Gas Barbecue Buyers Guide
Gas Barbecues are becoming more and more popular due to the convenience they offer.
Gas barbecues offer fast warming up times, and the ultimate in control and convenience whilst cooking.
The biggest drawback is that generally they cost more than a charcoal barbecue to purchase.
Gas Barbecue Suitability
Gas barbecues are most often described by the number of burners they have - the theory being that the greater number of burners means a larger cooking area, and then by default a much larger barbecue overall.
Gas BBQ Fuel Types
The main types of gas that you will find to power your gas barbecue will be propane and butane. Each model will specify the correct gas to use, and should come with a regulator that fits only the correct bottle.
Gas bottles are easily purchased and refilled at your local garden centre or DIY stores.
Controls
Control of the cooking temperature is normallly achieved using a dial or knob, which you can turn to control the amount of gas that comes through the burner. This allows you to adjust the heat to suit the type of food being cooked, and also helps time when the food is ready.
Usually there is one dial per burner, so a barbecue with more burners has the ability to have more zones at different temperatures.
Ignition
Most gas barbecues are lit using a Piezo Ignition system. This works by creating a spark from a quartz crystal which lights the gas. This is usually achieved either with an ignition button, or even when just turning the gas dials on.
Grill Surfaces
There are 3 main types of grill surface - the area where the food is actually placed :
- Wire Rack - normally only found on the cheaper models of gas barbecue
- Cast Iron - heavy and very durable, cast iron helps to even out the heat, and can withstand some harsh cleaning
- Porcelain Coated - also heavy and helps spread the heat, but the coating prevents the food sticking as much, although you need to be more careful with cleaning
Side Burners
These can be a really useful addition to a barbecue as they offer a burner much like you would find on your kitchen hob.
This burner can be used in any number of ways including :
- Frying Pan - for cooking onions or mushrooms for example if you don't want them on the barbebce grill
- Sauce pans - for warming sauces, or cooking potatoes or vegetables that you want boiled
- Kettles - if you want a warm drink to go with your food - maybe you are having a Bonfire Night barbecue and need something hot to drink!
Some models of barbecue will even come with 2 or more side burners.
Achieving a smoky flavour
If you really like the convenience of a gas barbecue but would still like the smoky taste you can get wood chips that you sprinkle over your lava rocks which will then burn and flavour the food.
Once a gas barbecue has been "run in" the fats that have dripped onto the lava rock will burn off and produce a smoky type flavour anyway.
Cleaning
Each time you use the barbecue scrape off as much residue as you can from the grill plates. If a deeper clean is required use hot soapy water while the barbecue is still warm as the residue will be easier to remove.
If you grill surface can take it a brass wire brush is ideal, or if not use a plastic fibre brush.
Winter Storage
Before putting away for the winter it is advisable to give your gas barbecue a deep clean, ensuring that you remove all of the grease. This is important to stop mould developing on your barbecue during the cold / damp months. Also burn off any grease or fat residue from the lava rocks, or dispose of them if you plan to replace them next season.
If you have room in a garage or shed it it probably best to store the barbecue inside, or get a good quality fitted weatherproof cover if that is not possible.