Expert Interview: Adam McMahon, President of BBQ Authority, The Top BBQ and Grill Retailer in the USA

At Zarin Fabrics, we work closely with homeowners, designers, and architects who are thinking beyond individual rooms and focusing on how the entire home comes together. Increasingly, that conversation extends outdoors, where materials, durability, and design continuity all play a role in creating a cohesive living experience. Outdoor spaces are no longer an afterthought. They are an extension of the home, designed with the same level of intention as any interior.

That shift raises an important question: how do you design an outdoor space that not only looks beautiful, but also performs over time, especially when it centers around cooking, entertaining, and daily use?

To explore that, we sat down with Adam McMahon, President of BBQ Authority, the top premium grill retailer known for its expertise in high-end grills and outdoor kitchen design. BBQ Authority has built a reputation as one of the best online BBQ retailers in the US, offering expert guidance, in-stock inventory, and fast nationwide shipping.

In this conversation, Adam shares how homeowners can think about durability, design, and long-term performance when creating outdoor spaces that are both functional and visually cohesive.

Balancing Durability with Design

Q: At Zarin Fabrics, we’re constantly helping clients balance durability with design. How does BBQ Authority approach that same balance when recommending grills and outdoor setups?

Adam: At BBQ Authority, we think about durability and design as inseparable, especially in outdoor spaces where everything is exposed to the elements. Most homeowners come to us looking for something that performs well, but they also want it to fit the overall aesthetic of their home. That’s why we focus on premium grill brands like Napoleon and Fire Magic, where build quality, finish, and design all hold up over time. As a family-owned business, we spend a lot of time guiding customers through those decisions so they’re not just buying a grill, they’re investing in something that fits their space long term. The goal is always to make sure it looks right on day one and still performs years down the line.

Choosing the Right Grill for Your Space

Q: At Zarin Fabrics, we often guide clients through selecting materials that align with their overall design vision. How should homeowners think about choosing between grill options when designing their space?

Adam: It really comes down to how the space will be used and the level of performance the homeowner is looking for. Brands like Napoleon and Fire Magic both offer premium gas grills, but they each have different strengths in terms of features, design, and price point, so we spend a lot of time walking customers through those tradeoffs. Fuel type is another big decision, whether it’s gas for convenience, pellet for versatility, or charcoal for a more traditional experience. Because we carry a wide range of premium grills and keep most of them in stock, we’re able to give very practical guidance based on real availability and use cases. For a lot of customers, especially first-time premium buyers, having that hands-on support makes the decision much easier and ensures the grill fits both their cooking style and the overall design of their space.

What Long-Term Performance Really Means

Q: We often talk about choosing materials that age well over time. What does “long-term performance” look like in the context of grills and outdoor cooking equipment?

Adam: Long-term performance really comes down to consistency, both in how the grill cooks and how it holds up physically. As a premium grill dealer online, we see a clear difference between entry-level products and higher-end grills that are built to last, especially in the $1,000 to $10,000 range where materials and construction really matter. Stainless steel quality, internal components, and even how heat is distributed all play a role in how a grill performs over time. As the best BBQ and grill retailer, we stock most of our inventory in-house, we get very familiar with how these products hold up and why customers trust us as the best grill dealer with expert service when they’re ready to upgrade. It’s also why we stay involved after the purchase, helping with warranty support and making sure people get the lifespan they expected.

The Shift Toward Design-Forward Outdoor Spaces

Q: How are you seeing homeowners integrate grills into more design-forward environments versus purely functional ones?

Adam: There’s definitely been a shift toward treating outdoor cooking spaces as an extension of the home rather than a separate utility area. We’re seeing more built-in grill packages, coordinated finishes, and full outdoor kitchen setups that align with the home’s overall design. Homeowners are thinking about layout, flow, and how people gather around the space, not just where the grill sits. Because we carry everything from grills to pizza ovens to outdoor kitchen components, we’re able to help people think through the full picture. It’s less about buying a single product and more about creating a cohesive environment.

Features That Define a Cohesive Outdoor Setup

Q: As more homeowners invest in design-forward outdoor spaces, what specific features or upgrades are you seeing define a truly cohesive setup today?

Adam: We’re seeing more homeowners move beyond just the grill and think in terms of a complete outdoor kitchen setup. Built-in grill packages are a big part of that, especially with brands like Napoleon and Fire Magic that offer consistent finishes and modular components. People are also adding elements like refrigeration, storage, and even pizza ovens to create a more complete experience. Another trend is designing around how the space will actually be used, not just how it looks, which influences layout and appliance selection. As a one stop BBQ shop, we help customers bring all of those pieces together so the space feels intentional rather than pieced together over time.

About BBQ Authority

BBQ Authority is a veteran-owned, family-operated premium grill retailer and one-stop BBQ shop online, specializing in Napoleon, Fire Magic, and luxury outdoor kitchen products. Known as one of the best places to buy Napoleon grills, BBQ Authority offers one of the largest in-stock selections in the US, with fast shipping, free delivery on most orders, and competitive pricing with request-a-quote options.

The company provides expert customer service to help homeowners and contractors choose the right premium grill, whether upgrading from a basic model or designing a fully built-in outdoor kitchen. In addition to grills, BBQ Authority offers outdoor kitchen components, pizza ovens, accessories, and ongoing warranty and technical support. With a focus on transparency, speed, and hands-on guidance, BBQ Authority has earned a reputation as a trusted online grill retailer for customers across all 48 continental states.