Whenever I get a new bbq I always heat it up and place bread all over the grill and toast it. Gives you a good view of where the hotter / cooler parts are.
Looks a handy size, and if you are not in the wind - the side-gas ring can be very useful. I bought a plancha for my (different make) BBQ, and it heats up well, for searing.
Now - tidy up your toys, or no beer for you!
Whenever I get a new bbq I always heat it up and place bread all over the grill and toast it. Gives you a good view of where the hotter / cooler parts are.
I’ve been a bit slow off the mark but the rotisserie has arrived and I’ve got my thermapen, so I’m good to go as soon as I can get organised.
I’ve also just ordered a MEATER Plus from Costco for just £69.
Really appreciate all the advice, now just need to crack on and practice.
BBQ - Gas or Coal & Recommendations
Republicans!
Went for gas in the end thanks to a lot of help from Mj2k. Did order a Spirit but the second Matt called it a great starter BBQ my heart sank and I cancelled it immediately.
I got the Genesis II EP-335 which is last year's model so a bit cheaper. Another suggestion from Matt. It's been fantastic and we've used it a few times already including twice for WFH lunches.
Can't believe I didn't buy one last year.
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John Lewis have 20% off all Weber gear
https://www.johnlewis.com/search?search-term=Weber
Been a couple of weeks with the Weber now and already through a 5kg gas bottle. Been using it more than expected and it's been fantastic, can't believe I didn't buy one sooner.
My father in law has his own custom charcoal BBQ which he designed 20+ years ago and had hand built at a metal works. He designed and built a brick/metal one for my sister in law and wanted to do the same for us. He's thinks the Weber is ok but still thinks we need charcoal for "special occasions" - inviting people over for food and using gas is embarrassing apparently.
The hob on the side is actually really useful. Done fish on it and even curry so we don't stink out the house. Didn't expect to ever use it.
I'm a total amateur so don't judge me on these grills alone. I'll be up there with the pros like Mj2k soon enough!
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Looking good mate, time to get some good metal skewers now as makes life so much easier. I’ve got some ‘normal’ thickness ones and then also some really wide ones for using with mince to make koftas etc.
I do agree about charcoal, I use the gas for ease all the time in the week but if I’m entertaining it’s always with the egg & charcoal. If he is considering making one, then accept it!
I found 5kg bottles too annoying and traded one in for a 13kg which is all I use now. Given the way the Weber holds it on the side, it could be a no brainier for you.
Jealous of the side burner, should have done it & reading about curry outside rather than the kitchen stink for 3 days makes so much sense!
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I have one 10kg now and when the second 5k runs out I'll get a second. I ordered two 5kg back when I ordered the Spirit but when you said it was a "great starter bbq" I cancelled it immediately and got the Genesis that you'd recommended previously.
We had a voicemail and email from Ocado this morning checking in on us as we haven't ordered for a few weeks now. Been going to the local butcher and getting bits while we're out getting meat and haven't needed an Ocada shop. Nice of them but a little concerning!
We have had a genesis for about five years, it never really gets hot unless you put the lid down and effectively turn it into an oven, the other thing we have found is if you don't keep it clean underneath it can catch fire pretty easily. As an oven it is brilliant, I regularly cook rib joints in it and rotisserie chicken, but as i have already said as a grill it's not great.
Turkish wife so constant hellim (halloumi) and sujuk on the BBQ which is a kind of Turkish pepperoni as they don't eat pork. Comes in a big sausage and you slice it off yourself.
Nice but stays on your breath longer than you'd think so I never have it if I'm in the office the next day.
You want to be cooking with the lid down anyway as creates more flavour. Unless your cooking things like bacon as will be charred the instant you turn around. Once preheated with lid down, Ive never had a lack of heat issue when grilling lid open.
If you cook large roasts without a tray, or lots of fatty meats at lower temps the fat can catch fire in the catch pan when later cooking on high heat. I’ve seen it happen with others, but never experienced it myself & rarely have to empty the fat tray until the end of a season.
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Ah-hah! I use a lot of Sumak? (Nephew brought me back a huge bag) , and have discovered these Turkish flaked peppers which are rather moresome.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Some great dishes in Turkey.
We've got sumak and pul biber but I'm not sure on the difference. I think sumak might be flaked in salads but pul biber is definitely a bit hot.
I just asked my wife what the difference was and she said "I think ones a lemon" so I've asked the family WhatsApp instead as that's definitely not true. Lemon is "limon", even I know that.
Pul biber on eggs. Delightful.
I have started to use box section aluminium lengths for kebabs, a couple to raise the metal skewers off the grill so they don't burn or stick.
Find it works well.
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Picked up one of these the other day. Not been delivered yet.
It was £279 when I paid about 10 days ago. Now seems to have gone up to £315.
A bbq loving pal of mine has the bigger version and says they’re good. Seemed great value compared to a Weber Spirit at near twice the price.
https://www.johnlewis.com/char-broil...ilver/p5753593
Anyone else tried one?
I’ve a Weber Spirit which is six years old and still decent. Just bought a Broil King for my son and to be honest there isn’t very much between them. Both cast iron grills and the quality of the top half’s are equal. I think the paint finish on the Broil King seems a bit better, my Weber’s base has started bubbling.
Thanks for the vote of confidence.
Can’t wait to fire it up!
I scrub it quite hard and rub oil on the grill each time I use it just before the food goes on
WFH is a dream when you can do a chicken breast on this in your lunch break with some packet rice and veg in the side and no kitchen to clean.
No one secretly microwaving fish either. Unbeatable.
Amazo have the Weber Q2000 for a bargain £256
I have one and they are great