How to choose a BBQ
As the weather warms up, we all enjoy our outdoor cooking and entertaining. If you are cooking outside on a regular basis you will want a good quality barbecue. But do you choose charcoal or gas?
Whether built into a counter, standing on a fixed pedestal, or mounted on a rolling cart, the gas barbecue is the ideal item for outdoor cooking. A gas barbecue is clean and reliable. Look for heavy duty steel or stainless steel construction.
Choose one with a grill surface big enough for your needs. Multiple burners will allow you to vary the temperature on different parts of the grill. A side burner gives you the option of cooking vegetables or sauces. A lid will allow you to roast as well as grill but make sure there is a thermometer to check the cooking temperature. A rotisserie will give you even greater flexibility in your cooking. Many gas barbecues include storage space and worktops.
To choose the ideal barbecue for you, you will need to weigh up the amount of space you need to cook with against your budget. In todays market there is an enormous choice of barbecues. For example, Weber produces barbecues that range from single burners up to six burners. This presents you, the consumer, with a dilemma.
Smaller BBQs are ideal for the family summer evening meal.
The Weber Q120 is a two burner gas barbecue that is not only small and lightweight but also packs a punch. It has 189 square inch total cooking area, a push button ignition, burner control valve and folding tables with tool holders.
The mid range BBQs are usually 3 and 4 burner BBQs, these are ideal for not only family get-togethers but also the entertainer in you.
The Outback Elite Titanium Gas BBQ is a stunning 3 burner barbecue with looks to match; must be seen to be appreciated. Three burners on the bbq gives more control over your cooking and the ability to cook different items at once. One of its many special features is that all wood on the barbecue is certified FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) which guarantees it is supplied from monitored and approved sustainable forests. It also has a porcelain coated cast iron cooking surface which is rust proof and more hygienic.
Charcoal barbecues also come in a range of sizes, shapes and colours. Weber has produced the Performer, which is ostensibly a charcoal barbecue with a gas ignition system. Or at the smaller end, the Weber One-Touch Silver has reinvented the kettle style of BBQ, offering substance and style at a very reasonable price.
If you are still undecided about what type of barbecue to purchase, here are a number of questions you should ask yourself:
How much do you wish to spend and how often will you use your barbecue?
Price is determined not only by the size and number of features, but also by the quality. If you intend using your barbecue regularly its worth spending a little more money as higher priced models are of superior quality and will last longer; they also come with lengthier warranties.
How many people will you likely cook for?
Every barbecue has a cooking area which is measured in square centimetres (cm²). As a rough guide, those with smaller cooking areas (up to 1800cm²) will cook for up to 4 people; those from around 2000cm² to 2500cm² will be plenty big enough for 6 people; the largest gas barbecues (over 2500cm²) will be suitable for up to 8 people, and griddles and warming racks make even larger parties possible. The bigger gas barbecues feature up to 6 burners, and with only 1 burner in use it is possible to cook for just a couple, without wasting too much gas.
Would you prefer the ease of gas or a traditional charcoal model?
Gas barbecues are a quick and hassle-free option. Easy to light, push-button ignition provides an instant flame and you can start to cook in about 10 minutes. Whereas charcoal barbecues are the traditional option, with the heat below the grill from glowing embers gives the food a classic barbecued appearance. There is no difference in taste between gas and charcoal barbecues, however the adjustability of gas means that its easier to cook food more evenly, with less risk of burning. If you like the idea of barbecuing on a picnic or when camping, a portable model makes a wise choice.