other than a weber?

[newbie]

hiya all, just curious, does anybody own/use a masterchef pro bbq?

i'm looking at a 57 weber copy, seems to be similar in most ways, ok maybe not quality, but i need a bbq and funds are tight, and i can get this new for around 30 quid, would appreciate any thoughts.

also, there is another that i'm looking at, its called a tepro tuscan, again it looks like a weber copy but for a similar price to the masterchef.

all thoughts, comments would be appreciated.


newb's.

[Tiny]

Newbs,
Not familiar with the beast but familiar with its kind. If you purchase it it will do you no harm, it will allow you to cook on it, no one will die.

However, it will be thin steel, very thin. And it wont be enamelled like the weber it will be painted. These things don't really matter if you are throwing some coals on and grilling, and you are happy for a 1 summer bbq, because it will rust.

For longer cooks it will struggle to keep an even temp and on cold days struggle per se.

My first purchase was a landmann Tennessee smoker, it has spent the summer hidden under its cover rusting, complete waste of money, wish I had waited and bought something better.

At £30 you are not risking much and it will be fun to practice things with but don't expecpt I t to see you right evb every weekend over the winteranthen be in tip top condition for next summer.

Cheers
Tiny

[kwazulu]

It's a long shot, but do you perhaps know anyone who might be able to loan you one over the winter? I would have thought most folks would be packing theirs away for the winter and wouldn't be using it anyway. That way, you could save and practice at the same time Just a thought...

[keith157]

The other problem with cheaper bbqs other than Tiny's good points, is that it won't cook as well as a Weber or other high end BBQ (HEB) and that may well put you off. We had a recent post where the poster had tried charcoal, couldn't get on with it (he admitted lack of practice) and went over to gas but can't get a decent smoke with it so is back with the coals and practice.
IF you take all these and doubtless other points, into consideration and realise that you can cook good food but maybe not with the ease and comfort that a Weber or other HEB will give you then go for it. If you can get a cover for it and look after it it may well last more than a summer or two, but don't bet your pension on it. The grills are generally thin & flexible, as Tiny says they are painted not enamelled and built to a price. Other makes are available, but Weber is the outright worldwide market leader for a reason, and that reason is build quality.(Okay and all the other things they have as well). If it was me I'd wait and save for a better quality bbq, learning on a less than ideal bbq in the weather we are "looking forward to" will be a daunting experience IMO.

[newbie]

thanks, i had a feeling that other would be pretty crap to be honest but i wanted to try and have a cook whilst the weather will allow as i dont have anywhere to bbq undercover, will hold on and stick it out or a weber now, if i get to use it then good, if not, there is plenty of reading on this site to keep me going till i can.

thanks.

newb's.

[aris]

Last year B&Q were selling 57" one touch bbqs for £50 (albeit in an odd colour - Ivory). Keep your eyes peeled for end of season bargains! Also check out gum tree and classified ads or eBay for a local bargain (collect only sales are usually best). 2nd hand webers are fine - they are like tanks.

Oh, and don't worry about the weather!

[Tiny]

Aris,
Odd colour? How very bloody dare you, my ivory kettle is a thing of aesthetic beauty, it challenges the onlookers paradigm of how a kettle should look, it is a bold design statement.

And while I am at it, Sir 2 other things you might like to consider -
It was £49 delivered
I think, well assume really, that it is beautiful.

Odd colour indeed!
Cheers
Tiny

[aris]

Aris,
Odd colour? How very bloody dare you, my ivory kettle is a thing of aesthetic beauty, it challenges the onlookers paradigm of how a kettle should look, it is a bold design statement.

And while I am at it, Sir 2 other things you might like to consider -
It was £49 delivered
I think, well assume really, that it is beautiful.

Odd colour indeed!
Cheers
Tiny

Tiny - you made me LOL big time

Oh, and don't look a gift horse in the mouth - I posted that deal here

[Tiny]

Aris,
Ah yes, thank you sir, Mrs Tiny very pleased with my bold design statement that I built and kept in the front room for a full 6 weeks! That must be some kind of record surely?

And I guess if honest Aesthetics not my longest suit!

Cheers for the link Aris, I have enjoyed it muchly
Tiny

[aris]

Tiny,

You are an inspiration!