Seven Common Barbecue Mistakes
Article brought to you by Best Weber Gas Barbecues
1. Using meat that is not thawed completely – If it’s frozen in the middle the meat will end up being cooked on the outside but will still be raw inside. This is a sure way to give your guests food poisoning!
2. Using the same plates and cutlery for both cooked and uncooked food – This is a sure way to cause cross contamination and can easily lead to food poisoning.
3. Lifting the lid to check the food – Lifting the lead frequently will let out the heat and the temperature inside the barbecue will drop dramatically. Leave the lid alone as much as possible.
4. Cooking too quickly – Except for steaks that are seared quickly on the outside slow and long is much better to produce the best smoky flavour and to produce tender meat.
5. Using sauces containing sugar – It’s OK to use a sugar containing sauce as a marinade but don’t use it for meats on the grill. The sugar will char and give an unappetising flavour to the meat.
6. Using lighter fluid – It may make lighting your charcoal barbecue quicker but lighter fluid will cause the food to have a chemical taste. Use self lighting barbecue briquettes or an electric starter instead.
7. Using green speciality woods – Woods for smoking need to be aged as green wood will give your food a bitter flavour.
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Managing the Temperature of Your Gas Barbecue grill
Article brought to you by Best Weber Gas Barbecues
Managing the temperature of your gas grill is essential if you are to produce perfect barbecued food. Gas grills have a tendency to get too hot so it is useful to learn the best ways to control the temperature.
Lighting the Grill
Always read the manual that came with your grill before you use it for the first time. Here are the steps usually recommended for safely lighting the grill.
Open the grill lid, then turn the gas on at the tank.
Turn on one burner and light the grill by pushing the ignition burner or using a match.
If you have other burners you can now tuyrn them on.
Leave the gas on high for about ten minutes to heat up the area under the grill.
Reaching the Correct Temperature
After lighting the grill put down the lid and leave it to reach the correct temperature. A grill thermometer is a good idea to check the temperature inside the grill. Some barbecues have built in thermometers inside the lid for monitoring the temperature.The temperature you need varies with the recipe and type of meat.
Barbecue Problems and Solutions
If the temperature of the grill doesn’t reach high enough check that there is adequate fuel and there are no leaks in the fuel line. You can check for leaks by dripping soapy water on the line and connections. Bubbles will form at any place where there is a leak. If the burners are dirty the flame may be yellow. Clean the burners and also try adjusting the air fuel mix.
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Barbecue Smoking Wood Chips for an Authentic Flavour
Article brought to you by Best Weber Gas Barbecues
Many people use speciality wood chips to give authentic smoky flavour to their barbecued food. Different woods give their own unique flavours and you should experiment with different woods to find the flavours you prefer. Speciality barbecue smoking woods chips act like seasoning for your barbecued food in the same way as barbecue sauce.
There are a variety of speciality smoking wood chips to try and we’ve listed some of them below. Most are from nut or fruit trees although some are from hardwood trees. The wood from fruit trees is usually mild while that from nut trees like pecan or cherry tends to give a stronger flavour.
Smoking Woods
- Oak
- Pecan
- Hickory
- Orange
- Cherry
- Mulberry
- Apple
- Sugar maple
Speciality smoking wood chips can be purchased in variety packs which are ideal to try them out until you find the one you prefer.
Lexington Wild Apple Wood Mini-Chips, Wild Apple
List Price: $8.95
These mini wood chips from Maine Grilling Woods work perfectly with your indoor smokers and smoke boxes. Slightly sweet and fruity smoke flavor. Beef, poultry, game birds, pork (particularly ham). The old farms and woodlots of Maine are dotted with the distinctive twisted trunks of wild apple trees. These trees sprout up in old fields and clearings from seeds carried about by birds and other animals. As these fields are reclaimed and the old trees pruned back into production, the local farmers and woodlot owners harvest the apple wood by hand and bring it to the farm a pickup load at a time. This wood produces wonderful smoking chips, chunks and planks. If you have never tried Wild Apple wood, you are in for a treat.
Click here for more information on Lexington Wild Apple Wood Mini-Chips, Wild Apple
Cooking Methods
Some wood chips are thought to suit different types of meat. For instance most people find they prefer fruit woods for chicken and oak for beef. Speciality woods can also be mixed to give more variety. Wood chips should be soaked in water for about thirty minutes then added to the grill. They can be used with a barbeque smoker or if your barbecue grill has a smoker box place the chips in it. For barbecues without a smoking box the chips can be wrapped in foil, a few holes punctured in the foil and placed in a hot part of the grill. For a charcoal grill place the packet on top of the charcoal.
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Beginner’s Barbecue Guide
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Choosing a Barbecue
The type of barbecue you choose depends on your preferences and budget. The choice is between the traditional charcoal barbecues and the modern gas powered barbecues and there are many different designs, styles and of course, prices for both. A detailed guide to help you choose between a charcoal or gas barbecue can be found at Charcoal or Gas Barbecue Guide.
Charcoal barbecues are much simpler, and therefore cheaper, than gas barbecues as all they really consist of is a fireproof bowl with adjustable vents and a rack, preferably adjustable for height, to cook the food on. One concern with charcoal barbecues is the environmental implications of using charcoal. At present most (estimated to be over 97%) of the charcoal sold for use in barbecues does not come from a sustainable source. It can come from tropical rainforests which are endangered and may also be covered in petroleum based solvents.
For those in the UK charcoal from sustainable, British sources is available and has been developed by the BioRegional Development Group. It comes from managed woodland and needs no chemicals to light. Look for a source of sustainable charcoal in your country.
Tips for Successful Barbecues
- The charcoal is ready for use when it is grey on the outside and glowing red inside.
- Make sure the rack is hot before you add food. Sear the food by placing in the middle of the grill where it is hottest then turning. Food will stick when first placed on the grill until it is seared.
- Quick cooking food including fish and vegetables should be seared then kept in the middle over a medium heat. Slower cooking foods, for example meats that are denser and poultry should be seared then moved away from the hottest part of the grill by raising the rack or placing away from the center of the barbecue.
- Turn the food regularly to cook all the way through. Make absolutely sure that the food is cooked completely.
The smoky flavor of barbecued food comes from the smoke released by juices falling into the coals or burners. The flavor can also be improved by the use of a glaze or marinade on the food which caramelises in the heat. Many bbq recipes for meat dishes use marinades, not so much to tenderise the meat, but to enhance the flavor. Marinades should contain lime juice, wine or yoghurt to break down the proteins in the meat, flavorings and some oil to keep the food moist while cooking. Marinades for vegetables or fish do not need the meat tenderiser.
Barbecue Safety
Food poisoning is a much too frequent occurrence after barbecues and can be avoided with a little care and knowledge of food safety. Bacteria flourish in warm temperatures and leaving uncooked or partially cooked food around on a warm summer day is a recipe for disaster. Poultry can contain campylobacter and salmonella and beef and other meats can contain E coli, the number of which can double in twenty minutes on a warm day. Cross contamination can also occur if cooked food is allowed to come into contact with raw food.
Some Safety Guidelines
- Always defrost frozen meat, poultry and fish in the refrigerator or in a microwave. Slowly defrosting at room temperature can allow bacteria to grow on the unfrozen edges while the rest is defrosting.
- Never allow raw food to be placed near to cooked food or use utensils or work surfaces for both.
Always thoroughly defrost food before cooking to ensure that no parts of the food are undercooked. All meat, chicken, turkey, burgers etc should be cooked until the inside is hot and not pink.
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The Weber Baby Q and the Genesis E-310
Article brought to you by Best Weber Gas Barbecues
Two of the best selling Weber barbecues are the Weber Baby Q and the Weber Genesis Genesis E-310. Far apart in terms of price and features but both very good value for money and good examples of the high quality we have come to expect from Weber barbecues.
The Weber Genesis E-310
The Weber Genesis E-310 has all the features you would expect from a Weber barbecue including three burners, built in tool holders and a work surface and flavorizer bars. The three burners give a huge cooking area, more than enough for the largest meal and the work surface is large enough for all the preparation needed. One of the advantages of Weber grills is the electronic ignition system which will light the grill easily and consistently for many years to come. The E-320 model also has a side burner for cooking up rice, noodles, pasta, potatoes etc. All this is placed on a cart with stainless steel handles and doors. Weber Genesis E-310 looks exceptionally good with a choice of black, green or blue finish and propane or natural gas models are available. The Weber Genesis E-310 has all you need to cook a complete meal without having to go back to the kitchen.
The Weber Genesis E-310 retails for around $700. The high quality of Weber barbecues is well known and this model is no exception. It will last for many years and represents very good value for money for a back yard barbecue.
Weber Genesis E-310 Gas Grill in Dark Blue
The Genesis grill is now better than ever! The E-310 gas grill features an enclosed cart with corresponding painted steel doors with stainless steel trim, stainless steel handles and painted side and rear panels. This grill has an accent colored painted steel frame and a porcelain-enameled shroud with a center-mounted thermometer. It also offers accent colored painted, cast aluminum end caps making this grill quite impressive! The cooking system, rated at 42, 000 BTU’s, includes 3 seamless stainless steel burners and a Crossover ignition system. The cooking grates are porcelain-enameled cast iron. The Flavorizer bars are porcelain-enameled. The primary cooking area measures 507 sq. inches and the warming rack area measures 130 sq. inches, giving a total cooking area of 637 sq. inches!
The Weber Baby Q
The Weber Baby Q is a very different barbecue! If you want to take your barbecue to the beach or on a camping trip you won’t be using the Genesis. You need a small, compact barbecue and this is where the Baby Q is ideal. For about $120 you get a small, compact easily transported barbecue with a cast iron surface and easy carry handles. It is good looking with a silver finish and sleek design. The Weber Baby Q is easy to set up and use you can be have it in full operation within five minutes of taking it out of the box. One of the best looking small barbecues on the market and great value for money.
Weber Baby Q-100 Portable Gas Grill
Don’t be fooled by its name – this grill is plenty big with a 189-sq. in. grilling surface. It weighs only 28-lbs. so it’s great for taking to the park or for tailgate parties. A disposable 14.1-oz. propane cylinder (not included) lasts up to 1.5 hours. It comes almost fully assembled so it’s ready to go once out of the box! The grill has a push-button ignition for easy, reliable lighting, an infinitely adjustable burner valve with high-quality regulator, sturdy glass-reinforcement nylon grill frame, cast aluminum lid and body, large heat-resistant lid handle and a porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grate. 8, 500 BTUs. Gift wrap is not available for this item.
Weber guarantee their grills with a warranty that covers all major parts for ten to twenty five years. All their grills are extremely well made and good value for money. You may find cheaper grills with the same or even more features but they will not last as long or be as sturdy and easy to use as a Weber barbecue.
Easy Tips For Cleaning Your Gas Barbecue
Article brought to you by Best Weber Gas Barbecues
Having a barbecue is fun but cleaning up the barbecue is probably the thing most people like the least. If you want to enjoy your next barbecue then it’s essential that you keep your gas barbecue clean so that the food will taste great and will be safe to eat. A dirty barbecue can breed bacteria and germs and the last thing we all want after a great barbecue party is to be ill!
To make the clean up a bit easier we’ve put together some tips to help you do it quickly and efficiently.
Cleaning the Grill Grate
Allow the barbecue to cool down before you start to clean up. Enjoy the meal with your family and friends and by the time you’ve finished the barbecue will be cooled sufficiently for you to clean it.
Use a wire brush on the grill grate to remove any left over food then cover with a thin layer of oil. Remove any last traces of food by heating up for a few minutes before cooling down again and storing in a dry place. Making sure you clean the food off each time you use the barbecue will keep it in a hygienic conditions and always ready for the barbecue party! It only takes a few minutes to clean the barbecue if you do it straight after use and don not let food build up.
It is also important to store the barbecue in a dry place to prevent rusting. By heating up the grill after cleaning you are ensuring that it is completely dry before you store it away.
Cleaning a BBQ Chimney
There is no need to clean out the chimney each time you use the barbecue. Grease will accumulate in the chimney over time so a periodic clean out is necessary when you see a build up of soot inside it. Take a brush or damp cloth and clean off the soot.
Ensuring your barbecue is clean will lead to better tasting food that is safe to eat.
Have fun and enjoy your barbecue!
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Weber Gas Barbecues – a Round Up
Article brought to you by Best Weber Gas Barbecues
Weber Spirit E-210 Gas Barbecue
A small, functional grill at a good price. There are two burners so there is not much scope for versatility and there are extra features. If you just need a small grill to cook a few chops, burgers or pieces of chicken at a reasonable price Weber Spirit E-210 Gas Barbecue is a good buy.
Weber Spirit E-310 Gas Barbecue
This barbecue retails at around $400 and is well built and durable. It lacks some of the fancy features of other grills at this price but it will probably outlast them all. Not a lot of cooking space and no extras but a good basic grill for the price.
Weber Spirit SP-320 Gas Barbecue
The highest prices ‘entry level’ grill by Weber this is a full sized grill complete with a side burner for extra versatility. The grill is constructed from high quality stainless steel and is durable and well built. Not a lot of work space but all round an excellent grill for the price.
Weber Genesis E-310 Gas Barbecue
For the price the Weber Genesis E-310 Gas Barbecue is one of the best barbecues around. Well built and durable this grill will last for many years. With high quality stainless steel burners and a large cooking area this grill can’t be beaten.
Weber Summit E-420 Gas Barbecue
Weber Summit barbecues are among the very best available. Made from high quality stainless steel they are versatile and durable and will last for many years. Weber Summit E-420 Gas Barbecue has four burners and retails at around $1500. Not the cheapest barbecue but a large model that will outlast many of the cheaper units.
Weber Summit S-420 Gas Barbecue
Another of the Weber Summit line this model is priced at around $1200 and is a basic model that has the high quality that is expected of Weber barbecue grills.
Weber Summit S-650 Gas Barbecue
Top of the line, this weber gas barbecue has all the features you could ever need including a rotisserie with infrared burner, six burners, smoker burner and side burner. with a large grill and sturdily constructed the Weber Summit S-650 Gas Barbecue is ideal for those who need versatility and a large cooking area.
9 Tips For a Great Barbecue
Article brought to you by Best Weber Gas Barbecues
1. Keep your barbecue clean. Use a wire brush to clean off any baked on debris after you have used the grill. It is much easier to clean the grates and body of the grill while it is still warm and before food has a chance to harden. If you’ve neglected to clean the grill before putting it away heat up the grates to loosen any baked on food them use a wire brush to clean them.
2. With the lid closed pre heat the barbecue for ten minutes before you start to cook. If you are using a gas grill put the burners on a high setting. For a charcoal grill the briquettes should be glowing before you start cooking. The temperature needs to be about 500 degrees to safely cook food thoroughly.
3. Do not put oil directly on the grates but apply oil to the food directly to prevent the food from sticking to the grates and to enhance the flavor.
4. Cook items such as steak that cook fairly quickly directly over the heat source. For slower cooking food such as ribs place them away from the direct heat.Slowly cooking these items will make them more tender and juicy.
5. While cooking try to keep the lid closed but the air flowing through the grill. Vents can be opened to ensure a good air flow. A more constant temperature will be achieved by keeping the lid closed and for more even cooking and this will also keep in the smoke which will enhance the flavor.
6. Do not turn the food too much. One turning is enough!
7. Try to avoid flare ups. An occasional flare up is expected but if too many flare ups occur move the food away from the area until they stop.
8. Food will take different times to cook depending on the outside temperature. If cooking in winter for instance allow longer than it states in the recipe.
9. Have fun and enjoy the barbecue!
Charcoal or Gas Barbecue Guide
Article brought to you by Best Weber Gas Barbecues
When you are choosing an outdoor grill you will need to decide the type of grill to buy. Whether you choose a charcoal grill or gas barbecue grill the food will taste equally as delicious! We’ve put together a guide to help you make the choice.
Charcoal Barbecues
Charcoal barbecues may be constructed of stainless steel or cast iron. Stainless steel with a baked-on enamel finish are undoubtedly the best bet as the enamel protects the steel from peeling or rusting. Heavy duty plastic wheels are preferable as they will not crack in cold or hot weather.
Features
Nickel plated or stainless steel cooking grates will be easy to clean and not prone to rusting. Wooden or plastic handles do not heat up when the grill is in use. Look for a hinged grate so that you can add charcoal easily while in use. Some charcoal grills also have a cleaning system to sift the ashes and make cleaning easier. Grills that have an incorporated work surface are handy but make sure the surface is easy to clean and durable.
Advantages & Disadvantages
Charcoal barbecues are not as clean to use as gas barbecues but many people prefer the traditional atmosphere from using a charcoal grill. They are not so easy to light as gas barbecues but to many people lighting the barbecue is all part of the fun! They also need the ashes to be cleaned out after use. They are cheaper to buy than gas barbecues but more expensive to run. Make sure that the charcoal you buy is from a sustainable source.
Gas Barbecues
You can choose between propane or Natural Gas Barbeque Grill. Again stainless steel with a baked-on enamel finish is preferable for its durability and resistance to rusting. Make sure the leg supports are welded as this will ensure strength and stability. A barbecue with a lid is more convenient and two or more burners that are evenly spaced are needed to
ensure even cooking.
The cooking system may be lava rocks at the bottom of the compartment or angled steel bars. The angled bars are preferred as they prevent juices from the cooking food pooling and causing flare-ups. Instead the juices are vapourised and the rising smoke gives the grilling food a better taste.
Side burners are optional in many systems and are ideal for cooking sauces etc.
Advantages & Disadvantages
Gas barbecues are clean to use, easy to light and temperature control is at the touch of a button. They are usually more expensive than charcoal barbecues but are cheaper to run.
Barbecue Tips
- Never touch the metal sides of the barbecue when it is in use or place your hands over the heat. Use barbecue tools with wooden handles to handle the food.
- Heat the barbecue for at least ten minutes before use.
- Clean the cooking grate with a wire brush before and after use.
- Keep the grill cover down to ensure that hot air circulates around the food and ensures even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to make sure the meat is well cooked. Undercooked meat, especially chicken, can be a source of food poisoning.
Be Prepared for the Next Barbecue Season
Article brought to you by Best Weber Gas Barbecues
Start off the barbecue season the right way with our tips. Prepare your barbecue and accessories so you’re ready as soon as the weather is warm enough for a barbecue party.
- Clean out the barbecue. Use soapy water to remove the debris and spider webs that have accumulated since last summer then use a wire brush to clean off any rust or other hard to remove dirt or baked on food.
- Check for any gas leaks in the pipes by mixing up a soapy solution, turning on the gas and dribbling the soap solution on the hoses and connections to the cylinder. Bubbles will alert you to any leaks. Tighten up connections and replace damaged hoses then check again.
- Find some new recipes or try some new dry rubs or gourmet barbecue sauces to spice up your next barbecue.
- Try a new technique. Use a smoking bag, smoking chips or use a smoker for a new taste. Beef, chicken, pork or fish can successfully be smoked.
- Have some fun and buy a few grilling gadgets. A new set of mitts and a tote apron will liven things up at the next barbecue party. How about a fancy branding iron or a new meat thermometer.
BBQ Apron Tote-Black
BBQ Apron Tote-Black
Designed For Fun And Relaxation Shoulder tote with deluxe barbecue set, made of 600D polyester canvas. The BBQ Tote is perfect for the grill master in all of us. This unique, practical shoulder tote is great for picnics or holidays spent outdoors. The tote unfolds to become an apron. Inside which, you will find a deluxe BBQ set that includes a spatula, tongs, fork, apron and a BBQ mitt. Kit Includes: 1 Spatula 1 Apron 1 Fork 1 Tongs 1 BBQ mitt 1 Chef’s Hat Great Gift Idea