Boss the BBQ

BOSS THE

Summer is here, which means more time in the garden, and the great British tradition of barbecuing. BBQ!

Abarbecue is a social event. A time to get together with friends and family under the hot sun and enjoy a meal Alfresco. Whether you are a BBQ aficionado or a BBQ newbie, our guide will help you pick the right equipment and provide you with some useful hints and tips.

CHARCOAL OR GAS? One of the biggest questions when it comes to buying a new BBQ, is whether to go with gas or charcoal?

If you are looking for the simplest option, then you will want to go with a gas BBQ. Gas grills will get you cooking in under 10 minutes and with them, you can control the temperature ensuring all your food is cooked to perfection. However, as gas burns quicker than charcoal, this restricts the efficiency of the heat and can leave your food without those delightful burntends and smokiness.

For traditionalists, a charcoal BBQ is the only way to go. On a summer’s day, the smell of the smoke on the air is what we all crave, and with charcoal, BBQ smoke is what you will get. Charcoal gives you a more consistent heat, helping you to perfect those perfectly smoked and seared ribs, burgers and sausages. With charcoal, you can also add extra touches such as pieces of hardwood and woodchips.

TYPES OF BBQ Okay, so you’ve decided on gas or charcoal, now you need to decide which type of BBQ you want. There are a huge variety of BBQs on the market, ranging from disposable BBQs available at most shops to large brick-built BBQs and of course standard gas BBQs.

Gas BBQs generally come in rectangular or circular options, usually with a lid to help keep heat. The shape and size is dependant on your own personal preferences, although with a rectangular BBQ you can keep certain foods away from each other easier.

Charcoal BBQs again range in size and shape. Small kettle BBQs are perfect for small gatherings, while larger drumshape BBQs are great for bigger garden parties. Both are fairly easy to transport from different areas of your garden, and

The beauty of a brick-built BBQ is in the aesthetics. Not only will they cook incredible food, but they become a decorative statement.

with smaller portable grills, you can even take these with you on days out and are a lot less fiddly than the disposable BBQs you buy in shops.

If you are looking for more of a showpiece for your garden, you can buy BBQs to build into your garden. These come in a range of sizes and shapes, some with domes, some open to the elements. The beauty of a brick-built BBQ is in the aesthetics. Not only will they cook incredible food, but they become a decorative statement. You can even make a DIY BBQ with bricks and cement blocks you already have lying around. All you need is some cement, the grills and some time.

ADDED EXTRAS If you are looking for that true smoky flavour, invest in some hardwood or woodchips. Woods such as Sweet Chestnut, Silver Birch and Applewood are some of the most popular and by adding these to your BBQ, you can create incredible smoky flavours which will go deep into your meat. These can be added directly on the gas or charcoal or by using a smoker box. Alternatively, for different flavour smoke, try adding rosemary, mint or even lavender leaves and stalks directly on to the flame.

To get the most out of your BBQ invest in some high-quality utensils, such as metal spatulas, tongs, forks and a cleaning brush and kit. Remember to clean your grill after every time you cook using a metal brush. Invest in a scoop to remove any debris from the charcoal area too.

If you take your BBQs really seriously, invest in a meat injector. This is a needle that you use to inject flavours directly into large cuts of meat. Some popular options to inject are simple beef stocks into lumps of beef, and cider and apple vinegar into joints of pork. For more ideas for BBQ marinades and rubs, see page 8 in this month’s magazine.

If you are looking for the simplest option, then you will want to go with a gas BBQ

So, with your BBQ questions answered, now’s the time to make some summer cocktails using our incredible recipes on pages 6 and 7, sit down with our quiz on page 13 and wait for the burgers and bangers to be ready…