So you are finally taking the plunge, getting on the ever more popular trend that is barbecue in the UK? We have set below the ideal buying guide that will hopefully cover all your needs or situation...
Things to Consider
How often will you spoil yourself with nature flavoured meat?
Seasonal use only, you might want to consider something a bit cheaper to mid-priced for this. Think about practicality, something that is easy to setup and disassemble again once you are done. These barbecues normally come without covers so you can leave it out for the season and put it away once the weather changes. Have a look at the two links below for some ideas on cheaper priced, yet practical as well as more mid range priced barbecue that is still very practical.
Cheaper end: https://www.exploreressentials.co.uk/products/compact-traveller-braai-barbecue-grill
Mid-Priced: https://www.exploreressentials.co.uk/products/charcoal-econo-barbecue-braais
Regular use, you will definitely have to look at paying a bit more towards the higher end for this purpose. Look for something sturdy, perhaps even on wheels that you can move it around to put away to the corner of the backyard once done yet easily accessible when that urge strikes to light a wood fire, or properly charcoal your meat! These ones will normally last longer as well ensuring you get your money's worth into your meat flavouring! Have a look at our options below for some ideas! Paying a bit more will in most cases give you fancier options on your barbecue, like our entertainer barbecue for example.
https://www.exploreressentials.co.uk/products/entertainer-braai-with-ember-maker-coal-rake
https://www.exploreressentials.co.uk/products/big-barrel-charcoal-braai-barbecue
Don't forget about a rotisserie option for regular yet compact use!
https://www.exploreressentials.co.uk/products/charcoal-rotisserie-braai
Want something you can use as a firepit in as well as a barbecue that perfect for all seasons? Why not consider a 2-in-1 option such as below?
https://www.exploreressentials.co.uk/products/fire-pit-braai
What space do you have available at home?
Limited space at home will leave you to consider something you can store away easily, so look out for collapsible barbecues, the easier they assemble and disassemble the better! If you are lucky enough to have a bit of space where you can store your barbecue when not in use, look for bigger, more sturdy barbecues and for convenience, the ones on wheels make putting them away a stroll.
Essential Accessories
Tongs
These are a no-brainer, every barbecue needs a set of tongs whether to stir the coals with or turn your meat or both! Most tongs on the market in the UK have plastic tip covering on so these will NOT work for scratching around in your coals and for the most part, you have to turn your meat rather quick before the heat starts to melt them. The other problem with these, as well as the ones without the plastic covering, are that they are very short and not often very sturdy either. They are meant for turning meat on the hob not really meant for the barbecue. Luckily there are solutions out there, like our option below. These are a perfect 2-in-1 more than capable of turning your meat as well as moving wooden logs in the fire if you are a die-heart like us who prefer to barbecue with wood!
https://www.exploreressentials.co.uk/products/aluminium-tongs
Scoop
Coal scoops make cleaning up insanely convenient, especially when you have one that is purpose made for barbecues. Whether you use your barbecue seasonally or regularly, you will have to clean out those ashes after each barbecue when they are cold.
https://www.exploreressentials.co.uk/products/coal-scoop
Brush
Another cleaning tool that is essential for every barbecue, after cooking your grid will need a clean. Whether you use the standard grid that comes with the barbecue or a purpose made clamping grid for ease and convenience (these are listed later in the article) your grid will need a clean! There are several options, but for barbecues it is highly recommended that you use one with steel bristles.
https://www.exploreressentials.co.uk/products/grid-cleaning-brush
Casseroles
Most people might consider these as a luxury or non-essential, however in our opinion these are essential! You have to remember you are outside after all, there is ash flying around, leaves, dust and as this is the UK you can be assured some sort of spider will be curious to see what luxury food is left out! The beauty about these casseroles are that they are multipurpose... Use them at the barbecue to keep your meat clean and spiced, or when the craving calls these are absolutely ideal for roasts... Pop them in the oven, with their lid on and have your Sunday roast quietly cook away without the hassle of struggling with foil everywhere! Luckily we have quite a few options for you to consider in this area, from luxury stainless steel to enamel coated all the way down to your every day run of the mill aluminium.
https://www.exploreressentials.co.uk/products/2-in-1-stainless-steel-roasting-trays
https://www.exploreressentials.co.uk/products/stainless-steel-casserole-dish-with-lid
https://www.exploreressentials.co.uk/products/enamel-oval-casserole-dish
Grids
Now when we say grids, we do not mean the flat one that comes with your barbecue... The South Africans have a grid that clamps and keeps your meat in one place with a convenient long handle that makes turning your meat super easy and your hands away from the heat! Spend less time turning meat and more time talking to your friends with these ingenious inventions that only takes a few seconds to turn your meat each time!
https://www.exploreressentials.co.uk/products/50cm-big-box-steel-braai-grid
https://www.exploreressentials.co.uk/products/multi-sandwich-toaster-braai-grid
Non-essentials
Now this your chance to have some creature comforts and possibly make you the envy of your friends at your next barbecue!
Think about some cast iron pots (Dutch ovens) which allows you to make heart-warming stews on the fire, which luckily doubles up as multipurpose pots you can even use on your induction hob! Whether you go for a set, a single size pot or specialised bread making cast iron pots, the options are endless!!!
https://www.exploreressentials.co.uk/products/3pc-cast-iron-casserole-pots-with-lids
https://www.exploreressentials.co.uk/products/cast-iron-bake-pot-flat-bottom
https://www.exploreressentials.co.uk/products/cast-iron-bread-making-pot-with-lid-handle
Are you out camping, out of gas for your gas cooker, only have an fire to cook breakfast on? No problem we have the solution for you!!!
https://www.exploreressentials.co.uk/products/2-in-1-fry-braai-pan
Conclusion
There are endless options and possibility to take your barbecue to the next and even the next level! The key point we want to make, is that you should consider buying something purpose made that will last you a lot longer! The economy is struggling, everything is expensive... Just remember, in most cases buying cheaper means buying multiple times!
If you have any questions please reach out to us, we are always more than happy to help and remember.... If you cannot find what you are looking for on our site, reach out to us, we are more than happy to do our best to try and find it for you even if we don't stock it!
Contact us below!
https://www.exploreressentials.co.uk/pages/contact
Remember to Explore Your Way!