Collection: Outdoor cooking - BBQ / Smokers / Pizza Oven

Cooking outdoors is a beloved pastime, particularly in Northern Ireland where the weather is often mild enough to enjoy cooking outside. There are a wide range of outdoor cooking equipment options to choose from, including BBQs, smokers and pizza ovens, which can make it challenging to know which type of equipment to buy.

In this article, we will provide advice on the main things to consider when buying outdoor cooking equipment in Northern Ireland.

Barbecues (BBQs)

BBQs are one of the most popular outdoor cooking equipment options, and there are a number of factors to consider when selecting the right one for your needs.

Type of fuel:

There are three main types of fuel used for BBQs: charcoal, gas, and electric.

1. Charcoal BBQs are the most traditional, and many people believe that they provide the best flavor. However, they can be more challenging to light and regulate the temperature.

2. Gas BBQs are more convenient, as they are easy to light and allow you to control the temperature precisely.

3. Electric BBQs are the easiest to use, but some people find that they don't provide the same flavor as charcoal or gas.

Size:

Consider how many people you will be cooking for and the size of your outdoor space when choosing a BBQ. A larger BBQ will allow you to cook for more people at once, but it will also take up more space.

1. Features:

Many BBQs come with features such as built-in thermometers, side burners, and rotisseries. Think about what features are important to you, and look for a BBQ that has them.

2. Budget:

BBQs can vary in price from relatively inexpensive to very expensive. Consider how much you want to spend, and look for a BBQ that fits your budget.

Smokers

Smokers are a great option for people who want to cook meat low and slow to achieve a tender, smoky flavor.

When selecting a smoker, there are several factors to consider.

1. Type of smoker:

There are several types of smokers, including offset smokers, vertical water smokers, and pellet smokers. Offset smokers are the most traditional type of smoker, and they use wood or charcoal to heat the meat indirectly. Vertical water smokers use water to regulate the temperature and create moisture, which can help to keep the meat tender. Pellet smokers use wood pellets as fuel and are very easy to use.

2. Size:

Consider how much meat you will be smoking at once when selecting a smoker. Larger smokers will allow you to cook more meat, but they will also take up more space.

3. Construction:

Look for a smoker that is well-constructed and made from durable materials. A smoker that is built to last will be a better investment in the long run.

4. Features:

Many smokers come with features such as built-in thermometers, adjustable vents, and digital controls. Think about what features are important to you, and look for a smoker that has them.

5. Budget:

Smokers can range in price from relatively inexpensive to very expensive. Consider how much you want to spend, and look for a smoker that fits your budget.

Pizza Ovens

Pizza ovens are a great option for people who love to make pizza at home. When selecting a pizza oven, there are several factors to consider.

Type of pizza oven:

There are several types of pizza ovens, including wood-fired ovens, gas-fired ovens, and electric ovens. Wood-fired ovens are the most traditional and provide a great flavor, but they can be more challenging to use. Gas-fired ovens are easier to use and more convenient, but they don't provide the same flavor as wood-fired ovens. Electric ovens are the easiest to use, but some people find that they don't provide the same flavor as wood-fired or gas-fired ovens.

Size:

Consider how many pizzas you will be making at once when selecting a pizza oven. Larger ovens will allow you to cook more pizzas at once, but they will also take up more space.

Construction:

Look for a pizza oven that is well-constructed and made from durable materials. A pizza oven that is built to last will be a better investment in the long run.

Features:

Many pizza ovens come with features such as built-in thermometers, adjustable burners, and timers. Think about what features are important to you, and look for a pizza oven that has them.

Budget:

Pizza ovens can range in price from relatively inexpensive to very expensive. Consider how much you want to spend, and look for a pizza oven that fits your budget.

General Tips

In addition to the specific factors to consider when selecting a BBQ, smoker, or pizza oven, there are some general tips that can help you make the right choice.

Read reviews: Before purchasing any outdoor cooking equipment, read reviews from other users. This can help you get an idea of the quality and performance of different models.

Consider your needs: Think about what you will be using the equipment for and how often you will be using it. If you only plan to use it occasionally, you may not need to invest in a top-of-the-line model.

Think about maintenance: Outdoor cooking equipment requires maintenance to keep it functioning properly. Consider how easy it will be to clean and maintain the equipment before making a purchase.

Consider the weather: Northern Ireland can have unpredictable weather, so consider how the equipment will perform in different weather conditions. Some equipment may not perform well in rain or wind, so make sure to choose equipment that can withstand the weather.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, selecting the right outdoor cooking equipment in Northern Ireland requires careful consideration of several factors, including type of fuel, size, construction, features, and budget. Whether you choose a BBQ, smoker, or pizza oven, make sure to read reviews, consider your needs, think about maintenance, and consider the weather before making a purchase. With the right equipment, you can enjoy delicious outdoor meals with friends and family all year round.