Advice & inspiration
#loveleekes
Advice & inspiration
#loveleekes
Make the most of the warm weather and enjoy dining outside with our wide range of Barbecues. Whether you are looking to invest in a modern gas Barbecues or a classic and simple charcoal Barbecues, our buying guide will help you choose the ideal type for your outdoor space and entertaining needs, as well as providing handy tips to help maintain your Barbecues throughout the year.
Gas BBQs
This type of Barbecue is quick and efficient to use. Featuring a simple push-button ignition so you can operate with ease. Gas Barbecues feature a heat adjustment function. This allows your food to be cooked more evenly and quicker too, which is a huge advantage. Just like your kitchen hob, you can immediately fire up a gas Barbecues fuss free. This is ideal as it gives the chef complete control over temperature.
Be mindful as gas Barbecues are less portable than charcoal as they require a gas canister attached. The Weber’s Genesis II range are sleek in design and are practical with their folding side table and easy gas tank access, though.
Charcoal BBQs
Charcoal Barbecues are the considerably cheaper option to a gas Barbecues. They’re also portable which allows you to move it to your preferred spot with ease. What’s important to remember is that you’ll have to make time to light the flames before you start cooking to allow the Barbecues to reach the right temperature. Depending on the type of model, the ideal time can vary but we recommend around 40 minutes.
You are ready to start cooking when the coals are white hot. Remember that you can adjust the temperature by either raising and lowering the grill. Also by fanning the fire and allowing it to cool. An added advantage is the smoky flavour given to the food cooked on charcoal that cannot be attained with gas Barbecues.
A simple solution to the ultimate question: gas or charcoal? Why not enjoy both with a hybrid grill. This fantastic combination easily and expertly converts from gas to charcoal in three simple steps.
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Burning at a high temperature, lumpwood charcoal is perfect when you cook over heat and not over flames. Once you light the charcoal, we recommend that you wait about 20-25 minutes for the charcoal to take on a greyish appearance. Some lumpwood is made purely from one type of tree, such as cherry, maple and hickory, to give off unique flavours of smoke.
Thanks to their composition, these burn a lot longer and more steadily than lumpwood as they are bound together with starch and shaped into even little chunks. So briquettes are the most reliable option to ensure that your food is evenly cooked.
After using your gas Barbecues, it is so important that the rack, lid, drip trays and burners are thoroughly cleaned. A great tip is to turn on your burners for a short amount of time and heating up any fats and residue will make it a lot easier to remove. Remember to always turn your Barbecues completely off before you safely disconnect it from any gas supply. Once the Barbecues is cool, carefully lift out the grill parts to ensure there is nothing remaining in the burners. Use soapy water with a sturdy wire brush or metal scourer to clean.
Once completely cool, remove the charcoal and place the remaining ash and dust into a rubbish bin. Remove the grill rack and scrub with soapy water and a wire brush to remove any fats and residue. Make more of the soapy water solution and clean the rest of the Barbecues with a sponge. Finish by thoroughly rinsing the Barbecues with clean water and then cover and store ready for the next use.
Correctly storing your Barbecues will keep it working at its best for years to come. Ideally, Barbecues should be stored in a clean and dry space, such as a shed or a garage. However, if you haven’t got space or access to a well sheltered space, we advise that you purchase a waterproof cover to protect your Barbecues from any weather damage or rust, and will ensure your kit is in top condition.
Why not turn your attention to creating a beautiful space for entertaining your friends and family by adorning your garden with lanterns, and add an outdoor heater to create a warm and cosy atmosphere?
It’s important to remember that ordinary kitchen tools won’t stand the intense heat, so we recommend using metal handled tools.
Only use specially made firelighters to start your charcoal barbecue as fuels like petrol and white spirit can cause dangerous fires and carry health risks.
Never move your barbecue once it’s lit and alwas wait for it to completely cool down before cleaning, covering and storing away.
In order to avoid any mishaps, never light a barbecue indoor as the gas or charcoal can give off odourless carbon monoxide, which is extremely harmful.
