Guide - Barbecues
The majority of barbecues available today fall into one of six main categories
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Portable
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Free-standing Open Type
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Spit Roasters
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Kettle (covered) Barbecues
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Gas Grills
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Electric Barbecues
The list obviously cannot be conclusive. There are other types which do not easily fall into any one of the categories, for example - deep-trough units to reduce flareup; "add-on" systems, throw-away picnic Barbecues etc.
While most of whatever type are capable of being used in many different ways, each type is nevertheless especially suitable for particular uses. The following is a guide as to which type may be most suitable for you.
Portable Barbecues
As the name implies, these are generally supplied without legs (or with short or foldup legs) and are particularly suitable for use in camping or for picnics etc. In fact any situation where space and weight are important. Of course they may also be used in the garden or patio, usually on a wall.
Probably the most popular type of portable barbecue available is the "Hibachi" (Japanese for "firebowl"), made in cast iron or steel available with either two or three grills: They do not normally have a spit-roasting facility.
Portable barbecues, which are generally extremely inexpensive, make excellent first-time barbecues.
Free Standing Open Barbecues
These open top barbecues' or braziers are virtually always made from steel, nearly always round, 14-24" diameter and with three tubular legs, sometimes with wheels for extra mobility.
Most open top barbecues have a windshield to help concentrate the heat and are generally supplied with a spit for occasional spit-roasting.
Whilst this type of unit may quite easily be transported when assembled, it is more commonly used at home in the garden and, depending on its size, is equally suitable for family meals or large parties.
Spit Roasters
This type of barbecue is especially suited to the household which enjoys spit-roasted food.
Generally produced from cast iron or cast aluminium, the barbecue is usually designed to be used in a special vertical position for spit-roasting or, by means of a simple adjustment, in a normal grilling position.
The spit-roaster is normally fitted with four tubular legs which may be detached for storage or transport.
Kettle (Covered) Barbecues
Available round, square or rectangular, the kettle barbecue differs from most other types in that it is supplied with a lid. (Gas and charcoal barbecues can also be supplied with lids which both concentrate the heat and the flavour to a significant extent). So that, while the unit may be used for normal grilling with the lid off, or raised it is possible with the lid in position to cook large jonts of meat or poultry as one would in the oven.
These barbecues are extremely durable, produced from heavy guage steel or aluminium with either a porcelain or stove-enamelled finish and nomally have wheels for mobility.
Gas Barbecues
Nearly all the barbecues previously mentioned use charcoal as a basic fuel.
However, whilst being a little more expensive, gas barbecues have become increasingly popular because of their ease of lighting, use and cleaning.
They use bottled gas (butane or propanel as a fuel.
Gas barbecues are generally covered types (although not necessarily so) and use a gas flame to pre-heat volcanic rocks over which the food is cooked.
There is always a switch on/off facility and the permanent volcanic rocks are self cleaning.
Gas grills come in many shapes and sizes, with one or two burners, normally produced from cast aluminium or porcelain coated steel,
Electric Barbecues
Another method of barbecuing is now available with the introduction of the electric barbecue. Working on a similar principle to the gas fired models, volcanic rock is heated in this case by a tubular sheathed electric element regulated by a variable heat control. Designed for table top use, the lid acts as a splashguard and a long length of heavy cable fitted with a moulded fused safety plug allows the unit to be connected to an internal mains socket.
Only open grilling is possible at present but, as this method of barbecuing becomes more popular, it is reasonable to assume that the range of models will increase to include free standing and kettle types also, no doubt, with spit-roasting facilities.
Charcoal
Basically, charcoal is available in two forms - lump or briquettes, The best charcoal is made from hardwoods and in the case of lump charcoal, is graded before packaging to give good sized pieces for barbecuing.
Briquettes are uniform in size.
As a general guide, lump charcoal lights more easily than briquettes, but briquettes burn longer with more heat.
Vinewood, which is a hardwood, is popular in France for easy lighting. It is clean to handle and noted for the short time it takes to reach a temperature suitable for cooking. It is available in 5 and 101b. bags.
Accessories
A wide range of inexpensive accessories is available to further increase the enjoyment of outdoor cooking.
Long-handled tools (tongs, skewers etc.) are essential for safe barbecuing but such products as battery-powered spit-motors, hamburger and steak broilers, cleaning brushes and sprays, all especially designed for barbecue use, will help to turn your family barbecue or party into an eating "experience".
