UK Buyers Guide

What to look for when buying products and services. A UK consumer guide .

Barbecue Buyers Guide

It's quite surprising how many chefs there are at a barbecue party and each one has a unique way of cooking. In fact, if you don't really want to cook, throw a barbecue party and watch the chefs go to work!

If it isn't burnt, it isn't barbecued … wrong!

 

So lets take a closer look at the main two types of barbecues available. Each year I would buy a cheap barbecue in the end of season sale. My sole intention was to use it throughout the next season and dispose of it afterwards … and begin the cycle again. I'm probably not alone and the dumps are full of old BBQ's

Don't mistake disposable barbecues with portable barbecues … two totally different types of grills.

Portable barbecues are compact lightweight versions of the bigger regular models and are available in both gas and charcoal.

They are not just taking away on picnics and camping; if you have a small patio or roof garden and don't have the space for a larger barbecue, the portable barbecue may be perfect for your needs.

Charcoal barbecues versus Gas barbecues. When shopping for a barbecue begin the 'touchy feely' process. Buy online by all means, there are great barbecue bargains and probably some of the cheapest barbecues around. However, get out and around the shops to inspect.

It is highly likely that the average charcoal barbecue is a flat pack and you'll need to assemble it. With this in mind, shake and rattle the one in the shop. Does it wobble? Will it be safe with white-hot embers in it? Will it survive the duration?

How many levels does it have? If your charcoal is flaming and spitting, you'll need to raise the grill away from the flames. Otherwise your meat will burn on the outside and be raw in the centre.

The only controls you may have are the levels in which you can raise or lower the grill and probably an air vent.

Look closely at the type of charcoal you buy. There are two types; hardwood and softwood; Hardwood charcoal or briquettes have less sap or resin, thus they have low tar, so smoke less. Less smoke means fewer odours. Hardwood tends to burn evenly.

Before pouring your charcoal into the barbecue, line the dish with foil, shiny side up. Apart from reflecting the heat up, all you need to do is wrap the foil into a parcel and remove the ashes. Follow the instructions on the charcoal packaging.

What's good about a gas barbecue? Gas barbecues are almost like mini-kitchens. They have work surfaces, hobs, rotisseries, griddles, independently controlled burners, temperature gauge, viewing window. What more would you want? If you are working on a budget, consider the necessary items over the luxury extras. For example, how often would you use the rotisserie?

Many have the facilities to add one later. The hob is great for cooking sauces and onions; griddles prevent fat dripping onto the burners. Double burners allow you to turn the heat high and sear the meat, then reduce it to allow the meat to cook through.

Look at the material of your barbecue; go for stainless steel over painted steel because paint peels. If it contains wood, will it need weatherproofing again next year? If you have typical British weather invest in a good barbecue cover. When buying the gas bottle look at the price difference between the smaller and larger, you'll find it more cost effective to buy the bigger one. Some come complete with gas regulator, others are extra ... check before you buy.

Outback and Weber tend to be almost ready built and not in flatpack condition. Some need lava rock, other don't and even then it may not be included.