(NAPSA)—Anoun, an adjective, a verb, an exclamation—chancesare you will be using the word “barbecue” in the coming months. According to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, Northeasterners are the biggest barbecuers in the nation, followed by the North Central, Southern, then Western parts of the country. The following tips will show you that, with the help of the Internet, creating an excellent barbecue setting on a budget can be possible no matter where youlive. Map Out Your Ideal Barbecue Setting Avoid overbuying items by taking time to map out your backyard. Yahoo! online shopping guru Tom Tsao notes that drawing places for chairs, lanterns, fire pits and other fun accessories will help you select items that complement each other to form a cohesive backyard barbecue—and avoid spending money on items that you’ll tumble over on your wayto thegrill. Find The Best Price Deciding which features matter will help you to choose the right grill from among thousands and ensure its use for years to come. Use an online comparison shop- ping site to view grills side by side and compare brands, size, fuel and pricing. You'll be able to easily find a grill that is perfect for your backyard, your budget and your needs. An insider’s tip is to check out Yahoo! Shopping’s Bargains & Sales Center, which lets you view and purchase grills that have been specially marked down. With the convenience of online shipping,it’s easy to research and pur- chase yourideal grill online, leaving the heavy lifting and delivery to someoneelse. The Best Deals Often ComeTo Those WhoWait Seasonal decorations, seat cushions, wind chimes—acces- sories like these can add much ambiance to your backyard. Purchasing these items at the end of the season can be the key to securing the best deals. For example, consider purchasingthe ultimate American Flag place mats after Independence Dayor, in the spring, pick out a heat lamp that will allow you to extend your backyard barbecues throughout the fall’s cooler evenings. Running On Empty The type of fuel your grill uses can affect the amount you'll ultimately spend to enjoy barbecues. According to Tom Tsao, “Charcoal grills are a traditional, convenient choice, but pellet grills are another alternative to gas grills, especially as gas prices remain high. Additionally, pellet grills are energy effi- cient, clean burning and flavor infusing.” Tight On Space? You don’t need a big backyard to plan a great barbecue. Consider a portable grill—it won’t occupy much space and can be easily stored away when not in use. Indoor minigrills can be excellent picks for those wanting a more chic barbecue device that goes with kitchen dcor. Having a great barbecue doesn’t require spending a fortune. Starting your mission on the Internet can be a great way to get your barbecue ready while sticking to your budget.
