Essential BBQ Tips and Accessories For You



What would summer be without a BBQ? With restrictions easing and the sun shining, it’s time to fire up your grill, snatch up some burgers from the store, and invite your friends round for a fun outdoor gathering. Bear in mind our essential accessories and top tips to ensure that you host a legendary BBQ in your garden that no one will forget.

What BBQ will you choose?

Choose between a traditional charcoal BBQ and a gas BBQ. There are pros and cons to both. A charcoal BBQ requires you to wait for the coals to turn white hot, whilst a gas BBQ can instantly be turned on and used. However, many would argue that a traditional charcoal BBQ is the only way to get that char-grilled deep flavour in your burgers, halloumi, chicken kebabs, and sausages. So, choose wisely!

No BBQ? No problem. If you have not tried to barbecue before – or you’re looking for a more portable option, then a disposable grill BBQ is a great option. These are great for picnics or beach gatherings – and are a cheaper alternative to buying a large BBQ if you don’t plan on hosting a big barbecue party regularly. Just be sure to bear in mind that these are small grills, so if you want to host for a larger crowd then several of these handy bargain BBQ disposables may be a good idea.

How to cook up a BBQ storm

Do not grill from frozen or cold!

Before cooking your meat, remove it from the fridge or freezer so it can warm up to room temperature. In doing this, you can ensure that you evenly cook the entire meat without burning the outside to a crisp as you wait for the inside to defrost.

Don't under-estimate the miraculous marinade

If you have time the night before, then it’s most definitely worth marinating your meats overnight. This will allow all the delicious flavours to be soaked up, whilst making the meat extra tender. To open up a world of flavour, ensure that you have available a range of tangy sauces for guests to use. Think Garlic Mayo, Peri Peri, and Sweet Chilli. If you want to use any of these sugary sauces as a marinade for your burgers, only add them in the final stages of cooking so they do not burn on the grill.

Try not to go crazy with your flipping

Only flip your meats once or twice to get a caramelised crust. More frequently turning will prick the surface which will allow tasty juices to release – leaving it slightly dryer and not as tender. So it’s best to only turn two to three times max.

If you’re making kebabs, try soaking your wooden skewers in water about 30 minutes before cooking to prevent them from burning. Keep mountainous burgers, veggie kebabs and fruity appetisers all together with bamboo skewers to impress your guests. These bamboo paddle skewers can also be used to make cocktails extra fancy.

Serve it in style

Bamboo melamine tableware is perfect for outdoor gatherings. On FabFinds, we have cutlery, plates, bowls and cups available in beautiful matching pastel shades that are sure to brighten up any alfresco dining.

Keep it squeaky clean

Wipe down any surfaces you prepare raw meat on, and ensure you use separate plates for raw and cooked food. Keep anti-bacterial spray and wipes handy so you can easily keep the area sanitised and hygienic. It's also a great idea to have hand sanitisers dotted on your dining table so guests (especially playful children!) can easily stay free of germs whilst eating.

How to clean a BBQ

Grill that grill. It’s always important to start with a squeaky clean grill. Removing cooked or burnt-on bits of food will give your food a much more delicious flavour. On FabFinds, we have a range of cleaning sprays that are especially designed for BBQ grills. Spray these onto your grill, and wipe away. For more stubborn dirt, you can allow the spray to soak for a couple of minutes.

Also, lightly coat your grill with vegetable oil before you cook to prevent your meat from sticking to the grill - this will provide a light lubrication that will make cleaning easier later down the line.