Anyone can be a masterchef in their own backyard with the right barbeque. The secret ingredient is, finding a barbeque that’s right for you and your entertaining needs.
Step one in buying the right barbecue for your backyard paradise is determining whether you want to use charcoal or gas as the energy source.
Food For Thought
Before you buy, take the time to mull over how many mouths you’ll be feeding (and how often) and what size and type of barbie best suits your space. Also work to your budget.
As exciting as purchasing a new barbeque is, remain realistic about how often the barbecue will be used versus how many times you’d like to use it, consider where it will be placed (undercover or not) and what styles of food you’ll be cooking up.
Now We’re Cooking With Gas!
Let’s be honest gas barbecues are hugely convenient. They’re easy to light and the temperature can be accurately controlled for the entire time you’re using them.
There’s a new craze in gas barbeques these days too in the recent and popular development of using an infrared gas grill. If you haven’t heard about this latest technology, you must be living under a rock. Check them out! Infrared burners provide heaps more heat and use less gas meaning better performance and lower running costs! These babies create an even bed of predictable heat that combines the intensity of charcoal, with the convenience of gas.
When it comes to cleaning, gas barbecues are so much easier to clean than charcoal barbies plus you do not need to dispose of hot ashes.
If shopping for a conventional gas BBQ and you’re a small family – look at two or four burner gas models and for larger crowds, consider six or more burners. You might like to look at a propane burner too.
Gas barbeques provide more design options as well and there are add-on features like side burners and hot plates that aren’t available in charcoal models.
What’s The Damage?
Prices start in the low hundreds but for models and brands that offer high quality steel and perform with optimal heat performance management, you’re going to be up for a couple of thousand dollars at least.
Charcoal, black gold!
Barbecue purists all over the land swear by charcoal barbecues due to their smoking properties which gives food a unique flavour. You can also wood smoke foods more easily with a charcoal barbie as opposed to most gas options as they require a special attachment.
Cooking with charcoal does takes a lot longer than using gas and requires you to be quite attentive to maintain and check on the temperature but a gauge can be fixed or included on the BBQ but you still have to check it regularly. Make no mistake, charcoal BBQ’s are far less tidy after the feast has been cooked and devoured, which means – you have more mess to clean up.
Charcoal barbecues vary in size and come with different features like domed lids, sideboards, flat tops and wheels meaning they’re very portable.
A charcoal barbeque at the end of the day, really suits those who enjoy a smoky flavour.
What’s The Damage?
You can pay under $100 or over $2000 for a charcoal barbeque. Cheaper charcoal options are ideal for those on a budget who don’t plan on barbecuing too often.
Safety Checklist When Barbequing
- Stay safe while cooking outdoors by checking out these tips from the MFB in Victoria.
- Before use, check all gas hoses and connections for damage.
- Test the pressure of gas cylinders and look for leaks.
- Turn off gas bottles before burners to avoid leaving gas in the hose and regulator.
- Have a garden hose and fire extinguisher at the ready at all times.
- Ensure you let hot coals cool for 48 hours after use.
- Ensure the BBQ area is well ventilated and there’s no combustible substances in the close vicinity.
