As we get deeper into summer, you’re probably already thinking about those long evenings filled with great company, plenty of drinks and, of course, the best food. That food often comes courtesy of a BBQ when the weather is good. But if you haven’t got a BBQ yet, now is the time to change all that.
Buying a BBQ is not a process that’s as straightforward or as simple as we wish, at least, not if you’re going to do it properly. You need to have a clear idea of what kind of BBQ you need, and what you should be looking for as you shop around and compare what’s on offer. It can all be a little confusing and overwhelming when you don’t really know what you’re looking for.
Gas vs. Charcoal
This is the major decision that you will have to make. To put it simply, BBQs come in two categories: gas and charcoal. Gas BBQs heat up more quickly, and this can speed up the overall cooking process. So, if you don’t want to be standing over the food for too long or have other things that you’d rather be doing, this could be the choice for you. Charcoal BBQs are certainly slower, but they have their own advantages. For example, many people prefer the taste of the meat when it’s made using a charcoal BBQ. It’s very distinctive, and it’s the taste we associated with BBQs most.
The Size That’s Right for You
Getting the size of the BBQ right is really important for pretty obvious reasons. If you’re going to be holding massive BBQs this summer with dozens of friends and family members attending, you’re going to be a bit stuck if you buy a BBQ with a small grilling area. You need to think carefully about this. At the same time, it probably doesn’t make much sense to spend money on a huge BBQ if you usually only cook food for three or four people in your back garden. Be realistic, and find the size that’s right for the amount of food you’re going to be grilling.
Durability and Workmanship
If you want a really good BBQ that is going to last for a long time to come, you should find one that is made from cast iron. These are considered to be the most durable BBQs. And because you are probably going to be keeping your BBQ outside, it’s going to have to be able to deal with the elements. You should also look for good workmanship. If the overall build of the BBQ looks good, you will be much safer making the purchase. Look at the corners, legs and joins if you want to assess the workmanship of a BBQ.
Reasonable Running Costs
Many people worry about how much the BBQ itself will cost, and this is important. Find one that fits comfortably within the price range you’re willing to splash out on. However, you should also think about the running costs of the BBQ that you choose. It costs money to use gas and charcoal. It’s usually the case that charcoal is cheaper than gas, but it depends on how much you use and which BBQ you buy. Definitely take this into account when making your choice, though.
Adaptable and Easy to Move Around
Most people will want a BBQ that is pretty adaptable and flexible to their needs. That’s just the way many people use BBQs. They don’t just use them in one way time after time. You can easily get BBQs and smokers that have unique shelving arrangements, offering you the kind of adaptability you need. You might also want a BBQ that is easy to move around from place to place. There are plenty of compact BBQs that allow you to do that, and many of them even have wheels to make your life even easier.
Easy Assembly
Finally, you will want to make sure that your BBQ is pretty easy to put together and set up when you get it home. Some BBQs are easy to put together than others, and if you’re not a DIY whizz, you can quickly get stuck and make mistakes. If you talk to someone in a shop or read the product information, you should be able to get a pretty accurate idea of how easy it is to assemble. On the other hand, if you want a more elaborate BBQ, and you like DIY, by all means go ahead and find one that’s a challenge to assemble!