What is a Gas Barbecue With Side Burner?
Understanding the Basics
A gas barbecue with a side burner is a versatile outdoor cooking appliance designed to provide the convenience of grilling while also allowing for additional cooking options. Imagine you’re hosting a summer barbecue; the main grill area can perfectly cook burgers, sausages, and veggies, while the side burner can used for simmering sauces, boiling potatoes, or even frying up some tasty sides like onions or peppers. This dual functionality makes it an appealing choice for anyone looking to enhance their outdoor cooking experience.
Key Benefits of Choosing a Gas Barbecue With Side Burner
Versatility in Cooking
One major benefit of a gas barbecue with a side burner is the extra cooking space it provides. With the side burner, we can prepare multiple dishes simultaneously without needing to run back to the kitchen. This means we can create an entire feast outdoors, keeping the fun and socialising going without interruptions.
Efficiency and Speed
Gas barbecues heat up quickly, allowing us to start cooking almost immediately. The side burner enhances this efficiency by providing an additional heat source for other foods. For example, while the grill is busy caramelising meat, we can boil corn or heat up a sauce on the side burner, ensuring everything is ready to serve together.
Clean and Easy to Use
Gas cooking generally emits less smoke compared to charcoal, making it cleaner for our outdoor spaces. Plus, gas barbecues are often easier to clean, especially with a side burner that complements our cooking. The side burner pot can be easily moved inside for cleaning, which simplifies the process.
How to Choose the Right Gas Barbecue With Side Burner for Your Needs
Consider Your Cooking Style
When choosing a gas barbecue with a side burner, think about how you like to cook. Do you often host large gatherings or smaller family dinners? If we tend to entertain a lot, we might want a larger model with more burners to accommodate bigger meals. Conversely, if it’s mainly for personal use, a smaller model could be sufficient and save space.
Check the Size and Cooking Area
The cooking area should reflect our typical meals. We need to assess how many burgers or steaks we’ll usually prepare. A barbecue with an adequate grilling surface and a side burner can really make outdoor cooking stress-free, fitting all our meals in one go.
Fuel Efficiency and Burner Quality
Looking at how fuel efficient the burners are will help us save on gas costs in the long run. High-quality burners that distribute heat evenly will ensure that everything cooks properly, making each outdoor cooking session enjoyable and successful.
Essential Features to Look for in a Gas Barbecue With Side Burner
Build Quality and Materials
Materials matter when it comes to durability. Stainless steel construction can resist rust and withstand the elements, ensuring our gas barbecue with side burner lasts for years of delicious cooking. A sturdy build will also handle heavy use without tipping or wobbling.
Convenient Ignition System
A reliable ignition system will make lighting our barbecue a breeze. Look for models with electronic ignition or push-button features that enhance usability. No one wants to fumble around with matches or lighters when it’s time to start the cooking.
Easy Temperature Control
Look for adjustable gas valves that allow us to control the temperature with precision. This is essential for achieving perfectly grilled meats or gentle cooking for sides. Having multiple heat zones on the barbecue will also enable us to prepare different dishes at the same time.
Top Tips for Using Your Gas Barbecue With Side Burner Effectively
Preheat Before Cooking
Always preheat both the grill and the side burner before placing any food on them. This ensures that our cooking surfaces reach the right temperature to sear meats and achieve that coveted grilled flavour. A well-heated grill cooks food evenly and reduces sticking.
Use Quality Ingredients
The quality of our ingredients translates into the taste of our meals. Fresh meats, seasonal vegetables, and high-quality marinades always enhance the flavours. Experimenting with different herbs and spices while using the side burner for sauces or glazes can elevate simple grilled food to an extraordinary level.
Master Meal Timing
One of the keys to successful outdoor cooking is timing. Start by placing the food that takes longest to cook on the grill and use the side burner for quick-prep items while keeping an eye on everything. This method enables us to serve all dishes at their best simultaneously, which is a mark of a great host.
