BBQ advice

polr

** Edit to say I know charcoal is an option but we have decided against this having used both :-) **

Ok, so not the time of year really BUT I'm thinking of a BBQ for my OH birthday in March but on looking I realise I have no ideas about what's a good brand or specs.

I don't want to spend a fortune and it needs to cook 90% of the time for just 4 of us and 10% for the odd party. I don't think it needs in excess of 3 burners but I also don't want to waste fuel heating a large area for justt he 4 of us.

I've also read that lava rocks give a traditional BBQ taste and good to cook on.

I know Weber is a popular brand but way too much money.

I've seen this one but unsure of brand etc - reviews look good though.

https://www.outbackdirect.co.uk/disc-outback-omega-200-gas-barbecue-inc-cover-reg.html?gclid=CPKqquWK2NECFeUV0wod4iMLeQ

This one too as I THINK it can only have half the grill switched on at a time : https://www.outbackdirect.co.uk/outback-omega-250-gas-hooded-bbq-side-burner.html

Any advice or recommendations gratefully received!

andrewf75

My advice would be get a proper BBQ not a gas one!

polr

Definitely has to be gas, we want to be able to use it quickly and on the spur of the moment and our old charcoal one just wasn't handy enough compare to the clapped out gas one we have at the moment!

SplanK

andrewf75 wrote: »

My advice would be get a proper BBQ not a gas one!

Why?
We have a gas one and love it. Highly convenient, taste is reasonably close to a coal BBQ, heat is adjustable as well as being more or less instant....

andrewf75

SplanK wrote: »

Why?
We have a gas one and love it. Highly convenient, taste is reasonably close to a coal BBQ, heat is adjustable as well as being more or less instant....

I appreciate the advantages, but for me BBQing isn't about convenience. Lighting a real fire is part of what its all about. Otherwise why not just cook inside and bring the food out?

polr

andrewf75 wrote: »

I appreciate the advantages, but for me BBQing isn't about convenience. Lighting a real fire is part of what its all about. Otherwise why not just cook inside and bring the food out?

Because where's the fun in that?!

Anyway, I take your point and years ago I'd have said the same but things change (read: kids!)

I'm specifically asking for advice on gas BBQs based on experience of using both and prefering gas so hopefully a gas BBQ fan will come along and help :-)

SplanK

andrewf75 wrote: »

I appreciate the advantages, but for me BBQing isn't about convenience. Lighting a real fire is part of what its all about. Otherwise why not just cook inside and bring the food out?

The social side of it, and cooking outdoors?!


Personal preference regarding convenience aspect. I chose gas simply because it is convenient and we can quickly get it setup if the weather is nice rather than having to faff about with coal...

Anyway, going slightly OT since the OP has already said they want gas!


I've had 2. One was a 'cheap' £100 unit from B&Q which lasted several years, and my newer one was the 4 burner Tesco branded unit that went on offer through summer last year. Granted a bit flimsy and will probably rust/damage quick if left outside, but having a garage to dump it in to protect it should allow it to last a reasonable length of time.


Looking at the image, the Outback one you posted looks VERY similar to the Tesco one I bought. Only has it 12 months but seems ok if looked after right. I think most around that price point are "ok" and are designed for more 'every now and then' use rather than regular use and abuse if that makes sense.

Chrishazle

I'm on my 3rd gas BBQ, converted from charcoal many years ago and would not go back! Wood smoke chips are great for taste, and easy.

Biggest benefits of the current (9 year old) BBQ are it's full stainless steel so no rust although it lives outdoors year round (covered when not in use) and it has a back burner rotisserie, which is brilliant. Does a better job of roasting than our fan oven, meat stays really moist and tender. I've doen prime rib on the bone, topside, leg of lamb, pork loin, chicken, you name it! Has 3 main burners as well as the back and side burners, really versatile.

Have a look on Ebay, seller gardengamesandleisure had good ones for around £200 a year or so back, but ATM they have none listed - wrong time of year I guess!

Grenage

Keep it clean, and have a decent cover, and I imagine that any gas BBQ will last a good while. My Dad has had a couple of Outbacks and the build quality was ok, my sister bought an 'own-brand' from Asda, and that seemed ok.

cajef

andrewf75 wrote: »

I appreciate the advantages, but for me BBQing isn't about convenience. Lighting a real fire is part of what its all about. Otherwise why not just cook inside and bring the food out?

Agreed, we used a charcoal BBQ for several years then changed to a gas one, the food just did not taste the same as something cooked on charcoal, now using a Weber charcoal BBQ well worth paying that bit extra for.

Kiran

Chimney starter and lump wood if you want to cook quickly!