works and what they’re comprised of.
There are many different kinds of barbecues on the market today. The best way to figure out which one will meet your needs is to go in-store and inspect them yourself. This way, you can ask the experts questions and get first-hand demonstrations.
If you’re already familiar with BBQs, you should have no problems buying online from a reputable seller. The only reason you might want to go with an in-store purchase is if you don’t want to assemble the grill yourself, which brings us to our next point…
Assembly and/or Delivery
Most sellers will not deliver assembled grills without an extra charge due to the risk of damage. There’s also the cost of properly packing and securing an assembled barbecue for transport, as most backyard grills aren’t designed for travel. An unassembled grill is much easier to ship.
However, many retailers offer great additional services for professional assembly and installation. For an extra cost, they will make local trips and ensure that your grill is properly set up and ready to go. If your chosen retailer doesn’t offer these services, buying online will likely require you to assemble your new ‘cue yourself.
To ensure your grill is put together correctly without having to pay the extra delivery fees or assembly appointment charges, the best option is to buy in-store and bring it home yourself. This can be a challenge if you don’t have the manpower or a vehicle capable of properly transporting heavy gas/electric equipment.
Part and Parcel
BBQs are also a unique cooking appliance because they’re generally stored outside. You have to consider how the weather changes will affect your BBQ depending on where you live. Locations with extreme temperature differences throughout the year are practically guaranteed to cause some wear.
This means that to properly maintain your barbecue, you may need to purchase parts down the line. If you are buying your barbecue on the internet, check whether or not the seller also offers parts services. If they don’t, make sure you investigate where else you may be able to find parts and repair for your barbecue. Don’t make the mistake of investing in a great grill only for it to wind up out of order!
In Conclusion
Buying a BBQ is an exciting experience. Whether you buy in-store or online, consider all possible outcomes. Make a decision based on your needs and experience in the realm of BBQs, and don’t be afraid to invest time and effort into researching your decision.