They’ve cooked thousands of steaks, sausages and chicken wings over the years, which means they know how to get the best from a barbie (to see which models they recommend, visit our barbecue review).Ìý

We asked them for their top expert tips to becoming the ultimate chargrill chef, and this is what they said.

Before you get grilling

1. Choose the right fuel

The type of fuel and the type of barbecue you’re using makes a huge difference to what you’re cooking, says Fiona. 

Gas barbecues heat up fast and are generally easy to control and use. But if you want to get that smoky, charred flavour, you need to use charcoal or a pellet barbecue.Ìý

Getting a smoky flavour using gas

If you want the type of results you get from a charcoal or pellet barbecue, but you’ve only got a gas barbecue, you could DIY it.

“It’s pretty easy to create a homemade version of a smoker box,” says Fiona. 

“Wrap wood chips in foil, and pierce a few holes at the top of the foil pouch to let the smoke out. Place the packet directly on the grill plate above a burner while the barbecue is preheating, and it’ll start producing smoke that will infuse the food as you cook.”

Then, she says, you add your meat, and remove the wood chips halfway through the cooking time. 

One final tip from Fiona: “Avoid opening the hood too much as it lets the heat out and slows down the cooking process.”

2. Prep properly

You’ll get the best results from using the freshest, best-quality meat, vegetables and seafood you can afford. You can, however, improve a cheaper cut of meat by marinating it for at least a few hours or overnight.

“This will really help tenderise the meat and add flavour,” says Fiona.

Here’s her go-to tenderising marinade:

• 1 sliced garlic clove
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar.

Place meat in a large bag with the marinade, season with black pepper and add a few sprigs of rosemary. Using the ball of your hand, gently press the meat out flat and massage the marinade in and set aside for at least three hours or overnight.

And regardless of what protein you’re cooking, don’t forget to remove it from the fridge at least 30 minutes to an hour before cooking. 

“Bringing your meat to room temperature before cooking will give you juicier and more evenly cooked results,” says Chantelle.

3. Treat large cuts of meat

Another prep trick to elevate your BBQ is to brine and dry rub large cuts of meat. It not only adds incredible flavour, but will guarantee the most juicy and succulent results.Ìý

Here’s Fiona’s go-to technique when slow cooking meats such as briskets, topside, whole turkeys and whole chickens in the barbecue: 

1. Bring 1 litre of water to the boil and remove from heat.
2. Whisk in 80g salt until it has completely dissolved, then set aside to cool completely.
3. Add the meat to the brine, cover and place in the fridge overnight or until ready to cook.
4. Remove the meat from the brine and pat dry with paper towel.
5. Generously sprinkle with a dry rub mix (5 teaspoons unsmoked paprika, 1½ teaspoons of freshly ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 tablespoon onion powder) and massage into the meat. 
6. Cover with foil and cook indirectly (not over a direct flame) on a low temperature (about 90–110 degrees) for up to 4–5 hours with the hood closed.ÌýRemove the foil in the last hour of cooking to caramelise the meat.

ÌÇÐÄVlog tip: For indirect cooking on a three- or four-burner barbecue, turn on just the outside burners and put the meat on a tray in the middle of the grill, away from the flames.

Let’s get cooking

4. Cook with the hood down

Both Chantelle and Fiona prefer to cook with a hooded barbecue. 

“It allows you to cook so much more,” says Fiona. 

“You can use a hooded barbecue in a similar way to an oven and cook everything from sausages and ribs to whole fish, roasts, whole cauliflowers and pumpkins and jacket potatoes.” 

“Cooking with the hood down will cook things faster, and you’ll also get less flare ups and juicier food,” adds Chantelle. 

Remember to always rest your meat after cooking it, too, as this gives the juices more time to settle and gives more succulent results. Steaks should be rested for 5–10 minutes and roasts for at least 20 minutes.

5. Make foil your friend

Aluminium foil is your secret weapon when barbecuing, says Fiona. 

You can wrap fish and vegetables in foil to steam them, and use sheets of foil to help meat cook more evenly – either by covering up areas that are cooking too quickly, or by covering whole roasts with foil before cooking. 

This will also help speed up the cooking time. Just remove the foil at least 30–40 minutes before the end of cooking to allow it to caramelise and get evenly browned and crisp.

6. Use a meat thermometer

“If your barbecue has a thermometer on the hood, you can use it to easily monitor the temperature inside, and use your barbecue like a second oven to roast or bake,” says Chantelle. 

But if you want perfect BBQ results, a meat thermometer is a must. It helps ensure your meat is cooked to the right temperature, so you won’t accidentally cook your chook to a crisp or create a food poisoning fiasco with undercooked meat. 

“A meat thermometer is an essential piece of cooking kit – it reveals exactly what’s going on inside your steak or roast,” says Chantelle. 

“You just insert it into the meat to test the internal temperature, which will tell you how cooked it is. For a medium-rare steak, for instance, your thermometer needs to register 63°C in the middle.”

And if you don’t want to have to keep checking the meat to see if it’s done, there is, of course, an app for that. 

“Some barbecues now incorporate smart technology and have digital meat probes that connect via Bluetooth to your smartphone, so you’ll get an alert when your steaks are ready,” says Chantelle.

After the cook-up

7. Keep it clean

No-one likes cooking on a grotty and greasy barbecue, and there’s nothing worse than pulling out the barbecue when you’re ready to cook dinner and finding it dirty from last weekend’s cook-up. 

“A clean barbecue is a safe barbecue,” Fiona says.

“Cleaning away the grease and fat that accumulates after cooking will help reduce flare-ups, and scrubbing off any food that has stuck to the grill could help prevent the spread of bacteria and potentially avoid an invasion of cockroaches and flies.”

The easiest time to do it is while the barbie is still warm.

“Ensure you brush any food residue off the grill plates while your barbecue is cooling using a non-metal brush (preferably an all-natural bristle brush) and remove fat from the drip trays. Pre-lining your drip trays with foil will make cleaning easier.”

 8. Look after your gas bottle

“It’s really important to take good care of your gas bottle,” says Chantelle. “Turn off the gas at the gas bottle between uses and store it out of direct sunlight.”

Some barbecues come with storage for gas bottles, perhaps a spot underneath the barbecue or a hook for it to hang on, which can be useful to keep them safely tucked out of the way when not in use. 

“When you’re finished cooking, take a look at the gas level and check whether you need to get a refilled bottle. That’ll save you running out of gas next time you want to cook something,” says Chantelle. 

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If you’re working with a smaller outdoor space such as a balcony, courtyard or postage stamp-sized backyard, there are plenty of options – tabletop barbecues, compact grills, small charcoal kettle grills, fold-up portable options – so you can still grill in the great outdoors.

(Just make sure you’re following the rules and regulations for your building.)

We’ll explain what to look for in a compact barbecue, which one to avoid and how to safely barbecue on your balcony. Plus, exclusively for ÌÇÐÄVlog members, we’ll reveal which ones are worth making room for in your small space.

If you want to find out which compact BBQs come out on top in our tests, join ÌÇÐÄVlog to get instant access to all of our expert, independent reviews.

If you’re already a member and you just want to see the best products, you can jump straight to the results now.

How much should I pay for a balcony BBQ?

The small barbecues in our review range in price from under $200 to more than $1000. If you’re paying a higher price, you should expect extra features like electronic gas ignition, fold-out side tables and a more solid construction. 

There’s a range of different features that can account for a hefty price tag, and you may find a bargain barbecue doesn’t last as long as a pricier model.

“Barbecues are one of those appliances that I find you generally get what you pay for,” says ÌÇÐÄVlog’s expert barbecue tester Fiona Mair.

What to look for in a compact BBQ

Before you hit the shops (or the sites), there are a few things to consider.

Size

How many people do you plan to cook for? Most compact barbecues can accommodate food for four to six people – although you can cook in batches if you’re feeding a larger group.

A barbecue’s external dimensions aren’t always an indicator of cooking area, so check out how big the hotplates and grill plates are to make sure there’s enough room for your food.

Portability

If you need to shuffle things around, a BBQ trolley with four wheels will make it easier to manoeuvre. If you’re looking at a trolley with only two wheels, make sure you can lift it easily.

Some compact BBQs don’t come with trolleys or stands, so if you want one it’ll cost you extra. Or you could do away with the trolley concept altogether and make space for them on an outdoor tabletop or bench instead, then tuck them away in between uses to make the most of your space.

If you’re working with a very tight space, you could consider a travel barbecue: they’re lightweight and mobile, so you can put them away when you’re done. And you can take them with you to the campsite, park or beach.

Whether you’re considering a portable or a compact barbecue, check the weight before you buy to make sure you won’t put your back out when moving it.

Durability

Since your barbie will likely be outdoors, it’ll be at the mercy of the elements (even on a balcony) – so look for a BBQ that’s solidly constructed using quality materials.

If you have room, storing your barbecue somewhere undercover in between uses will extend its life. Otherwise a cover is the next best thing.

Balcony barbecues: Keep it safe

If you’re planning a balcony barbie, there are some safety considerations.

• Check the by-laws for your complex and/or the owner’s corporation to see if there are any restrictions on using a gas BBQ on your balcony. (If you’re struggling to find this info, it could be hidden somewhere obscure, such as in a section relating to storage of hazardous material, i.e. an LPG gas cylinder.)
• Renting? Check for restrictions in your contract. 

Got the all-clear? Before you go ahead…

• Never store more than one gas cylinder on your balcony – and never store them indoors, including in your garage, shed or under the house. Keep them outdoors so any gas leak will vent safely. 
• Make sure you use the BBQ in a well-ventilated space. The fumes can be toxic.
• Don’t BBQ in an enclosed balcony. Even spaces with louvres, cafe blinds or a significant amount of privacy screening pose a fire risk.

Another option is to go for an electric barbecue rather than gas. They produce less smoke, have accurate temperature control and are easier to clean.

To find the best electric barbecues, check out our BBQ reviews.

The worst compact barbecue

For $949 you’d expect brilliant barbecuing, but this Gasmate absolutely underwhelms.

The Gasmate Paragon Digital Electric BBQ is the most expensive electric barbecue we’ve tested but ranked lower than barbies costing less than $400.

It’s not great at cooking sausages, which are a BBQ staple.

A $900 barbie that can’t handle snags? Sounds like a recipe for disappointment.

And it’s patchy in terms of heat distribution – so if you’re aiming for medium-rare steaks, you might end up with half well done and the other half rare.

What are the top 3 balcony barbecues?

We recommend barbecues with an overall score of 80% and above, and electric barbecues with an overall score of 70% and above. 

Only ÌÇÐÄVlog members can access our detailed BBQ testing data. If you’re not yet a member, join ÌÇÐÄVlog to get instant access to all of our expert, independent reviews. 

Or log in to unlock this article and find out which three barbies we hand the golden tongs to. 

The post The best compact BBQs for balconies and small spaces appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

On this page:

• Is an outdoor kitchen worth it?
• Barbecues, pizza ovens and meat smokers
• Finding the right fridge
• Speakers you can use in the sun
• Outdoor ceiling fans
• Can you build an outdoor kitchen on a budget?
• Safety considerations for outdoor kitchens

While it can be an expensive undertaking, you don’t need a blank cheque to build a fun outdoor dining area. There are options for comfortable, DIY spaces that don’t cost quite as much – even on larger balconies or patios.

Note, this article focuses on tools and appliances. We don’t test outdoor furniture and it doesn’t cover construction, plumbing and electrical.

Is an outdoor kitchen worth it?

When the weather is right, outdoor dining is a fun, laid back way to entertain. Adding a kitchen to the mix saves you from having to ferry food and drinks from inside, so you can keep cooking and conversing with your guests.

As an extension of the living space, ÌÇÐÄVlog kitchen expert Fiona Mair  says an al fresco cooking area is not only useful and a great place to entertain, but could also be a desirable asset. “Making your guests feel comfortable and enjoying the outdoors all year round is a much-desired feature of any home,” she says.

You can always use your outdoor kitchen in tandem with the one inside as well, if you’re feeding a bigger group. It basically doubles your cooking options and saves you from having to fire up the oven inside in the middle of summer.

Can I build an outdoor kitchen on a small patio or balcony?

While a full-blown outdoor kitchen may be impractical, you can find outdoor cooking equipment suitably sized for smaller spaces. ÌÇÐÄVlog tests portable gas pizza ovens, two- or three-burner barbecues and other smaller cooking appliances that could be used outdoors.

Some indoor preparation and storage may be required, as most balconies don’t have the room to install things like benches and bar fridges. But while it won’t be the most elaborate set-up, it can certainly get the job done!

Just remember to check the local council and body corporate rules (where applicable) before firing up the grill.

Solid fuels like woodchips, charcoal and heat beads may give your meals an appealing smoky flavour, but your neighbours probably won’t appreciate the haze. Although if you invite them around to enjoy the delicious smoked meats with you, they might change their minds.

What do I need in my outdoor kitchen?

At minimum, you’ll need: 

• A gas barbecue (or outdoor grill of some kind)
• Benches or a table for food prep and serving
• A bar fridge or esky to safely store perishable foods and cool drinks

It’s also worth installing a sink to keep everything clean as you go, but hiring a plumber can be pricey. This isn’t essential but it is highly recommended.

After that, you can go as far as your budget, space and culinary tastes desire. Pizza ovens, meat smokers or charcoal barbecues and a range of food and drink appliances can really expand the menu.

Even tech has a place in your entertainment space. Dust and water-resistant Bluetooth speakers are essential, unless you enjoy the awkward silences that come with a break in the conversation.

Be aware of feature creep. You can end up spending far too much money, or feeling like your space is incomplete, without a solid plan and set budget.

Barbecues, pizza ovens and meat smokers

When it comes to outdoor kitchens, a barbecue is the undisputed, non-negotiable item. Gas is the easiest option as you can maintain a consistent temperature and won’t need to worry about regularly topping up solid fuels like charcoal or woodchips.

The trade-off is a lack of smoky, barbecue flavours. That’s where solid fuels come into play, and partly why smokers have become a popular addition to many outdoor kitchens. If you go down this path, warn your guests ahead of time as they may end up smelling like a campfire by the end of the day.

The size of the barbecue is basically determined by your entertainment area. Aim for a larger barbecue if you have the room, one with at least four burners. You’ll have the flexibility to cook larger meals or a variety of foods with varying heat requirements at the same time. 

Fiona says it’s worth looking into extra cooking features as well. “Some barbecues come with a wok burner and others can cook rotisserie chicken, for example. These can add a bit of variety to your outdoor get-togethers.”

“You should also invest in a meat thermometer,” she adds. “It makes it much easier to get your meat cooked just right and you don’t necessarily need to spend a lot of money.”

Built-in barbecues that fit into the cabinetry are also available. While they look neat and tidy, they are very expensive. ÌÇÐÄVlog hasn’t tested these.

Setting up a pizza oven or meat smoker

Piping hot pizzas or meat smoked low-n-slow can take a little more time to prepare, but the effort is always worth it. Not only are these meals a cut above the usual steaks and snags, they’re the ultimate chef flex in front of your guests – and that’s what an outdoor kitchen is really all about, right?

But they aren’t quite as versatile as a barbecue and can take up a lot of space. Before you attempt to bring the shores of Naples to your suburban backyard pizzeria, really be honest with yourself about whether you’d use it often enough to justify the cost.

“Pizza ovens and meat smokers are more of a barbecue supplement than a substitute,” says Fiona. “ÌÇÐÄVlog has tested some barbecues that can also smoke meat, but they’re very expensive.”

“You can also get wood chip smoke boxes for gas barbecues that aren’t too bad,” she adds. “They’re an inexpensive alternative to a dedicated smoker, for the occasions where you feel like American-style pulled pork or brisket.”

Portable gas pizza ovens are a good option for most yards. Some can also use wood or charcoal while others burn wooden pellets to infuse a smoky flavour, while gas does the rest of the cooking. Most can only accommodate one pizza at a time though, so factor that into your meal plans for the day.

Aspiring pit masters should look into pellet meat smokers as well. Purists may baulk at a smoker that does most of the work for you, but they’re a safe, easy way to cook meat over many hours thanks to the pellet tube which consistently feeds in wood while maintaining a consistent temperature.

Finding the right fridge

Keeping cold food and drink within reach, rather than having to run back inside, is very convenient. And an outdoor fridge just feels fancy compared to an esky or the humble plastic tub filled with ice.

Bar fridges are your first port of call for an outdoor kitchen if space is limited. They’re compact and pretty discreet, with enough room for some food and drinks. But they usually lack proper freezers, can fill up quickly and may not be big enough to store premade meals, sides and desserts.

A full-sized fridge can solve these problems, as long as there’s enough space to place it your outdoor kitchen. Start by looking at small- to medium-sized models as these may have enough room for entertaining without tearing chunks out of your energy bill.

Positioning is important as well. Place it in a space where it’s protected from the elements, like moisture and direct sunlight. And remember, hot and cold don’t mix, so when you’re designing your kitchen, keep the fridge well away from the barbecue.

Once the party’s over and the fridge is cleared out, you can safely turn it off to save money. It’ll need a little time to get going again so to ensure best performance, turn it on the day before your next get together so it can get nice and cool overnight.

Cool drinks and hot sandwiches

Smaller, lighter appliances are easy to move outside, taking your food and drink options beyond the BBQ and bar fridge. A soda maker, sandwich press and even a slushy maker will work just fine on a flat, stable surface.

“Just remember to bring them inside when you’re done,” says Fiona. “Benchtop appliances aren’t designed to live outside like a BBQ.” 

Don’t try to set them up on the ground either, the last thing you want is a panini press falling into the picnic circle. You’ll also need a power supply for most of these to work.

Kitchenware for outdoors

You may want to keep some more kitchen tools and cookware on hand for outdoor entertaining. Things that you’ll only use occasionally and are a bit easier to replace if they get dropped or damaged.

“ÌÇÐÄVlog has tested plenty of kitchen knives, Dutch ovens and frypans that perform well without breaking the bank,” says Fiona. “They may not be the best in our tests, but the price is right.”

Speakers you can use in the sun

Ever been to a party without music? Zero vibes.

“These days, you don’t really need to shell out for dedicated outdoor speakers,” says Denis Gallagher, ÌÇÐÄVlog’s home entertainment expert. “There are lots of Bluetooth speakers with great sound quality and long battery life to bring a touch of ambience to your outdoor dinner party. 

Obviously, you want to look for speakers that sound good, but there are other things to consider for outdoor entertaining. These are:

• Battery life: look for the right balance between battery life and sound quality. Once the speaker dies, the party dies with it.Ìý
• Dust and water resistance: buy a speaker that advertises some form of weather sealing, preferably one with an ingress protection (IP) rating. The two numbers denote dust and water resistance from zero to nine. The higher the number, the better the protection, with the first number representing dust and the second representing water.Ìý

Try to avoid speakers that don’t have a battery. Not only do these mains powered models need a power outlet, which may not be nearby, they’re also not usually designed for outdoor use.

Outdoor ceiling fans

Over half of the ceiling fans in our latest test batch are safe to use outside. While not essential, they’re a nice addition that can help keep the heat at bay.

These fans are designed for covered areas only. Avoid installing them in a space without a roof as the exposure could cause damage. Make sure the model you choose is built for outdoor use before buying as the motor needs to be sealed to keep out moisture.

Can you build an outdoor kitchen on a budget?

Before you get started, it’s important to do your research and set a budget. How much you can save depends on the extent of your kitchen, how much of the set-up and installation you can do yourself, and the calibre of the items in your design.

Used goods and factory seconds can really bring costs down and appliances tend to go on sale pretty regularly throughout the year. If you see something you like, keep an eye on major retailers and try to grab it at a discount.

Cabinets, plumbing and electricity are a different subject altogether. You can save a bit of money by taking the DIY route, with more affordable (if less extravagant) kits from retailers like Bunnings, Harvey Norman and IKEA.

Are outdoor kitchens expensive to maintain?

Yes and no. Outdoor life is harsh, exposing your entertainment space and equipment to sun damage, soggy days, dust and dirt, visits from local wildlife and possibly even sea salt if you live near the coast. There’s a reason most humans prefer to live inside.

Protective covers and regular maintenance are key. Buy a BBQ cover and make sure the other appliances have some sort of rust proofing if they’re going to stay outside 24/7.

If you’re using wooden benchtops, clean, treat and seal as often as you need to depending on the type of wood. As the seal breaks down, wood can absorb water and experience sun damage causing it to splinter, split or curl and make your prep space unsafe. Food scraps and waste can attract animals that can damage or soil benches used for preparing meals. 

Regularly maintaining and cleaning the area will keep things in good nick. It’s much cheaper than having to repair or replace your equipment every few years.

Safety considerations for outdoor kitchens

As with any home improvement, you’ll need to assess the area for any safety issues. And, being a kitchen, there are some clear guidelines to follow.

“Outdoor kitchens are usually under cover, so it is important to have good airflow that will take any smoke away from the house,” says Fiona. “An open area behind the barbecue needs to be considered, or some sort of ventilation exhaust system.”

For charcoal barbecues and smokers, Fiona says it’s best to position them away from the house, in a well-ventilated area. For gas barbecues, she suggests storing the gas bottle in a cool place that’s easy to access.

In summer, keep on top of fire rules and regulations. It may be illegal to use solid fuels during a total fire ban, which includes meat smokers. 

And though it may sound obvious, don’t forget that BBQs, pizza ovens and smokers get hot – sometimes, very hot. Install them a safe distance from the dining space and away from appliances that could be damaged by radiant heat.

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On this page:

• What is a hibachi grill?
• How does the hibachi grill perform?
• How easy is it to use?
• What is binchotan?
• Are hibachi grills easy to clean?
• Can you use the hibachi grill indoors?
• How much does a hibachi grill cost?

Anyone who’s watched Masterchef in recent years will have heard of a hibachi grill.ÌýHibachis are known for their ability to deliver searing heat while infusing food with a charcoal flavour.Ìý

These traditional Japanese high-heat grills can cook and infuse meat, seafood and vegetables with a smoky charcoal flavour.

But do they hold their own as a portable grilling unit? Or are they another kitchen (or outdoor) fad you could do without? Our expert testers have given dozens of barbecues a real grilling over the years to find the best performers, so we picked up Amazon’s Japanese Korean Ceramic Hibachi BBQ Table Grill to put it to the test in our kitchen lab.

What is a hibachi grill?

Taken from the Japanese translation of ‘fire bowl’, a hibachi features a grill plate that sits on top of a ceramic (or sometimes wooden) bowl that’s filled with burning charcoal. As the food being cooked is very close to the heat source, it allows it to be infused with the smokiness of the charcoal.Ìý

This hibachi grill is compact, portable, easy to store and requires no assembly.ÌýIt comes with a pair of tongs and a stand to keep the unit off the table or ground which helps to minimise heat transfer, but apart from the tongs, no other accessories are provided.Ìý

The hibachi pot is ceramic with a stainless steel grill plate, and the double air vent at the front can be easily opened or closed to help control the heat.ÌýYou also need to manually light the charcoal, which requires a chimney starter, fire starters and matches to light the coals.

How does the hibachi grill perform?

We put the hibachi grill through the same performance tests we use for standard barbecues: cooking sausages, steak and marinated chicken wings. We also ran an additional two tests, cooking salmon (skin on) and shish kebabs.

Overall, performance is excellent – all the meat and fish our testers cooked was super tender and juicy.Ìý

While the hibachi provides an intense heat from the charcoal, it still cooks the food gently so that the food stays moist and succulent. We also found cooking times to be similar to a regular barbecue.Ìý

A hibachi grill is traditionally used for thinner cuts/small cubes and slices of meat, but you’re still able to cook thicker cuts like steak as long as the meat size and shape is suitable for the charcoal cavity area. Thicker cuts may also require extended cooking time, and more frequent turning of the food will prevent it from burning. If you’re cooking fish, it would be a good idea to brush the fish with oil to keep it from sticking to the grill plate.

To find out how the hibachi grill stacks up against full-size barbecues, take a look at our barbecue reviews.

How easy is it to use?

Overall, our testers found this hibachi grill easy to use. The portable unit is small and easy to store, doesn’t require any assembly,Ìýand while it’s fairly heavy, it’s easy to move around.ÌýThat being said, it does have thin metal side handles which can be uncomfortable to hold.Ìý

The cooking surface is a full chargrill plate and you’ll need to manually light the charcoal that sits beneath it. The coals take around 30 minutes to heat before placing in the coal cavity of the hibachi. If you need to add more charcoal, you’ll need to lift the chargrill plate, which can be awkward if food is already on the grill.Ìý

What is binchotan?

Binchotan is a Japanese charcoal that brings out the natural flavour of the food you’re grilling. It’s chemical-free and is a 100% natural hardwood barbecue fuel. When grilling is over and the charcoal has been carefully extinguished, binchotan can be reused (generally several times).

The recommended charcoal to use for the hibachi grill is white binchotan, and we were able to buy 4kg for $29.99 (which works out to be $7.50 per kg). This is the best type of charcoal for this type of grilling due to the close proximity to the grill plate, and the fact that it burns low and slow, which allows for better heat control.

You may be able to save money using regular charcoal, but it’ll produce a stronger smoky flavour in your food that might become overpowering. Regular charcoal may also produce more smoke and may make it harder to control the heat when cooking.ÌýWith binchotan, we found that the meat was still juicy after cooking.Ìý

Are hibachi grills easy to clean?

This one was!

The clay pot doesn’t need cleaning at all and while the grill plate may need soaking, it can easily fit into a kitchen sink or dishwasher. Once the hibachi has cooled, the brick plates can be lifted out to help remove any ash.

When it’s not being used, store the hibachi inside or well covered outdoors so it isn’t exposed to the elements.

Can you use the hibachi grill indoors?

The hibachi is compact in size and can be used on a benchtop, so it may be tempting to use it inside, but we don’t recommend this.

The charcoal poses a potential fire hazard. In some circumstances it can also produce a considerable amount of smoke (especially if you’re not using binchotan charcoal), which can present health risks. The one we tested specifies that it’s designed for outdoor use only and is not to be operated indoors or in an enclosed area. Adequate ventilation is essential.Ìý

How much does a hibachi grill cost?

Hibachi grills range in price from around $60 all the way up to $800, depending on the size and brand. However, they all work on the same principle of using a ceramic unit with a cavity for the charcoal and a stainless steel grill rack.

For $96 this hibachi grill impressed our testers – you just have to factor in the ongoing cost of buying binchotan.

The post Is a hibachi grill worth it? appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

Buying a few key appliances can take the sting out of missing out: a decent coffee machine to replace barista-made brews, an air fryer so you can cook your own top-notch French fries, a barbecue so you can socialise at home instead of going out.

But since you’re on a budget, does that mean you need to settle for a substandard model just to save money? Not necessarily.

While many of the best-scoring barbies from our tests are at the upper end of the market, there are also plenty of more affordable models.

If you’re in the know, you can pick up a barbecue that’s recommended by our experts for $600 or less.

We explain how to make your money go further when you’re buying and using a barbecue. Plus, exclusively for ÌÇÐÄVlog members, we reveal which ones came out top in our tests.

If you just want to get straight to the best products, you can jump to the results now.

Are cheap barbecues any good?

Can you pick up a good barbecue on the cheap? Maybe, but it’s important to choose wisely, says ÌÇÐÄVlog kitchen expert Fiona Mair.

“As a general rule, we find that cheaper barbecues often aren’t made from good-quality materials, and aren’t well constructed,” she says.

“Build quality is important in a barbecue because they are most likely stored outdoors in the elements, so they need to withstand Australia’s harsh climate.

“But it is possible to find a decent barbecue at a decent price if you do your research.”

How to make a cheap barbecue last longer

If you only have the funds for a budget barbie but you still want to get your grill on, Fiona has a few pointers that’ll help your barbecue last the distance.

“It might sound excessive, but if you clean your barbecue each time you use it, it can really extend the lifespan of the grill plates and keep other parts in good condition,” she says.

“And if you have room, store it undercover in between uses – especially over winter when you most likely won’t be using it often or at all.”

How to make your money go further when buying a barbecue

Don’t be tempted to buy the biggest barbecue your money can buy, Fiona says – go for quality over quantity.

“Bigger doesn’t always mean better: sometimes the grill plates on larger barbecues, particularly if they’re cheaper ones, don’t heat evenly, so you’ll be left with cold spots and your food won’t all finish cooking at the same time,” she says.

“Our tests often show that smaller hooded barbecues are more efficient at cooking.

“If you choose wisely, you can get more bang for your buck with a smaller, better-quality barbecue than a big one.”

And it’s worth thinking outside the box: you don’t necessarily have to buy a traditional gas barbecue.Ìý

“Some of the charcoal and electric barbecues we test deliver great results,” says Fiona.

“In fact, nine of the 18 barbecues we recommend are electric or charcoal models.

“They’re generally cheaper than gas barbecues and, as an added bonus, they’re often more compact and portable.”

We list the best charcoal and electric barbecues below, alongside the best gas models.

The bargain BBQs not to buy

These barbies may well be cheap, but there’s a reason for that – they’ll leave you with sad steaks and burnt bangers.Ìý

Several of them appear in our list of Barbecues to avoid buying (AKA the BBQ Hall of Shame).

Even if you find them heavily discounted, we suggest you don’t throw a shrimp on these barbies.

Ziegler & Brown Ziggy Electric Grill BBQ

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 51%
• RRP: $499

Jumbuck Astro 4 Burner BBQ

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 56%
• RRP: $449

Jumbuck 4 Burner Hooded Portland BBQ

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 68%
• RRP: $239

Ziegler & Brown Ziggy Nomad

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 69%
• RRP: $499

Masport Weekender 4 MKII

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 69%
• RRP: $499

What are the best barbecues under $600?

We independently test and review dozens of new BBQs each year in our kitchen lab, and our experts know exactly what to look for to help you find the best product.

Our detailed barbecue reviews include information about each model’s performance, ease of use, durability and features – all important factors to also consider when purchasing a barbie.

Only ÌÇÐÄVlog members can access our detailed testing data. If you’re not yet a member, join ÌÇÐÄVlog to get instant access to all our expert, independent reviews, from coffee machines and grinders, to kettles and cots, toasters and TVs, and more.

Or log in to unlock this article and find out which barbecues deliver the best sizzle for under $600.

The post The best barbecues on a budgetÌý appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

If you love to cook and entertain alfresco, you need a great barbecue that won’t let you down.

Are you looking for a mammoth four-burner beast to feed a crowd at your weekend parties, a small, lightweight grill for easy weeknight dinners, or perhaps you want to give glorious smoked brisket a whirl? Whatever your barbecuing desires, your perfect match is out there and ÌÇÐÄVlog experts can help you find it.

Our expert testers have put a batch of the latest brands through their paces to help you buy the best barbecue that suits your needs and budget.

We don’t want you to end up with a dud buy, so here are the appliances that scored lowest in our lab tests. Consider becoming a ÌÇÐÄVlog member to see the best performers.

Not all barbecues are created equal

Unsurprisingly, there are some models that impress more than others in our extensive, independent testing. 

We have assessed over 40 models on a range of criteria, including how well they cook steaks, sausages and marinated chicken wings, and how easy they are to use, move, and clean.

Our expert barbecue tester Fiona Mair says, “Barbecues are one of those appliances that I find you generally get what you pay for.” 

“There are a range of different features that can contribute to a hefty price tag, and you may find that a bargain barbecue won’t last as long as a pricier model. 

“Look for a barbecue with a solid construction that uses quality materials, as they’ll be out in the elements a lot.”

Whichever model you buy, how you look after it will play a part in how long it lasts.

“Make sure your barbecue goes the distance by looking after it properly, including cleaning it after every use and keeping it covered and stored out of the elements when not in use,” says Fiona. 

Ziegler & Brown Ziggy Electric Grill BBQ

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 60%
• Cooking performance score: 63%
• Price: $499

It may be cute on the outside, but it’s what’s inside that counts – and there’s not much to commend this electric grill on in that regard.  

It was rated as “Poor” for cooking sausages, producing slightly raw meat after the average cooking time. This isn’t the barbie for your sausage sizzle, unless you want to leave a bad taste in your guests’ mouths.

“Unfortunately this barbecue is unable to maintain the high temperature needed to cook a roast chicken or barbecue thick sausages when the hood is closed,” says Fiona.Ìý

Potential food poisoning isn’t the only way it could affect your health: it may drive up your blood pressure because it’s so frustrating to use. 

It’s difficult and awkward to move, the dials are difficult to read, it’s top-heavy, the hood can become dangerously hot, the hood thermometer isn’t accurate… and they’re not all the criticisms our testers had. (We’d list them all, but we’d be here all day.)

If you’re looking for a petite electric barbecue for your balcony or for travel, this isn’t it. 

Read the full Ziegler & Brown Ziggy review. Or better yet, read our full barbecues review to find a barbie that’ll actually do the job.  

Beefmaster Griddle 4 Burner Flat Top Griddle

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 64%
• Cooking performance score: 60%
• Price: $999

A master of beef this barbecue isn’t. 

Our experts scored it just 55% for cooking steak evenly; it left them with chewy steaks that were unevenly browned. 

It wasn’t much chop at cooking chicken wings either: it’s rated as ‘Poor’ by our kitchen testers.

If you’re a short cook whose barbecue repertoire is limited to sausages, you’re in luck: it’s strangely low to the ground at just 101cm high, and our experts say it cooks snags quite well, so it’s good for catering a sausage sizzle.

If you don’t fit into that very niche category, you’ll be disappointed by this barbecue – especially for the $999 price tag! – so we suggest checking our reviews for a better barbie. 

Read the full Beefmaster Griddle review.

Gasmate Paragon Digital Electric BBQ with Cabinet Trolley

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 66%
• Cooking performance score: 63%
• Price: $949

This BBQ is less of a gas mate and more of a gas frenemy.Ìý

The most expensive electric barbecue we’ve tested, it’s overpriced at best and a waste of money at worst. 

It cooks unevenly, roasts ineffectively and is tricky to clean. Like many others in this list of poor performers, it’s a pain to use and comes with poor instructions for assembly, so you’ll be frustrated from start to finish.

It was even outperformed by electric barbecues costing less than $300, which just goes to show that more money doesn’t necessarily mean better.Ìý

And considering it costs more than many models from big-name BBQs, you can definitely do better for your money. 

Read the full Gasmate Paragon Digital Electric BBQ review.

Jumbuck 4 Burner Hooded Portland BBQ

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 67%
• Cooking performance score: 67%
• Price: $228

There’s no denying that this is a barbie bargain – it’s the cheapest gas BBQ in our review.

But price isn’t everything: a cheap product that doesn’t work well still isn’t worth your money.

Jumbuck is Bunnings’ own-brand for barbecues, and although the hardware giant may be a mecca for the home handyperson, it’s not really firing on all cylinders when it comes to its barbecue game. That’s because Jumbuck barbecues often score fairly poorly in our performance testing.

We have tested a few Jumbuck barbecues over the years and ÌÇÐÄVlog experts have noted that they’re often made using poor-quality materials and can be tricky to use and clean.

An if you’re in a hurry to throw a shrimp on your new barbie, this one will thwart your plans: it took our experts three hours to put together, which is saying something considering they assemble barbecues on a regular basis.

Don’t get burnt by this basic barbie – check our detailed review to find the best barbecue for you.

Or read the full Jumbuck 4 Burner Hooded Portland BBQ review.

Beefeater Bigg Bugg Black BB722BA

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 67%
• Cooking performance score: 68%
• Price: $799

This Bigg Bugg barbie is aptly named – it looks like a giant steel beetle about to take flight. But based on its performance in our labs, it’s one bug that should probably be squashed.

(We don’t condone violence against animals here at ÌÇÐÄVlog but we do take exception to poor-performing products!)

One of our experts’ biggest bugbears about this barbie is its sausage-cooking abilities. They noted “considerable” flare-ups from burning fat while cooking snags and rated it just 45% for this test.

It was also a pest to use: it’s heavy and awkward to manoeuvre, and the side tables fell off while moving it, some foods can roll off the hotplate, and the handle and hood become dangerously hot when cooking.

The Bugg is only big enough for a balcony or as a travel BBQ, but it’s priced higher than even Weber barbies of the same size.

If you’ve been bitten by the BBQ bug, we suggest you avoid getting bitten by the Beefeater Bigg Bugg and check our list of the best balcony barbecues instead.

Or read the full Beefeater Bigg Bugg review.

The post Barbecues to avoid buying appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

ÌÇÐÄVlog experts test a range of the latest barbecues on the market each year, and unsurprisingly we typically see new models released ahead of the Australian summer around September and the beginning of October.Ìý

Retailers are unlikely to discount the newest barbecue models in this week’s sales, instead using Black Friday and Cyber Monday as an opportunity to discount and get rid of older stock.That doesn’t mean that there aren’t some good deals to be found. There are plenty of older models of barbecues that performed well in our testing and are decent buys if you can pick them up at discounted prices.Ìý

But, no matter what you’re shopping for, ÌÇÐÄVlog experts advise you to do your research and compare the deals on offer to ensure you’re not being offloaded a dud product and that you’re genuinely getting a good deal.

Some Black Friday barbecue deals we have spotted:

• Weber is offering 10-15% off selected barbecues plus free delivery on eligible Black Friday orders, direct from their website.Ìý
• Barbecues are amongst the products discounted by major retailers including Harvey Norman, Appliances Online, The Good Guys, Myer and Bing Lee.
• Specialist barbecue retailers such as Barbeques Galore are offering discounts of up to 50% off a range of barbecues, pizza ovens and accessories.Ìý
• Beefeater Barbecues is offering 15% off barbecue accessories and spare parts when you order directly from their website, and free delivery.

Expert advice on buying a barbecue in the Black Friday sales

ÌÇÐÄVlog experts suggest that when you’re shopping around for deals, don’t always go for the biggest barbecues, as they may not be best suited to your needs. And our experts also say you should focus more on the type and quality of the barbecue you’re looking for – not just the price.

“Decide which barbecue will best suit your lifestyle and your outdoor space before you start shopping,” says ÌÇÐÄVlog kitchen expert, Fiona Mair.

“Big four-burner barbecues can be great if you have a large outdoor covered area and entertain a lot, but they’re often bulky and difficult to manouevre. In our testing we find that smaller hooded barbecues are generally more efficient and easier to maintain.Ìý

“Just because a barbecue is bigger, doesn’t mean it will cook better or more evenly – we sometimes find that even though big barbecues have larger hotplates, there are whole areas that are not heated effectively by burners so won’t cook the food.Ìý

“Look for barbecues with burners that run the full length of the cooking plates to avoid cold spots.”

Best barbecue brands and setting your budget

On the topic of price, Fiona says you generally get what you pay for, with cheaper barbecues unlikely to go the distance because of poor-quality materials and flimsy fixtures.Ìý

“It’s worth paying a little more for a quality barbecue from a good brand that will last many seasons,” says Fiona.Ìý

“It doesn’t have to be the biggest, it just has to be made of quality materials, including things like cast-iron cooking plates, stainless steel burners and a stable enamel-coated hood – all of this will contribute to a barbecue’s longevity and performance.”

“We see lots of barbecues come through our labs that retail on the cheaper side and you can tell – they have a thin metal hood, lightweight cooking plates or flimsy side tables and are usually difficult to assemble. You may find they only last you one season.”

The larger barbecues in our latest review that come recommended by ÌÇÐÄVlog experts start from around $900 but there are plenty that cost well over $1000. Based on test results and feedback from ÌÇÐÄVlog members on satisfaction and reliability, brands such as Weber and Beefeater rate well against our strict criteria, whereas brands such as Jumbuck (exclusive to Bunnings) have below average test scores, and reliability and satisfaction results.Ìý

Remember to budget for accessories

If you are looking to buy a smaller portable barbecue for a balcony or for camping, for example, allow room in your budget to purchase a trolley or a cart for easy mobility. You may also like to consider extra accessories such as a hotplate and a barbecue cover, to keep it protected from the elements.Ìý

If you’re heading in store for Black Friday sales, it’s a great time to bargain with salespeople to see if they’ll throw in extra accessories for a bundle price.

Tips to save money on a new barbecue in the Black Friday sales

• Buy once, buy well. Do your research (start with and our ) to sort the best buys from the barbecues that will disappoint. Ensure you understand the type of barbecue you’re after – a gas, electric, charcoal or smoker – before you start shopping, as they can come at quite different price points. If you’re never going to spend hours smoking a brisket, there’s no need to fork out a premium for this type of barbecue.Ìý
• Don’t go too large. There’s no point dropping loads of money on a barbecue that’s too big for your outdoor space – and if you don’t have a good cover or somewhere undercover to store it, it won’t go the distance. Measure the space you have before you start shopping.
• Ask for (more) discounts on older models. Retailers may want to offload older stock – there’s no harm in asking if the advertised price is the best they can do.Ìý
• Look for bonus add-ons such as free delivery and accessories. Does the barbecue come with an added trolley or cover, and can the retailer throw in free delivery (or potentially take away your old barbecue? Retailers such as Barbeques Galore and Appliances Online offer this service).
• Don’t forget to account for ongoing fuel cost in your budget. The cost of charcoal and pellets can really add up so ensure you’re aware of this before you buy.

The post Should you buy a barbecue in the Black Friday sales? appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

But there’s always room for improvement, and even a chef who’s all griller, no filler will probably have some less-than-ideal barbecue habits that they’d do well to ditch.Ìý

Here are five barbecue no-nos you should avoid, and the good habits to adopt instead.Ìý

1. Taking your meat straight from the fridge to the barbecue

BBQ better: Bring meat to room temp before cooking.

We’re all familiar with that quintessentially Australian sensation of stepping out of a cool swimming pool in bare feet onto hot concrete – you know the feeling, right?Ìý

Well, it’s the same for meat. Pull it out of the fridge and straight onto a hot barbecue and it’ll tense up, leaving you with tough meat.Ìý

Instead, take it out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before you plan to cook it so it comes to room temperature. It’ll give that expensive steak a chance to be the best it can be.Ìý

Just be mindful of food safety and don’t leave raw meat out of the fridge for too long.

2. Winging it and hoping your meat is cooked

BBQ better: Use a meat thermometer.

Speaking of food safety, investing in a meat thermometer is essential to ensuring your barbecue meat is cooked properly so it’s safe to eat.Ìý

But it’s not just for keeping salmonella and other nasties at bay: it’s the key to perfectly cooked meat, every time.Ìý

Even if you’re confident in your ability to eyeball a steak to tell its doneness, a meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of cooking so you won’t accidentally serve up boot leather instead of a medium rare sirloin.Ìý

If you want to get extra fancy, you can even buy a digital temperature probe that connects to an app on your phone so you’ll get an alert when your meat is ready.Ìý

ÌÇÐÄVlog tip:ÌýTry to limit the number of times you turn your food. Each time you flip the meat, it loses juices. Fewer turns means more succulent meat.

3. Opening the hood all the time to check your food

BBQ better:ÌýBe patient and use a meat thermometer

The barbecue hood isn’t there just to hide a grubby hotplate when you’re finished cooking – putting the hood down can make your barbecue more versatile.Ìý

Closing the lid effectively turns your barbie into an oven, which means you can cook so much more on it. It’ll also speed up your cooking time, make your food juicier and minimise flare-ups.

If you’re a nervous cook, you’ll probably be tempted to peek under the hood regularly to make sure you haven’t overdone your food, and even experienced cooks can’t help getting a sneak preview of dinner. But if you can resist the temptation your food will cook faster and better.Ìý

Heat escapes each time you open the hood, slowing down the cooking process.Ìý

That’s where a Bluetooth-connected meat thermometer comes into its own: you can check the internal temperature of the meat without having to open the lid and lose all that heat.Ìý

If you don’t have a high-tech thermometer, it’s still best to keep opening the hood to a minimum so your barbecue can maintain an even temperature.Ìý

If you’re a serial hood-opener, you could solve the problem by going for a barbecue that has a window in the hood so you can see what’s going on without compromising your cook-up.

ÌÇÐÄVlog tip:ÌýDon’t forget to preheat your barbecue for at least 10 minutes on medium-high with the hood closed. Meat needs to sear to seal in the juices, so your barbie needs to be hot before you start cooking.

4. Only cooking steak and sausages

BBQ better: Experiment with different types of food and cooking styles

A barbecued snag is hard to beat, but there’s more to barbecuing than just bangers and beef.Ìý

Now that you know how to use your barbecue’s hood to create an outdoor oven, the sky’s the limit in terms of what you can cook – think whole fish, roasts, ribs, veggies and more.

And barbecuing doesn’t have to be just about flame grilling. Ever heard of indirect cooking? It’s a great technique for slow-cooking tougher cuts that would otherwise burn or become tough if you grilled them, and for roasting larger cuts of meat like roasts or whole chickens.

Indirect cooking allows you to cook ‘low and slow’ to give you that succulent slow-cooked flavour, or you can use it in the same way as an oven to roast food.

For a four-burner barbecue, turn on the outside burners and put the meat on a tray in the middle of the grill away from the flames. You can use a roasting rack inside the tray with some water in the bottom to keep the meat from drying out.Ìý

Check outÌýÌÇÐÄVlog kitchen expert Fiona Mair‘s recipe for brining and dry rubbing larger cuts of meat in our expert barbecue tips.Ìý

5. Forgetting to clean your barbecue

BBQ better: Make cleaning a habit.

The urban myth that says a dirty barbecue grill adds more flavour does have some truth to it – to a point.Ìý

Your grill does need a coating of oil to protect it from the elements, but if you don’t clean the barbecue at all after cooking, your next meal could taste like rancid old sausage fat. And a grubby grill could even attract cockroaches and flies – not the kind of dinner guests you want to encourage.

While you’re probably keen to crack on with enjoying the fruits (or rather meats) of your labour, the best time to clean your barbecue is immediately after cooking. The longer you leave it, the harder it will be to scrape off that excess fat and crusted-on marinade.Ìý

And since it’s good practice to rest your meat after cooking (5–10 minutes for steaks; at least 20 minutes for roasts), you won’t miss out on the good stuff since you’ll have time to clean up before serving up.Ìý

Our tricks for keeping your barbecue clean will make the process as easy and painless as possible so you can focus on maximising your chill instead of cleaning your grill.

The post 5 BBQ blunders you probably don’t know you’re making – and what to do instead appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

From barbies with Bluetooth connectivity and smart searing zones to cookers that double as smokers or pizza ovens, ÌÇÐÄVlog experts share some of their insights into what’s new in the world of barbecues and what they discovered in our latest review.Ìý

Smart technology

Barbecues have been incorporating smart technology for a couple of years now, but the features available are becoming more extensive and targeted towards helping you get the most precise and perfect results when cooking.

What is a smart barbecue?

A smart barbecue is Bluetooth- or Wi-Fi-enabled so it can be controlled via an app on your smartphone or tablet.Ìý

This opens up new possibilities in the way you BBQ, from remotely tweaking the temperature of your grill to getting an alert to your phone when your lamb joint has reached your desired doneness or when your barbecue is low on fuel.

“Smart technology in barbecues has improved in the last couple of years. There were a few barbecues in our recent lab tests that incorporate smart technology, including the Weber Spirit EX-335 Smart Barbecue and the Everdure by Heston Blumenthal 4K,” says ÌÇÐÄVlog kitchen expert Fiona Mair.Ìý

“Both allow you to connect your barbecue to your smartphone via Bluetooth and have apps that guide you through recipes, specifying temperatures and settings to help you get precise results.”

“If you’re slow-cooking large joints of meat or smoking foods, you’ll need excellent temperature control for the best results. Smart features such as a digital meat probe will minimise the need to open the hood, which will keep the internal temperature consistent, and give you real-time food temperatures direct to your phone.”

Less margin for error (and less waste)

Fiona points out that smart barbecues can help you get great results, ensuring you get the most for your money when buying meat or fish and potentially save you from ruining a perfectly good cut by overcooking or undercooking.

“With rising living costs, buying meat – especially large and premium cuts – is becoming more of a luxury, so when you are cooking on a barbecue you want to get it right.”

“Smart barbecues will help you get the best results possible. The apps will give you tutorials on how to get the right temperatures for a variety of meats and cuts for slow or fast cooking as well as recipes for marinade and rubs,” she says.

Multi-functional barbecues: Smokers, pellet grills and pizza ovens

Back in the day, backyard barbies were mostly just used to grill simple sausages and steaks, and perhaps the odd salmon fillet or a few prawns if you were feeling fancy.Ìý

The new age of barbecues are designed for far greater things, however, with some being more like multi-purpose outdoor ovens that can turn out gourmet pizzas, a juicy whole roast chicken, slow-cooked pulled pork or a smoked brisket with ease.Ìý

“Depending on the barbecue and the fuel you’re using, many more models now allow you to achieve that authentic ‘cooked over wood fire’ smokiness for things such as steak, seafood or vegetables in your own backyard,” says Fiona.

“If your barbecue has a hood, you can use a pizza stone to cook pizzas in it,” says Fiona.

“It just needs to be preheated well and, by following a few tips, you can get great results.”

Some barbecues come with a pizza stone supplied, or have a pizza stone rack for holding a stone (such as the Weber we recently tested). Others have them available to buy as optional extras.Ìý

If you do buy one, Fiona recommends you make sure it is a suitable size for your barbecue.When we test barbecues, we give them a score based on how well they cook steak, sausages, whole roast chicken and marinated chicken wings. If a barbecue has extra features such as a smoker or pizza functionality, you can find comments on the performance in our detailed BBQ reviews.

What is a pellet grill?

A pellet grill is more like a conventional oven than a barbecue as the food is cooked with the hood closed. These grills use wood pellets as fuel, which are fed into the grill automatically to provide a consistent source of heat. They’re great for smoking and slow cooking as they cook indirectly, using a fan to circulate the heat for a more consistent smoke flavour.

They may not heat up as quickly as gas barbecues but they can be set at a specific temperature and are great at maintaining a more even temperature once they’re hot.

When it comes to grilling small cuts of meat, they may not sear the meat or give the meat that chargrill effect the same way a gas barbecue does, yet the meat is lighter in colour, evenly cooked and tender.

“If you’re after that smoky flavour, almost anything that can be cooked in a conventional oven can be cooked in a pellet grill,” says Fiona.

“The strength of the smokiness depends on the flavour of the hardwood pellets you’re using, such as cherry, maple or hickory.”

“Using a pellet grill does require a bit of trial and error, so we recommend looking for a model that comes with good instructions (you can find info on this in our ÌÇÐÄVlog reviews),” she says.

“It can be tricky at first but the cooking results can be exceptional. Look for a grill with a hopper and auger which feed the pellets through the barbecue. One that has a meat probe also takes away a lot of the guesswork. Keep in mind that you have to factor in the cost of hardwood pellets, which can be pricey.”

One of best-known brands for pellet grills and wood smokers is Traeger. Find out how the Traeger Ranger Pellet Grill Ìýperformed in our recent testing.

Searing zones

Amongst many of the bells and whistles advertised by modern barbecues, we sometimes find a few features worth noting. A feature common to a few Weber barbecues we have tested recently is a special searing zone designed for high-temperature cooking.

“A sear zone is an area on the barbecue plate that has a specific control that is designed to create intense heat suitable for cooking steak. It helps create those perfect grill marks on your food and cooks the steak in less than a few minutes, depending on the type of meat and its thickness,” says Fiona.

“This fast cooking method helps to maintain the meat’s juices and flavour, and we saw some good results when using this zone. It’s best used with a digital meat probe to ensure you get your desired doneness,” says Fiona.

The post Smart tech, smokers, pizza ovens, pellet grills and more – what’s new in barbecues? appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

On this page:

• What is a smoker barbecue and how do they work?
• What types of smoker barbecues are there?
• What types of foods can you cook in a smoker?
• Are smoker barbecues portable and what sizes do they come in?
• What smoker accessories do I need?
• How much does a smoker barbecue cost?
• How do you clean a smoker barbecue?
• Can I use my existing barbecue as a smoker?
• Which are the best smoker barbecues?

What is a smoker barbecue and how do they work?

Instead of putting your food over direct heat to cook as you would in a traditional barbecue, a smoker barbecue burns wood or charcoal to produce a low heat that, combined with smoke, slowly cooks food and imparts a unique smoky taste.

The ‘low and slow’ cooking method means food is cooked more evenly and retains more moisture to give maximum juiciness and succulence.

Generally, smoker barbecues work more like a conventional oven than a barbecue, as they cook indirectly within an enclosed space with the hood closed, using a fan to circulate the heat for a more consistent smoke flavour.

This form of indirect cooking is great for slow cooking larger or tougher foods that might burn if they were grilled directly.

Smoker barbecues may not heat up as quickly as conventional gas or electric barbecues, but most can be set to a specific temperature and are great at maintaining a more even temperature once they’re hot.

What types of smoker barbecues are there?

There are various types of smoker barbecues available, including charcoal smokers, wood smokers, pellet grills and offset smokers.Ìý

Charcoal smokers

These are smokers that use charcoal as a fuel source. The food is placed next to, not directly over, the heat, which cooks food slowly and more evenly.

Vertical wood smokers

Vertical wood smokers have shelves that allow you to smoke a range of meats. They burn either wood or natural hardwood pellets to create the smoke and heat for cooking. You can use different types of wood, such as maple, hickory or cherry, all of which will give different intensities of flavour to the food you’re preparing.Ìý

Pellet grills

A pellet grill works by automatically feeding wood pellets into the grill through a hopper to provide a consistent source of heat, so they’re great for cooking low and slow.

However, you need to factor in the ongoing costs of the wood pellets which can be expensive – around $30–$35 for 9kgs – and some pellet grills also specify certain brands to be used.Ìý

Offset smokers

Either wood or charcoal smokers may also be offset smokers which means they have a separate compartment at the side of the smoker, called a firebox. The firebox burns fuel to create the smoke and heat which is then fed into the chamber where your food sits for cooking. This allows for better temperature control. They’re often quite large and bulky so you need to have a good outdoor space to operate them in, however they can cook a large amount of food at once.Ìý

What types of foods can you cook in a smoker?

The variety of foods you can cook in a smoker barbecue is almost endless. In most smokers, you can cook pretty much anything that you can cook in a conventional oven.

You’ll get the best results from foods that benefit from cooking low and slow, and could be enhanced by a delicious smoky flavour. Think large cuts of meat such as brisket, pork shoulder, ribs and whole chicken. Whole fish and seafood, such as salmon and prawns, can also be cooked in a smoker, as well as vegetables and fruits such as corn on the cob, capsicums or even apples or summer fruits such as peaches and pineapples.

Part of the fun of owning a smoker is experimenting with all the delicious new things you can cook – some people smoke cheese or nuts, or you could give things such as baked beans or even smoked desserts such as sweet pies, brownies or cookies a whirl.

“Detailed instructions for assembly and use, and perhaps an app that comes with recipes, are excellent features to look out for when you’re choosing the smoker that’s right for you,” says ÌÇÐÄVlog kitchen expert, Fiona Mair.

“This is because it can take a bit of trial and error to get the cooking method right with some models. Once you’ve nailed it though, the results can be really unique and exceptional.

“Some manufacturers provide ‘how to’ videos on their app or website with step-by-step instructions on useful things like igniting the smoker and controlling the air flow, or tutorials on indirect cooking and slow cooking, which can be very helpful,” says Fiona.

Are smoker barbecues portable and what sizes do they come in?

The model and the type of smoker barbecue you choose will determine how big it is and whether or not it is easily portable.

Some models ÌÇÐÄVlog has reviewed, such as the Traeger Ranger Pellet Grill, are specifically designed to be compact and portable so they are able to be taken camping or on holidays. The model specification says it can fit one rack of ribs, six burgers or 10 sausages.Ìý

“The Traegar Ranger Pellet Grill has a lockable lid so it’s designed to be portable, however it’s still quite large and can be awkward to carry. Remember wherever you’re using it, you’ll also need access to 240V AC power for the ignition,” says Fiona.Ìý

If you are not set on an enclosed smoker, but you still want that wood-fired flavour on a portable barbecue, there are several smaller portable charcoal grills you could try, like a Japanese-style table hibachi grill or other portable charcoal grills such as the Everdure by Heston Blumenthal Fusion Charcoal Barbecue.

Other smoker barbecues we tested, and particularly offset smokers, can be very large, bulky and heavy, so they’re definitely not portable. But their larger cooking chambers do offer you lots more versatility in regards to the amount of food you can cook and the cuts of meat you can smoke.

ÌÇÐÄVlog tip: When you’re considering if you have space for a smoker or where to put it, keep in mind it should be positioned a few metres away from your house, or your neighbour’s house. If it’s too close, the heat and smoke could discolour your awnings or exterior walls. It should also be positioned in an area that doesn’t get too windy, so it’s easier to light.

What smoker accessories do I need?

There are many accessories spruiked by manufacturers to enhance your smoking experience, but which ones do you really need? According to ÌÇÐÄVlog experts, when working with a smoker barbecue, a digital meat probe is a must to ensure you get perfectly cooked meat.

Some models come with an integrated meat probe that monitors temperature during cooking (and some even send an alert to your smartphone once the food is cooked). However, if the model you choose doesn’t come with one, it’s a good investment.

A meat probe that has pre-programmed settings for various meats and degrees of doneness is useful.ÌýSomeÌýprobes can even be inserted into the meat andÌý remain in place during cooking, so you can check the temperature regularly via a smartphone app without opening the hood.

“I’d also recommend investing in a cover for your smoker barbecue,” says Fiona.Ìý

“Most brands have tailor-made covers available. This will help keep it out of the elements, protect your unused fuel and will likely extend the life of the barbecue.”

It’s probably also worth buying a trolley or a stand for the portable smoker to sit on, as it will make transporting and using it a lot easier.Ìý

Other accessories and items ÌÇÐÄVlog experts recommend you’ll need when using a smoker include:

• a good set of long tongs and oven gloves if you’re working with charcoal or wood
• aluminium foil to cover the meat when standing and to protect vulnerable areas of chickens and turkeys
• a storage bin for your fuel to protect it from moisture and make it easier to access.Ìý

How much does a smoker barbecue cost?

The smoker barbecues available to buy in Australia at the moment are quite expensive.

One of the brands most associated with smoker barbecues is Traeger, and they have several smoker barbecue models available, ranging in price from $900 for their portable smoker up to several thousands of dollars for models in their ‘pro’ and premium (Timberline and Ironwood) ranges.

Weber has two models in the Weber Smokefire Series, with prices starting from $2499. Kamado Joe smokers start from around $700 and the Everdure by Heston Blumenthal 4K Charcoal Grill and Smoker we tested comes with a hefty price tag of $2799.Ìý

Another thing to consider in addition to the purchase price is that smokers fuelled by wood pellets are relatively expensive to run, as you need to purchase the pellets as well as use electricity. They can cost around $35/9kg and some brands specify that you should only use their specific brand of pellets as they’re designed in such a way to optimise performance with their particular model.Ìý

Cooking something like brisket at a low temperature of about 110°C for 4.5 hours can use up to 1kg of pellets, and if you are cooking at high temperatures you are likely to go through the pellets a lot quicker. If you use your smoker a lot, that cost can quickly add up.Ìý

“A good tip to save money on pellets is to load the smoker with only the fuel you need for that particular cook – then top it up as needed,” says Fiona.Ìý

How do you clean a smoker barbecue?

Cleaning your smoker barbecue is just as important as cleaning your regular gas or electric barbecue.Ìý

Once the smoker has cooled, it is a good idea to remove the ash (throw it on the garden) and brush the grill plates to remove any residue. Wash stainless steel grill racks, and clean drip trays,Ìýwiping any build-up of accumulated fat.

If you have a portable pellet grill, you will need to remove the pellets before transporting, so ensure you don’t overfill the hopper with pellets, as they’re difficult to take out.Ìý

After around three of four uses, it’s a good idea to scrape away any carbon build-up inside the smoker and under the hood. If you leave this to accumulate for too long it will affect the flavour of the food you’re cooking.

As part of our ÌÇÐÄVlog reviews of the best barbecues, we give each model a score based on how easy it is to clean and make notes on anything you need to be aware of before you buy.Ìý

Can I use my existing barbecue as a smoker?

Yes! Making a homemade barbecue smoker box can turn your standard hooded gas or electric barbecue into a smoker.Ìý

Fiona explains how: “Wrap wood chips in aluminium foil, and pierce a few holes at the top of the foil pouch to let the smoke out. Place the packet directly on the grill plate above a burner while the barbecue is preheating and it will start producing smoke that will infuse the food you cook.”

“Avoid opening the hood too much during the cooking process, and remove the wood chip parcel halfway through the cooking time.

“There are also various accessories you can buy, such as wood-smoked grilling planks, that you can use in a standard barbecue to give a subtle smoky flavour to your foods.”

Which are the best smoker barbecues?

The ÌÇÐÄVlog labs have reviewed over 40 barbecues currently available in Australia, including several smokers, barbecues with smoking features and charcoal grills.

We give each barbecue a ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating based on their performance in our cooking tests and other factors such as how easy they are to clean and use, to help you find the model that suits your needs and price range.

ÌÇÐÄVlog members have exclusive access to our detailed reviews. Log in or sign up to find more.Ìý

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