Some like it hot

To save space, a slimline barbecue has been integrated into custom-built cabinetry. altolandscapes.com.au

Take entertaining to the next level with the latest, most versatile options for cooking alfresco and heating outdoor living spaces

Words: Karen Booth

Acustom-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

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, 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,

social, and, if chosen well, provides an eyecatching feature within the landscape.

It is important that your outdoor kitchen is well designed for your individual needs and cooking style. It can be a considerable investment, especially if you incorporate hot and cold running water, cabinetry, heating, cooling, lighting and the like, so it is worth spending time with a suitably qualified designer to get things exactly how you want before embarking on the construction.

“An outdoor kitchen can be as simple or elaborate as the space and the budget permits, ” adds John. ” Measure your available area and prepare a wish list of features you would like, then talk to a company that really knows the business. If they don ’t have an extensive gallery of previous jobs, then you should look for a company that does.

COOKING WITH WOOD

Woodfired ovens are now considered as essential as a barbecue for many families. “We ’ ve seen the interest in woodfired ovens steadily increasing over the last 10 years or so, with no sign of slowing down. I think the simple fact is that as Australians, we just love to cook outdoors and there is simply no better way to do this than with a woodfired oven, ” says Ben Guilford of The Melbourne Fire Brick Company.

Why are they so popular? “Where do I start?” says Ben. “The food. Oh, the mouthwatering creations I have seen coming out of our woodfired ovens. Slow-roasted lamb legs, suckling pig, shoulders of pork that are just falling apart after being super-slow cooked for 24 hours, crusty sourdough bread, juicy flamegrilled steaks and roast vegetables to die for. And the pizzas. You will not eat a better pizza than one out of your own woodfired oven.

A fully-equipped, custom-designed outdoor kitchen teamed with a spacious alfresco dining area. ojpippin.com.au

“Then there is the warmth and ambience that a natural woodfire creates. I have not seen any element of a backyard that draws the same amount of attention as a woodfired oven, with the fire gently burning inside.

THE PERFECT SPOT

So where to put your barbecue or woodfired oven, or locate your outdoor kitchen? “Under some kind of roof is best so you can use it in all weather conditions, ” says John. Just remember that covered areas need high ceilings, a chimney, or special barbecue rangehood to vent the very hot, smoky, greasy air. In semi-enclosed outdoor rooms, which don ’t have adequate ventilation, energy safety laws usually require built-in gas barbecues to have flame-failure devices on all burners.

With a fully equipped outdoor kitchen (with sink, fridge, prep space and storage) you don ’t have to place it close to the house and

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Cooking & Heating

WHAT TO CHOOSE?

With so many different types of barbecues on the market, how do you know which is the right one for you? “As a first step, ” says Andrea Mead of Heatlie, “ consider how you will use the barbecue. Do you regularly entertain for large crowds, or will you use your barbecue for everyday family meals? These factors will determine the durability you require, the size of the cooking area and any extra features you may need, such as roasters and cabinet space.

“Next, think about where your barbecue will sit. A shiny, freestanding five- or sixburner — complete with bottle opener, infrared burners, side tables and a host of bells and whistles — makes a statement in any backyard and may be the right option if your barbecue is going to sit on a patio or deck. If you ’ re shopping for a barbecue to fit into an outdoor kitchen, consider whether you want a unit that is integrated into the bench or one that slides in from the front.

Here, the barbecue sits in a bench built of Allure bricks and is screened by breeze block walls. brickworks.com.au

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Cooking & Heating

The Escea EK Fireplace Kitchen comes with everything you need to achieve a smoky meat lover ’ s feast. escea.com

indoor kitchen because you won ’t need to be ducking in and out for plates, ingredients and the like. In this instance, placing it where you will be doing the bulk of your entertaining and alfresco dining makes sense.

Wherever you choose to place your outdoor cooking area, and no matter how simple or sophisticated the set-up, if you plan it well and buy the best appliances you can afford, you ’ll have a place where family and friends will want to congregate for many years to come.

DOUBLE THE DELIGHT

Some forms of heating can also do double duty as a means of cooking outdoors. You can purchase a grill plate with some fire pits, which will turn them into an easy way to cook up a small meal. Then there is the chiminea. “As well as being a woodfired outdoor heater, a chiminea can become a fabulous woodfired barbecue and pizza oven with the simple addition of a cooking attachment that you place on top, ” says Andrew Fenton of Aussie Heatwave.

“A chiminea or fire pit can turn your outdoor area from drab to fab in an instant and it changes the way you use your outdoor area, making it a more inviting and versatile space,

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Cooking & Heating

us back to basics in our stressful hi-tech world. A fire pit or chiminea provides a great activity the whole family can enjoy — it’ s like having a camp fire in your own garden. ”

Traditionally made from clay, chimineas can also be fashioned from cast iron, copper or aluminium, which continue to radiate heat long after the flames have died down. Chimineas make sense for smaller spaces where you can ’t fit a fireplace. Fire pits are a portable heating (or cooking) solution that can be relocated from the patio to poolside for instant ambience. They can run off wood, gas or bioethanol.

SPREAD THE WARMTH

With a contemporary electric heater or fireplace, you and your guests will stay toasty warm while you dine alfresco or relax in your outdoor lounge area. Choose from modern bar heaters, slimline heat strips, panels for larger areas or portable heaters. Slimline electric heaters are very unobtrusive and they ’ll blend with any decor. If you like the idea of a fireplace, without the hassle of cleaning up, some electric models replicate flickering firelight. As electric heaters are connected to electricity, you won ’t run out of fuel half way through a dinner party either.

Recess your heater into a wall, or go portable, so you can move it as needed. Strip and bar heaters are fabulous for smaller spaces as they don ’t take up valuable floor space. They can be mounted flush with the ceiling, or angled on a wall to create a warm inviting space around a daybed or dining area.

Gas heaters are perfect for when you want instant heat at the flick of a switch. Gas fireplaces can be made to look like woodburning fires with the advantage of clean fuel. Improved technology can produce the effect of dancing flames and glowing embers, and added features can include a remote control to start the fire.

SPOILED FOR CHOICE

One of the most environmentally friendly ways to stay warm is a bioethanol fireplace. Bioethanol is a renewable, clean-burning fuel so you won ’t be exposed to harmful emissions, and you won ’t have the hindrance of a chimney either. Bioethanol fireplaces are prized for their portability.

Without the need for a utility connection, there ’ s practically no installation involved, and they are very easy to operate. Simply fill the burner with bioethanol and ignite the fuel with a lighter, for toasty warm surroundings. Their sleek metal and glass construction make them well-suited to contemporary outdoor design, and they produce a mesmerising live flame that creates a cosy effect.

Of course, nothing encapsulates the spirit of the outdoors more than a roaring fire. Wood fireplaces create an inviting focal point: all you need is a lounge chair, a couple of cushions and a throw rug to complete the picture. So, when planning an entertaining space, be sure you can keep guests warm while you

The HEATSTRIP portable LPG heater offers gentle, comfortable warmth with a cheery glow. heatstrip.com.au

This spacious, award-winning outdoor cooking and dining zone was designed by COS Design. cosdesign.com.au