1. Stress Free BBQ – how to keep things simple
BBQBarbecues.co.uk has helped us out with our guide to a stress free BBQ:
Clean up
Clean your barbecue after each use – this will save any nasty surprises the next time you
come to the grill.
Handy tools
Keep all your barbecue tools handy to avoid traipsing back and forth to the kitchen too
many times. Place everything on a side table next to the barbecue, or even better, keep it all
in a grillslinger! This means you won’t have to leave the grill unattended, and you can spend
more time with your guests. Always make sure tools are thoroughly cleaned and dried
before putting them away.
Warm meat first
To avoid burning and drying your food, remove meat and poultry from the fridge an hour
before cooking to bring it back to an ambient temperature. This will result in a more
succulent cooked result. Be sure to keep the meat covered, and out of direct sunlight.
Use long handled tools
Protect your hands from the heat - always use long handled tools, such as tongs, for
handling the food on barbecues.
Marinating
Add flavour to your meat and keep it tender by marinating for at least 20 mins. Some meats
are better left overnight, while fish only needs 20-30 minutes – the acid in the marinade will
‘cook’ it if left overnight.
Be prepared
Do as much of the preparation as possible the day before your party. Meat and poultry will
benefit from marinating overnight in the fridge, and you will benefit from the job already
being done. Salads and side dishes can be made in advance and why not prepare an easy
dessert that just needs finishing off on the day.
Patio heater
Use a patio heater to keep your party going even once the sun’s gone down. If you don’t
have one, check them out in our online shop.

2. Cook in foil
Save the stress of foods falling apart as you cook them – wrap them in foil. Those foods that
easily stick or burn, such as fish, can be wrapped up in foil. Brush the foil with oil before
placing the fish on; add salt, pepper, a squeeze of lemon and a splash of white wine. Fold
the corners together to seal the foil and keep the juices in.
BBQBarbecues Favourite Tools for BBQs:
 Tongs – the most essential tool which saves you from burning your fingers.
 Spatula – perfect for flipping anything on the grill.
 Basting brush – so you don’t waste any of your marinade. Brush the meat/fish to add
that extra flavour while cooking.
 Water spray bottle - grease fires are the enemy as they give food that bitter, charred
taste, so keep this on hand to stop any flare-ups.
 Oven mitts – an essential when the heat is flared up.
 Wire brush – to keep your grill free from burnt bits. It’s important to keep the grill
clean while you’re cooking, and easier to clean while it’s still warm.
Gas barbecues have come a long way in the past few years. You can’t beat them for speed
and ease of use. The key is to start barbecuing on a grill that has been pre-heated for at
least 10 minutes. The intense heat will seal in the flavour and ensure those sought-after
char marks.