The Barbecue Taste Test

Barbecues, there are so many options these days, sizes, methods of cooking, shapes, the options are endless. We thought we would give you some advice on perhaps the most fundamental question. Do you choose gas or charcoal?

In todays Barbecue market the choice is made easier, in some respects, and more complicated in others by the development of both products. Price is the first major thing. Charcoal is usually a more cost-effective solution but if you want the most from your BBQ you need to think harder than that!

CHARCOAL

Purists argue that the only way to grill is using Charcoal; using Charcoal certainly adds that distinctive flavour, as fat and juices from the food drips onto the Charcoal it flares and gives that awesome smoked flavour, but a lot of people are put off by the long time it takes to start up the BBQ and the irregular cooking temperature, but they really needn't be….

Chimney Starters

The Chimney Starter does two things, firstly it gets your coals quickly and precisely up to cooking temperature, it also ensures all the coals are ignited and therefore gives you an even grilling temperature throughout the BBQ.

Charcoal / Heat Beads / Briquettes

If you associate Barbecuing with burnt sausages and fire, lots of fire, then you might want to consider changing your fuel! By using a more compact and even density fuel, like Heat Beads, you can control cooking temperature a lot more. This will help you get the most of your BBQ.

GAS

There is no denying that Gas Barbecues represent a more convenient and controlled way of grilling. With the introduction of high quality burners and flavour bars and plates Gas Barbecues are now also competing on taste level too. These bars and plates sit above the burners and 'smoke' any fat and juices from the grilling area. The result is an authentic, smoky flavour product, but it doesn't end there….

Wood Chips

If you want to increase the smoky flavour of your Gas BBQ then you can add Wood Chips into the mix. These will gently smoke as the food is cooking. Use either a smoker box or drip tray to put your wood chips in.

WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH BOTH

Thanks to the extensive range of accessories that are available for both Gas and Charcoal options, you really can achieve a lot from both types of setup. Barbecue isn't just for grilling sausages anymore, you can cook your own pizza, roast a chicken, griddle, fry and smoke your way to BBQ Bliss.

If you would like any further advice and information on BBQ choice please contact us. Happy Barbecuing!