BUYER’S GUIDE: BARBECUES
Spring parties are back on the menu: here’s how to pick the perfect grill for your space
Cooking outside is practically a national sport, and now that we’ve all discovered the joy that comes with no washing-up, it’s no longer limited to the weekend. Whether you’re designing a new outdoor entertaining zone or just looking to upgrade for summer, we’ve come up with an easy five-step guide to choosing your next barbecue.
1 where do you barbecue?
First of all, think about where you keep – and use – your barbecue. This will dictate the right styles to consider for your space. A freestanding model on a trolley works if you need the flexibility to be able to move your barbecue around, either to store it for the colder months or to cook in different locations. A built-in barbecue is the right choice if you’re planning an outdoor kitchen setup, complete with a benchtop. “We usually build in barbecues using masonry or timber,” says garden designer William Dangar (williamdangar.com.au). “If you’re using wood, it’s important to check the Building Code rules about using combustible materials.” If you’re building in a covered or semi-enclosed area, you should consider a rangehood – some models are designed for outdoor use. Smaller barbecues work best for compact spaces, and have the advantage of being portable so you can take the party to the park or on holidays.
2 what’s your power source?
Next, get practical about power. Gas barbecues are a popular choice, and work using either an LPG gas cylinder, which sits under the cooktop, or they can be plumbed into a fixed natural gas outlet. The burners and the gas outlet cords are slightly different for each, so make sure you specify your gas type when shopping. If gas isn’t an option, particularly in a small space, consider an electric model. You’ll need a power point and undercover barbecue area; some small electric grills can even be used indoors.
Barbecue purists say that burning wood or using charcoal is the only way to get that smoky flavour, but the downside is you have to light the barbecue well ahead of cooking time to let the charcoal get its glow on. “When it comes to what’s considered the ultimate barbecue experience, cooking on charcoal is hard to beat,” says Daniel Pike of Weber (weberbbq.com.au). “The subtle smoke flavours that come through add a whole other dimension to your meals. However, charcoal barbecues can take a little more time to set up for cooking, and can take longer to come up to cooking temperature than a gas barbecue, which needs to be taken into consideration when you’re prepping for your meal.”
3 what size do you need?
The next thing to think about is the size of your barbecue, which will be influenced by the size of your space, and the size of your party. “The number of people you’re cooking for will determine the size of the barbecue you will need. If you’re looking at a gas option and there are a couple of you, consider a two- or three-burner model or, if it’s for a bigger family, you may consider a larger style,” says Janelle Gregory, marketing manager at Barbeques Galore (barbequesgalore.com.au).
Think about the largest group you’re likely to be catering for on a regular basis. “Our rule
of thumb is that a four-burner can cater for up to 15, and a five-burner for up to 20 people,” says John McGran, sales and marketing manager, Lifestyle BBQs (lifestylebbqs.com). For charcoal barbecues, aim for one small plate’s worth of space per person. “We find people are doing all their cooking on the barbecue now, from fish to pizza to roasts and even the Christmas ham,” says John.
4 do materials matter?
Once you’ve narrowed down size and style, you can concentrate on the details, including how the barbecue is made. “Most barbecue bodies are stainless steel or enamel coated, with stainless steel more popular for its professional look,” says Gary Brown, senior brand manager, home appliances at Harvey Norman (harveynorman. com.au). “The cooking plates are commonly made from cast metal, which is heavy, but a great heat conductor, or stainless steel, which can be easier to maintain.” One way to test workmanship is to shake the barbecue from side to side: too much movement may mean it’s not well put together.
If your barbecue is exposed to the elements, you may need a cover to maintain its appearance. William Dangar has some clever advice: “If a client has a freestanding barbecue with a cover, I often have the cover re-made in a beautiful outdoor fabric that complements any other outdoor upholstery they have – it looks a lot better than a black vinyl monolith!” he says.
5 what else do you need to think about?
The final pieces of the puzzle come down to your cooking style. Do you want a hood so that you can use the barbecue to roast and cook pizza? Would you prefer a flat plate (onions!) or a grill (steak!) or a combination of both (steak and onions!)? Would a rotisserie attachment be handy? Whatever your cuisine of choice, you’ll find tools, accessories and even apps to make your barbie the hottest on the block.