FROM BRIQUETTES TO GAS
Q I would be grateful if you can answer what may be a stupid question. As
a newbie to barbecuing I own a Weber kettle with briquettes and I find it
inconvenient to use this fuel. I am thinking of buying a non kettle gas fired
type. There appear to be three surfaces: grill, flat solid and solid with a
ribbed surface. However I find many three burners don’t have all three,
maybe just one type and one of another. What are the advantages etc?
Brian
Perth
Western Australia
A Brian your questions are not at all stupid. Many other people have found
themselves in the same situation.
If you buy a standard gas flat top barby, I strongly suggest you go for at least
a four-burner configuration. Despite what the salesperson will say – two\three
burners are usually a compromise when it comes to heat distribution.
I think the ribbed solid plate is unnecessary - it's simply trying to emulate a ribbed
cast iron pan (which you can buy and use on the barby if you ever need to). A half
and half cooking area comprising a solid flat surface and an open grill surface will
meet most needs. Just make sure there's two burners under each.
But don’t be too hasty to give up on your Weber kettle. Did you know it’s possible to
purchase a gas conversion for it that completely avoids the need to use briquettes?
They cost around $100. Take a look at your nearest barbeque retail outlet. The ones
that stock Webers often have gas kettles on display.
BBQ Blue