When it comes to buying a new barbecue, it can be a daunting task because there are many different makes and models on the market. Your final decision will rest on three important factors – your budget, what fuel you prefer to use and probably the most important – and simplest element – how many you will (mostly) be cooking for. Whether you’re a novice griller or a seasoned pitmaster, there is something on the market for everyone.
A basic burner
If you are new to the barbecue game and are looking for a quick and easy-to-use model, consider a charcoal kettle.
Its lightweight structure and wheels make it easy to transport around the garden. If you have a balcony or smaller outdoor area, it takes up less room.
A charcoal barbecue can take time to get used to as you need to control the heat manually, and it can takes longer to preheat than gas models. However, many prefer cooking over charcoal as it gives a delicious char-grilled flavour to your food.
Starting at €59.99, the Omaha 43cm Charcoal Kettle barbeque (found in Woodies) is an affordable option. IKEA also sells a portable charcoal grill for €30, if you are looking for a smaller, more transportable option (although this is not permitted in some public outdoor areas).
Phoenix XT 3.
Mind the heat
Cooking for larger numbers but still new to the barbeque game? A gas burner is a straightforward option. At the switch of a button, your barbecue is lit and you can control the heat, making it easier to grill to perfection.
Anyone cooking for four or more should look for a larger surface grilling area or a model with more than one gas burner.
The Phoenix XT 3 Burner Gas barbecue comes with three burners, one side burner, a cast iron cooking grill, a thermometer and a warming rack and is priced at €299.99 in Woodies.
Master Cook Classic 500.
A similar model on the market is the Master Cook Classic 500 from Homestore and More. On sale for €265, it features five burners; making it ideal for cooking for larger groups.
The Weber Spirit II E-310.
Upping your game
Are you, or do you live with someone who considers themselves a ‘grillmaster’? When those annual summer garden parties come around, there are always one or two people who take control of the grill and deliver the best burgers. For them, a bigger grill is needed as one area for cooking just isn’t enough.
Some might opt for more complex features, like a built-in temperature gauge and warming racks. If you are cooking outside regularly, investing in a more expensive model can really pay off.
The Weber Spirit II E-310 Gas is priced at €699 in the Arboretum and contains a high-performance grilling system with two side tables.
Bighorn Smoker.
To infuse more flavour into their meals, a smoker-charcoal barbeque is an affordable option. The Bighorn Smoker Charcoal barbecue is available in Homestore and More for €239.
Kamado Ceramic.
Egg-citing addition
One of the most popular barbecue models on the market remains the ‘Egg’ ceramic barbecue. From cooking burgers to baking bread or slow cooking, this distinctive model is designed to maintain heat, which ensures that moisture is maintained in the cooking chamber.
This is most definitely an investment piece, but for those who take grilling seriously, it allows for precise temperature control – even at a lower heat. With a smaller surface area is more suited for cooking smaller amounts of food.
The Kamado Ceramic BBQ can be found at Outdoor Living for €699.95.
Tips for barbecuing success
Keep it clean: Before you even start prepping the food, it is essential to ensure your barbecue has been cleaned. Use household vinegar and a special brush to remove debris. Avoid steel bristles as they could end up in your food.
Check the heat: The temperature of the grill is probably the most important step. Make sure you preheat your barbecue.
Correct tools: Use tongs, spatulas and forks to help prevent burns.
Don’t crowd the grill: To ensure that everything cooks easily, make sure you give your food room to cook and don’t crowd the grill.
Remember food safety: When cooking meat, it’s essential to cook it fully, use a meat thermometer to check if it is cooked through.
Read more
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Welcome to the Irish Country Living Christmas Food Magazine
When it comes to buying a new barbecue, it can be a daunting task because there are many different makes and models on the market. Your final decision will rest on three important factors – your budget, what fuel you prefer to use and probably the most important – and simplest element – how many you will (mostly) be cooking for. Whether you’re a novice griller or a seasoned pitmaster, there is something on the market for everyone.
A basic burner
If you are new to the barbecue game and are looking for a quick and easy-to-use model, consider a charcoal kettle.
Its lightweight structure and wheels make it easy to transport around the garden. If you have a balcony or smaller outdoor area, it takes up less room.
A charcoal barbecue can take time to get used to as you need to control the heat manually, and it can takes longer to preheat than gas models. However, many prefer cooking over charcoal as it gives a delicious char-grilled flavour to your food.
Starting at €59.99, the Omaha 43cm Charcoal Kettle barbeque (found in Woodies) is an affordable option. IKEA also sells a portable charcoal grill for €30, if you are looking for a smaller, more transportable option (although this is not permitted in some public outdoor areas).
Phoenix XT 3.
Mind the heat
Cooking for larger numbers but still new to the barbeque game? A gas burner is a straightforward option. At the switch of a button, your barbecue is lit and you can control the heat, making it easier to grill to perfection.
Anyone cooking for four or more should look for a larger surface grilling area or a model with more than one gas burner.
The Phoenix XT 3 Burner Gas barbecue comes with three burners, one side burner, a cast iron cooking grill, a thermometer and a warming rack and is priced at €299.99 in Woodies.
Master Cook Classic 500.
A similar model on the market is the Master Cook Classic 500 from Homestore and More. On sale for €265, it features five burners; making it ideal for cooking for larger groups.
The Weber Spirit II E-310.
Upping your game
Are you, or do you live with someone who considers themselves a ‘grillmaster’? When those annual summer garden parties come around, there are always one or two people who take control of the grill and deliver the best burgers. For them, a bigger grill is needed as one area for cooking just isn’t enough.
Some might opt for more complex features, like a built-in temperature gauge and warming racks. If you are cooking outside regularly, investing in a more expensive model can really pay off.
The Weber Spirit II E-310 Gas is priced at €699 in the Arboretum and contains a high-performance grilling system with two side tables.
Bighorn Smoker.
To infuse more flavour into their meals, a smoker-charcoal barbeque is an affordable option. The Bighorn Smoker Charcoal barbecue is available in Homestore and More for €239.
Kamado Ceramic.
Egg-citing addition
One of the most popular barbecue models on the market remains the ‘Egg’ ceramic barbecue. From cooking burgers to baking bread or slow cooking, this distinctive model is designed to maintain heat, which ensures that moisture is maintained in the cooking chamber.
This is most definitely an investment piece, but for those who take grilling seriously, it allows for precise temperature control – even at a lower heat. With a smaller surface area is more suited for cooking smaller amounts of food.
The Kamado Ceramic BBQ can be found at Outdoor Living for €699.95.
Tips for barbecuing success
Keep it clean: Before you even start prepping the food, it is essential to ensure your barbecue has been cleaned. Use household vinegar and a special brush to remove debris. Avoid steel bristles as they could end up in your food.
Check the heat: The temperature of the grill is probably the most important step. Make sure you preheat your barbecue.
Correct tools: Use tongs, spatulas and forks to help prevent burns.
Don’t crowd the grill: To ensure that everything cooks easily, make sure you give your food room to cook and don’t crowd the grill.
Remember food safety: When cooking meat, it’s essential to cook it fully, use a meat thermometer to check if it is cooked through.
Read more
ICL Food: the winter wines to pair with Christmas dinner and beyond
Welcome to the Irish Country Living Christmas Food Magazine
This is a subscriber-only article
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