The birds are singing, the sun is out, and the sound of slapping thongs on feet fills the air. Yep, Spring is finally here. And with the warmer weather comes the barbecues. While gas and charcoal barbeques have always been a staple, there’s now a new kid on the block - the electric barbeque.
In early 2018, Weber launched the Weber Pulse 1000 - an electric barbeque specially designed for small spaces and ‘urban living’. While some claimed it was a game-changer, others argued that it wasn’t worthy of the hype.
So what are electric barbeques, and are they the next big thing to hit Australian backyards? Read on to find out.
What is an electric BBQ?
An electric barbeque is a grilling unit that uses an electric element as a heat source instead of a flame. And because you don’t need fire to cook on your electric barbeque, fuel such as gas or charcoal aren’t necessary - all you need is a power outlet.
There are plenty of different types of electric barbeques available such as indoor, outdoor, tabletop models and models on stands.
Benefits of electric BBQs
No gas leaks
Because electric barbeques aren’t fueled by gas, you won’t need to worry about gas leaks. This means you can safely keep your barbeque inside your home.
Ideal for units and apartments
Electric barbeques are generally more compact than gas or charcoal barbeques. So you can keep them in a small space - like an apartment or unit.
No more gas bottles
Ever had the family over for a barbeque and realised you’ve run out of gas? That’s never a problem for electric barbecues. All you need is a power outlet, and you’re good to go!
Eco-friendly
Electric barbeques don’t use fossil fuels, like gas or coal, to cook your meal - making it a greener option than the other traditional barbeques.
A healthier way of cooking
Many electric barbeques, like the George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Grill, are designed to reduce the amount of fat.
What to consider
Unlike gas or charcoal barbeques, electric barbeques are compact and generally smaller than other grills. While this can benefit someone living in a small space, it isn’t handy for those looking to cook up a big feed for family and friends. Think about how much you’ll be using your barbeque and how much meat you’ll need to cook at a time.
Another factor to consider is taste. While it comes down to personal preference, many BBQ enthusiasts claim that electric barbeques don’t offer the same in-depth, smoky taste that a gas or charcoal barbeque has. Unfortunately, electric barbeques will never be able to replicate the same flavour.
Final thoughts
Barbeques sure have come a long way since we started chucking meat over fire. Advances in technology have turned the humble barbeque into a dining experience.
So are electric barbecues the next big thing? Ultimately, it depends on your priorities. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, then this barbeque is for you. But if you just can’t say no to the classic char-grilled taste of a snag, then perhaps look elsewhere.
Adelaide Outdoor Kitchens specialise in outdoor kitchens. All our projects are unique and designed specifically to our client’s needs and budgets. Give Justin a call on 0437 658 850 to book your visit to our showroom.
