It’s that time of year again... time to barbeque! Whether you are dusting off the winter cobwebs from your current bbq or considering buying a new one, here are some "hot" tips to ensure that you'll get the best sizzle out of your BBQ for many more summers. 

Buying a New BBQ?
When you are going to buy a new BBQ, you should look at a variety of different types to see what best suits you. If you are looking to purchase a stainless steel BBQ, keep in mind that there are different grades of stainless steel and that stainless steel is definitely not a maintenance-free material. 

BBQs equipped with a roasting hood give the option of cooking with the hood closed to form an 'oven' for roasting food, such as joints of meat and whole chickens, etc. 


The Charcoal Versus Gas Debate

Gas barbeques (LPGs) are certainly the most common type of BBQ, however charcoal barbeques still remain a firm favourite for many people. Many dedicated BBQ’ers will vehemently argue their preference and it seems the gas versus charcoal bbq debate will never be settled. Here are some of the differences between the two types:

•	LPG BBQs require a gas bottle to operate. A spark ignites the gas along set burners. Temperature is easily adjusted, by turning the dials on the bbq front.
•	Charcoal BBQs require the charcoal to be lit. A fire is made that burns down and the verocity of the flames or glowing charcoal determines the heat and cooking temperature.
•	Charcoal BBQs give food a more smoky and grilled taste which some enthusiasts consider more authentic. Many people also enjoy the sight and smell of open flame and glowing embers.
•	Charcoal BBQs are more time consuming as you have to wait until the fire is at the right temperature for cooking. Many consider this a "skill factor".
•	LPG BBQs are more convenient in that they light with the press of a button and you're ready to cook in seconds.

Mitre 10 have a wide range of Gas and Charcoal BBQs. 

Regardless of which type you ultimately decide to purchase, you should make sure that you maintain it and clean it so that you'll be able to keep using your BBQ for many years to come. 

Maintenance of your BBQ

 

•	In all cases, check the manufacturer’s guidelines prior to cleaning.
•	The best kind of BBQ is a clean one and the best time to clean your bbq is immediately after cooking. Simply spray with cooking oil and scrape with a BBQ spatula. Once you have done this, rub over vigorously with paper towels and then leave the grill to cool before closing your bbq. You can also use a product like 30 Seconds BBQ grill cleaner that is specially formulated to remove grease and burnt deposits.
•	If you prefer cleaning your BBQ just prior to cooking on it again, we recommend that you burn off old food residue at full temperature for approximately 10 minutes and scrape away the charred remains. You can follow this up with a quick wire brush clean (depending on the type of BBQ).
•	If you use oil for all your BBQ cooking, less food/char will stick, making the cleanup much easier.
•	Line the drip tray with tin foil and then spread BBQ Fat Absorber on top. If the materials are old, replace them.
•	You can usually use hot, soapy water to clean the BBQ body, then wipe it dry.
•	If your BBQ is stainless steel, the exterior still needs cleaning and care to prolong its life. Check the manufacturers care instructions.

 
TIP – Cover your BBQ! A purpose made BBQ cover, available at Mitre 10, will reduce the risk of rusting and weathering. 

View our BBQ Accessories to see a range of bbq covers online.
 


 

How to Clean Surface Rust

If your BBQ grill or cooking plate develops surface rust, try this:
 
Heat the BBQ until the cooking surface is very hot (approximately 15 minutes), cover with cooking oil, then sprinkle liberally with salt. Scrub with a wire brush or BBQ spatula and the rust should disappear. Then, simply wipe the grill clean with a paper towel and you are ready to cook again.

Safety Tips for Gas BBQ's

•	Have your gas bottle checked regularly for leaks.
•	Make sure your gas bottle is always stored upright.
•	Close cylinder valves when not in use.
•	As always, keep an eye on the kids around the gas bottle and the BBQ, especially when it’s in use.
•	With ALL BBQs, always cook outside and never indoors.

Cooking Utensils

Cooking great BBQ food is easy when you’ve got the right utensils. Invest in a good quality BBQ spatula and pair of tongs, and always have cooking oil handy.  There are some Premium BBQ Tool Sets available that include a spatula, tongs and BBQ brush etc, all in a handy carry case. Perfect to get you started! 




Storage 

Store your BBQ in a cool, dry place. Cover the burners with aluminium foil in order to prevent insects or other debris from blocking the burner holes.  Make sure that your BBQ is cool, clean and completely dry, then place a BBQ cover over it. 

If the BBQ is to be stored indoors, the gas bottle must be disconnected and left outside in a dry, well ventilated area, away from any sources of heat or ignition. Do not let children tamper with the bottle.