Choosing your BBQ - which is right for you?

Tuesday, 27 March 2012 3:01 PM

When the weather's nice, the last place you want to be is stuck in a stuffy office, watching everyone else have fun while you pray for home time to arrive. You'd much rather be soaking up the sun in your back garden with friends, enjoying a cool drink as you cook up a storm on the BBQ - unless you have the most amazing job in the world, that is!

Even if you have a small yard, there will be enough room for a Weber BBQ - but which type is right for you? Charcoal and gas BBQs offer different benefits, so why not have a look below to see which one would best suit your needs? You'll soon be inviting all your friends round for an after-work gathering or some seriously relaxed time at the weekend.

Gas BBQs

Gas BBQs are perhaps the most convenient if you are short on time and want to get the party started as soon as possible. This is because they only take a few minutes to heat up and then you're good to go. The Weber Spirit is an entry-level model that will certainly impress your friends. Not only does it look good, but it comes with loads of extras that make your life easier, such as places to hang utensils and a thermometer - after all, you don't want to risk dishing up undercooked poultry!

BBQs that run off gas also allow you to control the temperature, so you don't have to keep your eyes glued to the grill if you fancy a quick sit-down or need to grab something from the kitchen. They can be a little bit pricier than charcoal BBQs due to their convenience, but if you like to regularly entertain friends, they make a great investment.

Another pro to gas BBQs is they require minimal cleaning and, all in all, are mess-free. This means you can spend more time chilling after all of that hard work, rather than wiping away ash.

Charcoal BBQs

Weber charcoal BBQs are popular for the unique flame-grilled taste they give to meat and you can't mistake the smell of food cooking on this type of grill. It certainly is one of the scents of summer. Throw some chippings on the coals and your friends will be impressed with the wood-smoked flavour their sausages, kebabs and burgers have.

Now, charcoal BBQs can take around 45 minutes to heat up to the required cooking temperature. If you've had a long day at work and want to get eating as soon as possible, these might not be for you. On the other hand, you can get a charcoal BBQ going and then have time to get out of your work clothes and stick some drinks in the fridge, as you'll have some breathing space before the actual cooking starts.

They can also be cheaper than gas versions as they don't need as many extras and coals are pretty affordable to buy. Yes, you'll have to clean out the ash, but if you get a modern model, such as those from Weber, there'll be a handy ash tray you can remove without getting your hands dirty.

If you fancy kitting out your garden with the latest BBQ now warmer weather is here and summer is around the corner, which type do you think you'll go for and why?
 

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