Your simple BBQ Buying Guide to help find the best barbecue for you and your family.
With the days getting gradually brighter and Spring on the horizon, there is nothing finer than the thought of alfresco cooking and dining. If you are going to be using your barbecue regularly, then investing in the right one can significantly improve your cooking experience. Choosing between a gas and charcoal barbecue could be the most important decision you make all summer.
The essential Barbecue Buying Guide from Fire Mountain has been created to help you decide on which option will benefit you and your family in the coming seasons. The main factor to consider is how you want to cook your food as well as how much will be in your budget; as sometimes your budget could make your mind up for you. You will obviously want the best quality your money can buy, however we feel that the price tag is not solely a guide to quality and certain brands offer up more versatility than the bigger names.
All of our Fire Mountain barbecues are easy to build, easy to use and will last for many years to come.
Gas Barbecues
Turning on a gas barbecue is as simple as turning on your kitchen stove, with most models having a piezo ignition, you will be able to light your barbecue instantly and achieve the exact temperatures you need within 10 minutes.
Most gas barbecues are designed to include a hood fitted with a thermometer so you can monitor the heat inside the chamber before and during cooking.
The ability to maintain or change the heat whilst you are cooking is an ideal feature for a more versatile style of barbecuing as it opens up more possibilities in grilling method, like direct or indirect cooking.
You will be able to ensure each dish you prepare is cooked perfectly every time and achieve a more succulent and wholesome flavour.
In the barbecue world, there are many different types of gas barbecue available for you to look up, learn about and finally, test. Convenient, quick and clean, we have chosen three of our bestselling barbecues for you to discover, and a few tips on how you could use them this summer.
BEST FOR BEGINNERS: Everest 3 Burner Gas Barbecue
- The Everest 3 Burner Gas Barbecue is the perfect way to get started if you are new to the gas barbecue world.
- The domed stainless steel roasting hood has a built-in temperature gauge and a wire warming rack, to keep an eye on the heat and to help food stay warm after cooking.
- Two side shelves increase the preparation area and offer a handy surface to hold cutlery or plates.
- There is also a small bar with hooks to the front that you can hang utensils or cloths on.
- With a cooking area of 63cm (W) x 42cm (D), including one griddle and one grill area both in cast iron, this gas barbecue could easily feed a family of four. We also offer the Everest with 2 or 4 burners, so the number of guests you frequently entertain may affect your decision of which size to go for!
BEST FOR BIG FAMILIES: Premier Plus 6 Burner Barbecue
- Great for entertaining family and friends, the Premier Plus Six Burner Barbecue is ideal for cooking large quantities of food for big groups of people.
- The hood is made from brushed stainless steel with a thermometer built into the unit so you can monitor the heat inside the chamber.
- In addition to the 6 burners on the barbecue, there is also a 3kW side burner designed to hold your pots and pans. This allows you to be more versatile with you barbecue cooking style.
- There are two stainless steel shelves at either side of the cooking chamber to hold your ingredients, as well as a front centre shelf underneath the control panel to store your condiments, herbs and marinades.
- With a total cooking area of 3834.6cm² and blue LED light up control knobs, you can cook a lot of food whilst impressing the whole party!
Charcoal Barbecues
The obvious difference between gas and charcoal is fuel. The way the food is cooked over a charcoal fire is what gives your meals that smoky chargrilled flavour.
There are various different types of barbecue available on the market and choosing the right one can be confusing.
It all depends on how many people you’re cooking for and the style of barbecue that you require, as there are many different sizes and speciality style barbecues to choose from.
The tradition behind a charcoal barbecue is what drives most customers into deciding; as the craving for that smoky succulent flavour is at the forefront of most minds whilst purchasing.
With a charcoal barbecue you will be able to achieve that wonderful flavour you desire, and cook a perfect meal for your family and friends.
BEST FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT: Kamado Barbecue
- Boasts a high gloss coated ceramic egg body with varnished bamboo side shelves and handle. The stainless-steel accents of the vents and stand help to finish the effortless aesthetic this barbecue has to offer. The egg barbecue is easy to move in and out of storage.
- The top and bottom vents help to control airflow through the egg, allowing optimal heat circulation. Once you’ve added your food, keep the lid down as much as possible, this keeps the heat and smoke in the Kamado and stops your food from drying out.
- Using wood chips soaked in wine, fruit juice or even beer can add depth and a new level of flavour. Make sure you place the wood chips in the charcoal or in a foil tray on the charcoal and keep the lid closed. Keep the vents nearly closed for a slow smoke effect.
If you have any questions about any of our barbecues, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our friendly customer service team who are more than happy to advise you on which barbecue may be suitable for you and your family’s needs this year.
