Barbecues and beyond

Few can resist the lure of cooking outside, with its sizzling aromas and smoky flavours; it is the perfect way to spend time with family and friends in the sunshine.

With such an array of fire pits, barbecues and pizza ovens available, it can be hard to know where to begin, but initially, consider whether you are just looking to cook or need something that can also keep you warm in the cooler months.

Fire pits or kadais are a wonderful way of combining feast and fire. Both are fuelled by wood or charcoal and have a large surface area on which to grill. Secure on a metal stand, once the cooking is complete they can be lowered, transforming into a comfortable, social centrepiece, adding warmth to a gathering; or simply to use as a firepit in the cooler months. Consider the size of bowl you require as the larger the surface area for grilling, the more fuel you will need. Grills, swing arms, cooking bowls and tripods are available to extend the cooking versatility. A firepit can be left outside all year, its propensity to rust over time merely adding to its authentic, rustic appeal.

This is where personal preference comes in. Are you hankering for flames and true campfire cooking or are you happy to experience the joys of grilling outside in a sleeker, cleaner way? This will dictate whether a gas or wood fired cooker is preferable. Models vary in size, function and portability so consider your intended use- do you like to entertain large groups of friends? Have you got a large outdoor space or a small balcony? Does it need to be portable for camping?

Lighting a fire is one of life’s simple pleasures, and offering a contemporary twist on the classic barbecue is the OFYR range utilising a circular cooking plate. A stylish addition to any outdoor space, with its sculptural design and excellent functionality, the concept behind this range is sociability - transforming outdoor cooking from being a solitary occupation to one of genial connection with others.

For the traditionalist, a standard barbecue using charcoal or wood briquettes provides the authentic chargrilled flavour synonymous with eating outside.

Blending quality craftsmanship with innovative Dutch design, and drawing inspiration from urban culture with a passion for authentic experiences, BSTRD.’s range of kamado-style barbecues is renowned for both its durability and efficiency. With heavyweight bowls and lids made of thick cordierite ceramic, these substantial barbecues are capable of withstanding high temperatures while delivering excellent heat insulation and temperature control. This reduces the amount of charcoal needed compared with a traditional barbecue. Offering consistent results with every use, they provide great versatility, with the choice of multiple cooking methods, including direct grilling and indirect cooking with heat shields.

Equally, when it comes to cooking with wood briquettes,Traeger’s collection of wood-pellet-powered grills has you more than covered. Each one promises a flavourful al fresco experience every time you fire it up. These grills are designed to master everything from succulent meats and vegetables to wood-fired pizzas. Fitted with Traeger’s WiFIRE®-enabled controller, they also allow for remote monitoring and precision temperature control from anywhere, at any time, via the Traeger app.

With regard to speed, it’s important to note that not everyone wants to wait for their coals to warm up or deal with messy ashes afterwards. A gas-powered barbecue or oven allows quick, convenient cooking, and the availability of flavoured wood chips offers the smoky flavours that traditionalists desire.

Widely celebrated for both their reliability and their longevity, Napoleon’s gas-powered range includes barbecues big and small. From their TravelQ collection to their Rogue® Pro grills, each one comes fitted with high-performance burners to achieve professional results in no time at all. Originally established as a steel manufacturer, Napoleon’s commitment to engineering and its use of quality materials is second to none.

Likewise, Gozney’s and Ooni’s various gas-powered outdoor ovens will have you spinning your own home-cooked pizzas with aplomb.

For example, the ovens in Gozney’s Arc range are fitted with an innovative lateral rolling flame and a revolutionary burner that replicates the flame of a traditional wood-fired oven. Ready to cook in minutes and housed within a sleek design, these ovens can reach temperatures of up to 500°C, ensuring perfectly cooked pizzas in just 60 seconds.

Similarly, Ooni’s Koda ovens also cook in just 60 seconds and feature a proprietary, patent-pending tapered flame gas burner that directs heat where you need it, reducing stone temperature fluctuations from 175°C to 85°C while reheating the pizza stone 20% quicker for faster, more even cooking.

Whatever the choice of outdoor appliance, you can be assured there are accessories available, covering everything from gloves to cleaning products, to ensure your outdoor cooking will continue to be an easy, enjoyable experience for years to come.

Sophie and her friendly Outdoor Living team here are always happy to have a chat (either in person or over the phone) if you need help deciding which model is best for you.