| If convenience is a major factor, a gas barbecue is | | | | The size of a stainless steel BBQ can be determined |
| the best choice. If you like to get home from work | | | | in two specific ways - the grilling area and the |
| and dine al fresco in the evening, a gas BBQ is ready | | | | number of burners. Generally barbecue retailers in the |
| at the flick of a switch. But you will sacrifice some of | | | | UK sell gas BBQs based on the number of burners |
| that authentic smoky flavour. However, if you only | | | | they have for example 3 burner, 4 burner or 5 |
| tend to barbie at weekends, when you have plenty | | | | burner. Generally the more burners a BBQ has, the |
| of time to get the fire started, and wait for the | | | | bigger it is. However some manufacturers put the |
| coals to be ready, a charcoal barbie is the one to | | | | burners very close together making the BBQ smaller |
| choose. | | | | in size. Your therefore need to also consider the |
| Firstly, you need to consider the type of BBQ you | | | | grilling area which is the actual space available for |
| want. There are two main options to choose from | | | | cooking your food. |
| charcoal or gas: | | | | What type of accessories are available for the BBQ |
| The Charcoal BBQ - The charcoal barbecue provides | | | | you choose is also important when looking to |
| that unique charcoal BBQ taste to food which many | | | | purchase one. Generally on a charcoal BBQ, the only |
| people love. However to achieve this tantalising taste | | | | accessories available from the manufacturer are |
| involves a lot of work. First you have to layer the | | | | possibly different shapes of grill. However for a |
| charcoal correctly to ensure it'll burn uniformly and | | | | stainless steel gas BBQ, accessories include rotisseries |
| cook the food evenly. The next challenge is to | | | | for large joints of meat, racks for chickens, grill |
| actually get the BBQ lit, which is often a real challenge | | | | baskets for cooking fish or vegetables and special grill |
| if there's the slightest of breezes. Once lit, it's a case | | | | holders for corn on the cob. |
| of fanning the flames and obtaining the correct | | | | Another consideration when choosing a barbecue is |
| cooking temperature to ensure food is cooked all the | | | | how durable it is. Although many people tend to |
| way though - after all you don't want to give your | | | | store their BBQs in the shed or garage during the |
| friends and family food poisoning. | | | | winter, it is often not practical to keep getting the |
| The Stainless Steel Gas BBQ - For those who are | | | | BBQ out and putting it away every time you use it - |
| looking for a simpler and less time-consuming method | | | | especially in the height of summer. You can therefore |
| of outdoor cooking, there is the stainless steel Gas | | | | expect your BBQ to be exposed to the elements at |
| BBQ. The main advantages of gas over charcoal are | | | | some point. The most durable material for your BBQ |
| that the barbecue is easier to light and offers a more | | | | to be made from is Stainless Steel as it is less likely |
| consistent and controllable way of cooking which | | | | to rust and is also reasonably lightweight for when |
| gives you more time to enjoy with family and friends. | | | | you are moving it to and from its storage area. You |
| Plus by buying a gas BBQ, you aren't necessarily | | | | can also buy covers for most makes of barbecue |
| sacrificing flavour. The renowned barbecue flavour is | | | | which offers further protection. |
| achieved by the meat residues dripping into the | | | | You also need to consider the practicalities of looking |
| flames and then vaporizing on the cooking food. | | | | after your BBQ and one of these factors is cleaning |
| After choosing the type of barbecue to meet your | | | | it. With traditional charcoal BBQs you have to wait for |
| needs, you need to consider the size of barbecue | | | | the charcoal to cool down and then dispose of it, |
| you will need. The first thing to consider is what type | | | | before you can actually clean it, by which time, the |
| of foods you will be cooking on a regular basis. For | | | | meat residues will have also cooled and will be stuck |
| example if you are looking to regularly have a | | | | firmly to the grill. The advantage of a stainless steel |
| traditional family BBQ for four people, you are most | | | | gas BBQ is that it can be cleaned straight after it has |
| likely going to want to cook burgers and sausages | | | | been turned off. This makes it much easier to clean |
| and maybe also toast marshmallows for dessert. | | | | as the meat residues are still warm making them |
| However if you enjoy entertaining and will be | | | | easier to remove. |
| regularly holding large alfresco dinner parties, you may | | | | There are many types, brands and sizes of barbecue |
| be looking to cook slightly more adventurous food | | | | on the market in the UK today and it's possible to |
| such as joints of meat and fish, followed by banana | | | | find a suitable option no matter how big or small your |
| splits for dessert. | | | | budget. |