Grill seekers Expert guide to BBQs
CREATE A DREAM OUTDOOR-DINING EXPERIENCE WITH OUR EXPERT GUIDE TO PICKING THE PERFECT BARBECUE
Abackyard barbecue with friends and family on a Sunday afternoon is the quintessential summer experience, but the world of barbecues is large and varied enough to confuse newcomers and pit masters alike. With that in mind, we’ve consulted the experts to ensure you have all the information you need to make the right choice. Whether you prefer the humble snag, smoked meat, charred vegies or a steak grilled to perfection, we’ve got you covered.
Selecting the right model
Choose from freestanding or built-in models, portable barbecues and smokers, as well as manoeuvrable two-to-six-burner barbecues.
The features you should look for depend on your cooking style.
“Any good gas grill will always have a grill portion and a plate portion – that’s one section of the grill open to the flames for direct searing of proteins, fish and hearty vegetables, while the plate section will be for delicate items such as eggs, smaller vegetables, and fish,” says Russell Crossdale, barbecue and outdoor living expert for Winning Appliances and Appliances Online. “If purchasing a barbecue with a hood, look for double lining of the steel to assist with heat retention on hood-down cooking, and a durable integrated hood thermometer for real-time feedback on what is happening with the lid down.”
Get the size right
Evaluate the size of your outdoor space and the number of people you will typically be cooking for with your new barbecue, as this will influence your selection. “A good rule is, if you entertain even a few times a year, look at a grill with multiple cooking zones and go a little larger than you think you need,” says Russell. “This will allow you to entertain with ease and give you the ability to use multiple portions of the grill at once, saving you on running costs.”
Matthew Hoffman, national barbecue and outdoor heating buyer for Bunnings, recommends looking for barbecues with stainless steel, porcelain enamel surfaces and cast-iron burners to ensure longevity and quality. “Portable barbecues are great for smaller outdoor spaces like balconies, or camping, and two-to-three burner models are ideal for couples or small families looking for a permanent option,” says Matthew. “Large four-to-six-burners are good for larger families or entertaining group of friends. Built-ins are for bigger outdoor spaces or alfresco kitchens. If you want a barbecue that offers a variety of cooking options, such as smoking, roasting and grilling, a hooded barbecue such as a smoker may work best.” >
“LOOK AT A GRILL WITH MULTIPLE COOKING ZONES AND GO A LITTLE LARGER THAN YOU THINK YOU NEED” ~ RUSSELL CROSSDALE, WINNING APPLIANCES & APPLIANCES ONLINE