There is a real art in preparing coals to get them to exactly the right temperature to grill. I agree there is nothing like the taste of meat that has been slowly grilled over coals in a fire unfortunately it takes awhile to prepare it properly.
I find it easier to turn on the gas and ignite a gas BBQ rather than building a fire especially after being on the road all day but that's just my own personal preference.
When walking around camp I always pick up "tree bones" (small dry hardwood stick {finger sized}) - Note these are what cause most punctures) - Often in car tracks around trees. It takes minutes to collect enough for a fire - I store them in plastic shopping bag/s on mesh A frame tray.
I cheat; I set up my fire in morning after a little walk. First layer two half fire-starter blocks - next to bottom vent. A handfull of little twigs 2-3mm dia. Tree bones on top, then about 6/8 charcoal briquettes - Store in boot until evening.
20 minutes before cooking time Place grill in safe place, light fire-starters, Put billy full of water on fire over flame. Relax with beverage, in 20minutes remove billy and start to cook. After eating billy water is right temp to do washing up. Simples
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Possum; AKA:- Ali El-Aziz Mohamed Gundawiathan
Sent from my imperial66 typewriter using carrier pigeon, message sticks and smoke signals.
Very organised Possum, probably why it works for you. I agree with BB that the Weber "click and go" is very attractive after a day on the road.
By the way I have capitulated, went to BCF and bought a new 3m hose with the new safety connection, swapped an empty bottle for a refilled bottle with the new fitting and away we go. Yeah I know, weak, but I tend to stick to the rules.
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"life is too short to spend it with people who suck the happiness out of you"
In answer to the OP, get the high top if you have a suitable place to store it.
When we bought our new van (2017) we thought that a Weber baby Q would be good and had it installed on a sliding tray out of the front boot. It is the low top and no thermometer and has the bayonet style fitting. I thought it was a great idea until...
1. Too small for a decent sized roast,
2. Too close to the side of the van for safety, so I bought a longer hose and put release catches on the sliding tray so the Weber could be put on a table a metre or two from the van.
3. Very hard to clean after use,
We got rid of the (20kg) sliding tray, put the Weber under the bed (in the van) and use our air fryer or frying pan for most Weber-style cooking jobs. The front boot now houses a table and chairs that were previously under the bed. The Weber does do a very good, small roast, but IMO hardly worth the extra effort.
Also I have a large 4 burner Weber at home and rarely use that for the reason that it is a pain for me to clean.
Looking at getting one of the Weber baby Q and wanted to know do we buy with the high top or not , and for every day use with caravan what extras would you buy to go with it, there is only the 2 of us most times ,OR is there just as good in other brands,
Only interested in Gas BBQ easy to carry while camping
Baby Q with high top and thermometer. Great for roasts, high enough for a chicken, great pizza and high enough to bake a loaf of bread
Re - using the Webber via a bayonet hose attached to the van and the flame-out device.
Webber has posted on their website that the flame-out device is not needed for devices sold before recertification of their devices.
Recertified devices have a warning label stuck to them.
A copy of part of the info on their website is below:
"If your Weber gas barbecue does not have the permanent marking on the data label, stating Do not install in, or connect to consumer piping or gas supply system of a boat or caravan, it was manufactured prior to recertification. The updates to the standard are not retrospective, so do not apply to these barbecues. For further information, please refer to this NewsFlash from the Australian Gas Association."
So, if your Webber is anything but just purchased, and does not have a sticker saying it must be used with a flameout device, it is perfectly legal to continue to connect it to your van via your existing hose.
Just carry on cooking and enjoy the flavours of your cooking.