Invest in summer with a good BBQ

THE sun is set to keep on shining on Andalucia for the next few months and as we pack away the winter jumpers and cosy socks, it’s now time to set up the terrace or garden and take cooking outside.
Whether it’s you personally, your other half, a son or a daughter that’s in charge of flipping sausages and making sure the steaks aren’t overcooked – an essential item this spring and summer is a good barbecue. The Flamenco inspired apron is obviously optional.
But rather than throw money at the first shiny new gadget you see, it’s important to first research what barbecue is best for you and your friends or family. Prices for barbecues range from around €10 to more than €3,000, depending on the size, the number of features it boasts and the quality of its construction. But according to experts the price tag alone is not a guarantee of quality.
Top barbecue experts advise feeling the product and if one is considerably heavier than another it means it is made with better steel. Porcelain-coated charcoal barbecues are said to be good, as they tend to offer better resistance to heat and scratches and are harder wearing. It’s also apparently important to have a lid for your barbecue so it can be used as an oven to cook your food.
You do not have to spend a fortune or pay extra for a brand name, but don’t waste your money on disposable barbecues – these tend to heat far too quickly and can end up burning the meat you are cooking. And if you’re going to spend good money on a nice cut of meat or a delicate fish then be sure not to put the product directly over flames, as this only blackens the outside of the food leaving the inside raw. The cooking of meat or fish should only be done when the flames have subsided and the charcoal has gone white.
All good hardware stores now have a nice selection of barbeques in stock for summer. While online purchases are also an option.