Charcoal Barbecues - Gas Barbecue Grills: Cooking Up a Feast on Your BBQ

Whether you choose charcoal barbecues or gas barbecue grills, having an outdoor cooking facility means that you can extend the use of your garden, not only in the summer months, but also in the spring and autumn.

There are many different reasons why people choose a charcoal barbecue over a gas barbecue and vice versa. Some are attracted by the flavour that charcoal barbecues produce. Others prefer the cleanliness and convenience of gas barbecue grills and also like the idea that it is possible to vary the heat.

The choice between gas barbecue grills or charcoal barbecues is a very personal one and, whichever one you prefer, you will look forward making a variety of meals on your barbecue that your friends and family will love.

Charcoal Barbecues – click here to view our range of products.

Gas Barbecue Grills – click here to view our range of products.

Cooking on Your Charcoal or Gas Barbecue

Barbecues are used widely throughout the world including the Mediterranean, where the climate is ideal for al fresco meals. It is also a very convenient method of cooking, as there are no kitchen smells left lingering in the home.

And, whether you choose to cook on gas barbecue grills or charcoal barbecues, it is a very sociable way to host a dinner party, as you don’t have to keep nipping into the kitchen to bring out the dishes. Just gather your friends and family around you and they will be delighted to chip in and offer help.

Although we don’t benefit from a Mediterranean climate here in the UK, there are always plenty of opportunities to host a barbecue in the summer months.

And, if you invest in a patio heater, you can enjoy comfortable outdoor dining virtually all year round!

Whether you have gas barbecue grills or charcoal barbecues, if you are entertaining, you will want a quick and simple meal that everyone will enjoy. If you are hosting a barbecue, here is a simple and convenient menu for you to follow.

Starters

Sweet corn grilled on the barbecue makes for a quick and easy starter.

However, if you want to do something a bit more adventurous, Greek Barbecue Chicken is always a hit at parties and should be prepared the day before.

First make the marinade: mix 110ml olive oil, three cloves of chopped garlic, the juice of two lemons and a table spoon each of fresh rosemary, thyme and oregano.

Place a whole chicken (cut into pieces) into the mixture you have just made and marinate in the fridge overnight. Place the pieces on a skewer and lightly oil the cooking grill then barbecue the chicken until the juices run clear.

Dessert

Roasted Marshmallows are always a hit on the barbecue for dessert.

Alternatively, you can also make chocolate coated bananas. Just cut each banana lengthways to make a slit and add about six squares of chocolate into the banana. Wrap in foil and cook for ten minutes turning once during the cooking process.

This can be accompanied by either whipped cream or ice cream.

Side Dishes

You should make at least a couple salads to go with your dishes and these can include anything you like. A Greek salad is tasty and quick.

Just mix chopped parsley, tomatoes, cucumber, feta, olives and add a home made lemon and olive oil dressing.

A couscous salad is another great side dish to serve at a barbecue and from tomatoes and cucumber to roasted vegetables, almost anything goes.

Don't forget the beer, wines and ice bucket and you’re ready to go!

Gas Barbecue Grills and Charcoal Barbecues

Gas Barbecue Grills

Gas barbecue grills are cleaner, easier to start and you can vary the temperature to suit your requirements. Big K sell a wide range of gas barbecue grills to suit all homes and gardens.

This includes the elegant Italian designed Melody Outdoor range of Gas Barbecues made of sandstone coloured granulated marble with a worktop that has an attractive crystal polished marble finish.

We also have a variety of metal gas barbecue grills including our Metal Barbecue Party, which is on wheels so it can easily be moved about the garden. The barbecue has a steak grill, warming grid, fat collection tray, side shelf and a gas bottle cupboard and is ideal for when a larger group of friends come over.

Charcoal Barbecues

Big K sell a wide range of charcoal barbecues and these include masonry barbecues in a variety of designs and sizes to suit all gardens. Masonry barbecues also double up as patio heaters when you want to continue your outdoor celebrations into the evening.

Stone barbecues also make an attractive garden feature and we have a variety of sizes to suit all outdoor spaces. They also make a good focal point. Other charcoal barbecues we sell are the stylish and elegant Italian designed Melody Outdoor Range.

Kamado Joe refers to a type of ceramic cooker and we sell two types in two different colours, to suit any garden patio area.

In addition to this are our top of the range brick stone charcoal barbecues which complement the English brick house style.

Finally we have a variety of metal barbecues in stainless steel, which are ideal if you are hosting a barbecue for a larger group.

Charcoal Barbecues – click here to view our range of products.

Gas Barbecue Grills – click here to view our range of products.