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How well a barbeque performs is much more important than how they look.
Your first task is to decide if you want a gas barbeque or a charcoal
barbeque. You must also consider the average number of guests you will be
inviting to your barbeques throughout the season. Barbeque prices will also be
an important consideration.
Whatever type of barbecue you choose, the size of the cooking area will be
reflected in the price. Gas barbeques are by far the most expensive and in
some respects, the most convenient. They are quick to bring up to heat,
adjusting the heat is simple and they retain a constant level of heat for the
duration of the barbeque. Gas barbeques do however suffer from a lack of
authenticity. They more resemble cooking at home rather than the great
outdoors.
Barbecuing is a wonderful social occasion. Selecting the right barbeque will
contribute to making it a successful and relaxing experience. Men perform the
majority of barbeque cooking while the ladies enjoy their cocktails and a
welcome relaxed chat with friends. On such an occasion it is rather nice to be
able to cook the steaks, burgers, sausages, prawns and kebabs etc to
perfection and according to individual preferences. Performing such a feat
while enjoying a beer, looking and feeling unflustered, relaxed and enjoying
yourself is part of the art.
A large enough cooking surface to cater for the number of guests is the key to
success. This will allow you to vary the degree of heat along the length of
the cooking rack. This will make it easier for you to cater for, well done,
medium, medium rare and rare requirements with ease. The end result of your
cooking should provide the wow factor, not just a pretty looking highly
expensive barbeque.
If price is a limiting factor, the first priority should be sufficient cooking
area and then decide which type of barbeque, gas barbeque or charcoal barbecue
you can afford.
Many gas barbecues have a griddle section on one side of the cooking surface.
This is useful for searing steaks and cooking smaller items such as prawns
etc. which would otherwise fall through the bars. A simple metal/aluminium
tray can improvise on a charcoal barbeque.
Gas barbeques can be improved by the use of Lava rocks that spread the heat
more evenly. The juices dripping onto the lava rocks helps to enhance the food
by adding a smoky flavour.
A handful of herbs dropped onto hot embers will further enhance the flavour.
Never barbeque food from frozen. It should be at room temperature before
cooking commences.
Chicken legs and thighs are seldom cooked properly. They are often cooked on
the outside and rare in the middle or burnt to a crisp. This is easily
overcome by placing them in boiling water for about ten minutes then drained.
They will then barbecue to perfection.
Many barbeques are extremely difficult to assemble – particularly gas
barbeques. Before buying it is wise to check the assembly instructions. Never
store the gas bottle under the barbeque when it is in use. Stand it to one
side.
Be sure to place your barbeque on a level surface and well away from wooden
fences, sheds etc.
Many barbeque accessories are available the most useful being long handled
heatproof tools.
Finally, keep children and pets well away from an unsupervised barbecue, relax
and enjoy the whole experience.
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