Perfect barbies – and you don’t need money to burn

FINALLY, we have been given the all clear to throw another shrimp on the barbie as the easing of lockdown rules means limited outside entertainment with family and friends is back on the menu. Forget the critics, such as TV Masterchef host Gregg Wallace, who recently described barbecue cuisine as ‘rubbish’ – built around ‘a lump of uncooked meat’ on a plate.

If you are willing to follow a few basic rules, there is no reason why you cannot serve up mouth-watering treats, using the most basic equipment – including old junk found at the back of your garage.

Simon Dyer, from Tickenham in Somerset, is a former winner of TV show BBQ Champ.

He says: ‘If you want to host a barbecue over the coming weeks, you do not need to spend a fortune on fancy gadgets. It is not shiny new gear but culinary skills that will ensure you end up serving great tasting food.

‘ The magic ingredients are a willingness to be patient and to have fun cooking.

‘ If you are on a tight budget, consider turning an old washing machine drum into a fire basket and grill or transforming a 45- gallon metal barrel i nto a cooker.’ Guidance and advice on how to build do-it-yourself barbecues can be found on YouTube.

Just tap in words ‘ ugly drum smoker’ or ‘washing machine drum fire pit’ to find useful video links.

But Dyer believes that those who managed to save money during lockdown might rightly be tempted to purchase an outside burner – though the best equipment does not come cheap.

He says: ‘If you have deep enough pockets you cannot go far wrong with a ceramic charcoal cooker such as a Kamado Joe – which might set you back as much as £900. For this price, you get far more than just a barbecue –- you get a grill, oven, smoker and pizza oven as well.’

Ceramic ovens are popular as they are excellent for slow cooking – ensuring any meat is both tender and tasty when served.

Toby Shea i s founder of the British BBQ Society. He says: ‘ Ceramic holds in the heat and al l ows you t o cook on a l ow temperature.

‘You can cook a meat such as pork in 14 hours in this way – so preparation is key.’

Another budget-busting option is a £ 2,000 charcoal or wood- fired Cactus Jack. Experts say this represents the pinnacle of outside cooking with a ‘firebox’ oven and grills to ensure meats are perfectly cooked. Having a selection of grill height settings is important to ensure that food does not get burned.

Dyer says: ‘ Those looking for value for money on a tighter budget might consider something like a £ 400 Aquaforno. This outdoor cooking stove is really flexible. It is foldable so it can be taken on camping trips and it also doubles up as a fire pit.’

Another top-rated cooker is the £600 Hellrazr Yama grill smoker, with five separate settings. Those looking to spend less might consider a cut-price option such as a £79 Weber Smokey Joe Premium.

Shea says: ‘Do not waste money on £ 10 disposable barbecues. Instead, budget for something with a lid so you can also use it as an oven to cook your food as well as grill it.

‘The problem with disposables is that they often heat up too quickly and can end up burning meat before it is fully cooked.’

Traditional charcoal or wood-burning barbecues are deemed to be the best option for providing an authentic outdoor cooking experience that captures smoked flavours.

Dyer says an Argentinian cooking style known as ‘ asado’ – where meats and vegetarian dishes can be marinated and grilled by hanging over a fire for perhaps a couple of hours – offer a great alternative to burgers and hot dogs.

He adds: ‘A great tip is to cook while having a glass of beer or wine – cider in my case. It helps relax you. Also, start cooking early.’ toby.walne@mailonsunday.co.uk