Can you recommend a charcoal BBQ ?

[pubrunner]

Hi All,

BBQ season is almost upon us and I'm thinking for getting rid of our very shabby gas BBQ - to be replaced with a charcoal version.

Commonly available, are barrel-shaped BBQs and kettle BBQs - but which might you recommend ?

Should I go for something like this :

http://www.argos.co.uk/product/3450839

Or would this be a better choice ?

http://www.argos.co.uk/product/6062152

When we have BBQs, it is usually for 4 of us, but it would be useful to have something which could cater for a few more - such as when @rich p , @CaadX , @Banjo , @Crackle , @srw, @Doseone and @Marmion etc., etc., etc., drop in on a ride.

I think that Di would prefer the appearance of a kettle BBQ, though I'm not sure that they can cook for quite as many people; personally, I've always had a thing for barrels, so that's what I'd prefer.

So, drum or kettle . . . . . . . or something else ?

 

[jefmcg]

kettle.

 

[pubrunner]

kettle.

Weber

Could the 57cm Weber cope with cooking for 10-12 people ? The barrel BBQs seem to have for space for cooking.

 

[pubrunner]

Is the Weber easy to keep clean ? An important question, 'cos it'll be my responsibility.

 

[pubrunner]

Would this fit in a kettle BBQ ? - a recipe that I really must try . . .

http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/bbq_beer-can_chicken_80142

 

[User482]

Is the Weber easy to keep clean ? An important question, 'cos it'll be my responsibility.

Yes, the ash is deposited into a can underneath.

 

[pubrunner]

Yes, the ash is deposited into a can underneath.

Thank's for that info. - worth knowing.

Possibly a 'stupid' question, but does fresh charcoal have to be used for each cooking session ?

Is the waste ash something that be put on the compost pile ?

 

[thecube]

I have a kettle type one, about that size (57cm) I think and you can cook loads on it. In fact, I have a bbq due at my house on Monday for about 11 people (getting stressed by weather forecast) and have realised that its weather proof cover has perished somewhat and I am scared to see what the damage to the bbq is! But I've kept it outside with a cover over it for years and it survives (well at least it did until now). It was not mega expensive but not the cheapest either, it has served us well. The worst thing is cleaning the mess grill, but this will be the same with all bbq's.

 

[Heltor Chasca]

Weber all he way. Get a little book explaining indirect cook g n a kettle BBQ. You'll never go back. Yum.

 

[pubrunner]

I have a kettle type one, about that size (57cm)

I take note of the fact, that no-one appears to be recommending the barrel-shaped BBQs.

. . . you can cook loads on it. In fact, I have a bbq due at my house on Monday for about 11 people

I'd rarely cook for as many as 11 people, but it would be useful to have the option.

 

[jayonabike]

Weber.

We have 2. A large gas one and a small portable charcoal kettle one for when I want to knock up a couple of steaks or just a chicken.

Both are easy to clean

 

[User482]

Thank's for that info. - worth knowing.

Possibly a 'stupid' question, but does fresh charcoal have to be used for each cooking session ?

Is the waste ash something that be put on the compost pile ?

Wot @User259 said: I often re-use the remaining charcoal by shutting off both air vents after I've finished cooking.

I put the ash in the compost bin.

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

Hi All,
BBQ season is almost upon us and I'm thinking for getting rid of our very shabby gas BBQ - to be replaced with a charcoal version.

Pubbers, I can send you mine, it has been in the shed ever since I bought it.
https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/buying-a-bbq.183585/

 

[Cycleops]

As long as its propane (LPG) it'll keep Hank Hill happy.

 

[pplpilot]

webber kettle.

Never clean mine.
left out all year ( I use all year round bbq are not just for the good weather)
Get a chimney starter
Get a cast iron grill
Learn about indirect heat.
I can easily get 8hrs + for a low and slow out of a chimney of coal.
Learn from the masters - https://www.youtube.com/user/BarbecueWeb/videos