Would you use a BBQ on hols in the UK?

[Bill]

This probably isn't the best place to ask, but I'm curious...

We have a small (1 bed plus sofabed) holiday cottage which is pretty popular with over 50s couples. I got a gas BBQ as I felt it was pretty essential but so far no one has used it despite the good weather. Now my gas BBQ has died I'm planning to take the cottage one but can't decide whether or not to replace it.

It's a 4 star place so leaving a couple of blocks out for a disposable BBQ isn't an option.

[Puggit]

It might be that people don't know how to use a gas BBQ?

Or is it rented by people that eat out for every meal. Over 50s have far much more cash then us youngsters

[ewenm]

Or people worry about what to do if the gas runs out - where to get more, is it their responsibility, where to take the empty bottle, how to (dis)connect it all. Do you provide a "How to use this BBQ" info sheet?

[Bill]

It could be either. I suspect people that age just don't BBQ. I might just replace it with a small portable effort to leave in the shed.

Ewen: Yep, instructions in the welcome pack. You could be right about the gas running out though.

[SpeckledJim]

A couple of the self-lighting BBQ bags might be better than a gas BBQ.

Only a couple of quid each, and most guests won't use them, but all would appreciate the gesture, I think.

[anonymous-user]

I'd use a charcoal BBQ, but not a gas one.

[AJS-]

Let people request it when they book and use it yourself when they don't, assuming you live fairly close by.

I would use it for every meal but then I have never booked a holiday cottage in the UK.

[Puggit]

AJS- said:

I would use it for every meal when it isn't raining but then I have never booked a holiday cottage in the UK.

EFA!

[MrsThatcher]

Yes we do. Did last weekend actally. That was a barrel coal one and a right faff. Was still hot in the morning.

Gas as great. Use it most nights at home during the summer when the weather is good.

[Bill]

AJS- said:

Let people request it when they book and use it yourself when they don't, assuming you live fairly close by.

The problem being that it's a right faff to clean to the degree I'd be happy with letting paying guests use it. With a charcoal BBQ it's only the grate that needs doing.

That and the poll results give me my answer, thanks folks.

[Bill]

SpeckledJim said:

A couple of the self-lighting BBQ bags might be better than a gas BBQ.

Only a couple of quid each, and most guests won't use them, but all would appreciate the gesture, I think.

That was my thinking.

[LaserTam]

Bill said:

SpeckledJim said:

A couple of the self-lighting BBQ bags might be better than a gas BBQ.

Only a couple of quid each, and most guests won't use them, but all would appreciate the gesture, I think.

That was my thinking.

And you may find people will replace the charcoal that they use. Can't replace the gas in the bottle.

I would certainly use any sort of BBQ if weather is good. Was away in the uk in a holiday let last week, had a gas BBQ and we used it a few times.

[Pabl0]

We have a basic charcoal BBQ at our let - it gets used but mainly by the 25 to 45 age group.

Also, the weather needs to be reasonable (or predicted to be) most of the week otherwise people do not bother buying the charcoal.

[Mobile Chicane]

I'll confess to having no idea about how to use a gas BBQ.

How much gas is in the canister? What if it runs out half-way through cooking?

I know where I am with charcoal.

[FiF]

The other thing is that people may look at a nice shiny clean grill and not wish to be faced with cleaning it back to original state at the end of the holiday.

On the other hand, if you leave a grill that has clearly been used and make it clear it doesn't have to be got back to spotless, then somebody will complain about it not being spotless for them.

Rock>grill>Bill>hard place.