BBQs

Barbecues and Alfresco Cooking

BBQ and Outdoor Cooking

Tips on how to find the right BBQ for your outdoor entertaining area.

What size BBQ do you need?

When it comes time to buy a new barbecue, consider the size of your entertaining area, as well as how many people you'll be barbecuing for.

Compact

These models are perfect for travel or smaller balconies.

• Lightweight, mobile and easy to lift.

• Ideal for that impromptu get-together on the verandah or weekend outings.

• Can come with detachable shelves or as a tabletop option.

• Available in all fuel types: charcoal, LPG, electricity or propane.

Small BBQ

Larger than a travel barbecue, but still small enough to suit balconies.

• Ideal if you're after something more permanent in your backyard. Some models can accommodate cooking for around 4–6 people.

• You may have to cook in batches when you have guests over.

• Some offer all the features of the larger style BBQ's, such as a hood, char-grill plate, solid hotplate and side tables.

• Easy to move around and available in all fuel types: charcoal, LPG, electricity or propane.

Large BBQ

Suitable for backyards and if you entertain often.

• Most come with a storage cupboard and side tables.

• Can have a side burner.

• Make sure you have a designated area for your gas bottle.

BBQ fuel types:

Gas, electric or charcoal?

Gas The most common fuel in Australia, its instant heat source and adjustable temperatures make barbecuing simple.

Electric BBQ's need a power outlet close by.

• Compact and easy to move, most come with a stand or mobile trolley.

• Suitable for balconies and patios and can be taken to powered camping and caravan sites.

• Constant power so you never run out of fuel.

Infrared barbeque is a relatively new innovation, the barbeque runs on gas but heat up an infrared element which radiates more heat, cooking food faster. They're designed to replicate a searing effect, as if cooking on charcoal while still retaining the convenience of an instant and adjustable heat source.

Charcoal barbecues require patience and practice to get right, but end results are more flavorful.

• A chimney starter will help light the lump charcoal or briquettes evenly and more quickly.

• Can take up to 40 minutes to get the charcoal to temperature.

• Need good ventilation as they produce a lot of smoke and cinders.

• Only have a char-grill plate, so food juices and fat can drip onto the charcoal to produce the smoke and infuse the food.

Pellet smokers these trendy grills use special hardwood pellets as fuel, infusing your food with a smoky flavor. The pellets go into a large hopper and the required amount is automatically fed through into the fire box. You close the hood and the BBQ does the work for you. Many are Wi-Fi enabled, letting you monitor and control the temperature via an app. There's a bit of a learning curve involved and the cost of pellets could add up.

Features to look for when buying a BBQ Grill/hotplate mix

Most suggest you look for a half-grill, half-hotplate cooking surface, although a larger barbecue provides more flexibility, allowing you to use more of the surface you need and leave part of the barbecue unused.

Steel or enamel exterior finishes include painted surfaces, vitreous enamel and stainless steel.

• Paint is the cheapest finish and can scratch or flake off over time.

• Vitreous enamel is tougher and more durable.

• Stainless steel is also very durable but can discolour when heated, and shows smudges and fingerprints more readily than other surfaces. Stainless steel has varying degrees of quality. To check the quality, place a magnet on all stainless steel areas. If it sticks, the stainless steel is more likely to rust; if it doesn't, it's better quality.

Hood

A good hood will open enough so it doesn't blow smoke in your face with reasonable resistance against accidental closing from gusts of wind. Double-skin hoods will reduce the external temperature. Make sure it's easy to access all of the cooking area as some hoods can restrict access with the warming plates.

Controls

Look for clearly labelled controls with positive stops at both the high and low position. Check to see that they're easy to grip and turn. Knobs that slant out from the fascia are easier to see, ensuring you don't have to bend over. Some barbecues are compatible with apps that let you monitor temperature, fuel levels and cooking time.

Fat Tray

The fat tray should be easy to access and replace. It should also be central so it catches all the fat. Look inside the barbecue for minimal cracks and crevices where dirt and grime can accumulate. A curved interior allows fat to drip down into the drip tray and is easier to clean.

Make sure you keep the fat tray on your BBQ clean, they can ignite if the are full of old fat.

Visit our range online

Newtons Home Appliances BBQ Collection

Why not try one of Gourmet Travellers top 45 recipes

Gourmet Traveller fast-barbecue-recipes