5 Steps to Choosing the Perfect Barbecue
In the market for a new barbecue? Check out these 5 must-know tips for selecting the right model for your needs
Ashling Kwok
29 December 2017
Houzz Australia Contributor, Content Writer, Editor & Author based in Sydney - www.ashlingkwok.com
Houzz Australia Contributor, Content Writer, Editor & Author based in Sydney - ... More
Barbecue season is here, which means it’s time to head outside and cook up a storm. If you’re considering upgrading to a new and improved model, check out our five-step guide to helping you make the right choice.
A barbecue is a big investment, so it’s important to find a model that not only suits your cooking needs, but your budget and outdoor style too. Barbecues have gone seriously high tech in recent years and now boast all sort of whizzbang features, including rotisseries, temperature gauges and wok burners.
Generally speaking, the more sophisticated and numerous the inclusions, the bigger the price tag. Expect to pay anything from a couple of hundred dollars for a basic charcoal model to several thousand for a fully decked-out, built-in outdoor kitchen with all the bells and whistles.
Generally speaking, the more sophisticated and numerous the inclusions, the bigger the price tag. Expect to pay anything from a couple of hundred dollars for a basic charcoal model to several thousand for a fully decked-out, built-in outdoor kitchen with all the bells and whistles.
1. Consider your needs
The key to getting the best from your budget is to decide which features you’re prepared to pay for and which you can live without. To do this, think about what you need from your barbecue – do you cook elaborate roasts or side dishes and need a rotisserie or a side burner? Do you cook for large numbers and need multiple burners? Do you have the space for a complete outdoor kitchen or can you just about squeeze in a freestanding or tabletop model? Are you after a permanent, built-in model or would you prefer the flexibility of a portable style on castors?
The key to getting the best from your budget is to decide which features you’re prepared to pay for and which you can live without. To do this, think about what you need from your barbecue – do you cook elaborate roasts or side dishes and need a rotisserie or a side burner? Do you cook for large numbers and need multiple burners? Do you have the space for a complete outdoor kitchen or can you just about squeeze in a freestanding or tabletop model? Are you after a permanent, built-in model or would you prefer the flexibility of a portable style on castors?
2. Choose the right fuel type
Once you’ve identified your needs, consider which fuel type is right for you. There are three main ones to choose from – gas, electric and charcoal. Each has its own pros and cons and is suited to different backyard set-ups.
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Once you’ve identified your needs, consider which fuel type is right for you. There are three main ones to choose from – gas, electric and charcoal. Each has its own pros and cons and is suited to different backyard set-ups.
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Gas barbecues: Gas is the most popular fuel type, according to Russell Crosdale, barbecue product expert at Appliances Online. Gas produces high heat fast and is easy to control. It burns cleaner than charcoal and is generally cheaper too. Take your pick from bottled LPG styles and natural gas that connects to your gas mains.
“Gas barbecues are the most popular due to their versatility and the vast number of sizes on offer. Choose from built-in styles or ones on a cart or trolley that are easy to manoeuvre around the backyard,” says Crosdale. “Although gas barbecues heat up quickly and and will cook an amazing rib-eye steak or roast chicken, be aware that they are limited in their ability to smoke food and give you a truly authentic, barbecued flavour.”
“Gas barbecues are the most popular due to their versatility and the vast number of sizes on offer. Choose from built-in styles or ones on a cart or trolley that are easy to manoeuvre around the backyard,” says Crosdale. “Although gas barbecues heat up quickly and and will cook an amazing rib-eye steak or roast chicken, be aware that they are limited in their ability to smoke food and give you a truly authentic, barbecued flavour.”
Electric barbecues: If live in an apartment and your outdoor area consists of little more than a small balcony, an electric barbecue is a great option. Electric models require no ventilation, so you don’t have to worry about cooking smells wafting up to the neighbours, and they can be safely used undercover. They are easy to install and maintain – many can simply be popped on a tabletop and stored away after use – and cleaning them is a breeze. While they are certainly convenient and versatile, Crosdale warns that they also won’t imbue food with that authentic barbecue flavour.
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Charcoal barbecues: You can pick up a basic charcoal barbecue for under a hundred dollars, although if you’re looking for something with more bells and whistles, there are more sophisticated and expensive models on the market. Charcoal models will give your food that authentic, smoky barbecue flavour, however, be aware that this style of cooking requires some skill to master. There are other factors to consider too, says Geraldine Gillespie, cooking buyer at The Good Guys.“Charcoal barbecues can take longer to heat up and can also be difficult to clean,” she says.
3. Factor in your lifestyle
The next step is to consider your lifestyle.
If you love camping or taking the family on long road trips, a lightweight, portable barbecue is a sensible choice. While, if you enjoy cooking outdoors and don’t want to be running in and out of the house with arms full of dishes, a fully decked-out outdoor kitchen with barbecue, fridge, sink and storage might be worth the investment. If you cook for large numbers, upgrading from a standard four-burner model to an six- or eight-burner might be a wise decision. If you and your family enjoy eating more than standard barbecue fare of sausages and steak, you might want a style that incorporates added extras such as a pizza oven or smoker.
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The next step is to consider your lifestyle.
If you love camping or taking the family on long road trips, a lightweight, portable barbecue is a sensible choice. While, if you enjoy cooking outdoors and don’t want to be running in and out of the house with arms full of dishes, a fully decked-out outdoor kitchen with barbecue, fridge, sink and storage might be worth the investment. If you cook for large numbers, upgrading from a standard four-burner model to an six- or eight-burner might be a wise decision. If you and your family enjoy eating more than standard barbecue fare of sausages and steak, you might want a style that incorporates added extras such as a pizza oven or smoker.
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4. Assess quality
As with anything, you get what you pay for with barbecues. For most of us, a barbecue is a long-term purchase, so focus on finding a quality model that will stand the test of time, and be prepared to pay for the best you can afford.
Barbecues come in a range of different materials, including aluminium, sheet metal, and stainless steel. Stainless steel is generally the most expensive material, but it is rust-resistant and durable and will withstand being left outdoors.
When you’re in-store, check that the hood and doors close properly, the barbecue structure is sturdy, and that any casters roll smoothly.
As with anything, you get what you pay for with barbecues. For most of us, a barbecue is a long-term purchase, so focus on finding a quality model that will stand the test of time, and be prepared to pay for the best you can afford.
Barbecues come in a range of different materials, including aluminium, sheet metal, and stainless steel. Stainless steel is generally the most expensive material, but it is rust-resistant and durable and will withstand being left outdoors.
When you’re in-store, check that the hood and doors close properly, the barbecue structure is sturdy, and that any casters roll smoothly.
5. Pay attention to the fine print
With proper care, a quality barbecue should last for years. Once you’ve settled on a model, check the warranty details and make sure that spare parts are readily available.
With proper care, a quality barbecue should last for years. Once you’ve settled on a model, check the warranty details and make sure that spare parts are readily available.
Tell us
How do you like to barbecue? Tell us in the comments below. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to like, share or bookmark this story.
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Read more outdoor stories
How do you like to barbecue? Tell us in the comments below. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to like, share or bookmark this story.
More
Read more outdoor stories
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Love my gas Webber, I'd never have anything else. I use it winter and summer and hardly ever use my indoor oven.
I second comment above. I BBQ multiple times a week and my Weber Family Q is the best I’ve ever had.
I third the comment above - I use my middle size Weber all the time and haven't used my indoor oven yet! Must admit I'm a bit bemused by these 'outdoor kitchens' - they seem to defeat the purpose of outdoor BBQing if you ask me - and who wants two kitchens to clean?