Although it’s been an iffy week weather-wise, the record-breaking temperatures last weekend remind us that the barbecue season is well and truly upon us. If you love cooking outside with a beer or glass of wine in your hand, perhaps it’s worth investing in a new barbecue to see you through the summer?
Charcoal and gas barbecues both have their plus points and minuses.
Charcoal BBQs
For many, charcoal grilling is the only way to barbecue, because it imbues food with an incomparable chargrilled flavour.
The range starts with cheap and cheerful disposable barbecues, which are especially particularly convenient if you plan to use them away from home, such as on a caravan holiday or at the beach.
Then there are permanent yet portable styles of barbecue, such as the Landmann Kettle, Tripod or Pedestal barbecues, all of which cost under £40.
At the other end of the scale, Kamado Joe’s big grill barbecues range from several hundred pounds to over a thousand. With their performance and durability though, they are well worth the money if you use your barbecue frequently.
Gas BBQs
Many BBQ fans are now gas barbecue converts, and it’s easy to see why. As long as there’s some gas in your bottle, you can cook.
These barbecues often bear more than a passing resemblance to a full-sized indoor cooker, and range in price from under £200 to around £1,000.
Accessories
To go with your new barbecue, you can buy a range of accessories, from tool sets, skewers and grill brushes to covers. Outback, the reclining chairs specialist, even make a barbecue gazebo, which is perfect for cooking in less than ideal barbecue weather.
