BBQ Tips To Take Your Grilling Game To The Next Level

There’s nothing better than a BBQ in the summer with your nearest and dearest - the food is sizzling away on the grill, the drinks are flowing, and the smoking hot sun is beaming down on your face. You can almost feel it now! With lockdown restrictions lifting, BBQs are set to be the events of the summer, giving you an opportunity to catch up with much-missed family and friends while enjoying an al fresco feast. 

Any sunny garden makes for a fantastic BBQ venue, so get yourself a large outdoor table, plenty of chairs and, of course, the all important BBQ itself. Many people will think that hosting a big summer BBQ is simple - buy some food, supply the drinks, and you’re away - but that’s not necessarily the case. Sure, a bog-standard BBQ is bound to go down a treat, but why opt for ordinary when you can serve up a banquet that’s truly out of this world? There’s a whole host of flippin’ fabulous BBQ tips, tricks, and extra ideas that are sure to take your grilling game to the highest level possible - and we’ve got some of the best right here in this blog! Aprons at the ready, you’ll be cooking up a storm in no time at all!

If you’re looking to transform yourself from a beginner BBQ chef to a seasoned professional, you’ll first need to make sure you’ve got all the correct BBQ tools to cook your food to perfection and have your guests thinking they’re eating only the finest gourmet grub. 

First and foremost, you’ll need to grab yourself a quality pair of tongs, preferably with a long handle. Not only will these prevent you from burning your fingers, but they can also be used to ensure all your food is cooked through evenly with just the right amount of crispy char. For maximum flavour, get yourself a basting BBQ brush to make sure your food is well-seasoned - dip the brush in some oil with garlic and herbs, brush on before and during grilling (about every 10 minutes or so), and you’ll be amazed at the improvement in taste. 

For flipping burgers, get yourself a BBQ spatula - this’ll make it so much easier to cook burgers evenly and you won’t have to worry about making a mess by dropping a few on the floor! For kebabs, albeit meat or veggie, grab some skewers to cook and serve. If you go for the grill the second the sun makes an appearance, we recommend choosing metal skewers that you can reuse again and again. But if you’re after that rustic vibe, you can’t beat the wooden variety - just be sure to soak them in warm water for 10-30 minutes first to stop them from burning. Once you’ve got all of your tools and utensils, you’ll be ready to raise your grilling game!

It’s extremely important to choose the correct type of BBQ for your wants, needs, and budget. Before setting your heart on a gorgeous new grill, there are a few things you should consider, including how many people you need to accommodate and the available space you have to play with. You should also think about how often you’ll use it. Planning on firing up the barbie every time the sun has got its hat on? If so, you’ll probably want to invest in a more expensive model that’ll last longer and give you a more professional experience. Only looking to use it on occasion? You can probably get away with a smaller, less expensive lean, mean, grilling machine. For the latter, a portable model is a great choice. Cheap, lightweight, and fabulously flexible, you can enjoy all the benefits of a BBQ without blowing the budget. Plus, as they can be taken anywhere, you can indulge in your favourite chargrilled treats wherever you fancy. Take it to the beach, to a friend’s house, or move it around your garden to make the most of the sun as it shifts throughout the day - the choice is yours! Be sure to check out your local laws before taking your BBQ to any public places. 

In the main, there are two different types of barbecues: gas and charcoal. Sure, they both cook up a storm, but what sets them apart? We've outlined some of the key differences to help you choose the best BBQ for you:

Within these two styles, there's a whole host of models that will suit a variety of occasions. Built-in barbecues offer value for money and are usually constructed from stainless steel, making them durable and aesthetically pleasing. Disposable BBQs are great for spontaneous al fresco feasts or summer days at the seaside - just light them with a match and you’re away. However, be careful to only use these in permitted areas only, and ensure they’re in a well-ventilated outside area that’s away from flammable materials.

Now that you’ve got your BBQ tools and you’ve chosen that all important grilling machine, you’re almost ready to get started and host the best BBQ of the year. Before though, you’ve got to make sure you’ve secured all of your food and drinks - otherwise there’ll be no BBQ! Get in plenty of burgers, sausages (meat-free too), and some chicken and veggies to go on some skewers. Also, be sure to get plenty of BBQ seasoning and rubs - these will make sure your food looks great and tastes amazing, too. Get a crate of beers, some wine, and a selection of soft drinks for those that are tee-total - and you’ll be all set for a fantastic summer BBQ. 

With a bit of luck, this blog should have inspired you to pick up your tongs and get grilling. With some of these tips and ideas hidden up your sleeve, you’ll go from ‘BBQ Beginner’ to ‘King of the Grill’ in next to no time!

Still interested in home garden activities and improvements? Check out our latest blog that’ll inform you on all the ways to create your very own beer garden! Even better, if you’ve become inspired to showcase your inner chef, our recent buyer’s guide will inform you on some of the best air fryers to create some heavenly yet healthy home-cooked meals. For our full, extensive range of BBQ supplies, have a browse here. No matter the weather, a BBQ provides fun for all the family - OnBuy will ensure yours is the top of the lot!