Summer is finally here and with it comes barbecue season but with so many barbecues to choose from, just how do you select the ideal barbecue for you and make your perfect barbecue match? Are you perhaps a barbecue purist where only traditional charcoal will do, or is the speed and efficiency of cooking on gas more your thing? How about a bit of both – charcoal and gas, or will it be an all singing and dancing model with multiple cooking surfaces? The options are endless!
COOKING ON GAS
If it’s instant, efficient and adjustable heat you’re after then cooking on gas is the fuel for you.
Convenience is key with a gas barbecue and you’re more in charge as you can easily adjust the temperature.
CHARCOAL FOR THE PURIST
Charcoal is the fuel of choice for true barbecue aficionados who lean towards the purist approach when it comes to al fresco cooking. Integral to the barbecue ritual is lighting the coals, waiting for them to get white hot, and the distinctive smell. The authentic smoky flavour of chargrilled
food is how all barbecued food should taste.
GAS AND CHARCOAL – THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
If you can’t make up your mind between gas and charcoal, how about enjoying the benefits of both? Or how about a fan assisted charcoal BBQ for rapid cooking?
HAVE BARBECUE, WILL TRAVEL
Take your BBQ on the road with one of these small but mighty meal machines!
BARBEcUE CHECKLIST
BEFORE YOU BUY ASK YOURSELF:
1. How often will I use it?
If you’re a barbecue guru, it’s worth investing in a top of the range model whereas a more basic instrument will be suitable for the occasional barbecue.
2. How much space have I got?
You don’t want a barbecue to take up all your outdoor space and also think about storage. Where will the barbecue live when it’s not cooking up a gastronomic storm?
3. What will I be cooking?
If you are aiming for a selection of burgers, sausages and kebabs then a standard grill, either gas or charcoal will suffice. However, if you’re more ambitious, then trading up to a barbecue with extra features such as a hood, griddle, side-burner, pizza stone or warming rack might be more appropriate for you.
4. Who will I be cooking for?
If it’s for friends and family then a standard barbecue may be fine but it you like to entertain and love parties, your multifaceted grill might be a lovely talking point.
5. What’s the ease of assembly and quality of construction?
Buy a reputable brand where you can understand the instructions and have money-back guarantees.
6. Smoke control areas. Do you live in a smoke-controlled area?
Ensure you read the government advice on using barbecues in these areas.
7. Safety is paramount.
Ensure your barbecue is in good working order and for a full list of safe barbecue practice it’s worth reading the advice provided by the UK Fires Service.
