barbecues Barbecue Buyer's Guide bbq bbqs

When buying a barbecue, there are several important things to consider and questions to ask. A reputable BBQ specialist will give you the biggest range and allow you to mix and match trolleys, BBQ's, roast hoods, side burners and additional extras, offering a BBQ tailored to your individual requirements. These days a BBQ is considered an extension of your kitchen, and should ideally be located near the main cooking area – you'll probably be surprised how much use it will get. Remember that the price of the BBQ will determine quality, performance and longevity.

Cast Iron is used in most BBQ's, with a range in quality available. Premium cast iron surfaces can be coated in a non-rust ceramic finish that prevents rust and is easier to clean. Stainless steel cooking surfaces are also available. In many of the later models the grills come in stainless steel. Stainless steel is ideal if your BBQ is to be situated near the beach, as a stainless steel finish will resist rusting and erosion due to the salty atmosphere to the greatest degree.

The Grill is designed for cooking steaks, kebabs and other meats. It cooks food directly over the BBQ rock or flame tamer, allowing juices to fall onto the rock or flame tamer which then smokes and flares up giving your food a distinct barbecue flavour. Food cooked in this way is low in fat content and is the healthiest option. The Hot Plate is ideal for cooking foods that would fall through the grill, such as eggs, tomatoes and mushrooms. The baking dish is for cooking marinated foods.

The portable model is by far the most popular as it offers greater flexibility. However built in models can look great on paved areas and complement your entertaining area. Also, as more and more people are encompassing the BBQ as an extension of the kitchen, a new range of BBQs called ‘Island BBQs' are becoming increasingly popular. These Island BBQs are BBQs which can incorporate sinks and fridges into the cabinet to make the ultimate outdoor cooking area. On whether you purchase a portable, built in, or island BBQ depends on personal choice.

Natural Gas is the best option as it provides an inexhaustible, economical gas supply. The new, flexible natural gas hose allows the BBQ greater flexibility of movement. Natural Gas BBQ's are only available from specialist retailers. Alternatively, there is bottled gas. This is easy to fit but requires regular refilling. The preferred cylinder sizes are the 4.5kg and the 9kg. The 9kg is the most economically viable in the long run as it requires less refilling.

There are several types of ignition systems: the push button and rotary piezo ignition systems as well as the new battery powered rapid-fire ignition system. The latter is the best; with a simple touch of a button, the burner will light instantly. If you are apprehensive about lighting BBQ's, you will appreciate this feature.

This depends on where your BBQ is to be situated.
BAKED ENAMEL: Does not resist heat or UV rays very well, and so is only suitable for areas that are well covered. VITREOUS ENAMEL: A hard finish that is easy to clean and heat resistant. It is absolutely ideal for a BBQ built within brickwork or outside in the elements.
STAINLESS STEEL: The most durable finish, perfect for salt air conditions. Must be FULLY (not SPOT) welded, and be sure that the complete body is stainless steel and not just the front.

The size of the BBQ is determined by the amount of burners: two; three; four five, six or seven. The larger the BBQ, the greater the flexibility in cooking surface.

There are four types of BBQ trolley to choose from:
METAL TROLLEYS: There is a big variance in quality. Look for solid construction with a durable finish. Their main advantage is their low maintenance.
TIMBER TROLLEYS: There is a BIG difference in the quality of the timber trolleys available. Jarrah is the premium timber. A good quality trolley should have big wheels and wide timber legs with extra bolts for side shelf support. These are good looking and complement timber patios. Check the construction and make sure there is plenty of bracing; give the trolley a good shake,
if it seems to wobble — FORGET IT!
STAINLESS STEEL TROLLEYS: These are extremely durable and look fantastic. They are ideal for a salt-air environment, as they will never rust. Another plus is their low maintenance.
CABINET TROLLEYS: The area underneath the BBQ is completely enclosed, providing a useful storage area for all your BBQ accessories. Features of the cabinet trolley include swinging doors and a side burner. These are good looking trolleys that complement any patio. Ensure that the trolley you buy has 4 wheels –not two - to allow easy movement.

Side burners are an optional, stove-like cooking area attached to the side of your BBQ. They are useful for boiling water, making gravies and allow you to cook wok style foods such as a stir-fry.
An inexpensive and worthwhile addition to any BBQ. An infared back burner is for people who want to do spit cooking in a traditional manner (just like at a fish and chip shop). Whether you decide to purchase a back burner on your BBQ us once again purely a personal choice, and may depend on what application you are going to use the BBQ for.

They open up a whole new world of outdoor cooking, and can be added at a later date - just make sure that the BBQ you are looking at will accept a Roast Hood. Check the quality of the hinge system, handle and temperature gauge, and that the finish is Vitreous Enamel or Stainless Steel (avoid painted Roast Hoods as these are low quality).

Some BBQ's come with a Flame Tamer that can be either metal or cast iron. The alternative is BBQ rock; the preferred type being genuine lava rock. Both are extremely good, however the lava rock is susceptible to flaring. We would recommend flame tamers as opposed to lava rock as flame tamers enable more controlled cooking.

There are two types of draining systems. The simpler BBQ's have a slide out drain tray, but the better BBQ's have a double drain system that is more effective and easier to clean. They reduce the
likelihood of a fat fire as fat is collected and stored in a container away from the heat.

All BBQ's approved by the Australian Gas Association must be supplied with a hose and regulator. Check that the regulator you are given will fit the cylinder you have. Adapter fittings are available if there are any problems.