Being a private chef means that I get to cook all different kinds of exciting menus for my guests, and one of the best ones is the classic BBQ. I love using the charcoal to enhance flavour. From a prime aged Tomahawk steak, Tequila & chilli Chicken Thighs, scorching Asparagus spears and even slow cooking Pineapple, the BBQ can really change the dynamics of cooking.
I love to create colourful salads too, using squash, pomegranate, coriander to accompany the charcoaled meats. One of my standout dishes is Orkney Scallops dressed in Chimichurri and roasted in the shell for 3-4 minutes, beautiful!
You have two different kinds of BBQ, Charcoal, or Propane. This completely depends on what you are looking for, convenience or Flavour? If flavour then charcoal is the answer, and this is my personal preferred choice. Propane BBQs are still amazing and a very convenient option, just don’t forget to check your gas bottle before your party!
If you are looking for a BBQ upgrade, then pay attention as this guide could be the answer for the perfect summer over the coals, as I review the very best models on the market.
We’re going to start with my personal favourite. I have used this in restaurants over the years and the flavour is mind-blowing!
Josper Large Charcoal Oven
Price: £17,255.98
The legend in the world of charcoal gastronomy. Tradition and innovation come together in the design of this grill and oven in a single machine, plus a whole range of equipment to help you quickly become a barbecue master. A machine manufactured with high-tech steel alloys and top-quality components. Josper charcoal ovens HJA & HJX are the perfect partner for the most demanding chefs who want to achieve the highest quality of grilling directly over charcoal. By bringing the added value that comes from the firewood (charcoal) to the raw material, you can obtain the flavours, as well as a perfect texture and juiciness. The Josper is a self-contained box in essence, all you need to do is fill in with charcoal, and light it up! It has a temperature dial on the door which reaches a whopping 600.
Traeger Timberline 1300
Price: £2,500
The Traeger brings an unrivalled wood-flavour to the table, unlocking your foods true potential. The innovative grill offers you the ability to operate a 6-in-1 approach meaning that you can grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ with pure, hardwood flavour.
The Timberline 1300 is the top-shelf grill and boasts three tiers of stainless-steel grates that allow you to load the grill with feast-worthy amounts of food. Fully insulated construction maintains steady temps in any weather for ultimate consistency. Plus, the included Traeger Pellet Sensor lets you monitor your pellet levels from anywhere using the Traeger App, so you never run out in the middle of a cook.
One of my favourites is to rub a whole boneless shoulder of pork with brown sugar, and spices and smoke for 15-20 hours. This will make a pulled pork that would be welcome in South Carolina!
Kamado Joe Series III
Price: £3,000
The Big Joe Series III grill is for those who are ready for the most premium charcoal grilling experience there is. With 450 sq.in. of uninterrupted cooking space, this grill can serve up a feast. With innovative features such as the 3-tier Divide & Conquer Flexible Cooking System, the SlōRoller Hyperbolic Insert and the Control Tower Top Vent, the Big Joe III remains unmatched.
If you are a fan of beer can chicken, then this is the grill for you. Because of the unique shape of the kettle like lid, you can spread the hot coals around the outside. You can even do slow cooked meats like Harissa roast Lamb leg, which takes around 2 hours and is great on a pitta bread with hot sauce and salad.
Beefeater FrescoPro
Price: £12,939.00
If you are looking at building a BBQ into your garden and want to create the perfect space to entertain your guests then look at BeefEater BBQ.
With over 30 years of experience, BeefEater understand that clients have differing needs when placing their BeefEater barbecues. For those wanting flexibility to move the barbecue around their outdoor area, they offer a comprehensive range of stylish freestanding barbecues. Or if you want a barbecue built into a more permanent outdoor living area, they can cater for this with their collection of built-in barbecues, doors, and drawers.
BeefEater are also at the forefront of the evolving Outdoor Kitchen market with their range of purpose-built modules complete with sinks and fridges for unrivalled style. Choose from freestanding to built-in grills. Streamline your cooking area and of course don’t forget the built-in fridge to guarantee the beers are always cold for the chef!
