Al fresco dining and cooking is becoming increasingly popular, especially during the summer months. While some homeowners are happy with a simple barbecue, many others prefer to go that extra step so that they can create even more delicious dishes outdoors.
With modern outdoor cooking appliances advancing, you can now choose from a wide range of extravagant barbecues and outdoor ovens to suit your needs.
If you are wondering whether an oven or barbecue is better for outdoors, the answer is quite simple – it will depend on what you plan to cook. A barbecue is great for cooking meats. However, if you are looking to cook other things, such as pizza, an outdoor oven is the best option.
In this article, garden design expert Harry Bodell at PriceYourJob.co.uk takes a look at the differences between a barbecue and an oven. You will also learn some of the best things you can cook with each appliance, the different types of outdoor ovens and barbecues that you can choose from, and how to decide which option is best for you.
Is a BBQ The Same As an Oven?
Barbecues and outdoor ovens both use wood, coal or gas as fuel for a fire to cook food. Both appliances can cook similar types of foods. However, the cooking method for each is quite different.
Outdoor ovens are designed to reach a much higher temperature than a barbecue. They can also retain heat for a much longer time. You can cook a whole pizza in an outdoor pizza oven very quickly – as quick as around three minutes. Alternatively, you can leave meats in there to slow cook for a few hours.
Modern barbecues have lids or doors which will allow you to roast, bake, or smoke your foods in a similar way to an oven. However, these aren’t as insulated as an oven, so you will usually be limited on the time in which you can use the appliance for cooking. Barbecues are most commonly used for grilling as it is easy and quick.
Cooking With a Barbecue vs Outdoor Oven
There are many things you can cook with a barbecue or an outdoor oven. Below is a list of the most common foods that are cooked with each appliance:
Outdoor Oven
- Pizza
- Jacket potatoes
- Freshly baked bread
- Grilled or baked fish
- Roasted vegetables
- Slow cooked meats
- Hot desserts
Barbecue
- Kebabs
- Grilled chicken
- Burgers
- Sausages
- Ribs
- Grilled fish
- Brisket
- Pulled pork
Types of Outdoor Ovens
There are many different types of outdoor ovens. Below is a list of the various different outdoor ovens you can choose from.
- Gas Outdoor Oven
- Brick Wood Fired Oven
- Table Top Oven
- Portable Outdoor Oven
Gas Outdoor Oven
Gas outdoor ovens are great for people who would prefer not to use coal or wood as the fuel. These ovens provide better control of the heat, but they still have very high-performing insulation. However, these types of ovens don’t produce any smoke, so you won’t be able to use them to make smoked dishes.
Brick Wood Fired Oven
Brick wood-fired ovens are a classic choice. If you are looking for an authentic outdoor oven that is perfect for cooking a range of things, this is a great option. These ovens are most commonly used for cooking pizzas. These appliances feature an insulated brick dome, perfect for reaching high temperatures that last for long periods of time. They tend to be quite large and can’t be moved around, so it’s worth keeping in mind that it will be a permanent feature.
Table Top Oven
If you don’t have a lot of space for an outdoor oven, a tabletop oven may be perfect for you. There are several different types of tabletop ovens that are insulated and lightweight, so they are perfect for positioning on any non-flammable surface. These types of outdoor ovens are stylish and heat up quite quickly – usually in around 25 minutes.
Portable Outdoor Oven
If you like the idea of moving your oven around, you may be more interested in a portable outdoor oven. These ovens usually come on wheels, so they can easily be moved around from place to place. They tend to be much smaller than permanent outdoor ovens, however, and they will also not be able to retain heat for as long, but they do heat up quite quickly.
Types of Barbecue
There are many different types of barbecues. Below is a list of the various types of barbecues you can choose from.
- Gas barbecue
- Stone and Masonry Barbecue
- Charcoal barbecue
Gas Barbecue
A gas barbecue has a lot of advantages. One of the main ones is that it can fire up instantly and cook a range of different foods at an even temperature without smoke. Gas barbecues often come with a lid, so you can use it for roasting as well as grilling. The only downside is that these types of barbecues don’t tend to get as hot as other types, so you may not be able to achieve the same scorched, charred, or crispy effect that you would with a fuel barbecue.
Stone and Masonry Barbecue
For those people who are really serious about their barbecuing, a stone and masonry barbecue is a brilliant option. These types of barbecues are permanent fixtures that will take pride of place in your garden space. They are very durable and can last for many years. They often include a chimney, so the smoke is drawn away from the cooking food more efficiently.
Charcoal Barbecue
Charcoal barbecues are perfect for people who love the authenticity of using solid fuels. There are many great things that you can cook on a charcoal barbecue. The traditional aesthetic of this type of barbecue is something that many people prefer. The only disadvantage of these varieties is that they can often take quite a long time to get going, and you won’t have as much control over the level of heat
that they give off.
How to Choose Between an Oven and a Barbecue
As you can see, there are several different types of barbecues and outdoor ovens available. So, how do you go about choosing the right one for you? Below is a list of things that you should consider when making the choice:
What are you planning to cook?
If you would like to achieve smoked foods with crispy edges, you should go for a wood-fired or charcoal oven or a charcoal barbecue instead of a gas-powered option.
How many people do you plan to cook for?
If you’re planning on hosting parties or looking to cook for large groups of people at a time, then a brick oven will help keep the heat going for longer periods of time. If you are only cooking for a small number of people, a small oven or barbecue will work.
Do you want to heat your patio?
If you are looking to heat your patio while you are cooking, a charcoal barbecue is most likely the best option for you, as this type of appliance gives off a lot of heat.
Your outdoor space
You will need to consider how much available space you have in your garden when choosing the right outdoor cooking appliance for you. If you only have a small garden, a large barbecue or brick oven wouldn’t be the best option.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are many benefits to barbecues and outdoor ovens. When choosing which one is best for you, you should consider various factors, including the type of foods that you want to cook, the size of your garden, and the number of people that you plan to cook for.
HARRY BODELL: HarryBodellis a UK-based landscaper with over 10 years of experience in the industry. As a gardening expert forPriceYourJob,Harry offers his expert advice to tradespeople and homeowners around the world. He has also been featured as a gardening expert in a wide range of reputable publications.
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