Barbecues & Chimeneas | Home & Garden Classifieds

The purchase of a new barbeque, whether it be brand new or merely "new to you" (some excellent second-hand items are available) can be a worthwhile and rewarding experience. As with the majority of household items, the primary considerations need to be the purpose for which it will be used, along with the available budget. The basic premise is to buy only as much barbeque as will be used. This will require a determination of its frequency and extent of use.

BUYING A BARBEQUE
Barbeques are generally fuelled by charcoal or gas, though a few electric models exist. Both charcoal and gas barbeques will grill food adequately, so the choice of fuel is a matter of personal preference. Charcoal barbeques, particularly the smaller models are inexpensive, but are often difficult to light, messy and smoky. However, for many cooks (men especially!) this seems to be half the fun of barbequing. If money and space are not considerations, it may be useful to buy one of each type. This will allow for experimentation as to which is best for a particular task. It may be appropriate to purchase a small charcoal barbeque for family use, along with a larger gas-powered grill for parties etc.

Gas Barbeques
For cooking on any sort of scale, gas barbeques are the order of the day. Prices start from under 100, but it is possible to spend several thousands on a model with all the latest "bells and whistles." Price is usually directly proportional to the size of the grill. A medium / large grilling area of about 500 square inches will cope with the grilling of approx. 30 burgers at a time, enough for most gatherings. It is also worth considering that a barbeque, which is capable of cooking for large groups, will also need plenty of area for food preparation. Additionally, side warmers and warming racks that keep cooked dishes hot while others are cooking may also be required. It may be worth considering the purchase of a more deluxe model with an outdoor light and side shelves. Such barbeques can be very expensive, but if you entertain frequently, they can be a worthwhile investment. With the appropriate care, a high-quality stainless steel grill will last a lifetime.

Heat Output
Heat output is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). The greater the number of independently controlled burners and the ways in which they can be controlled, the greater the number of cooking options any barbeque will offer. Generally, modern barbeques have anything from one to four burners, generating from twenty-five to sixty thousand BTUs. As a guide forty thousand BTUs is considered hot, while anything in excess of fifty thousand BTUs is blazing. Auxiliary burners are generally rated between ten and twelve thousand BTUs.

Fuel
Gas barbeques may be fuelled by either propane or natural gas. If there is a suitable nearby gas outlet, its use will ensure that fuel does not run out in the middle of an event.
If using natural gas, be certain to use a "bayonet" type fitting (like a gas cooker). This will make connection / disconnection of the barbecue straightforward, which is useful, as the barbecue will need to be moved in poor weather etc. If there is no nearby gas connection, the barbeque will need to run on propane cylinders.

Construction
Burners are typically cast iron, steel or stainless steel. Stainless steel is considered top of the range. Most grills come with electronic ignition. The barbeque firebox may be constructed of stainless steel, cast aluminium or painted steel. Stainless steel looks great and is highly resistant to corrosion, but yellows over time, especially if not covered when not in use. Painted steel will rust when the paint scratches or peels away. A cast aluminium body is tough and will not rust. The more expensive grills are primarily made from stainless steel, with stainless-steel burners and handles, and dual-layer stainless-steel hoods that help keep the heat inside and the cool air outside the barbeque.

Barbeque Accessories
It is recommended that any accessories and tools are not bought at the same time as the grill. There are many useful, new and second-hand items available from a variety of online and offline sources. However, experimentation will confirm those items that are necessary, and those that aren't. In this way, you will end up with good-quality tools and accessories that are used on a regular basis, rather than a complete range of "pretty" items that never see the light of day.

Warranties
Last but by no means least, be sure to compare warranties, especially those that cover mechanical failures. The best barbeques come with lifetime warranties