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While they
can be used successfully for grilling and slow smoke cooking, kettle
barbecues really excel at roasting. They work on the same principle
as old wood fired ovens in that the maximum amount of heat is radiated
at the beginning of the cooking process and the temperature drops
over time. This results in roasts that are crisp and golden on the
outside and succulent and full of flavour inside.
Because of the domed shape and the placement of
the exhaust vent, most kettles are ideal for imparting a smoked
flavour to food. A handful of hard wood chips can go a long way
in one of these barbecues.
And that's one reason why they might not be such
a good idea for people living in high rise apartments. Sure, they're
compact enough to fit on the balcony but where does the exhaust
go?
Are you sure everyone living on the floors above
will share your love of roast lamb studded with garlic and rosemary
and gently spiced with pecan smoke? What about that vegan couple
on the sixth floor?
Sadly the reality is that, for most people, kettle
barbecues tend to be relegated to 'special occasion' use only. You
don't fire up the kettle on whim, when you need to allow 30 to 40
minutes for the fuel to thoroughly heat and then another couple
of hours' roasting time.
The cost of briquettes/charcoal and fire starters
also turns some folk away from more frequent use. But this can be
minimized by re-using unburnt fuel and investing in a charcoal chimney.
Whether it will be used once a year for the Christmas
turkey or every weekend, it pays to go for quality. Choose one made
of vitreous enamel. No other coating will stand up to such close
proximity to the heat source. A well known brand with good parts
back up is also a wise choice. You don't want the whole thing worthless
for want of a widget.
Select a good brand of kettle barbecue and it
should give you many memorable meals for a decade or two. At a cost
of around $150 to $350, that represents serious value.
The price goes up when features such as 'one touch'
cleaning systems are included. These do make life easier but the
base model doesn't present too much of a challenge in that regard
and is actually better for slow smoking.
Don't get talked into buying a giant kettle barbecue.
The reason they hang around the back of barbecue shops like orphans
is that they are really only suitable for professional caterers.
Even if you regularly feed a big group, it is better to buy two
of the normal-size models.
That way you only use the second one when the
extra capacity is really necessary. It works out a lot less expensive
than stoking up the jumbo with a week's wages worth of charcoal
every time you want a barbecue.
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