Barbeques
September 1st 2008 00:50
There are many different styles, shapes and sizes for barbeques, you just need to choose a design to suit your needs. There are many households with several barbeque options, and this is not a bad idea for the keen barbequers. This will also provide seasonal barbeque options all year round.
First, decide where you are wanting to do the barbequing. Is there room for a table nearby, or some relaxing deck chairs in which to enjoy the food? Pick your spot, on the deck, verandah, balcony, corner of the backyard or near the pool. This will dictate what kind of barbeque to get.
For the small entertainment areas, size will be a definite contraint. However, this will not limit the ability to barbeque at all. There are several styles of small or portable barbeques, pick depending on budget or style. There is the traditional tripod style, known as kettle barbeques, with a round hot plate and either with a domed lid or metal shield on one side.
There are also many table top varieties of barbeque, designed to sit on the table and let you cook it as you go. Some fuel options include electric where a powerpoint needs to be handy, as well as heat beads or coals. Care needs to be taken to ensure the barbeque or food doesn't end up on someone's lap, as well as preventing any burns to unsuspecting guests.
Moving out in space, for the backyard or deck there is the low key flat top barbeques, without a lid. This is the variety usually seen at a surf club or school fete fundraising barbeque. The legs are usually folding, or the barbeque is on a trolley. This type is great if you don't have a need for a lid to roast anything. Seeing as most barbequeing is simply grilling the meat, not roasting a chook, then this is a simple option.
The barbeque with the hood or lid is the most popular version, and there are multitudes of brands and designs. This is a good size for an substantial backyard or outdoor area, not a verandah or balcony. The lid enables more cooking options, such as roasting, and some models also come with a rotisserie function.
These and the flat top barbeques will have more burners than the tripod version, which may only have one or two. The average size usually has 4 to 6 burners, which don't need to be used all at once. If you can afford it, 6 to 8 burners can come in handy if you are likely to have a lot of guests in the future.
The next step above this is the outdoor kitchen, so that the meal can be prepared, cooked, and washed up in the one place. This is more than just a barbeque, and can take up quite a bit of room. Sometimes the units are refered to as 'islands'. Within an outdoor kitchen set up there should be place to keep the food warm without turning it to charcoal, as well as cupboards, sinks, additional burners and shelving.
There are also non-freestanding models which are designed to be built into permanent areas, and are like a barbeque minus the stand or trolley. They are meant to be built into a specially made area, such as a brick platform. This could be a renovation job in itself, with a designated barbeque area, with built in barbeque and space for a table, chairs and somewhere to relax.
There are several questions you will be faced with, when choosing a barbeque. The fuel, gas, charcoal or electricity. There are positives and negatives for all three, the question is best answered by what does your space dictate, and what are you most comfortable using? Charcoal will give a better barbeque flavour than electric, and gas bottles may run out at an inopportune moment. If the fuel is not a problem, then just buy a barbeque based on size and style and go with whatever fuel option is necessary.
Barbeques are now being made out of stainless steel, as well as enamel. Hot plates are either stainless steel, cast iron or enamel. These surfaces can all be cleaned with warm soapy water, however some can be sprayed with cooking spray to prevent rusting. Check with the retailer and manufacturer for the cleaning and maintenance requirements for your barbeque.
As far as accessories go, barbeque tools need to be just like kitchen utensils, but longer. That's pretty much the only requirement, but alos consider buying a barbeque cover, to protect it from the elements. It will be another expense, but it will save the larger purchase for many summers to come.
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