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BBQ Buyers' Guide

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Fiesta presents a complete guide to assist you in making the most informed decision when purchasing a new barbeque. Available in HTML and PDF formats.

What Size Barbeque is right for me?

The first question most people ask when setting out to purchase a barbeque is "What size do I need?" Here are some facts you will need to consider.

The size of the cooking surface is most commonly expressed in square inches. Most barbeque manufacturers and retailers list barbeque sizes according to their primary, secondary and/or total square inches.

Primary Square Inches refers to the size of the main cooking surface and is the most important measurement for determining the size of barbeque you require.

Secondary Square Inches indicates the size of the warming racks, which may be included with your barbeque.

Total Square Inches therefore, is the combined area of both the primary and secondary cooking surfaces.

How to Determine your BBQ Size Requirements

You should plan to purchase a barbeque that has about 50 to 60 square inches of primary cooking space per portion. Allocating this amount of space includes the actual food size plus room to manoeuvre the food on the cooking grid.

Here's another easy way to help determine what size you'll need - use your hand! The size of your hand is a good representation of an average portion of food for one person. Two hands represent an entire meal for one consisting of meat, vegetables and a potato.

The chart will help you decide what size you'll need. On the left side are the standard barbeque sizes, and in the next column the suggested number of portions per main cooking surface.

Remember that your secondary cooking surface can be used to accommodate cooking for larger groups of people.

You will want to purchase a barbeque spacious enough to handle the largest group of people that you expect to entertain on a regular basis. Having a little extra space when cooking for a smaller group never hurts. Keep in mind that there are many great full meal recipes on Fiesta's web site.

So, even if you are a meat-only barbeque chef now, you may want to purchase a larger barbeque to keep your cooking options open.

A 400 SQUARE INCH BBQ CAN ACCOMMODATE 8 PORTIONS ON THE MAIN COOKING SURFACE.

* DOES NOT INCLUDE THE SECONDARY COOKING SURFACE.

A barbeque with left and right burner control knobs for the main cooking surface allows you to light one side of the burner only, cutting your cooking surface in half. For example, a 400 square inch main cooking surface with both sides of the burner lit is ideal for 7 to 8 portions. Simply light one side only, and the cooking surface becomes 200 square inches, the perfect size for 3 to 4 portions. This is a very efficient way to cook, and you can extend the life of your burner by alternating the side you light each time you use your barbeque.

What is a BTU and how many does my Barbeque need? When shopping for a new barbeque, the term BTU is one of the most commonly referred to measurements, and probably the least understood. BTU stands for British Thermal Unit, which is a scientific measurement for how much energy it takes to raise one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit. In barbeques, it is an indication of the maximum heat that can be produced when all of the main burners are on the high setting. So how should BTUs factor in your purchase decision? There are a few things to consider. Although the number of BTUs should increase as the main cooking surface increases, it is important to know that more BTUs do not necessarily mean a better barbeque.

Our research indicates that having 110 to 125 BTUs per square inch is ideal for year-round cooking. This BTU range will allow you to heat your barbeque on high to the desired temperature quickly, and then lower the BTU output using Fiesta's "Accuflow" control valves to maintain the ideal cooking temperature.

Note: You may be unable to maintain low cooking temperatures on BBQs having a BTU rating above 125 BTUs per sq. in.

Also, remember that you shouldn't cook your food on high. Preheating a barbeque with 125 BTUs per square inch with the lid down, to between 500 and 600 degrees Fahrenheit (260ºC to 316ºC), will take 6 to 8 minutes on a 70-degree day (21ºC) with no wind.

The chart below shows you the BTUs per square inch for some of Fiesta Barbeques' most common BTU ratings and cooking surface sizes along with a formula so you can calculate the BTUs per square inch for any other barbeque.

Note: Barbeques are not airtight cooking appliances. Air holes are strategically positioned throughout the casting to ensure sufficient airflow, which is an essential element in creating the desired blue cooking flame. Barbeques made in Canada generally have a higher BTU rating than barbeques made in the United States. This is because Canada enjoys a cooler climate than the US, requiring more BTUs per square inch to maintain proper cooking temperatures. This is especially important for those of us who barbeque during the winter months.

What Features should I look for to make my BBQ more convenient to use?

Aside from the importance of a great performing and reliable barbeque, it's the little features that can really make a difference and contribute to a safer, more enjoyable, and convenient barbeque experience.

QUICK ASSEMBLY BBQ'S

The assembly process was once considered part of the experience when purchasing a new barbeque, but with today's hectic lifestyle you have better things to do with your time. Fiesta has worked hard to reduce the amount of assembly required by you, the consumer, through improved design and factory pre-assembly. With these changes, you'll be grilling on your new barbeque in significantly less time than it would have taken just to assemble a barbeque in the past.

Attach wheels, castors, feet or extensions. Insert cross beam into left and right ladder securing with 2 frame locks. Affix the front panel (if applicable). Secure the casting to cart with casting locks. Attach console with valve assembly to the cart with console lock wheels. Install burner and connect ignition wire to console. Install side burner (if applicable). Attach side shelf(ves) to the cart. Fasten handle and temperature gauge (if applicable) to lid. Install lid on the base casting. Install cooking medium cooking grids, and warming rack (if applicable).

Within the Fiesta Express family, we have the EZ-Q, XLR8 and Grand Prix cart designs to accommodate every customer's taste and budget.

EZ-Q CART		XLR8 CART		GRAND PRIX CART

The Fiesta Express line of barbeques can be assembled in as little as 15 minutes and requires no tools. The frame is precision welded for strength, the valves and console are pre-assembled in the factory, and the shelves and front panels just slip or snap on. It's so easy…

Our Dynasty model on a Grand Prix cart is assembled with as few as 9 hand-tightened fasteners and features the convenience of our exclusive Drop & Go^TM propane tank caddie.

Pre-assembly

For those of you who do not want any part of the assembly process - no matter how easy it is, some retailers offer fully assembled units for a nominal fee.

PURCHASING TIP: To avoid any delay or frustration in getting the barbeque of your choice home and ready for use, ensure that your vehicle

IGNITION SYSTEMS
Next to assembly, a reliable ignitor is the convenience feature asked for most often by consumers.

The most common factors that contribute to the malfunction of ignition systems are improper installation during the assembly process, a cracked electrode, or poor grounding of the ignition system.

Ignitor Grounding Systems

Every full-sized barbeque is equipped with a 'piezo' ignition system that must be grounded in order to create an ignition spark. There are different grounding options available:

Indirect grounds self locate back to the ignitor utilizing the burner, base, and cart to complete the ignition loop.

Direct grounds are also known as closed loop systems, which include a ground wire that loops back to the ignitor to complete the circuit. These types of ignitor systems are costly but are also more reliable. A Fiesta barbeque equipped with a rotary or electronic ignition system features the lighting reliability of a closed-loop system.

Fiesta's RELI-A-LITE^TM Ignition System

To combat the factors associated with ignition system malfunctions, Fiesta factory assembles and individually inspects all of the key components of the ignition system and offers ignitors with both indirect and closed loop grounding systems. Before each Fiesta barbeque leaves our factory, we ensure that:

• The ignition chamber is correctly located and securely fastened to the burner.
• The ignitor is installed to the control centre.
• The electrode is attached during the packing process and is protected in the box to prevent breakage.
• The ignition chamber has been engineered to ensure the correct oxygen and fuel mixture to optimize combustion.

To complete the installation, just attach the wire from the electrode to the back of the ignitor for the ultimate in installation ease and lighting reliability.

Fiesta's Ignition System Options
Fiesta offers a variety of ignitor options. Each offers a different degree of reliability and convenience.

• Fiesta Push Button Ignitors feature an indirect grounding system that produces a single spark with every push of the button.
• Fiesta Rotary Ignitors feature a closed loop grounding system that sends multiple sparks with every turn.
• Fiesta Electronic Ignitors have a closed loop grounding system, are battery operated and will continue to spark for as long as you hold down the button.
• Fiesta AutoIgnite Ignition System has a closed loop grounding, is battery operated and spark as soon as either of the control knobs for the burners are opened.

No matter which ignition system you choose for your barbeque, some regular maintenance is required to keep it free of greasy residue and working reliably. Follow the maintenance instructions provided in your Use & Care manual to keep your ignition system in top condition.

Push Button Ignitor	Rotary Ignitor	Electronic Ignitor

For safety reasons, it is very important that you follow the lighting instructions included with your gas barbeque.

THE CONTROL CENTRE

The control centre is where the control knobs for the burner and the start button for the ignition are located. Ideally, the control centre of your barbeque should combine convenience, durability and safety while adding to the overall appearance. The burner control knobs should turn easily and smoothly to regulate the heat. As an additional safety feature, Fiesta control knobs must be pushed in prior to turning.

Front Mounted Control Centre

This location provides easy accessibility and convenience while freeing up the side shelves for all of those barbequing essentials.

Every Fiesta barbeque is equipped with a front mounted control centre. The "Accuflow" burner control valves, control knobs and ignition button are factory assembled for added convenience and safety. For installation ease, our control centre attaches to the frame with just two fasteners that require only hand tightening.

Side Mounted Control Centre

Located on the side shelf, these control centres occupy valuable shelf space that could otherwise be used to hold platters of food, marinades or drinks. Think of your side shelf as a kitchen countertop - the more space, and the less clutter, the easier your entire cooking and clean-up experience will be.

FRONT PANELS AND CONDIMENT BASKETS

Front panels should add to the overall look of your barbeque and can also be functional. Premium quality front panels will be made of strong and durable material such as metal or resin.

Fiesta front panels include an integrated condiment basket as a practical addition to your outdoor cooking environment. Our front panels attach easily without tools or extra fasteners, utilizing our exclusive pin and wishbone clasp methodology.

PROPANE TANK HOLDER

This is one of the most often overlooked features by potential propane barbeque buyers. Consider the number of times you will change a propane tank during the lifespan of your barbeque, and you'll realize this feature is worth researching.

For safety reasons, regulations stipulate that the propane tank must be secured to the barbeque cart. This doesn't mean that changing your propane tank has to be a chore. The ideal system is Fiesta's Drop & Go™ tank caddie that allows you to simply insert the tank into a well and hook up the hose, without the need for any additional fasteners.

If your potential barbeque has a propane bracket, ensure that it does not require tools to assemble, is conveniently located, and can be manoeuvred quickly and easily. You'll appreciate this when handling the weight of a full tank!

SIDE SHELVES

Side shelves are your outdoor countertop, providing an area for food preparation and resting tools. Look for side shelves that are large and strong enough to hold your serving platters. Most Fiesta side shelves include handy additional features like hooks to hang your barbeque tools or an area to set your beverage.

Side shelves also add to the overall aesthetic appearance of your barbeque. For that reason, Fiesta offers a wide variety of shapes and styles to meet your individual taste and budget.

Fiesta's exclusive "Slip Fit" side shelf (for XLR8 and Grand Prix carts) technology is the ultimate in installation ease, just slip the shelf over the cart's tubing and slide it until the shelf locks into place No tools required!

"Slip Fit" Resin Side Shelves come in many shapes and sizes. They are durable, attractive and easy to clean.

The durable "Slip Fit" Resin shelf trim houses the widest variety of shelving options available today! Choose from the practicality of MDF or Metal, the cleaning ease of Resin, the flexibility of a Tri-Ply cutting board, the sophistication of Stainless Steel or the luxury of Corian®.

The "E-Z" side shelf (for EZ-Q carts) option features Resin end caps that house the natural look of Wood slats or the contemporary look of powder painted Metal. To complete the assembly process, simply hand tighten the 4 wing nuts.

Look to Fiesta for the ultimate side shelf selection and assembly ease.

RESIN	MDF INSERT	RESIN INSERT
TRI-PLY CUTTING BOARD	STAINLESS STEEL INSERT	METAL INSERT
CORIAN® INSERT METAL

“E-Z” SIDE SHELVES

WOOD	METAL

HANDLES

A good quality barbeque handle can be made out of several different types of materials. Heat-resistant resin, wood and metal are all found on different barbeque makes and models. Look for a large handle that is ergonomically designed to feel comfortable and made from a material that will stay cool to the touch.

Front vs. Side Mounted Handles

Most of today's modern barbeques will have large front mounted handles. This positioning allows you easy access to the grill without getting in the way of using the side shelf or side burner.

WHEELS AND CASTORS

Look to make sure that the wheels on your barbeque do not wobble. The larger the diameter of the wheel, the easier it will roll over a rough surface, such as a deck.

Castors are a great convenience, allowing you to easily roll out your barbeque, giving you access to change the propane tank. If your barbeque comes with castors, be sure that they lock for safety.

GAS BARBEQUE FUELS

Every Fiesta barbeque includes the following safety and reassurance features to provide you with a safe and enjoyable barbeque experience.

• Each and every Burner, along with the Regulator & Hose Assembly, is individually tested for accurate and even gas flow, providing you with peace of mind and reliability.
  
  
• Insect Guards are an important safety feature since many spiders are naturally attracted to the smell of gas, and the webs or nests built within the venturi tubes are a potential safety hazard. The Insect Guards located on the end of venturi tubes help prevent any insects from entering and nesting in the tubes and ensure that the gas flow to the burner is unrestricted.

Propane is safe, efficient, portable and available across the country. Propane is also the most popular fuel source, as approximately 85% of all of the barbeques sold in Canada are fueled by propane.

Fiesta's exclusive Gas Guardian^TM system combines barbeque and propane safety features into one total peace-of-mind package. Look for the Gas Guardian System logo when you purchase your next barbeque or propane tank. It is your assurance of the best safety and reliability features offered on the market today, including the following:

• Type 1-Quick Connect Coupling Valves, also referred to as Q.C.C. 1, ensure fast tank hook-ups requiring only hand tightening. The redundant valve system inhibits the flow of gas to the burner if the connection is not 100% correct.
  
  
• Overfill Protection Device (O.P.D.) prevents accidental gas leaks caused by tank over-pressurization, the leading cause of tank gas leaks. The float in the tank will automatically stop filling at 80% capacity, leaving a 20% area for the expansion of the liquid propane when it is exposed to warmer temperatures.
  
  Without this safety feature, the relief valve may open and discharge propane, creating a potential safety hazard. Propane tanks equipped with the O.P.D. safety feature are easily identified by their triangular valve wheel.
  
  
• The Thermal Disconnect is a safety mechanism built into every Fiesta gas regulator. It detects a change in temperature and automatically shuts off gas flow in case of fire.

Natural Gas provides an endless supply of fuel for your barbeque. Be sure that the natural gas barbeque that you purchase comes with sufficient hose length and the correct fittings to attach to the natural gas hook-up on your house. Fiesta natural gas barbeques come complete with an 11-foot gas hose and a quick disconnect fitting.

Propane and natural gas are both safe, efficient, and economical fuel methods to heat your barbeque. Natural gas barbeques will generally cost more than propane barbeques, but this amount is offset by the fact that you will not have to purchase a propane tank.

Many people ask if they can convert their barbeque's fuel type. The answer is that for safety reasons, you cannot. Be sure to determine which fuel type is right for you at the time you purchase your barbeque.

Clean your venturi tubes at a minimum once a year. Refer to your Use & Care manual for step by step instructions.

Q.C.C.1 valve, regulator and hose assembly	Insect Guards
Overfill Protection Device	Thermal Disconnect

How much will a great gas Barbeque cost me?

Gas barbeques range in price from $100 to over $10,000. Trying to determine how much to spend is not always an easy task. Like any appliance, your barbeque should provide you with the maximum features and value for your dollar. In order to make the right purchase decision the first time around, consider carefully the size and features you are looking for.

Keep in mind that while some features can be upgraded or changed after you purchase your barbeque, others, like a rear rotisserie or side burners cannot and should be factored into your budget. Depending on your needs and tastes you should be able to find a durable and well-designed unit ranging from about $139 to $699.

UPGRADE FEATURES

	Cast Iron Cooking Grids first choice among serious outdoor chefs retain the heat better than standard cooking grids our well designed cooking grids have a tented bar construction and are reversible for flexible cooking options
	Smart Tent / BarTM Cooking System made from heavy gauge porcelain coated steel uniquely designed angled bars divert excess drippings away from burners and eliminate flare-ups they are easy to clean and are dishwasher safe
	Electronic Ignition system is one of the most reliable on the market the ignitor is battery operated and will continue to spark for as long as you hold the button down
	Stainless Steel Side Shelf Inserts add the sleek, modern look of stainless steel appliances to your outdoor kitchen stainless steel adds an aesthetic value to your barbeque while being weather resistant, durable, and easy to clean
	Corian® Side Shelf Inserts bring the quality of your countertop outdoors Corian® is a very stylish and durable material strong enough to hold platters hygienic, attractive and easy to clean
	Side Burner a great feature for people who want to enjoy the convenience and experience of total meal preparation outdoors the Fiesta Express features a side burner that installs with no tools
	Rear Rotisserie Burner a must for the outdoor chef located at the back of the base casting, the heat source is behind the food, eliminating flare-ups the rear rotisserie burner works by applying heat to the side of a chicken or roast that is turning on a spit in your barbeque meat is seared and will self-baste while it turns on the rotisserie spit rear rotisserie burners now come pre-assembled and require no tools to install

What Quality features should I look for to ensure that my BBQ looks and cooks great for years to come?

Quality, well thought-out features are often what set apart an outstanding barbeque from an average one. These quality features should help ensure that your barbeque will provide you with enjoyment and reliability season after season. A sturdy, precision welded frame, a quality paint finish, high calibre casting material, great warranty, superior customer service and a commitment to globally recognized standards are some of the features you should look for.

BBQ CONSTRUCTION

As the only vertical manufacturer of barbeques in Canada, Fiesta can ensure that our products are carefully monitored every step of the way - from the moment the aluminum is cast, to the point of final packaging.

Our engineers are continuously working to develop the most efficient, innovative, and convenient barbeques on the market. A solid, well-built and designed barbeque will look and feel sturdy, with a cart that is made from a strong material like steel, and comes coated with rust resistant paint.

Look for a welded frame. Welded frame construction is sturdier than mechanical fasteners and also saves steps in the assembly process! Precision welding assures that all parts will align up during the assembly process and stand the test of time.

Look at the size of the legs on your barbeque, as well as how they are made. Basic models will be made from square tubing that is bent to form the side shelf support. While this type of construction works well, premium barbeques will normally be made out of larger heavy gauge round tubing for extra stability and a more upscale look.

PAINT FINISH

A quality paint finish is critical to the durability and aesthetic appeal of your barbeque. All Fiesta barbeques are coated with a rust resistant high temperature powder coat enamel paint that will keep your barbeque looking good for years to come.

Paints that are applied as a powder enamel coat are highly durable and environmentally friendly too. All Fiesta barbeques are finished with a state of the art 5-stage powder enamel paint system.

5-Stage Paint Process

Fiesta's powder coating system is a dry finishing process that uses finely ground particles of pigment and resin, which are electrostatically charged and sprayed onto the part to be coated. The parts move into a curing oven where the coating is melted and fused into a smooth, durable, and high quality finish.

LID & BASE THICKNESS AND CONSTRUCTION

Barbeque castings are made from different types of materials such as porcelain coated steel, stainless steel and aluminum. While porcelain coated steel and stainless steel castings are bent into shape, aluminum is poured into a mold to form the casting, thereby increasing the assortment of shapes and styles available.

Aluminum Castings are the most popular because they hold and distribute heat evenly while being rust resistant.

Fiesta Barbeques is the only manufacturer in the world that produces its own castings in-house with a state of the art high-pressure injection die cast system.

The thickness of the casting should be consistent to ensure strength and durability as well as contributing to an efficient convection-cooking environment. All Fiesta barbeques are fully vented with strategically positioned air holes to ensure proper air intake, allowing the heat to circulate, and thereby creating the convection-cooking environment and the desired blue cooking flame.

Maximus Casting Lid	Dynasty Casting Lid	Advantis Casting Lid	Maximus Casting Lid

You should be able to enjoy the trouble-free benefits of your barbeque for many years, but with time, parts will wear out and may require replacement. Barbeques come with a wide variety of warranties, so it is important to understand what the warranty covers as well as the length of coverage. Most importantly, look at the company standing behind the warranty.

Fiesta Barbeques is committed to help you with any questions or concerns you may have. Whether you need honest information on how to make an informed barbeque purchase decision, help with a recipe, or assistance with replacement parts, you can always count on Fiesta for prompt, friendly and reliable service.

At Fiesta, we understand the reassurance a comprehensive warranty provides and we also understand that your need for parts, information and assistance does not end when your warranty coverage does. Warranty issues, should one arise, will be dealt with promptly and professionally as will any request for replacement or upgrade parts. Conveniently located in Canada, our bilingual customer care specialists are available year-round by toll-free phone, fax or via e-mail.

Fiesta Barbeques has been operating for over 15 years and is currently the largest manufacturer of barbeques in Canada, enabling you to enjoy your Fiesta barbeque with the confidence that we will be here if and when you need us.

AVAILABILITY OF ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT PARTS

Before purchasing your next barbeque, check for the availability of original equipment replacement (O.E.M.) or Genuineparts. O.E.M. or Genuine parts are easy to install and are built to provide an exact fit. They conform to the manufacturer's original specifications and help maintain your warranty.

Look for parts that prominently display the Fiesta Grill Gear Genuine logo at leading Canadian retailers. You can also call our info Fiesta line at 1-800-387-8643 for a dealer near you.

PRODUCT QUALITY

Fiesta Barbeques is a vertically integrated Canadian manufacturer who builds barbeques from raw materials to finished product. This enables us to control all aspects of production, allowing Fiesta to deliver affordable excellence - backed by the best warranties in the business.

Inspection stations are set up through every stage of production to monitor quality from start to finish. Our quality assurance associates randomly select barbeque boxes off the production line to build and thoroughly inspect. In addition, Fiesta is one of the only barbeque manufacturers with an in-house test lab run by our staff of engineers. This dedication ensures the utmost in quality before our products leave the building.

ISO CERTIFICATION

FIESTA IS PROUD TO BE AN ISO CERTIFIED COMPANY THROUGH THE COMMITMENT OF ALL OUR ASSOCIATES

A manufacturer that is ISO certified has adopted a world recognized standard to quality management systems and continuous improvement. This and other accreditations provide reassurance that the company is committed to manufacturing excellence.

CSA

Fiesta works closely with the certifying agency for gas appliances in Canada to make sure our products meet or exceed their standards. This ensures peace of mind and years of worry-free barbequing for you, the consumer.

Fiesta produces and sells barbeques internationally to over 30 countries. These products are CE Certified, which has allowed for our continuous growth and acceptance all over the world.

Fiesta produces and sells barbeques internationally to over 30 countries. These products are CE Certified, which has allowed for our continuous growth and acceptance all over the world.

What Accessories should I purchase along with my new gas BBQ?

Our goal at Fiesta is to enhance your entire outdoor cooking experience. In addition to our full line of barbeques, Fiesta Grill Gear features a selection of Cooking Gear, Care Gear and Genuine Parts Gear to keep your barbeque cooking and looking like new. Our Grill Gear line is subject to the same exacting specifications and commitment to quality you have come to expect from Fiesta. Consider these essential accessories when purchasing your barbeque:

COVERS

When not in use, protect your barbeque investment from the outdoor elements with a Fiesta Grill Gear cover. All our covers are waterproof, full length, with Velcro™ closures to prevent lifting in strong winds, providing maximum protection for your ba