Ceramic BBQ – How to Choose One

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People often pick ceramic BBQs over gas or electric because of their convenience and portability. They are lightweight, durable, easy to clean, and affordable. They can also be used indoors and outdoors, which makes them a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts. There are many Ceramic BBQs to choose from – such as the Wok style BBQ, Rib Rack Ceramic BBQ, etc. We will discuss what type of Ceramic BBQ is best for you and share some ideas on choosing one.

Ceramic Barbecue: Features

Compared to a traditional gas or electric BBQ, ceramic barbecue benefits from low maintenance and many functions not available on conventional gas or electric models. They are also a bit easier to clean, as you don’t need to open the lid to clean them – just use some hot water and soap. Some days you might only want your BBQ to heat up while cooking something else; this is quickly done on ceramic barbecues, as they have no moving parts (i.e., no turning knobs), which means they can be turned off while being used as an oven.

When looking for the best type of Ceramic BBQ, you want to find one that looks like a Wok and features a rounded bottom – which helps to ensure even cooking. You want a food chamber about 12-15 inches deep, with a domed lid that can be turned up or down. Many newer designs don’t have any vents, as a significant heating element is used for cooking the food evenly in addition to low-heat baking. Ceramic bbq are often featured in specialty stores and online at prices starting at around £150-$£00.

Tips on How to Choose a Ceramic Barbecue

When you are looking at the ceramic barbecues that are currently on the market, these are some things to consider:

  1. Material – Most ceramic barbecues use porcelain or cast iron as a material, both of which can be found at most home improvement stores and specialty outlets. Porcelain is often cheaper and has slightly higher melting temperatures, which increases durability. Cast iron is a little more costly and will require more care (i.e., extra love) if used regularly; however, it will last a lifetime if it is cared for properly (not to mention the excellent rustic look that it creates). 
  2. Size – The size of the ceramic barbecue should always be considered when choosing one. If you’re looking at commercial models, remember that they are often more significant than the average household ceramic barbecue. You want a good-sized cooking area that can be used for anything from ribs to a giant chicken.
  3. Surface – Several types of Ceramic BBQ surfaces are available on the market. These include:
  1.  Smooth Surface – This surface is great for barbecues that will use the grill regularly and hold up well to heavy use; however, it can get messy fast if it is not kept clean, it can get messy fast. Also, this type of surface is not ideal for use on the stove or in an oven.
  2. Bonded Surface – This surface is great for long-lasting and durable ceramic barbecues. The cover is made of natural clay and is heated to approximately 800 degrees, making it non-stick.
  3. Black Ceramic – This surface is porous, so food can be removed easier without worrying about the barbecue turning black. It can be left out in the sun to create a beautiful finish to the barbecue; however, it can get stained and faded by sunlight over time if it is exposed to direct sunlight frequently. 

4. Functions – Ceramic barbecues often have a few different features to choose from, such as:

  1. Electric – Electric models are for those who want a fully automatic ceramic barbecue that can be used indoors and outdoors. Some are designed for low heat and time cooking; however, most cannot be used as an oven.
  2. Gas – These units use gas via an open flame to cook food. They can be used indoors but not like electric models. They also offer bigger cooking areas than ceramic barbecues and are lightweight, making them portable enough to bring out on picnics or parties.
  3. Indoor/Outdoor – Indoor/outdoor models can either be electric or gas (or both). They come with various cooking functions, from grilling and baking to simply heating up on their own. They can be placed indoors for indoor use or outdoors for outdoor parties.

Conclusion

If you are new to the world of Ceramic barbecues, you might be wondering what’s the best type of Ceramic bbq for you. Well, we hope we have helped you start on the right foot and with some advice on how to hire one – or even make your own if that’s something that interests you.