Maintenance Tips

Barbecue A to Z

1. Our BBQs are proudly NZ designed and engineered for NZ conditions, and made from high quality materials.
2. Approved gas regulators and hose components.
3. Largest range of BBQs in the Southern hemisphere.
4. 16mm manifold used to allow sufficient gas flow to all burners in the bigger BBQs, to assist in BBQ strength as a structural support component and to enable natural gas conversion on selected models.
5. BBQ Dimensions:
   
2 burner         500mm W x 570mm D x 180mm H
3 burner         670mm W x 570mm D x 180mm H
4 burner         870mm W x 570mm D x 180mm H
5 burner         1000mm W x 570mm D x 180mm H

6. Exclusive to THE BBQ Factory, Pilot Flame Ignition.  This unique system gives you a light every time.  Competitors use unreliable out-of-date push button ignitors.  Easy one touch lighting!
7. Cast iron cookware and burners to assist in better heat retention and distribution.
8. One-touch heat control, with alloy/brass gas controls for durability. 
9. Fully welded BBQ bodies for moisture tight seams and enhanced life span.
10. Hybrid epoxy powder-coated finish on BBQs for durability in all weather conditions.
11. Life of BBQ body can range from 6–8 years for powder-coated bodies (wet sprayed from competitors 4- 6 years.)
12. 50/50 plate and grill gives you versatility and enable you to cook a large variety of foods.
13. LPG gas composition in NZ is nominally 60% propane and 40% butane, but can be up to 95% propane from some sources.
14. LPG cylinders are constructed to Australian standards and tested and approved to all requirements of OSH in New Zealand.  Thickness of steel used is generally about 2.5mm, with a painted finish.
15. LPG cylinders need to be re-tested every 10 years. Signs that a cylinder may fail testing include excessive rust on the cylinder, or heavy scratches or dents.
16. Why can you not use all PLATE on a BBQ – If you have all plates and no grill, the heat build-up may be too great inside the BBQ, affecting the life of the BBQ, and may void any Warranty
17. Thickness of steel used to make standard flatbed BBQs is 1.4mm.
18. 304 food grade stainless steel is used on BBQs and is very durable in all applications.
19. Why can you put a magnet on our stainless BBQ’s? – Parts of the BBQ are made from a magnetic grade of stainless because of the requirements of the construction.  They are still stainless steel.
20. Thickness of stainless used in BBQs is 1.2mm, with sides being 1.5mm for added strength
21. YES our Stainless BBQs are fully stainless steel with powder-coated sides.
22. Why powder-coat stainless steel BBQs? – To present a tidy appearance without expensive grinding and polishing and to assist in cleaning.
23. Why powder-coat standard BBQs instead of painting?  We use powder-coating for several reasons including the durability of powdercoat under NZ conditions, and the ease of the coating process compared to solvent based paints.
24. What is the WARRANTY on our BBQs?  The warranty is 12 months but the customer can purchase an extended warranty for up to 5 years cover.
25. Do all BBQs come with a rain lid?  Yes, however if a roasting hood is fitted then the rain lid is made redundant.
26. What is a Roasting Hood?  A roasting hood is an attachment that can be added to most BBQ Factory BBQs and adds another dimension to BBQ cooking with Roasting, Smoking, Baking - cuisine barbecuing!
27. What is the difference between standard and deluxe roasting hoods?  A deluxe roasting hood can be fitted with a rotisserie and swing rack.  This deluxe hood is made with cast alloy end castings and is also coated in vitreous enamel for long lasting durability.  A standard hood is coated in high temperature powder-coat with no provision to add a rotisserie.
28. Why two grills in a roasting hood?  You require two grills with a roasting hood to allow the heat to circulate when using with the hood closed. You must not cook with a plate in BBQ when the hood is closed, due to increased heat retention.
29. What wood is used in the TSC trolley?  The wood used on the TSC trolley is rubber wood, with stained finish.
30. Bolts used in our BBQ trolleys are zinc-passivated steel.
31. Are or hardwood trolleys sourced from a renewable or managed source – YES! - All our wooden BBQ trolleys are sourced from Malaysia, and are hardwoods selected for durability in NZ conditions.  They include Kempas, Merbau, and Balau.
32. Will the timbers fade?  Yes they will fade but can be maintained with Teak Wax or boiled linseed oil.
33. Why do BRG450 Plates crack?  These generally crack due to people using the BBQ with the handles locked in place, which does not allow the plate to expand.
34. How long do D size batteries last in a rotisserie – if you use alkaline batteries it will last on average 20 hours of use
35. Are our gas cylinder galvanized – NO
36. How long does a 4.5kg cylinder last on a 3 burner BBQ? Approximately 4 hrs at full rate.
37. How long does a 9kg cylinder last on a 3 burner BBQ?  Approximately 8 hrs at full rate.
38. How long does a 3kg cylinder last on a BRG450?  Approximately 12 hrs at full rate.
39. What is the output of the BBQ burners?  Approximately 20.75 MJ/h (20,000 BTU/H) each.
40. Why use a plate and grill on flat bed BBQs?  The use of the plate or grill is based on personal preferences, but some foods are easier to cook on the plate - e.g. onion rings, tomato, fish, etc
41. Do I have to buy a hood now, or can it be added later?  Most BBQs can have a hood added at any time along with all the other options, including rotisseries, wok plates, etc.
42. Do I need a cover if the BBQ is being stored outside? Yes we recommend any BBQ have a good cover if it is exposed to the elements. This will help preserve and protect both the BBQ and the trolley. Even stainless steel models should have covers to keep the BBQ and trolley clean and tidy!
43. What is Fatsuka?  A combination of zeolite and pumice, used because of its absorbancy.
44. How often do I need to change my fatsuka?  Depending on the type of food being cooked, the sandtray may need to be changed as frequently as every 2nd or third BBQ, or can be as long as only once a summer. The important thing is to check the condition of the drip tray before every BBQ.
45. Why do BBQ’s need a regulator?  Gas is stored in the cylinder at a relatively high pressure.  Most BBQs need the high pressure gas in the cylinder reduced to a much lower pressure to work properly.
46. Why do we use ceramic rocks instead of lava rocks?  Ceramic rocks are less porous than lava rock.  They will not absorb excess fat as lava rock can, which provides greater hygiene and less chance to flare up.
47. How do I keep my plates and grills clean?  After finishing cooking, leave the BBQ on HIGH for several minutes to allow the worst of the food residue to burn off.  Scrub with a wire grill brush and then, while still warm, re-oil with cooking oil.  Make sure cast iron cookware remains well oiled at all times!