Grilling in style: A guide to the best BBQs for Independence Day celebrations

As Independence Day approaches and spring weather sets in, Israelis flock to parks, gardens, and balconies with their traditional grills. Discover the latest trends in the industry.

  (photo credit: Amisragas)
(photo credit: Amisragas)

As spring days lengthen and the weather changes, homes begin to open their doors to the outside world, and the backyard becomes the preferred spot for gatherings and entertainment. Add Israel's Independence Day, considered the "Barbecue Festival," to the mix, and demand for grills surges.

According to Erez Vasner, Vice President of Sales at Machsanei Chashmal retail chain, "From Passover to today, we've seen a 128% increase in grill and smoker sales compared to the same period last year."

"During this time of year, we're marketing 25% more models compared to last year, with most falling into the price category of up to NIS 2,000," adds Vasner. He notes a significant shift in sales volume between different price categories. While last year, grills priced up to NIS 1,000 accounted for 20% of sales, this year, they jumped to 30%, whereas grills priced over NIS 2,000 decreased to 20% of sales from last year's 30%. This reversal in trend has led to a decrease in the average price of grills from NIS 1,449 last year to 1,224 shekels today.

Here are some new grilling options you might want to consider:

  (credit: Olam Hakolnoa)
(credit: Olam Hakolnoa)

Portable gas grill with 6 powerful burners and a side burner, featuring 4 wheels and a brake from SONAB, model KYQ-6S, with a heat dispersing surface and built-in temperature gauge, high-quality metal grates and durable enamel coating, easy to clean. The grill has an electronic ignition button and operation buttons with flame control mechanism.

The grill is equipped with a foldable side working surface and a drip tray. It has a total power of 55,000 BTU.

Price: NIS 1,199. Available on the official website and at Olam Hakolnoa retail locations.

  (credit: PR)
(credit: PR)

The Gas2Coal hybrid grill by the Char Broil brand with 3 burners that instantly converts to a charcoal grill. Charcoal grilling is done easily, and lighting the charcoal, which is the major challenge, is done effortlessly with the grill's gas burner.

After lighting the charcoal, turn off the gas burners and cook on the glowing coals. The grill can also be used as a regular gas grill for anything without using charcoal.

Price: NIS 2,500. Available on the brand's official website.

  (credit: PR)
(credit: PR)

Bistro, a compact grill series perfect for balconies, also features the innovative TRU-Infrared technology. Bistro fits any balcony or garden due to its small dimensions and impressive design, making it a versatile piece of furniture. The grill is designed with clean and rounded lines and comes in red and black colors.

The grill has a cooking surface diameter of 44 cm, as well as a built-in temperature gauge and electronic ignition.

Price: NIS 1,300. Available on Char Broil's official website.

  (credit: PR)
(credit: PR)

The new Professional PRO series from the Char Broil brand combines good performance, ease of operation, and impressive design, featuring the innovative TRU-Infrared technology.

The series includes a variety of grills with 2-4 burners, with a searing burner that operates in the IR method reaching up to 900 degrees for sealing the meat at the beginning or end of grilling, lighting with improved control over gas flow through ignition buttons, and a built-in bottle opener.

Price: NIS 2,300-4,500 depending on the model. Available on the official website.

  (credit: Revolution, PR)
(credit: Revolution, PR)

Coleman's Revolution gas grill, model 4 with stainless steel burners with a heat output of 50,000 BTU and a side burner. Cast iron grates coated with porcelain designed to retain heat and distribute it evenly, and the structure of the grates significantly reduces fat drippings and prevents flare-ups.

Double lid cover for optimal insulation, ensuring temperature control and excellent grilling capability. The grill features an advanced INSTASTART ignition system and the option to add modular units to the outdoor kitchen (sink unit, storage, refrigerator)

Price: NIS 3,590. Available at authorized retailers.

  (credit: PR)
(credit: PR)
WEBER Spirit II E-210 Gas Grill: With an aluminum body and a powerful grilling system, this grill offers exceptional performance. It comes with two high-quality burners, foldable side shelves, and a compact design.

Price: NIS 2,690. Available on the official website and at authorized retailers.

  (credit: PR)
(credit: PR)

The premium series GENESIS from WEBER offers a smart gas grill, model GENESIS EPX-435 with 4 stainless steel burners and an additional searing burner for side grilling, a total heat output of 72,000 BTU, and built-in smart technology that connects to an app via Bluetooth for choosing cooking levels and receiving notifications for turning the meat or when the dish reaches the set temperature.

The grill is equipped with LED lighting for illuminating the grilling surface and buttons, and its built-in frame is adjustable for different types of specific accessories: griddle, pizza stone, vegetable grilling basket, searing grate, and more, making it a complete outdoor kitchen. It has a double and expandable upper grill, serving area, and 6 hooks for utensils.

Price: NIS 10,490. Available at authorized retailers.

  (credit: Amisragas)
(credit: Amisragas)

The Broil King brand offers the Baron 420 model for a professional grilling experience with a heat output of 40,000 BTU and 4 stainless steel burners using DUAL TUBE technology housed in an aluminum cast body.

The large grilling surface is based on unique patented grates that allow grilling in three modes according to the meat's fat levels. An external quality thermometer installed on the grill's body allows monitoring of grilling without opening the lid. The grill has LED lighting on the buttons and comes with a 25-year warranty subject to the official warranty certificate.

Price: NIS 3,990, including delivery and assembly, a set of tools, and a matching cover. Delivery within 48 hours. Available at Amisragas branches, the company's website, and authorized retailers.

  (credit: Electra PR)
(credit: Electra PR)

New grills from Sauter, a 4-burner gas grill + side burner, model 5600BBQ, product features: 4 stainless steel burners with a total output of KW14 BTU48,000, a unique side burner for frying chips, cooking, and keeping warm with a power of KW3.2.

Total heat output: BTU,59000 KW17.2, very large grilling area with high-quality enamel-coated cast iron grates that are durable and easy to clean, a thermometer for measuring heat intensity located on the top cover, electronic ignition built into the gas buttons, 4 "7 wheels for easy movement, a large storage compartment with a pair of stylish doors Dimensions: Height: 134 cm ✓ Width: 116 cm ✓ Depth: 56 cm

Price: NIS 1,690. Available at selected retailers.

  (credit: PR)
(credit: PR)

Electric Grill Air Grill 100: Product Description: Made of stainless steel • Insulated heat handle, touch buttons, LED display of time and temperature, 7 pre-defined programs, temperature range 40 - 265 degrees Celsius. Special technology prevents smoke during cooking, power: W1660

Included accessories: 1 grill plate, 1 glass container Dimensions: Width: 43 cm, Height: 29 cm, Depth: 37 cm

Price: NIS 899. Available at authorized retailers

  (credit: PR)
(credit: PR)

NINJA EG203 Grill: The upgraded EG203 model from Ninja offers an indoor "over-fire" experience without the surrounding smoke. It features a display panel in Hebrew, cyclonic grilling technology, and precise temperature control.

Price: NIS 1,090. Comes with a 3-year warranty from the official importer. Available at selected electrical retailers.

  (credit: PR)
(credit: PR)

Side Grill

For those who aren't fond of grilling meat over an open flame, or prefer it tucked inside a warm pita, or even for those who prefer fish and vegetables, the side grill is an ideal solution.

The grill brand Ooni presents its popular Ooni Koda 16". It's a gas grill that reaches temperatures of up to 500 degrees and bakes pizza on a stone slab in just 60 seconds. The grill is suitable for balconies, patios, and even camping, combining design and convenience for cooking and baking with gas, featuring a large baking board made of cordierite stone and an innovative L-shaped flame.

It's suitable for making pizzas, cooking fish, vegetables, meats, and more. The grill comes ready to use without the need for assembly - just open the legs, insert the stone slab, and connect to the gas cylinder.

Recommended retail price: NIS 2,690. Available on the importer's website and from authorized retailers.

  (credit: Ooni)
(credit: Ooni)

The new ETNA ROTANTE grill from the luxurious Scandinavian brand WITT combines quality materials, design, and advanced technology. The rotating pizza stone and additional power burner ensure 360 degrees of perfect crispiness. It heats up to a temperature of up to 500 degrees and bakes pizzas in 60 seconds.

The grill has a window for checking the activity of the power burner and has an especially large cooking area and a wide 16-inch opening. The device has 4 folding aluminum legs with rubber bottoms to prevent slipping. The grill operates on gas, and the rotating pizza stone is powered by batteries or can be connected to electricity.

Recommended retail price: NIS 3,990. Available from authorized retailers.