Here's to a BBQ Summer (Hopefully!)

So a new year, another promise of a “Barbecue Summer” that we all so hoped for last year. With the white winter we have just been through, you almost feel like the big man owes us one and sure enough, the MET Office is already spouting promises of glorious summer temperatures and beach days we feel were stolen from us last year. But is term “Barbecue Summer” splashed relentlessly across the tabloids such as the Daily Mail and The Sun just tempting fate?

Of course, we can only hope at this point. One thing is for certain, there will be plenty of opportunities, regardless of the weather for breaking out the Barbie this year. The summer music festivals have never been more popular, with new bands with seemingly endless energy bouncing around on stage, quite literally singing for their supper as the inevitable collapse of the music industry draws ever closer as illegal downloading and free music streaming tightens its stranglehold on Lily Allen and co’s pay checks. For the festival goers, it is a chance to discover new bands, drink beer and socialise with like minded people whilst grilling sausages on disposable or portable BBQs.

Though the benefits of disposable barbecues are limited to the short term cost savings, investing in a quality portable gas or charcoal barbecues such as those in the Weber range, with proper looking after are designed to last a lifetime and are ideal for taking on camping trips, to the beach or indeed to the festivals. The charcoal ‘Smokey Joe’s and aptly named ‘Go-Anywhere’ barbecues from Weber are compact enough the shove in the boot of your car leaving plenty of space for the wellies and hangover tables, yet provide the cooking facility to easily cater for a family of four or a small group of friends. Both are lidded to ensure thorough cooking of food without cremating the exterior of the food and come with nifty transporting functions.

If you prefer the convenience of gas, the ‘Q’ range from Weber might be right up your street. The affectionately nicknamed ‘Baby Q’ aka Weber Q100 primarily runs off gas cartridges (roughly the size of a pot noodle) which will provide fuel for around 10 sessions each negating the need for lugging around heavy gas tanks. Additionally, Weber also supply the optional extra, caravan adaptor meaning you can run the bbq directly from the caravan.

And how can we talk about Summer 2010 without a mention of the World Cup, with Wayne Rooney, Christiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi the subject of choice for the majority of June and July. Again, another fine opportunity to grace the garden, fire up the barbecue, and soak up the pre and post-game atmosphere with friends, beer in hand. Possibly one of the most iconic scenes of the modern day summer – one I am personally very much looking forward to, and a bigger crowd means a bigger barbecue!

Both Weber and BroilKing offer very well-made, upright gas barbecues at reasonable prices with similar tried-and-tested features and have the cooking area and space to accommodate for small and large groups alike. Plus with rotisseries, side burners and griddles available, the types of food that can be cooked varies sufficiently for even the most fussy guests.