We Brits are good at many things. Queuing, apologising, and being generally awkward spring to mind. We practise this sort of activity on a regular basis, so of course we're good at it.
Something we don't have a much experience with, however, is sunshine. When the clouds do occasionally part and the sun delivers some much-needed rays, we tend to have a collective (but not literal) meltdown. And what better way to celebrate a bit of sunshine that firing up the barbecue?
Indeed, the first hint of summer and it’s almost like Brits are contractually obligated to get their barbecue on. It's a watertight deal. We have no choice in the matter. So with summer — or what passes for British summer — on the horizon, it’s time to buy, or upgrade, the essential summertime item: the BBQ.
Fortunately, there are lots of options out there — see top brands such as top brands like Everdure, Weber, and Char-Broil — but that doesn’t make choosing one any easier. Barbecues are a hot topic, and it’s easy to go cold if you get blindsided by the sheer amount of jargon, features, and different models out there. That’s why we’re here to help. Here’s a quick guide to buying a barbecue.
Charcoal vs. gas barbecues — which is best?
This is the ultimate question. Well, when it comes to barbecuing at least. Charcoal barbecues are of course the classic version — and give that distinctive smoky, chargrilled taste. They also need fewer extras than gas barbecues (there’s no messing around with gas canisters here) which also means they’re usually cheaper. But they can also be tricky to light and take much longer to get to the right temperature. They are also much harder to clean.
Gas barbecues are easier and faster to use. They’re usually ready to cook on in 10 minutes or less and have easily-controllable temperature dials — not to mention other fancy features and mod cons. They do, however, lack that authentic barbecue taste. And the added convenience will hit you in the wallet.
It all comes down to personal preference — taste vs. convenience. Or you could meet halfway and get a gas-charcoal hybrid.
How big is a barbecue?
You can file this one alongside “How long is a piece of string?” There’s no straight answer to this but charcoal barbecues tend to be much smaller. In fact, there are options that are extremely portable — meaning you can take them on camping trips or even to the park. Gas barbecues tend to be bigger bits of kits — more like a scaled-down oven on wheels.
Size is an important consideration. Where are you going to keep your barbecue? In the garden all year round, under a protective cover? Or will you wheel it in and out of the garage each summer? Gas barbecues do tend to better suit large gardens. Either way, size up your space before making a decision.
What are the important features to consider when purchasing a BBQ?
It’s not only about gas and coal. There are lots of other features to consider. Here are some that might seal the deal for you:
Space – That’s right, cooking space is always at a premium. Space might come in the form of side tables, condiment holders, and even hooks for your tools — anything that helps maximise your space for actual BBQ’ing.
Burners – On the subject of space, the number of actual burners included on your gas barbecue is crucial. Big family? Then four or even more burners might be necessary. Extra griddles and side burners are also a bonus.
Fat drip trays – Cleaning a barbecue can be a job in itself. That’s why fat drip trays are super useful. They can also reduce the amount of flare up you get from the flames.
Hood – If a barbecue comes with a hood, it immediately levels-up your griddle game. This allows you to roast meant as well as grill. This is especially useful for cooking whole chickens.
You'll also want to think about things like price and style, but these features are a good place to start.
What is the best barbecue?
We have researched everything on offer, and highlighted a selection of some of the very best models to suit you and your garden. We've considered price, size, cooking speed, maintenance, fuel access, and much more, so you don't have to. You just need to sit back, relax, and pick a favourite.
These are the best barbecues for 2022.
via Tech News Digest
No comments:
Post a Comment