All the kitchenware you need to host a BBQ this summer
A summer barbecue is a great British tradition — whether the sun is shining or not! The sights, sounds and smells alone are enough to make you feel warm and fuzzy. For a smooth-running garden gathering that goes without a hitch, take a look at our essential BBQ utensils and kitchenware items.
What’s the difference between normal utensils and BBQ utensils?
Cooking on a BBQ grill can bring a bit of excitement to your meals. Cooking over an open flame, feeling the heat rise. And this usage is one of the main differences between normal utensils and BBQ utensils. Barbecue tools tend to have long handles so you can safely prod and turn your ingredients without the risk of burns.
Whether you use a charcoal or gas grill, the flames give the heat more intensity than an oven. Manufacturers also generally use stainless steel or other metal alloys for BBQ utensils because it’s robust and heat resistant. Likewise, when deciding on BBQ tools, look for sets with heat-resistant handles.
Plastic utensils are usually not suitable for barbecue grilling as they cannot withstand such high temperatures.
What should I look for in a BBQ grill set?
It can be tempting to pick up a couple of disposable barbecue boxes for convenience. However, not only are disposable barbecues bad for the environment, but they’re also not as effective as permanent BBQ grill sets.
Plus, they tend to be quite small. Depending on the number of people you’re likely to cook for, you might take the size of your barbecue into account.
Gas or charcoal?
Another thing to think about is whether you want a gas or a charcoal BBQ grill set. Gas grills are a bit quicker to fire up and can be easier to use than charcoal grills. They can also be easier to clean and maintain as you don’t have to clean up any ash.
However, many people enjoy the smoky flavours you get with a charcoal option. Charcoal barbecues take a bit longer to heat up, but their glowing embers give burgers, sausages and other foods that classic barbecued appearance.
Care and maintenance
Whichever heat source you go for, barbecue grill plates are often available in either cast iron or stainless steel. Stainless steel is easy to clean and maintain. Cast iron is durable and retains heat really well, but can be prone to rust without the proper care. When correctly seasoned with oil, cast iron grills — just like cast iron pans — can last for years.
If you plan on keeping your grill outside all year round, you might want to consider a set with a lid or hood to protect it from the elements. A hood can also act as a windbreak if you’re cooking on a breezy day! Alternatively, you can buy a separate cover to keep your barbecue in top condition.
Corn on the cob holders
Juicy corn on the cob is a delicious part of the BBQ experience. Add a dollop of melted butter and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper for a hot, sweet nibble. But eating corn on the cob can be a challenge. Avoid burning your fingers and getting melted butter everywhere with some corn on the cob holders. Simply pop the pins into each end of the cob and enjoy mess-free BBQ sweetcorn.
Zyliss Corn on the cob holders also nest for easy storage — no accidental jabs as you rifle through the utensil drawer! Bonus: Use the Zyliss Corn Stripper to strip corn from cobs quickly, easily and with minimal mess
Dishwasher-friendly bbq utensils
Preparing and hosting a barbecue can be a fun experience. But nobody wants the post-BBQ clean up hanging over them. Investing in a set of good quality BBQ utensils that can go straight in the dishwasher will make tidying up a breeze. Think spatulas, tongs, and turners.
Salad spinner
The hot food is sorted — the sausages are sizzling, the corn on the cob is charring. But wouldn’t a nice crisp salad add a bit of colour and crunch to the mix?
Eliminate the problem of soggy lettuce with our handy Salad Spinner. A quick few turns, and your leaves will be clean, fluffy, and free from excess water. Why not take a look at our blog post for tips on how to get the most out of your salad spinner?
Skewers
What’s a barbecue without skewers? Whether you mix and match your favourite Mediterranean vegetables or go for a dessert of barbecued fruit, skewers make it easy to evenly grill a selection of ingredients. Look for skewers with long, heat-resistant handles and a good grip so you can effortlessly turn them around.
Basting brush
A basting brush can help you spread a fine, uniform coating of oil and seasonings over your ingredients. Your burgers, sausages and veggies will cook evenly, with a satisfying crisp outer layer.
For ease of use and maintenance, try looking for a silicone basting brush. With no bristle loss or clumping, silicone brushes are a practical option for indoor cooking as well as summer BBQs. The Zyliss Silicone Basting Brush has a detachable head that can go straight in the dishwasher after use.