To save space, a slimline barbecue has been integrated into custom-built cabinetry. altolandscapes.com.au
SOME LIKE IT HOT
Take entertaining to the next level with the latest, most versatile options for cooking alfresco and heating outdoor living spaces
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custom-designed outdoor kitchen nestled into a lavish poolside pavilion may be what dreams are made of, but for many, a covered area close to the house and a barbecue big enough to feed the gang is all that’s needed to get a party started. Of course, it’s the barbecue that is the hub of any outdoor cookout, but no longer is a barbecue “just” a barbecue. Never before has there been such diversity of choice. Today’s barbecues offer greater functionality and flexibility, with many of the things that were once considered an optional extra now often included as standard.
GRILL IT GOOD “Barbecues have evolved in recent years to become an extension of home entertaining in the same way that the old pergola is now
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Words: Karen Booth
an alfresco area that brings the comfort of the indoors to the great outdoors,” says John McGran of Lifestyle BBQs. “A barbecue brings the family together and turns the chore of producing a meal into a joyous occasion. Every important family occasion in my home involves a great meal prepared on the barbecue.” So what are John’s tips for getting the best barbecue? “Buy Australian-made. That’s my number-one tip,” he says. “Ask the person you’re buying it from what was their last barbecue recipe. Basically find out if they know the product they are selling. “Buying a barbecue that won’t get hot enough or one that has a complicated fat drainage system are the two big mistakes that people make,” he adds, “and always go for stainless-steel plates and grills for a better and healthier result. A good warranty is important,
too, and just as important is your confidence that the company will be around to back it up.” Choosing a barbecue can seem a bit of a complicated business, and it is a major financial investment, so doing your research and considering all the factors — such as fuel, size, materials, design, cooking style, cleaning and add-ons — are vital before making a final decision.
KITCHEN CONVENIENCE One of the appealing aspects of cooking in an outdoor kitchen is that the host doesn’t have to spend all their time shuffling items between indoor and outdoor spaces. It also means that the host stays among the action where everyone has gathered rather than being locked away inside while they cook. So, for frequent entertainers, a fully equipped outdoor kitchen is functional,
