The Aussie backyard BBQ with Kleenheat
The last weeks of summer are stretching out in front of us, and the backyard barbecue with family and friends is the quintessential event of any Australian summer. If the global pandemic and the last two years have taught us anything, it’s that backyard entertaining, and outdoor living has never been more important.
This summer, we’ve teamed up with our friends at Kleenheat to give you some tips on that barbecue upgrade you’ve been dreaming about. As WA’s born and bred gas provider, Kleenheat know’s a thing or two about the way us West Aussies like to entertain. So if your barbecue’s looking a little worse for wear these days, make sure you consider these important questions before upgrading.
Where will it go and how will you use it?
A double whammy, but first and foremost think about where your new barbecue will live and how you’d like to use it. There are three options to consider:
- Portable – Perfect for apartment living or if you love to pack up the camping gear and get back to nature.
- Freestanding – These barbecues are bigger and heavier than portable alternatives so consider carefully where you want this to live. Think about protection from the elements, cleaning needs and proximity to your outdoor dining space.
- Built-in – Built-in barbecues are often the centrepiece of outdoor kitchens, where families gather to eat or entertain guests, and come complete with high-quality finishes and the type of extra features you’d expect for the higher price point. It’s a great way to add extra value to your home.
Budget
If you think of your new barbecue as a long-term investment, it’s worth going for the best possible quality for your budget. Be sure to enquire about warranties when you purchase for extra peace of mind.
The wallet-friendly option is a small, portable barbecue – which will likely feature modest grill space suitable for a handful of snags, a steak and a few grilled mushrooms. Expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $800 depending on the brand, style and quality – with the higher-end models offering better strength, stability and features.
Looking to splash out on a larger freestanding family barbie? You’ll likely pay anywhere from $500 for your basic models to over $2,500 for one with all the bells and whistles. As standalone barbies often stay put in one place, look for models made from high-quality materials that resist weathering. Remember, you only get what you pay for.
If you’re considering built-in options for your new or improved outdoor kitchen, set aside at least $1,000 and anywhere up to or over $5,000 to cover the barbecue. These models are usually made of high-quality stainless steel with a cooking area and handy functions to feed the masses. Used in protected outdoor entertaining areas, they should last you decades.
Fuel
When it comes to fuel, there three options to consider:
- LPG – Australia’s most common barbecue fuel is liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), also known as butane, sold in small cylinders for easy transport and connection to your barbie. Gas offers an instant and adjustable heat source that’s perfect for spending less time at the grill and more with family and friends. Kleenheat Kwik-Gas is a convenient cylinder exchange program, making it easy to purchase a new cylinder or swap an empty cylinder for a full one at a retailer close to you. To find out more about this program and to find a retailer near you, click here.
- Natural Gas – Natural gas is the perfect option for built-in barbecue setups – as you’ll likely have the option of tapping into your home’s existing natural gas service when firing up the grill. Most models easily convert to natural gas, which means you’ll never have to worry about running out of gas again. Just make sure you organise and invest in a qualified gas plumber to do the installation work for you.
- Charcoal and smoking chips – For those who see barbecuing as more a hobby than a chore, choosing to cook with charcoal or smoking chips offers that unique smokiness. While charcoal is considered unbeatable for flavour, temperature control can be tricky and it can take upwards of 30 minutes to get your coals to grilling temperature.
Important Features
Want to cook in style? Go for models with a few of these fancy features.
- Grill size – Need to feed a small army? Go for as many burners and as much grilling space as you can afford.
- Side burner – Freestanding and built-in barbecues will often come with a side burner that acts as a gas stovetop, perfect for high-heat cooking such as a stirfrys or deep-fried goodies.
- Rotisserie – Impress your friends with delicious homemade rotisserie chicken straight from the barbie, or the perfect pork roast complete with that fantastic crackling.
- Temperature gauge – Christmas roasts will be a cinch with a handy built-in temperature gauge guiding you. Keep the lid closed to build up the heat, then lift the hood and adjust your dials now and then to maintain the desired heat.
- Warming rack – Cooked or resting food will never go cold sitting up on your warming rack. Perfect.
For more inspiration, tips and tricks check out www.kleenheat.com.au/blog.
