I see they've brought out a new updated Q range. I don't have one but always thought the smaller ones were underpowered and needed a lot of closed lid cooking to retain heat. E.g hard to do searing without losing too much heat. Maybe they've improved them now?

I might be a little biased as I'm a charcoal guy, but I'm also hoping to get a wood stove next year to play around with.

[–] NoRamyunForYou 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Yeah I'm trying to get the smallest one (Baby Q or Q1000), and I've been reading that you need to think a little differently to normal BBQ's (basically cook with the lid down). Was wondering what that would be like in practice, and if it limits you in what you can do with it.

Ideally we'd like to get a charcoal one too, but for us, we know we won't really get the use out of it due to the work it takes to get it up and running, and all the stuff afterwards as well. The idea with getting a small Weber Q was that the cleanup would be easy, setting it up would be easy etc, so that we end up using it more often.

[–] eagleeyedtiger 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Gas is definitely more convenient. But charcoal is not too bad to start up, I just use fire lighters and a chimney starter and leave it till they’re ready, about 15 mins.

Are you limited by space or wanting the portability factor of the Q’s?

[–] NoRamyunForYou 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Not really limited by space, but we did want something smaller so that it's easy to clean, packup and put it in the garage for storage, or for those rare times we may want to take it and go somewhere with it.

Plus it's just the two of us so we wouldn't necessarily need something large, with the thinking being that if it's smaller we're going to find it easier to whip out, use, clean and out it back away.

[–] eagleeyedtiger 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Fair points. For me personally though I find leaving it out means I'm more likely to use it rather than having to get it out each time. Makes it more convenient to just pop out and use it if I decide to while making a meal.

Can't speak for the Q's, but you don't really need to do a big clean after each use. I usually just heat it up and scrape down the cooking grates. Only do a big clean every few months if I'm using it a lot.

[–] NoRamyunForYou 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Actually that sounds about right - might be "CBF'ed" if I plan to pack it up after each time.

Regardless gas / charcoal, do you have any size recommendations? Do you think larger is always better for when you might need it?

[–] eagleeyedtiger 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Depends a lot on how and what you cook, do you tend to make more for left overs? Multiple dishes, using it for entertaining etc.

I think the baby Q is small even for two people personally. I think they are (and possibly the next size up?) are only single burners, which means you can’t do two zone cooking (lower indirect heat on one side, more direct on another).

I use a 57cm kettle which does enough for us (2 adults, 2 kids). But can be annoying if I’m doing a low and slow cook on it and need another hotter fire to make something else at the same time.

[–] NoRamyunForYou 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Hmm yeah, keep going between thinking the Baby is just what we need, and thinking it's going to be too small.

Any chance you have any knowledge on the Broil Kings? Been looking at the Broil King Porta Chef series.

[–] eagleeyedtiger 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Sorry, I haven't had any experience with them.

There's a store here in Hamilton (Aber Living) that has a Trademe account that often gets either ex-sample or display, damaged, damaged packaging BBQs. And they ship too.

I have them saved as a favourite, they've had some decent deals pop up now and then. Might pay to watchlist them to see if a good deal comes up: clearanceninja

[–] NoRamyunForYou 2 points 1 year ago

Oh Sweet! Thank you for that. I'll keep an eye out in the next couple of weeks. Even if I end up going with a Weber or Broil King, waiting out in the hopes of atleast something during Black Friday