Help choosing a BBQ

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Mad Scientist
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#1162966 27-Oct-2014 14:09

Buy whatever you want the more you will use it the more you should pay.

That model is good. Make sure you invest in the heavy duty cover

kiwitrc

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#1163033 27-Oct-2014 16:18

networkn:
lokhor:
networkn: Weber OTG Charcoal BBQ. The end.

charcoal is a hassle, plus isn't it worse for the environment?

My wife thought that until I did a chicken on it, then she cared about neither.

Never mind about the environment, what about the chickens!!!!

kiwitrc

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#1163038 27-Oct-2014 16:21

One day I am getting one of these http://www.aztecgrill.com/homegrill.html they use weber BBQ's for fuel.

Hobchild

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#1163060 27-Oct-2014 17:00

lokhor: I want to get a new BBQ for the summer as I will likely be hosting Christmas for the family.

I saw this one at The Warehouse: http://www.thewarehouse.co.nz/red/catalog/product/Gascraft-Serrana-II-BBQ-Gas-6-Burner-With-Side-Burner?SKU=1704377

It comes off special today so I really need to make a decision on whether I get that or wait and spend a lot more on something else. I don't really know how to tell a good BBQ from a good one though.

Thanks for any advice given :)

We looked at this one for my work's social club but decided against it because of the small cooking surface. At 760mm x 400mm the cooking surface is slightly smaller than my current 4 burner. It would suit a small get together but anything more than a handful of people and I would look at something else.

davidcole

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#1163063 27-Oct-2014 17:06

I've been using a weber baby q for the winter. Heats up really quick and gives good results. Probably a little small for a get together.

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blakamin

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#1163185 27-Oct-2014 21:22

We bought a new BBQ at BBQs galore nearly 2 years ago. First time I used it, it took 45 minutes to cook sausages.
Rang them up and was told "it's designed to cook with the lid closed"... WTF?? Seriously... Who cooks sausages and steak with the lid closed?
Told them I'd never go back. And they can jam their shop where sun does not shine.
Got an old BBQ off the inlaws for $100. Sausages done in 10 minutes.
Unfortunately, we still have the other one but because it's so cold, it makes a great rotisserie BBQ.
Both 4 burner with side-burners. Works well for parties and looks like an outdoor kitchen with them both set up.

Moral: Check the jet and regulator size.

networkn

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#1163188 27-Oct-2014 21:29

blakamin: We bought a new BBQ at BBQs galore nearly 2 years ago. First time I used it, it took 45 minutes to cook sausages.
Rang them up and was told "it's designed to cook with the lid closed"... WTF?? Seriously... Who cooks sausages and steak with the lid closed?
Told them I'd never go back. And they can jam their shop where sun does not shine.
Got an old BBQ off the inlaws for $100. Sausages done in 10 minutes.
Unfortunately, we still have the other one but because it's so cold, it makes a great rotisserie BBQ.
Both 4 burner with side-burners. Works well for parties and looks like an outdoor kitchen with them both set up.

Moral: Check the jet and regulator size.

I'd imagine you would have plenty of recourse. Not fit for purpose would be one.

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#1163203 27-Oct-2014 21:51

how do you clean the iron cast tray?

blakamin

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#1163205 27-Oct-2014 21:56

networkn:

I'd imagine you would have plenty of recourse. Not fit for purpose would be one.

Could have gone down that route, but their customer service was crap, and after 2-3 months of getting the run-around, it seriously wasn't worth the money lost for either of us to have a day off work when it suited them to come and look at it. And I wasn't pulling it apart again to take it back.
I put a bigger regulator on it and drilled the jets.
Still not as quick as the other one so we decided just to use it for rotisserie work. It's actually perfect for that.

Lesson learned though.

t0ny

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#1163208 27-Oct-2014 22:07

Getting even heat is important in a Bbq so buy what ever is in your budget and underlay some ceremic stones.Most of the cheap plates will warp under high heat so just control the heat and season them properly.

Stan

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#1163213 27-Oct-2014 22:16

Most cheap stainless BBQs are 430 grade they will corrode fairly quickly outside. 304 grade is ideal but more expensive. Easy way to test is with a fridge magnet if it sticks its likely low quality.

MurrayM

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#1163552 28-Oct-2014 13:44

blakamin: We bought a new BBQ at BBQs galore nearly 2 years ago. First time I used it, it took 45 minutes to cook sausages.
Rang them up and was told "it's designed to cook with the lid closed"... WTF?? Seriously... Who cooks sausages and steak with the lid closed?

I always cook steak with the lid closed. One of the secrets to a good steak is to get the BBQ as hot as possible, and closing the lid helps with this. I quickly open the lid halfway through cooking to flip the steaks and then it stays closed until they're done.

lokhor

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#1163564 28-Oct-2014 14:13

t0ny: Getting even heat is important in a Bbq so buy what ever is in your budget and underlay some ceremic stones.Most of the cheap plates will warp under high heat so just control the heat and season them properly.

How do you season them properly?

All comments are my own opinion, and not that of my employer unless explicitly stated.

BTR

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#1163635 28-Oct-2014 15:27

Don't buy a cheap BBQ, had to use one in the weekend and even though I had it on full it took 30 mins to cook streaky bacon....... Not to mention the heat was only at the back due to a poor design.

Good to a proper BBQ place or at least do some research and view the BBQ you want in person and go over it before buying. I would recommend sticking to a trusted brand, Weber, Saber

Just my 2c

lokhor

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#1163970 28-Oct-2014 21:19

Thanks everyone for the responses. I ended up buying the Gascraft BBQ, mainly because of the price. I have a cover for it so hopefully that will prevent any rust issues. Once I managed to put it together and test it I will post back regarding burner performance. It's rated as 11,000 BTU per burner, and there are 6 so it should theoretically be pretty good - but of course reality can sometimes be different.

All comments are my own opinion, and not that of my employer unless explicitly stated.

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