Essential BBQ Accessories You Need This Summer
Summer is here, which means it’s time to invite your family and friends over, get outdoors and fire up the BBQ!
Whether you’re new to barbequing or have been doing it for years, having the right equipment is essential to hosting the perfect get together. It all starts with choosing the right BBQ for your needs, followed by acquiring the right accessories to match.
Park Road Timber and Hardware has a wide range of BBQ equipment and accessories, from gas and charcoal BBQs to meat thermometers. We’re here to help you create a list of everything you need to host a memorable BBQ this summer.
Getting the Most Out of Your BBQ
When it comes to choosing the right BBQ, it is important to consider your needs, preferences and how many people you expect to be cooking for.
If you’re getting ready to host large gatherings or parties this summer, a six-burner BBQ is most likely the best option. On the other hand, if you generally have smaller gatherings, the Weber BBQ makes an excellent choice for your intimate family BBQ.
Then there’s the choice of a gas or charcoal BBQ; gas BBQs are easier to clean and use, but many people prefer charcoal to give the food a hint of smoky flavour. If you choose gas, you’ll occasionally need to replace your BBQ gas bottle, whereas charcoal BBQs require briquettes as a fuel source, which take much longer to heat up (approximately 40 minutes).
If you have a charcoal BBQ or a gas BBQ without an igniter button, make sure to have matches or a BBQ lighter on hand, as well as lighter fluid or paraffin wax cubes in the case of a charcoal BBQ.
To get the most out of your BBQ, it is important to have a high-quality lid which will help lock in the flavour and keep the temperature consistent. For charcoal BBQs, mixing wood chips in with the charcoal can further increase that smoky flavour.
Once you have the right BBQ, your fuel source and a lid, it is time to consider accessories. At a minimum, these should include heavy-duty gloves and long-handled utensils such as spatulas and tongs. You might also want to have a meat thermometer on hand so that you know when your food is cooked through. Chopping boards, a BBQ tray and specialised knives also make excellent BBQ accessories.
How to Maintain Your BBQ
One of the biggest benefits of using a good BBQ is that you don’t have to clean up the kitchen, but that doesn’t mean you can avoid maintenance entirely. There are a few things you should be doing before and after cooking if you want to keep your BBQ in the best possible condition.
Before using the BBQ, it is crucial to give the hotplates a quick wash with soapy water to get them ready for use. Once this is done, apply a light coating of cooking oil before starting the heat in order to prevent sticking.
When you are done cooking, check for grease build up. If there is plenty of grease present, you can use a BBQ scraper or BBQ brush. Grease is easier to clean while it’s warm, so make sure to clean your BBQ immediately after cooking. If you are unable to get rid of the grease, you can use BBQ cleaner. Once the grease is gone, give your BBQ another gentle wash with warm, soapy water.
Finally, taking care of your BBQ when it is not being used is as simple as investing in a good BBQ cover and storing it in a safe location. If you have a gas BBQ, keep the gas disconnected and make sure the bottle is replaced as recommended – usually every 10 years.
Visit Park Road Timber and Hardware For Your BBQ Needs
Whether you are looking for the perfect Weber BBQ accessories or a portable BBQ to impress your friends and family, Park Road Timber and Hardware has everything you could ever need and more. Our Cheltenham store is open 7 days a week, so come around and speak to our knowledgeable team members to get started building the BBQ setup you’ve always wanted.
To find out more about the BBQ products and accessories we offer, give Park Road Timber and Hardware a call on 03 9909 5397 or get in touch by completing our online contact form today.
