Spring is finally here, the sun is shining and it is once again warm enough to dine outdoors. Cooking on a barbecue is a great way to prepare food outdoors that tastes amazing. With a few simple tips cooking outdoors couldn’t be easier. I have compiled a quick guide on how to choose the right barbecue for you. Read on if you are a complete novice looking for a high-tech outdoor barbecues or an experienced charcoal lover that is simply looking to replace his/her worn out barbecue.
Different barbecue grills offer different cooking methods and will come in at different prices. Let’s now look at what there is available for you:
Do you cook with a charcoal barbecue or gas barbecue?
Gas barbecues are far easier to start and heat up twice as quickly as charcoal grills. On average a gas barbecue will be ready to cook on within 10 minutes whilst a charcoal barbecue takes 20-25 minutes to get ready. In American almost 70% of the barbecues bought last year were gas ones.
If you do want to buy a gas barbecue spend time thinking about what if any additional features you would like on your barbecue. You can now buy gas bbq’s with, side burners to cook side dishes, a rotisserie to turn meat. If you love the taste of charcoal cooked food but don’t want the hassle of using a charcoal BBQ you can buy smoker boxes and add wood chips to add a rich smokey flavour to your food.
Charcoal barbecues however offer far better flavour of food as they create a rich smokey woody flavour onto your meat or fish.
When purchasing a charcoal grill look for one that has at least two grates on the bottom and top so that air can circulate freely. Air vents should also be on the top and bottom or left and right in order for the smoke to flow around the food. Look out for barbecues with hinged lids as they are easier to work with and also grills that can be moved like oven racks which will help you to control the temperature you cook your food with.
Size
Always buy a barbecue slightly bigger than you require as this will allow for your barbecue to stay with you as your family grows or help to cater for any unexpected guests who will inevitably pop round once you start cooking and the smell of your barbecue wafts into your neighbours back garden.
Barbecue Grate
You can purchase barbecue grills for very low prices, however if you want to purchase one that will last a long time buy a stainless steel barbecue grill that is at least ¼ inch thick.
Jacks top tips for the perfect barbecue
- Preheat all new barbecues for at least 20 minutes to get rid of that new smell and to burn off any dust.
- Make sure you regularly clean your barbecue grill to prevent rusting and to keep your barbecue hygienic. Simply preheat the barbecue for around 15 minutes before cooking then scrub the grate with a brush to clean followed by drying with an old clean cloth.
- Always have a good range of tools with you when cooking outdoors including a spatula, basting brush, fork and a red meat thermometer.
For a great range of barbecues visit Jacks Garden Store now.
Good luck
Gardener Jack!
This is my favorite month of the year! I can finally put my new grill into use. I've been going about my barbecue recipes since March and I can't wait to show off my new and improved barbecue recipes to my friends! They're like my best fans and critics as well, lol! My family's even planning a get together, and I told them that I'll arrange a barbecue party for everyone this weekend. I'm so excited I can't wait.