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How To: BBQ – BBQ Encyclopaedia and Resources

Here at BillyOh, we’ve been writing about gas, charcoal, and even hybrid BBQs for a while now.

And with all that information on offer, it can be hard to know where to start. So we’ve created this BBQ learning hub which we’ve updated with links to guides, posts and recipes.

Keep scrolling to find exactly the BBQ information you’re looking for. Or check the extensive FAQs at the bottom.


BBQ Ultimate Guides


BillyOh Huntsville Silver 4 Burner Gas BBQ Grill with Side Burner & Side Table

Complete Guide To BBQ Grills

If you want a BillyOh BBQ but don’t know whether to go for a Kentucky Smoker, a Matrix 6 burner, or a Kamado Egg, then check out this guide.

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BBQ Cooking Guide Recipes With Homer Drooling

BBQ Cooking Guide: BBQ Recipe Ideas

Or, if you want a hub with loads of delicious recipes across:

 

  • Red meat (like ribs, steaks, and roasts)
  • Poultry
  • Seafood
  • Fish
  • And even dessert

Then go read our ultimate guide to BBQ recipes, you’ll find ideas, recipes, and videos.


Ultimate BBQ Checklist with cartoon man in workwear holding a long list

Complete BBQ Tools & Safety Checklist

If you think there’s something you’ve forgotten (like BBQ cover, regulator and hose, or even just the hotdog buns), then head over to our BBQ tool and safety checklist. We’ve done the legwork so you don’t have to – simply follow the step-by-step guide and check everything off the list!


'How to Clean a BBQ' banner on white cartoon film reel with a clean BBQ grill rack

How To Clean A BBQ – Cleaning Guide And Tips

Whether it’s because you haven’t used your BillyOh barbecue in a while, or you want to keep it clean after use – this BBQ cleaning guide is full of tips, hacks, and tricks. Including cleaning your BBQ with beer and an onion!


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BBQ Products


BillyOh Alabama Gas BBQ with 'Charcoal vs Gas BBQ ' banner with BillyOh logo

Charcoal Vs Gas BBQ: Which Is Better?

If you want some definitive answers to the age old debate of gas vs charcoal BBQs, then read our quick guide. We’ve broken it down with loads of price comparisons and considerations so you don’t have to. Check it out!


 

BillyOh Dallas Silver 5 Burner Gas BBQ on patio with 'Best Gas BBQs' banner with BillyOh Logo

Top 10 Gas BBQs (2021)

But finding a grill for under £300 might not give you everything you want – like a 6 burner gas BBQ with side tables and storage. That’s why we broadened our search to find the Top 10 Gas BBQs for 2021 as well. You can see who the winners are here.


Best 3 Burner Gas BBQ BillyOh Matrix 3 Burner

Best 3 Burner Gas BBQ: BillyOh Matrix With Side Burner

Ever wondered how much kick you really get out of a 3 burner BBQ and if it’s enough for you? Well, check out this quick read to find out.


Built-in bbqs why have a built in grill

Ever wondered what the pros and cons of having your BBQ grill built into an outdoor kitchen unit were? Well, fret no more – we’ve summed it all up in this helpful post.


Gas BBQs


Gas BBQ Parts with confused man

Gas BBQ Parts (Anatomy of a BBQ)

Ever wondered what all those BBQ spares and replacement parts are called in case you ever need them? Well, check out this quick read for the full run-down.


Charcoal BBQs


charcoal grill parts of a bbq credit: unsplash

The same goes for charcoal BBQs – don’t get fooled into thinking it’s all so simple. Come to BillyOh in case you ever need BBQ repair parts or spares for your charcoal grill.


Best Smoker BBQ: BillyOh Kentucky Smoker

Check out this product overview of one of our favourite charcoal smokers. Read this post to find out just why it’s so good and what smokers are all about.


BBQ Tips and Hacks


6 Ways To Prepare Your Patio For BBQ Season

And remember – your barbecue grill may be the star of the show, but there’s other stuff you’ll need to do to have the perfect BBQ. Check out blog posts to find out more.


 

BBQ Guide Condiments and Sauces

BBQ Condiments And Sauces Guide

And as we get into the minute details of what makes a good barbeque great, we couldn’t let you miss out on our condiments guide. Find out what goes with what along with recipes in this helpful guide.


10 Tips For Hosting The Perfect BBQ with Leonardo DiCaprio from The Great Gatsby

10 Tips For Hosting The Perfect BBQ

Once you’ve got all of that BBQ cleaning, prepping, and cooking under your belt you should be well on your way to a memorable event. But if you want some last little pointers just in case, check out our quick guide to hosting a BBQ.


BBQ Wood For Smoking Brisket Briquette and Wood Guide

BBQ Wood Guide

And if that wasn’t enough info, we’ve also got a guide to the best types of work – perfect for those with charcoal grills and smokers. Check it out here.

Here at BillyOh, we’re always writing about everything to do with BBQs and barbequing, so make sure you check back in on our blog from time to time! And if you’ve found any of these resources useful, why not take a look at our range of BBQs via the button below?

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FAQ

For a rusty enamel or paint BBQ, gently sand down rust spots. Treat with primer and repaint. Vinegar spray with bicarbonate of soda also works well for removing rust. To prevent rust, think about oiling your grill and keeping it covered when not in use.

To clean a dirty BBQ:

 

  1. Get a cleaning kit with gloves, a BBQ brush and scraper, and soapy water
  2. Keep the heat on and use a wire brush to clean the grill
  3. Clean the grill with an onion, salt and lemons, beer, or vinegar spray
  4. Let your BBQ cool. Vacuum up debris. Scrape grease and throw away with absorbent newspaper or cat litter.
  5. Remove parts and wash by hand or in the dishwasher
  6. Use a sponge and soapy water 
  7. Dry parts thoroughly and replace
  8. Dry your BBQ’s exterior with a microfibre cloth
  9. Treat with oil - Vegetable for the grill, baby for the outside
  10. Heat it again to burn off chemicals and debris
  11. Cool and cover

 

Repeat these steps twice a year (or BBQ season) and clean your grill after every use.

Clean grill racks with a wire-bristled brush then soak in soapy water. For the exterior of a stainless steel BBQ, use a specialist spray and a microfiber cloth, working with the steel grain.

To make an oil drum BBQ, start by checking there is nothing inside. If possible (and safe to do so), give it a good burn before use. Once cool, disinfect it with bleach or using a vinegar spray with bicarbonate of soda and a wire brush. Bear in mind; you might want to clean it more if consuming food cooked over it.

Depending on whether you have a steel or enamel BBQ grill, use a wire-bristled or soft-bristled brush. Work along the grooves and bars of your grill to remove any carbon deposits and excess food while the grill is still hot. Remove all grill parts and wash with warm soapy water.

 

Make sure to dry grill before placing back in your BBQ to avoid rust.

Dust and ashes can build up inside, beneath, and even outside of a grill. There's also grease, grime, old food and fats.

Follow the steps in our How to Clean a BBQ guide and you can get your grill ready for your next BBQ.

For charcoal BBQ, good quality charcoal is essential. These light right away and burn better without tainting the flavour of the food. Simply build charcoal up in a small pyramid at the bottom of your grill bowl and consider using an accelerant (bear in mind, this may affect the flavour of your cooking).

 

As for gas grills, keep the lid raised while lighting, turn the gas on and press the electric ignition to start. Lower to suit your temperature.

 

As for electric BBQs, flip the switch on, and it will start heating up right away. Simple as that!

Running out of propane in the middle of a cookout is annoying, especially if it occurs often. Switching to natural gas is more convenient and it can also help you save money in the long run.

 

If you're looking for the best natural gas BBQ on the market, this guide might be useful. The recommendations are based on general quality, budget, and having a ‘built-in’ option.

When talking about gas BBQ grills, ease-of-use and speed is the name of the game.

The heat is direct and consistent, allowing you to sear with ease. You can also control your cooking temperature more easily than with charcoal.

 

We think the BillyOh Matrix 3 burner gas BBQ is the best in its class.


This model offers a large workspace with a bottom cabinet built-in for extra storage. With wheels, a thermometer, and a side table, the Matrix is a great portable patio BBQ grill.

 

Design insights include:

 

  • Independent electronic ignition on each burner
  • Bottom cabinet gives you a large storage space with easy access.
  • Side burner for increased efficiency when cooking

 

For larger gardens and patios, the BillyOh Montana Hybrid BBQ is our verdict. It offers premium build quality with real versatility for those who like to switch it up.


This Hybrid grill offers the great taste of charcoal with the convenience of gas all in one grill. If you're going to ask us, this is one of the highest-performance BBQ grills available in the UK!

 

Charcoal BBQs can reach higher temperatures and sear better. They also are more customisable to play with smoking and ‘classic BBQ’ flavours. On the other hand, gas BBQs are quicker to get started, require less maintenance, can be cheaper over time, and may offer a healthier way of grilling.

If you want to know who has the competitive advantage, this guide will give you the answers you need.

Depending on the type of charcoal BBQ you’re using, build a small mound of charcoal briquettes in the base of your BBQ. Make sure they’re sitting on a quick-to-light material like the bag they came in, newspaper, or even fire starters. Ensure there’s enough room for airflow.

 

Once lit, allow the charcoal to heat up until white-hot. Replenish and start barbequing as necessary.

 

Bear in mind that accelerants like lighter fluid, lighting gel, or fire starters may affect the flavour of your food.

Once you’ve built and lit your charcoal fire, cover your BBQ with a lid (where possible) and leave it to heat. Once you have pre-heated your BBQ (anywhere from 15-45 minutes depending on the fire), check the temperature. Remove the lid and transfer food onto the grill rack and cook to your preference.

Depending on your cut of chicken and preference, either apply a dry rub or marinade. Bring out to your charcoal grill in a container. Once you’ve built your charcoal fire and allowed your charcoal BBQ to pre-heat, remove the lid. Transfer chicken straight on to the grill rack.

 

Either sear and flip or allow to cook through, turning the chicken occasionally. Cook until juices run clear then remove from the grill rack onto plates or a new (clean) dish. You can always test to see if the chicken is barbecued by cutting into the centre.

Bear in mind this will only indicate all pieces are cooked if you barbecue everything together in batches.

  • Scrape with a wire brush while still hot
  • Use an onion or half a salted lemon and run along the grill rack
  • Spitz with vinegar, bicarbonate of soda and water, or even beer and clean
  • Remove grill and wash and rinse
  • Dry and replace
  • Remember to oil your grill ready for next time