Barbecues.
Fire up one of the latest feature-packed grills and get set for a sizzling summer, writes Georgia Madden.
Slow-cook a roast, sear some seafood or toss a few snags on the grill – the cooking options are virtually endless with barbecues. “We find that customers are interested in making succulent roasts, stir-fries, breakfasts, even cakes and desserts on the barbecue. Almost anything you can cook in a traditional oven can also be cooked on a covered barbecue,” says Peter Anderson, new-product development manager for barbecue sat BarbequesGa lore.
The list of barbecues on the market is equally long. Traditional charcoal-fired grills, tabletop models and outdoor kitchens with pizza ovens, wok burners and sinks all make their mark. Hooded, gas-fired styles are ever-popular, while specialist models – smokers, pellet grills and rotisseries – allow you to flex your culinary muscles.
Low-profile, built-in barbecues are a favourite for small outdoor spaces. Bold colours are making an impact too .“Colourful barbecues have been selling fast – especially models in orange, blue and white. They make an eye-catching feature in an outdoor area,” says R oh an Matthews from Harvey Norman.
The hottest thing in barbecuing right now is slow-cooking, says Katrina Paras, category manager for barbecue and heating at Char-Griller. Smoking, too, is trending. “It imparts a delicious flavour to cuts of meat that take longer to cook, such as briskets and pulled pork and lamb,” adds Paras. Kettle barbecues are also making a comeback, says Russell Crosdale, category expert for barbecues and outdoor living at Appliances Online and Winning Appliances. “They infuse a unique flavour while being lightweight, portable and easy to use.”
Convenience is improving, too. Appconnected models – Traeger’s latest grills and the Everdure Heston Blumenthal 4K barbecue, for example – allow you to monitor real-time cooking temperatures and access cooking guides on your phone or tablet for perfectly cooked meals every time.
Barbecue prices vary greatly, says Crosdale. Expect to pay between $300 and $2000 for a hooded barbecue, from $600 to $2500 for a tabletop grill, and from $2500 for a built-in model or outdoor kitchen.
For a family of four, a four-burner hooded gas barbecue is generally sufficient; keen entertainers might consider a six-burner style, says Anderson. A portable gas or electric barbecue is ideal for small spots such as the balcony, while a multifunctional outdoor kitchen with all the bells and whistles is a great option if you regularly cater for a crowd, he says. “Modular styles that allow you to add extras such as a fridge, a rangehood or an extra grill at a later date are also growing in popularity,” he adds.
To find the right barbecue, start by asking yourself a few questions, says Dominic Wong, category manager for food preparation at Electrolux Home Products (distributor of BeefEater barbecues). “How much space do you have? How many people do you need to cook for? Do you entertain often? Do you
“ALMOST ANYTHING YOU CAN COOK IN A TRADITIONAL OVEN CAN ALSO BE COOKED ON A COVERED BARBECUE .” PETER ANDERSON
want to experiment with different cooking techniques? Will it be used/ stored under cover or do you need a design in a durable material that will cope with the elements?”
To ensure your barbecue lasts more than a couple of summers, it’s important to choose a model with good-quality construction. “Look for a barbecue with a fully welded or one-piece firebox – this is the most robust option and will retain heat well. Check the barbecue feels solid to the touch, and that the firebox and grease tray are easy to access for cleaning,” says Anderson. “If you’re choosing a stainlesssteel model, be aware that lower grades might be cheaper than higher-grade ones, but they’ll rust faster,” says Anderson. Wong concurs: “For cooking surfaces, look for a barbecue with solid cast-iron grill and hotplates. Cast-iron is durable, has high heat-retention properties and delivers a nice, even result”.