If you enjoy entertaining in the great outdoors, dining al fresco in the fresh air and eating food prepared with the unmistakable flavour of a real flame, then you probably should think about getting yourself a barbecue.
Whether you prefer large or small, compact or fully equipped, gas or charcoal, there’s a barbecue to suit your taste and budget. Portable systems are designed for occasional use and easy storage, while the larger models will satisfy even the most adventurous garden chefs.
Colours include the usual choices to match most of your other garden furniture, such as black, green, grey, silver, or a combination of wood and metal. Bigger barbecues often include a wooden side shelf for holding plates and other items during cooking, which is also detachable when it’s time to put the unit away.
Hooded barbecues keep the flavour of the food inside while it’s cooking and offer added safety against spills and flame bursts. There’s also an optional battery powered rotisserie which lets you cook a whole chicken slowly and safely.
Many models incorporate a bottom shelf for storing tools and accessories, while the more expensive designs feature a split level bottom shelf to help you keep everything separate and organised. Some include a swinging warming rack to keep food and plates warm while you’re waiting for those baked potatoes to cook, and you can even purchase flavoured chips which will give your food that authentic smoky flavour.
As well as the main cooking area, many offer a side burner and a non-stick grill. Cast iron burners give the barbecue a longer life span, as do porcelain coated cast iron grills, which are rust proof and more hygienic.
Some models have a heat indication display so you can keep on eye on things from a distance, and most gas barbecues also include a gas bottle holder. Larger designs are made with two front rubberised wheels and a front leg brake, so your food won’t move around until you’ve finished cooking it.
Accessories include a kettle warming rack for the obligatory cup of tea, a tool holder to keep your utensils tidy and close at hand, barbecue mitts, charcoal holders and a roast holder so you can prepare a joint without the meat ever touching the grill. You can also purchase drip trays, a cast iron griddle or a stainless steel wok for more daring menus and cleaning materials to maintain your barbecue’s rugged good looks.
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