Ultimate BBQ Guide

Get set for summer with the Hang Fire girls’ roundup of the best barbecue buys

Best for... Get Up and Go

Uniflame Portable Festival Grill*, £18 ‘Perfect for when you’re out and about, whether camping or on a picnic, this small barbecue is easy to carry and doesn’t need much fuel. Great for quick-and-easy veggie kebabs or a few steaks.’

Set Up

‘Before you light your barbecue, organise it for two-zone grilling by putting coals on one half of the grill only. If the food starts to char, move it off the direct heat and onto the no-charcoal side. If you close the lid, everything will keep cooking even if it’s not right over the flame.’

Temp Check

‘Want to make sure that meat is cooked all the way through without cutting it open? Get an instant-read thermometer. Different kinds of meat, such as chicken, lamb and steak, are all done at different temperatures, and using a thermometer will take the guesswork out of barbecuing and help you to get it right every time.’

Best for... Spur of the Moment

Uniflame 55cm Family Kettle Barbecue, £39 ‘This is the barbecue you can whip out quickly if the sun appears – it’s compact, easy to use and you don’t need a lot of charcoal to get it hot. It’s versatile, too. You can grill as usual or pop the lid down for slow cooking.’

Best for... Low and Slow

Uniflame Classic 60cm American Grill, £79 ‘This sturdy model is great for slow-cook smoking. The handy temperature gauge and height adjustable grill lets you monitor the temperature without having to open the lid. Plus, the access door means you don’t have to move the grills to add charcoal.’

Best for... A Crowd

Uniflame Select 5-burner, Side and Rotisserie Gas Grill**, £329 ‘If you’re planning a big barbecue with friends, this is the grill for you. It lets you do lots of different things at the same time, such as grilling meat while cooking beans on the side burner. Plus, the impressive rotisserie is ideal for a whole chicken – or even a few at once.’

Easy Clean

‘Don’t wait ages after cooking before cleaning your grill. The grease and debris come off pretty easily with a cleaning brush when it’s warm. Then, when your barbecue has cooled down completely, remove the ashes and wipe the lid and bottom of the grill with kitchen roll.’