With the arrival of good weather there is nothing better than inviting friends and enjoying a good meal prepared on a barbecue, right? Now, what kind should you buy? With all that’s on the market it can cost you. But with these notions it won’t cost you much.
BBQ according to fuel types
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When choosing a barbecue you must take into account the type of fuel you are going to use. Each one is different, has a different calorific value and may not all be adapted to your way of cooking. Besides, some are dirtier than others, they will give a different texture to the food .
So, what are the types of BBQ on the market?
Coal
We could say that charcoal barbecues are the most common, and the most successful on the market. Perhaps their biggest flaw is that the lighting process is a bit complex for beginners, and also much slower. But nowadays there are some complements that help this task, such as charcoal lighters.
They are great BBQs for those who want to cook food that tastes and smells like grilled food, forgetting the need to use butane or have a plug to connect it to the current. Another advantage is that there are many portable models. These can be desktop or detachable. This way, you can take it with you wherever you want to have a barbecue in a campsite.
Gas
A gas BBQ is a type of barbecue that has both advantages and disadvantages. Its main advantage is that they are very easy to use and easy to light. In addition, controlling the temperature is a simple task even for novice cooks, since they work exactly like the fires in a kitchen.
They look good in the garden or on the terrace, and are great when you have a lot of guests. But they have a problem, and that is their large size. Unlike other barbecues you can’t take them with you on trips, and their large size means you have to be very careful about where you install them from.
Wood
Like charcoal, wood or firewood is one of the main sources of fuel and heat for barbecues. They give a unique flavor to food, with a strong point, a good aroma and a taste of the grill that gives a unique touch to the dishes you prepare in this thype of BBQ or Gilles.
But it is not a type of barbecue made for everyone. The wood has a very strong calorific value, and it is difficult to control the fire to prepare the food. Therefore, it is a type of barbecue thought only for the most experts.
Electric
With plugs outside, why not take advantage of them for an electric barbecue? They are very easy to use and the great advantage is that they take up very little space. Moreover, this type of barbecue can also be used indoors, this type of barbeques are very easy to storage.
All those who do not have experience in preparing barbecues will be delighted with this model, as it allows the temperature to be regulated easily. It doesn’t give that special taste of charcoal or wood, but it can be an option for those who want something affordable.
Fixed or portable BBQ?
Knowing the types of barbecue on the market, it’s time to make a difficult decision: will you buy a barbecue you can take with you on a trip or one you won’t take out of the house? Depending on your decision, you may be interested in one type or another.
For example, if you know that you will only barbecue at home, and you have enough space, why not opt for a barbecue work? Yes, they are more expensive than steel models, but they are easier to maintain. In addition, many barbecues are mixed, so you can try cooking with charcoal or wood. Or, you could try a gas one. Given the size of these you won’t be able to take them out of the house, but they will be very good to have in your garden to organize parties with friends and family.
However, if you are one of those who likes to go on a camping trip and take a barbecue with you, things change. Generally, only electric, charcoal and wood are portable. But the electric ones could be discarded, since you will need a small generator.
You will only have the option of charcoal and firewood. Although they may seem the same, they are very different. Both have a very high calorific value, so they require a very good quality material to keep the heat well. With a small one you will have enough space to cook for 8 people.
The key factors to consider when buying a BBQ
The time has come to evaluate the key factors that you have to take into account when buying a BBQ. Once you solve them, you will have no problem choosing one type of barbecue or another type of grill.
1. How much space you have
Many people buy a barbecue without considering the space, and that can be a problem. Gas barbeques are big, and you can’t have them in a small garden. Just as you can’t build a construction site barbecue, because it would be completely absorbed by the garden.
If space is limited, opt for a charcoal or electric barbecue. They are small and compact. In addition, most of them are removable, so you can store them after cleaning. On the other hand, if you have a large terrace, or a good garden, you can choose a gas one and even have one built.
2. The best location
Having a clear idea of the location of the BBQ is as important as the space you have available. Remember that a barbecue generates a lot of smoke, and it can get into your house. Therefore, the barbecue has to be away from doors and windows.
Neither can it be located near a tree, because it could jump some small spark and cause a fire. Generally, the best thing is a barbecue with a bell, since it sends the smoke up to the sky. But if you can’t afford it, buy a portable barbecue, charcoal, wood or electric, until you find the best spot to put it.
3. Budget
Most importantly, how much are you willing to pay for your barbecue? If you have a low budget, you’d better buy a charcoal or electric barbecue, as they are very economical models of BBQs.
On the other hand, if you are willing to invest, a construction or gas barbecue would be the best option. Although the construction one will always be better than the gas one, since it offers you different ways of cooking your dishes. Nevertheless, they are more durable and much cleaner than the rest of the models.
4. How you like your food
Another factor you have to take into account. Not everyone likes the way food can look depending on the type of heat source used. For example, food prepared on charcoal and wood usually leaves the meat drier on the outside, but juicy on the inside.
