Year: 2023

Meats taste great, but other foods should be available at your barbeque party. Sides and salads complement the meal and add mouth-watering and savoury twists. Importantly, sides and salads typically consist of veggies, which provide vital vitamins and minerals.

If you want your guests to leave their plates clean at your next summer cookout, consider adding these sides and salads.

 

AMBROSIA

Ambrosia is one food item that appears weird until you taste it. Once you have a bite, you’re likely to crave more. The base is a mixture of fruits, including oranges, pineapples, and shredded coconut. Some add apples, bananas, grapes, Maraschino cherries, and peaches.

After mixing the fruits, coat them with thick, decadent cream. The result is a big bowl with bright colours and unique flavours. If you lack cream, use Greek yoghurt. Add some extra flavour by throwing in cinnamon, nutmeg, and fried nuts.

 

DELICIOUS FAST-FOOD COLESLAW COPYCAT

BBQs feel incomplete without coleslaw. Make yours unforgettable by serving it with a salad as zesty and crunchy as the fast-food original, made in your backyard kitchen!

Slice cabbage into thin pieces and mix with grated carrot. Combine buttermilk, grated onion, lemon juice, mayonnaise, milk, onion powder, pepper, salt, and sugar in a separate bowl. Whisk until all ingredients combine, then pour over the cabbage and carrots. Refrigerate overnight.

You can serve coleslaw with any meal, but it works best with beans, fried chicken, mac & cheese, and pulled pork. Coleslaw lasts up to five days in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container and always stir before serving.

 

GOLDEN CORN FRITTERS

The best way to stimulate your guests’ taste buds’ this summer is to serve crisp golden corn fritters with grilled meat. It’s a simple and tasty combination that always has everybody licking their fingers after wiping their plates clean.

Mix self-rising flour, pepper, salt, and sugar in a bowl. Then, add corn, eggs, milk, and vegetable oil separately. Combine the two and stir well.

Scoop the mixture using a rounded spoon and drop it into preheated cooking oil (375 Celsius). Deep fry the fitters until golden. If you like, you can enhance the taste with dipping sauce, like chipotle mayo.

 

ANTIPASTO SKEWERS

Antipasto skewers with tortellini are tasty, easy-to-make appetisers that suit any occasion. They feature traditional antipasto salad combined with cheese tortellini and are served on skewers for easy consumption.

Although the salads and tortellini are salty and tangy, you can add basil and tomatoes for a balanced flavour. The additions also make the skewers more colourful and inviting.

This antipasto dish is easy to prepare. You only need to cook the tortellini and marinara sauce for a few minutes, then add anchovies, artichoke hearts, mushrooms, pepperoni, and veggies. If you have many ingredients, use larger bamboo skewers.

 

FINAL WORDS

Burgers, sausages, and corn on the cobs are the most common barbeque accompaniments in Australian summer cookout events. Use these secret sides and salads to impress your guests and offer options for everyone, including vegans and meat-eaters. There are plenty of choices for kids and adults too.

If you’re planning a summer cookout, upgrade your outdoor kitchen with high-quality grills from Home Heat & BBQ. We are a leading heating and outdoor cooking equipment supplier with vast experience in the Australian market. Contact us today for a free quote if you’d like to revamp your outdoor kitchen.

Although kitchen tools don’t improve your cooking skills, they make it easier and safer to prepare meals. If you want to stop guessing when your meats are ready, or veggies are steamed, here are the must-have accessories for your Weber BBQ grill.

HEAT-RESISTANT GLOVES

Wearing gloves seems obvious when handling hot objects like your grill plates, but many people tend to overlook it.

Heat-resistant gloves are an amazing addition. They make it safer to handle the grill, as they can withstand temperatures exceeding 900 degrees Fahrenheit. However, gloves don’t make you invulnerable – always check the maximum temperature rating that your pair can handle.

 

TONGS

Tongs are useful for picking and turning foods on the grill. These accessories are available in different sizes and materials, including plastic and metal.

Plastic tongs are cheap, but their low melting points make them susceptible to high temperatures. Metal tongs are the better choice because of their durability and ability to withstand high temperatures. However, they can get hot because of their conductivity.

It’s vital to consider size when choosing tongs. Tiny tongs are difficult to grip, while large tongs aren’t easy to control. Also, ensure your choice has smooth edges to avoid damaging the food.

 

INSTANT-READ THERMOMETER

Grilling requires finesse and extreme mastery of temperature control. If you aren’t an experienced chef, you need the right equipment to measure temperature instead of guesswork.

As the name suggests, an instant-read thermometer gives a temperature reading a few seconds after insertion into the food. This way, you’ll never have to guesstimate when your beef or pork is ready.

 

A PIZZA STONE

Homemade pizzas are usually larger, crispier, and yummier than their fast-food equivalents. Moreover, you get a sense of satisfaction by cooking your food. To prepare one on your Weber BBQ, you only need a pizza stone. These stones can be as big as 18 inches wide, allowing you to make large, family-size pizzas. Even better, they can fit in your oven when you want to cook indoors.

 

COMPREHENSIVE CLEANING SET

Most people think a stainless-steel brush is enough to keep their grill grates clean. While these brushes remove most stuck meats, they also leave some bristles that can hurt your health over time.

It’s better to invest in a comprehensive cleaning set comprising a stainless-steel scraper, wire scrubber, and disposable wipes to keep your grill sparkling.

 

CHIMNEY STARTER

It isn’t easy to light charcoal. Chimney starters are a faster, safer, and more contained way of lighting up your coals without the flare ups and fumes of gas lighters.

Additionally, you don’t need to remove food from the grill and reignite the flame whenever you add charcoal. You can ignite the coals in the starter and add them through the grate when lit.

 

FINAL WORDS

Tools are mandatory if you don’t want a hard time on your next grilling adventure. They won’t make you a better cook, but they reduce the risk of accidents and mistakes. Of course, a good Weber barbecue suited to your specific needs and desires is a great way to ensure impressive summer entertaining, too.

Home Heat & BBQ is more than a barbeque store. We are passionate about helping you improve your grilling skills with the right equipment and know-how. Contact us today for more useful information.

The idea of cooking a pizza on a grill is inconceivable to many self-taught chefs. Is it worth the trouble when you could use an oven? However, you will only know its benefits if you try it.

WHY DO PEOPLE USE GRILLS TO COOK PIZZAS?

First, using a BBQ grill spares you the energy and time of preheating an oven to over 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius), a prerequisite in many pizza recipes. Cooking outside allows you to enjoy the relaxing breeze.

Secondly, grills keep the heat outside where it belongs. Grills are more comparable to wood-fired ovens than modern indoor ovens. Remember, pizza inventors used wood-fired ovens to cook pizzas. Therefore, using a grill is a good, old-fashioned way of preparing this amazing dish.

Additionally, the grill’s smoke gives your pizza a unique flavour you can’t get from a conventional oven.

It’s also simple to cook pizza on the BBQ grill. The dough won’t stick or fall through the gaps, provided you heat the grill correctly. Instead, it will turn into a light brown crust with a soft inside.

HOW TO COOK PIZZA ON WEBER GRILLS

Here are a few tricks for cooking pizzas on Weber BBQ Grills.

Bare Grill Grates

Many people believe it isn’t possible to cook pizza on bare grates, as the dough will fall through. This isn’t true. If the dough is thick enough and you heat the grill to the required level, you will cook crispy, light-brown pizzas.

Once the bottom side is cooked, flip the pizza over and cook the other side. Then, add cheese, sauce, and toppings. Ensure your toppings are ready before you bake the pizza, as it is best enjoyed when served hot.

Metal Grilling Pan

If cooking on the grates doesn’t appeal, use a metal grilling pan. Each pan type has a unique preparation method. For instance, aluminium pans intended for conventional ovens need a foil cover and non-stick spray application to protect the dough from sticking. If it’s a regular kitchen pan, scrub it clean before using it for cooking pizza.

It’s advisable to arrange your charcoal on the sides of the grill to avoid damaging the pan. Regardless, the pan will turn black over time.

The best option is a cast-iron pan; you must preheat and season it with olive oil before cooking. Cast-iron pans are more durable than conventional types, and their robustness makes them suitable for high temperatures on the BBQ grill.

Pizza Stones

Pizza stones are great if you don’t want to soil your regular pans or cook on bare grates. Remember, only specific stones can withstand direct heat and high temperatures.

Using a pizza stone requires some finesse. First, you need to heat it slowly. Place it on the grill with the lid off and leave it for 30 minutes. Once it gets slightly hot, close the top to get it heated. After 20 minutes, lift the lid and flick a few drops of water on it. If it doesn’t form a ball, it’s ready to cook.

Cheese can soil your pizza stone if it melts on it. To prevent this, sprinkle some cornflour before you start cooking. This trick also makes it easier to remove the pizza once it’s ready.

WHAT CAN YOU COOK BESIDES PIZZA?

Despite their greatness, you can’t eat pizza for every meal! So here are some other lesser-known grill dishes to keep your guests entertained this summer.

Tomato Salsa

Throw one kilogram of multicoloured tomatoes (slightly ripe and overripe) and one head of garlic into the BBQ grill and set it to medium heat. Stir and cook for 10 minutes until the tomatoes start blackening and blistering.

Use a pair of tongs to transfer the food into a bowl and mash, removing some of the black skin. Squeeze the garlic to extract the interior contents and mix it with tomatoes. Season to taste and enjoy it with meat or veggies.

Grilled bread

Bread is arguably the most popular baked food. But do you know you can grill it? Grilling is the best way to use a loaf nearing its expiry date.

Slice the loaf, brush it with olive oil, and rub it with garlic cloves. Next, place the bread on the BBQ grill until it turns brown. This usually takes 7 to 10 minutes.

Then, season the browned loaf with salt and shaved parmesan. Top it off with gooey brie, and you’ll have a mouth-watering feast with friends.

BBQ artichoke

Despite their numerous health benefits, artichokes aren’t as popular as other vegetables. However, nutrition aside, these veggies taste wonderful when grilled.

Steam the artichokes for a few minutes before grilling. For the best result, slice the artichokes halfway and place them face down on the grill. Once they turn brown, scoop the heart and add it to pasta salad or enjoy with dipped herbs.

Grilled Bacon

Bacon is everyone’s favourite. When you eat it grilled, you wouldn’t want it any other way.

First, grilled bacon is exceptionally tasty. More importantly, it’s healthier since it cooks in its fat, producing less greasy meat.

Grilling bacon is easy. Set your grill to medium or high heat, depending on how crispy you want it. Then, cook for four to six minutes.

You can eat the bacon with your breakfast, add it to a salad, or insert it in your grilled hamburger.

Grilled Grapes

Grapes are naturally sweet and juicy when eaten fresh or frozen. However, you’re probably unaware they taste great when grilled, and it’s a simple recipe.

Take a bunch of grapes, brush them with olive oil, and put them on a hot grill. Cook for three to five minutes, turning every fifteen seconds. Serve the grilled grapes alongside grilled chicken, fruit salad, pork tenderloins, or thick-cut steak.

WRAPPING UP

There’s no excuse for sticking to the traditional BBQ recipes this summer. You have several ideas to choose from, including appetisers, sides, main courses, and desserts. Set an objective of treating your friends and family to as many of these recipes as the season progresses.

You can’t cook tasty meals without proper equipment. Contact Home Heat & BBQ today for the best BBQ grills. We offer fixed and portable units that run on wood, gas, and electricity.

Outdoor parties are fun and exciting when warmer weather rolls around. Unlike indoors, you have more room to move about, and there’s always a fresh breeze to keep you cool.

Pre-plan and prepare for your summer parties by getting your backyard ready. Here are our top tips.

CLEAN EVERYTHING

Cleanliness and organisation are vital to a great outdoor party. You might have the best amenities, such as a luxury pool and a state-of-the-art BBQ grill, but nobody likes spending time in a filthy yard.

Start by mowing the grass and clearing overgrown bushes. After cleaning the area, wash furniture and other outdoor structures. Use power wash on your deck or patio to conserve water. If your structures need refinishing, do it then to give them a shiny, ‘almost new’ appeal.

Don’t forget to clean your pool by draining the water and scrubbing the walls. Check the pump and filters to confirm they’re operational. After restoring the water, check the chemical levels.

 

ADD SEATS

Most people have only a few seats designated for outdoor spaces, so, in preparation for your event, it may be time to add extra seating.

You might choose to purchase brand-new ones from a local dealer or an online store. Alternatively, if you’re on a tight budget, improve your DIY game. Browse social media platforms like Pinterest and YouTube to find inspiration for bench seats and other nooks that offer additional space. Besides saving money, DIY gives you a sense of accomplishment.

 

ADD SHADE

Sometimes, the sun can get so hot that it’s unbearable. Adding proper shade to your outdoor space guarantees uninterrupted comfort, even when the weather isn’t ideal.

Get a few large umbrellas if you don’t want a permanent roof over your patio. These can cast shade over sunny spots and keep guests comfortable. Alternatively, you can move your pizza oven and dining furniture under a leafy canopy if your yard has mature trees.

 

DIVIDE INTO SECTIONS

When preparing your backyard for summer entertaining, divide it into casual and formal sections. The casual section can house an outdoor kitchen, a dining area, and a small bar. On the other hand, the formal section should have comfy lounge chairs. Start the evening in one area and move to the next when it’s time to unwind.

SET UP LIGHTING

Good parties often last past sunset. You shouldn’t disappoint your guests by telling them to move indoors after dusk, halting the fun. Instead, avoid such interruptions by installing delicate twinkling lights in your backyard.

Besides beauty, light makes it safer to walk in the dark and helps with food preparation.

 

WRAPPING UP

Being well prepared is essential to the success of any party. So don’t wait until the last minute to prepare your backyard for outdoor summer events. Instead, start as early as now, and apply the finishing touches when the time comes.

Outdoor parties shouldn’t be boring. So spice up your cooking using the best BBQ grills from Home Heat & BBQ. Our quality doesn’t disappoint! Call us today for a free quote.

Growing up, you’ve likely tasted differently cooked meats. Some cooked as they are, and others infused with brines, dry rubs, pastes and marinades. Since everyone has their taste, the debate over which method produces tastier meats will seemingly never end.

HOW TO INFUSE YOUR MEATS

Although using a charcoal grill infuses a unique smoky flavour to your meats, some people go a step further to enhance the delectability of their barbeques.

Like standard grilling, infusing meats is an art that requires finesse and great detail to produce a desirable outcome. Here are common ways of infusing meat.

• Basting: involves using a brush to apply flavoured liquids and sauces and is mainly used on poultry meat.
• Brining: involves dipping meats in a salt solution. You can also add herby blends and fruity wines to the solution.
• Dry rubs and paste: involves dipping meats in thick, flavoured, seasoned sauces.
• Marinating: involves soaking in a flavoured and seasoned acidic mixture before grilling.

 

ADVANTAGES OF INFUSING MEATS

The following are the benefits of infusing meats.

Enhanced Flavour

The most significant benefit of infusing meats is enhanced flavour. The flavours penetrate deeper into the core, guaranteeing a rich, mouth-watering taste. Also, the infusion is the only way to get an evenly flavoured barbeque.

Increased Moisture

Most people prefer moist meats over dry ones. This is true for beef, chicken, pork, and others.

Infusion techniques like marinating guarantee moist and tasty meats, especially turkey and ham. In addition, if you are slow-cooking large cuts of beef, marination works wonders!

Saves Time

Brining tenderises meats before cooking. Because of this, it takes a shorter time to get it ready for eating than freshly cut meat.

Preservation

Before refrigerators became popular, people applied salt to meats to remove moisture and increase longevity. Therefore, infusing meats can make them remain edible for a few more days.

 

DISADVANTAGES OF INFUSION

Here are some disadvantages of infusing meats.

 

Contamination

On the downside, the infusion can contaminate your food with bacteria resistant to heat, called botulism. So be careful when infusing large cuts of meat.

No Crustiness

Most people love their grills crusty and soft inside. However, this isn’t attainable if you marinate the meat. Marinades mean no crustiness because they form a moisture barrier between the steak and the grill.

Over-infusion

It takes an expert to infuse meat property. If you do it wrong, you’ll end up with expensive food that you can’t enjoy because it’s too acidic, salty, tender, or mushy.

 

FINAL WORDS: SHOULD YOU INFUSE YOUR MEATS?

Like most cooking decisions, it depends on your preferences. There’s no denying that infusion makes food tastier and tender, saves time, and can make meats last longer. However, its effects can be undesirable if performed incorrectly. You’re at risk of bacterial infections and getting food that you can’t swallow. In addition, some techniques like marination prevent you from enjoying brown, crusty meats.

Whether you infuse your meats or not, you need great equipment to enjoy tasty, smoky, and aromatic barbeques. Contact Home & Heat BBQ today for a range of barbeque grills and outdoor kitchens suitable for your next backyard party or camping trip!

Weber has a long-standing reputation for manufacturing high-quality and dependable charcoal grills. The company’s iconic Kettle series features a grill with a round dome and was first produced in the mid-century era. Although it has undergone several upgrades, it still boasts of Weber’s trademark charcoal taste that most people crave.

Currently, Weber’s BBQ range has different styles and sizes to cater to the unique needs of every customer. Whether you like your meats grilled or smoked, there’s a product for you!

Here are some of Weber’s charcoal grill models to consider.

KETTLE SERIES

The Kettle series is the company’s most famous charcoal grill. It’s renowned for its round lid covering a deep drum supported by three legs. Besides the pioneering black, this product is also available in crimson.

The standard Weber Kettle grill will suit your needs if you have a small family. However, the Weber Performer Premium Kettle and Performer Kettle are helpful for larger families and gatherings, especially if you have a spacious outdoor area. You can quickly whip up meals for many people with these options. Lastly, there’s the Weber Ranch charcoal grill – the world’s largest kettle drum.

PORTABLE BBQ SERIES

Camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities are fun, but you can add excitement to your adventure by carrying a charcoal grill. Weber has several grills in its Portable BBQ range that allow you to enjoy delicious meals on the move.

When camping, having your grill means you no longer have to queue to use the public BBQ grill (if present). Also, you don’t waste precious time cleaning someone else’s mess, which is often the case with shared equipment.

The Weber Portable BBQ range has three grills. The Weber Go-Anywhere is the smallest, making it ideal for romantic getaways. The Weber Jumbo Joe is a smaller iteration of the Kettle, while the Smokey Joe is a mini version of the Jumbo Joe.

SMOKER SERIES

Consider purchasing a Weber Smoker Series charcoal grill if smoked meats are your preferred choice. These grills look like a stretched version of the Kettle, with two rounded ends on either side of a long, cylindrical body.

The stretched design makes the Smoker Series charcoal grills ideal for smoking meats. Depending on your needs, you can choose from three designs, ranging from 37 cm to 57 cm.

SUMMIT CHARCOAL SERIES

The Summit Charcoal Series guarantees the ultimate charcoal grilling experience. Its lid has an inbuilt thermometer that allows you to monitor the temperature while cooking. The drum is also large enough to prepare food for at least ten people.

The Summit Charcoal range has two grills – the standard version and the larger Weber Summit Charcoal grilling center, which features a preparation table for an unrivalled barbecuing experience.

FINAL WORDS

Charcoal grilling is still famous as it guarantees tasty and savoury meats. While it takes a master to prepare food using standard BBQ grills, Weber products from Home Heat & BBQ have built-in temperature control functions that make cooking easier for beginners. Call us today for a free quote!

Most Australians like spending summer outdoors because of the country’s favourable climate. One of the most common pastime activities during the hot months is grilling different foods on your BBQ in your outdoor kitchen as you relax with family and friends.

Despite the convenience of electric and gas heaters, people prefer charcoal grills because they cook delicious foods. If you want to prepare delectable meals, follow the steps below.

USE THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT

Before anything, ensure that your charcoal grill is in good working condition. The intended frequency of use and the amount of space you have should determine the best grill for you. If you’re inviting many people to a party, you’ll need a large grill. Otherwise, a small charcoal burner will suffice.

BE READY

Grilling is more complicated than cooking. You can switch off your cooker when preparing ingredients or set your dining area. On the other hand, you can’t take a break once your grill is hot. For this reason, it’s wise to prepare everything you need before you start grilling. This way, you’ll be less likely to burn the food.

ADD FLAVOUR TO YOUR MEATS

You can use various techniques to make your meats tastier when preparing your charcoal barbeque. The easiest method involves glazing your food a few minutes before serving. These glazes usually contain herbs, spices, and other flavourings. Even better – you can get creative and make one yourself!

As mentioned above, it’s essential to prepare your flavourings before you start grilling. Marinating your meats before grilling also makes them tender and accentuates the flavours.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF HEAT ZONES

Do you know that different sections of your charcoal BBQ grill have varying temperatures? Generally, the centre is the hottest, while the sides have lower temperatures. This makes the centre ideal for searing your food. However, if the meal requires slow cooking at lower temperatures, move it to the sides.

BE INNOVATIVE

Most Australians use their charcoal grills for preparing pork chops, sausages, seafood, steaks, and other meats. After all, these are the most popular foods. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t get creative.

A charcoal burner is also great at cooking vegetable skewers that are perfect accompaniments to your meats. In addition, you can use the equipment for grilling fruits like mangoes, watermelon and pineapples for dessert (albeit under low heat).

EMPHASISE CLEANLINESS

Cleanliness is vital to preparing healthy and tasty meals. If your grill has food remains, grease, and other residues, they can seep into your food and compromise its taste.

These elements also pose a health risk to anyone who consumes food prepared using the grill.

Ensure that you clean your grill after every cooking session, then store it away from dirt. More importantly, wipe the surface clean before you start preparing meals.

FINAL WORDS

Having a grill is crucial for outdoor summer parties. It allows you to prepare your favourite meals for friends and family. However, it would help if you apply the tips mentioned above to help you whip up the perfect meal.

Check out our range of charcoal bbq girls and have fun roasting delicious meals this summer.

There’s more to cooking with barbeques than you would think. Novice grillers will enjoy their meal regardless of how it’s cooked, provided it tastes good. Intermediates can easily differentiate between rare and medium-rare steaks. Then, the experts can tell if their food has been prepared on charcoal, electric, or gas grills with just a single bite.

That said, it’s common knowledge that food prepared on a charcoal barbeque tastes best as it provides a delicious and distinctive smoky flavour. The only downside is that charcoal grills don’t offer the convenience you find with electric and gas grills. They aren’t easy to fire up and require proper ventilation. Because they produce soot, these grills also need more maintenance.

For the reasons mentioned above, some people prefer owning two grills—a charcoal grill for special occasions and a gas or electric grill for convenient cooking.

Home Heating & BBQ has a range of reliable, high-quality charcoal grills. The series, known as Weber, offers a 10-year warranty on all its products. Here are some of the standout units.

WEBER ORIGINAL KETTLE

The Original Kettle is the pioneering unit of the Weber BBQ charcoal grills series. Its excellent performance through the years is why it’s Australia’s best-selling charcoal grill.

When you fire it up, it epitomises the charcoal grilling experience. You can enjoy gazing at the orange flames, hearing the sound of crackling briquettes, and experiencing the pleasant scent of the smoke.

Cooking is easy if you own this unit, as it comes with a cookbook with a wide range of Australian and international recipes. The built-in lid thermometer allows you to conveniently monitor the temperatures while preparing your food. In addition, the glass-reinforced nylon handles ensure you don’t get burnt.

WEBER SUMMIT CHARCOAL

The Weber Summit Charcoal grill has a double-walled insulated construction with porcelain enamel on the outside and steel inside. Besides enhancing its visual appeal, this design gives you more control over fire. It’s also immune to rust and guarantees an efficient cooking experience.

Additionally, this unit has a three-stage venting and cleaning system known as One-Touch. It makes it easier to remove ash after cooking, and the adjustable venting system allows you to control heat levels when preparing meals.

WEBER SMOKEY MOUNTAIN COOKER

If you love your meat smoked, then you need to check out the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker. This mini-series in the wider Weber range is available in small, medium, and large sizes, depending on how much you want to cook.

The Smokey Mountain Cooker has an internal porcelain enamel water pan that moistens and tenderises food during preparation. Because of the increased moisture, this unit has a rust-resistant front-loading door and an aluminium vent.

WEBER GO-ANYWHERE

As the name suggests, this product is designed for portability. It’s ideal for picnics, camping, hiking, and other outdoor recreational activities.

It has a lid that can serve as a windshield and helps when smoking meats. Four foldable legs keep the lid in place during transit.

WRAPPING UP

Home Heating & BBQ is a renowned manufacturer of high-quality heating and cooling products. If you need a heating or grilling solution, enquire for free today!