Hi,


Over the last few years I've tried several gas barbecues, the last being the
Char Broil Patio Caddie. I've never found that they get hot enough to cook
steaks very well, OK for slow cooking lamb chops, sausages etc but never
really hot enough for steak or anything else that requires searing.


I've recently bought the B&Q Barcelona 2 Burner Hooded Barbecue, and so far
I've been very impressed.


I wonder if anyone has any experience of using this particular BBQ. The
instructions are not too clear e.g:-


It says that the hood should always be open when the burners are on full. In
fact it recommends that it is used on low for "best results". Is there any
disadvantage in having the hood down when on full? (Hood obviously gets very
hot).


Is it really necessary to fill the drip tray with sand?


Any recommendations, ideas etc.


Thanks,


Charles

Charles Turner wrote:
Hi,


Over the last few years I've tried several gas barbecues, the last
being the Char Broil Patio Caddie. I've never found that they get hot
enough to cook steaks very well, OK for slow cooking lamb chops,
sausages etc but never really hot enough for steak or anything else
that requires searing.


I've recently bought the B&Q Barcelona 2 Burner Hooded Barbecue, and
so far I've been very impressed.


I wonder if anyone has any experience of using this particular BBQ.
The instructions are not too clear e.g:-


It says that the hood should always be open when the burners are on
full. In fact it recommends that it is used on low for "best
results". Is there any disadvantage in having the hood down when on
full? (Hood obviously gets very hot).


Is it really necessary to fill the drip tray with sand?


Hi, Charles.

1. Barbecue is food, not equipment. You eat 'Q, you cook on a grill or in a
pit. If you want to throw a shrimp on MY barbie, you'd better run 'cause I
like my pulled-pork without that seafood taste :-)

2. I've not used the barcelona grill, but if the manufacturer states to
leave the hood up, there has gots to be a reason.

3. I think that there is a huge advantage to being able to have the option
of lowering the hood on a grill.

4. Sand in the drip tray would make it less messy?

Any way, welcome to AFB, good to have you on-board :-) And check out the
BBQ FAQ at:
http://www.eaglequest.com/~bbq/faq2/toc.html
--
Dave
www.davebbq.com