Help on BBQ

Mr_Mister

I'm a total novice and would like some guidance on how to setup/use barbeques.
I'm thinking of buying a BBQ for £20 but havent got a clue about the other things i need to buy like coal etc.
Also, advice of the preparation of meats and what to look out for.
Ank web links will be of great help
Thanks

DuncanMiller

I always like getting the self lighting charcoal bags.

Costs a tiny bit more than the normal stuff but takes away the hassle and annoyance at trying to get the thing to liht - all you have to do is place the bag in you BBQ and then light the corners of the paper bag and away it goes!

crispyduck_2

Just left reply to your torch question.

I've use a mix of gas, charcoal and wood barbies and for flavour prefer the charcoal with a little oak chippings for smokiness and gas for straight away speediness.

Meat wise depending on thick the pieces are it is a good idea for the thicker pieces to do a little cooking, esp chicken and then just finish off on the outside on the BBQ.

Sauces are best done almost last thing otherwise they can burn and give you bitter flavourings on your meat, sounds poncey but a meat thermometer can be had quite cheaply and takes the unknown out of your meat cooking in general (about £6 from good cookshops), I won't go without one now.

Saw this yesterday and thought it would be quite cool as a postable jobby.

http://www.iwantoneofthose.com/fold-flat-bbq/index.html#top

C

Mr_Mister

crispyduck wrote: »

Just left reply to your torch question.

I've use a mix of gas, charcoal and wood barbies and for flavour prefer the charcoal with a little oak chippings for smokiness and gas for straight away speediness.

Meat wise depending on thick the pieces are it is a good idea for the thicker pieces to do a little cooking, esp chicken and then just finish off on the outside on the BBQ.

Sauces are best done almost last thing otherwise they can burn and give you bitter flavourings on your meat, sounds poncey but a meat thermometer can be had quite cheaply and takes the unknown out of your meat cooking in general (about £6 from good cookshops), I won't go without one now.

Saw this yesterday and thought it would be quite cool as a postable jobby.

http://www.iwantoneofthose.com/fold-flat-bbq/index.html#top

C

I'm tempted to go for a Gas one but it wont be a 'proper' BBQ then. The portable one looks good but i wanna gain some experience doing it at home before I try it elsewhere.
thanks

crispyduck_2

If you want charcoal then don't spend the earth to start with, you could even try the disposable ones you can buy in packs from the co-op, if you can cook well with one of those then you can do anything!

The other option is make one yourself, the oil drum or the metal bin with upturned lid and put a grill mesh on top.

I've looked at the DIY store stuff and it seems to be all mouth and no trousers, they look flash but when it comes down to it the principle of a BBQ is really simple I reckon, you could even dig a hole in the ground and put a grill mesh over the top, line it or not just be careful when the weather is dry but man that would be cheap and re-usable!

Let us know how you get on.

PS If you like Life on Mars try some of these soundfiles!!!

http://www.mafster.co.uk/space/files/audio/

I've only listened to a few so far but the quality sounds pretty good...

Jonesya

I'd say make sure you get a BBQ with air vents around the coal tray, it makes it easier to light and gives you more control over the heat output - some of the cheaper BBQs have a solid tray which impedes airflow making them tricky to light.

The type of charcoal can make a difference - I've always found lumpwood the easiest to light, briquettes are more difficult but burn longer.

I quite like the cast iron barrel BBQs, they're quite cheap and you get good airflow so they're easy to light.

kaan_is

is it possible to use both....gas/charcoal..??