What BBQ Should You Buy? A Buying Guide
No Australian household is complete without a trusty barbeque, the symbol of get togethers, friends, and endless summer nights. And nothing brings us Aussies together like a shared love of grilled meat or vegetables! But barbeques are not just a social cooking tool, barbeques are functional year-round, and in all weather conditions if you have the right set up.
We love barbeques for their ability to cook a variety of meats, in different ways, at the same time. There’s nothing quite like grilling some sausages alongside chops, steak, and skewers to provide a mouth-watering meat medley for your guests. Barbeques can provide a unique charred flavour, or even smokey flavour depending on your barbeque. And on top of this, there is less clean up and dishes afterwards!
There are so many different barbeques available, and your choice of BBQ will depend on what you want to prioritise - flavour, size, cooking styles, features, and fuel source. On top of this there are a number of questions to ask yourself before deciding on a barbeque style - What is your budget? Where will it go? Do you want to be able to use it in all weather conditions? How many people do you want to be able to cook for at once?
BBQs can be differentiated by portability and fuel source. We’ll take a deep dive into each of these features, as well as consider other BBQ features to help you decide on the best BBQ type for your needs.
Portability:
-
Portable BBQ:
Portable barbeques are perfect for taking to the beach, holiday home, or even camping. These barbeques are typically more compact “table top” versions of bigger barbeques, so cooking features might be a bit more limited, but they are great for barbequing on the go.
-
Built in BBQ:
If you’re fortunate enough to have an outdoor living space that can accommodate a built in barbeque, why not get one installed! Built in barbeques make a great addition to outdoor entertaining, and acts as an outdoor kitchen. These should be connected to your natural gas but a professional, but along with the other outdoor kitchen features such as a mini fridge and benchtop, your outdoor cooking and entertaining will become a breeze. However, just remember that as they are built in, you can’t take it with you if you move
-
Freestanding:
The most popular choice for Australian barbeque owners, freestanding BBQ’s are bigger than portable barbeques, and if you move house you can take them with you. Most opt for a stainless steel BBQ, often a 6 burner BBQ, with side benches on either side for ease of prep. The great thing about freestanding barbeques is that they can be moved around depending on the weather, to make it a great cooking option year-round.
Fuel Source:
-
Electric BBQ:
Electric BBQs are super easy to use, you just plug it in and away you go! No ventilation is required for an electric BBQ, and you can use it anywhere you have a power source. However, what you gain in ease of use, you can lose slightly in flavour. Yes, you can still char your meat and veggies in an electric BBQ, but you lack the ability to add additional flavour such as smoke.
-
Gas BBQ:
Gas barbeques provide more control over cooking temperatures, and can heat up incredibly fast. Many people prefer the taste of meat cooked with gas than electric, whether this is on a stovetop or on a BBQ, and gas BBQs can cook food more evenly than a charcoal BBQ. Gas BBQs are fuelled by LPG from a gas bottle, or by natural gas that has been connected to your mains. However, as gas barbeques emit gas fumes, gas BBQs must be set up in a well-ventilated space and you should avoid using them inside or in an enclosed space.
Some gas barbeques also don’t fare so well in the wind, make sure you carefully review the options available.
-
Charcoal BBQ or Smoker:
Charcoal barbeques can take longer to heat up, can take longer to cook, and can often provide inconsistent cooking conditions, however you can’t go past a charcoal BBQ if you’re after a smokey flavour in your cooking. Charcoal barbequing is more high maintenance due to the extra effort in setting up the BBQ, cooking your food, and cleaning up afterwards. So charcoal barbequing is usually for those who are super passionate about barbequing.
Other BBQ features:
-
BBQ Hoods:
Some barbeques come with hoods, to trap the heat and smoke for more even cooking and better flavour. Barbeques with hoods can also be used for roasting meats, slow cooking, and grilling pizzas. It’s also handy for trying to barbeque on a windy day.
-
Cooking Surfaces:
Some BBQs will come with not just a grilling plate, but with a solid hotplate as well so you can cook multiple items at once. For example, you can fry bacon on the grill, and fry some eggs on the hot plate.
-
Cooking Styles:
For those after something a bit extra, you can find options that include BBQ accessories such as rotisserie racks, smoking racks, wok burners and more.
Whatever your barbeque needs, Gasmate has got you covered, offering a wide range of BBQs and accessories to suit all cooking styles and preferences. From portable BBQs and outdoor kitchens, to heating, lighting and other outdoor entertaining accessories, Gasmate can help you transform your outdoor entertaining area
Gasmate has been an iconic Australian barbequing brand since the 1970s, supplementing outdoor adventures and backyard lifestyles through high quality and innovative barbequing products. With a commitment to excellence in design and technical standards, Gasmate’s expanding range will take your passion for grilled meats to new heights! Check out the range at our key stockists online.
For more information, call our friendly team on 1300 174 876 or visit your local Gasmate stockist.