Q Blue, I’m at my wits end. I would like to buy a bbq, but I have been
to three different shops now and I don't know what one to get. Money
comes into it a far bit but I want something that’s not going to cark it in a
year’s time.I have been to Big W, they have a 4 burner wooden trolley
with a side wok, and a lid for around $380. I then went to B--------
G------ and they said the quality in Big W wasn't up to much and I was
shown a bbq for $699. I then went into The Warehouse and they have a
3 burner bbq for $190 with a lid, no wok on a steel looking frame but I
can't lay buy it. Do you think the ones they sell in Big W are ok or not
worth it, or just stick to the ones in the park?
PS
I am buying this for a gift.
Jenny
Coffs Harbour
NSW
A Jenny, I really sympathise with your predicament and it is not made any
easier
by a lot of the rubbish about barbecues that salespeople try and put across
as
informed opinion.
If the person you are buying the barby for is likely to use it fairly frequently
and not
look after it very well then a $180/$380 barby could be a real mess in a year or two.
However, if the recipient is the type of person who has always kept the boxes her dolls
came in (Matchbox cars if it's a guy) then a cheapie might last as long as the 700 buck
wonder.
However, the main rule to remember when looking for a barby under $1,000 is
'you get what you pay for'. In regards to a gas barbecue - I really don't
think you are going to get much in the way of a decent four burner on a
reasonably sturdy trolley for less than $400. A hood (a very worthwhile
investment) would probably take it up to $450 - $500.
Do you have to buy straight away? Sometimes the manufacturers of more
expensive gas barbys change models and outlets like B-------- G----- offer some
big
markdowns. I have seen an $800 ex-display stock all stainless barby on sale for $449
at
one Brisbane barby outlet - but you do have to be in the right place at the
right time.
If I was buying a barby for my own use and on a tight budget I would go for
a Hibachi (around $40 to $60). They take about the same amount of time to
heat up as the electric ones in the park, give the great taste that comes
with cooking over charcoal and are portable.
Next step up would be a quality vitreous enamel finished charcoal kettle
(around $250 for a no frills version). They last for many years and can
even be
converted to gas.
Let me know how you get on.
Cheers
BBQ Blue