BBQ recommendations

BYTEr · 13 Jun 2018 at 10:20

Hi all,

We've just had our garden done and now I'm looking at buying a BBQ and would appreciate people's thoughts, experiences and recommendations.

I don't have any experience in BBQ'ing (only eating!) but I am quite an avid chief so would like to get something decent.

I'd like a charcoal one, I don't need the convenience of gas and although there's plenty of debate about gas vs charcoal in terms of flavour, cost etc, I'm fairly set on getting charcoal.

Having a very brief look around some shops, I also like the look of the barrel ones, especially the ones with a warming rack, height adjustable grill and a side smoker.

I don't envisage needing to cook for more than 10 people, and usually it will probably only be 4-6 people and I'm obviously looking for something that offers the best flavour, but considering I'm no expert in BBQ'ing then ease of use is also important.

In terms of budget, I don't really know, as I don't know what something 'decent' costs or the sweet spot for value for money is, but I think my budget is fairly low at around £350-£400 for everything including all the extras I may need such as utensils, chimney etc.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

platypus · 13 Jun 2018 at 11:39

Personally, I'd build my own. In France we built a stone chimney into the wall in the garden and it's amazing.

The kettle ones are pretty good here though if you want to go down that route, something like this: https://www.weber.com/GB/en/barbecues/charcoal-barbecues/original-kettle-series-/13601004.html.

SPG · 13 Jun 2018 at 13:03

I would never go back to using a bog standard barbecue like the Weber, I actually sold all my gear once i bought a Asian style barbie

http://www.kamadojoe.co.uk/

Crazy expensive, but will last a lifetime, I bought the jnr which is enough for 4 quite easily and you can do some crazy cooks on it.

BYTEr · 13 Jun 2018 at 14:32

Thanks for the replies.

I've seen that kamado joe brand mentioned a lot, but holy moly you're not kidding when you say it's crazy expensive which, I'm sure to my ignorance can't be great value for money!

valve90210 · 13 Jun 2018 at 14:59

Personally I'd go for a Weber kettle, that way you have the perfect tool for grilling and a very good tool should you come to want to try low and slow cooking too.

-Ad- · 13 Jun 2018 at 17:58

57cm Weber kettle, ideally the mastertouch.

Then get a smoker.

Then get an uuni 3.

Then get a ceramic BBQ.

BYTEr · 14 Jun 2018 at 11:10

Think I'm going to get the Weber 57cm Master Touch, it seems to have a number of useful features and seems well regarded, I can get the BBQ, chimney starter and cover for £264 which doesn't seem too bad.

Street · 14 Jun 2018 at 11:13

valve90210 said:
Personally I'd go for a Weber kettle, that way you have the perfect tool for grilling and a very good tool should you come to want to try low and slow cooking too.

Another vote for the Weber kettle. I've got the 57cm MasterTouch and it's a fantastically versatile piece of kit. The only reason I don't smoke on it now is because I bought a WSM!

-Ad- said:
57cm Weber kettle, ideally the mastertouch.

Then get a smoker.

Then get an uuni 3.

Then get a ceramic BBQ.

This seems like a perfectly natural progression to me..

Psycho Sonny · 14 Jun 2018 at 12:13

got a 47cm weber. however i find the coal/lumpowood doesn't last very long. as in you get to cook a small batch and the heat is gone. i'm using a chimney starter and it's all well lit. i think it's because i'm not confining it all to one space but rather scattering them everywhere. i'm going to use the metal things that came with it and stick all the coal in the middle next time.

now got a uuni 3 and tbh it's 100 times better. got sizzler pans for cooking meat.

i doubt i'll use the bbq much again tbh the uuni is ready to go in 10 minutes and cooks food in seconds rather than minutes.

Oxide™ · 14 Jun 2018 at 15:46

I've had my Weber 57cm Performer for 9 years now and still going strong even though it's lived outside with a cover.

I find the built in table really handy and the gas starter ideal to get the chimney going - just received 30kg of Hogsback briquettes which should be enough for summer

LuckyBenski · 14 Jun 2018 at 18:04

Personally I'd be tempted to buy a small portable one for ~£40 and spend the summer learning to make a fire and cook on it. You'll end up with a lot more knowledge of what you want (side shelves are bloody useful!) and what you don't need.

Personally I'm planning to build one when I move into my new place, I've just learned to mix cement :cool:

SPG · 15 Jun 2018 at 10:23

BYTEr said:
Think I'm going to get the Weber 57cm Master Touch, it seems to have a number of useful features and seems well regarded, I can get the BBQ, chimney starter and cover for £264 which doesn't seem too bad.

For a extra £100 you can get the Joe jnr

dl8860 · 15 Jun 2018 at 10:54

If you want something brand new and are happy to max the budget, I'd be looking at a Weber Performer. https://www.wowbbq.co.uk/product/we...MHs9pPkVMVsPVa6HYJ03rc_svfbns1fYaAm56EALw_wcB

If you want best bang for buck but still a really great barbecue, look for a second hand Weber 57cm MasterTouch on ebay or gumtree. This is the wrong time of year to be looking, but there are sometimes bargains out there. Some go for a little over £100 in winter, will have to pay a bit more at this time of year but it's still a lot of kit for the money.

edit: Just to add, the barrel style ones can be decent, but you will be limited in how much you can control your temps unless you buy a very expensive one. I own one of these https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00A36K...8eba41359316&ie=UTF8&qid=1529057436&sr=1&th=1

Which I do love, but it has it's limitations. Temp control is very basic, and even after applying some silicon round the edges, it's very leaky air-wise, so low n' slow isn't really achievable. The weber kettle will do you both normal grilling and low 'n slow as long as you learn the right techniques.