FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Check out our frequently asked questions for all you need to know about the use, maintenance and care of your BeefEater.
  • How do I get started?
    Your new BeefEater Barbecue comes complete with detailed, easy to follow assembly and installation instructions. Should you for any reason experience difficulties with assembly, please contact us on (09) 573 2220 or contact us and we will be glad to assist you.
  • Where should I locate my BBQ?

    Your BeefEater Barbecue is manufactured and approved for outdoor use only. Never operate the barbecue inside your home, garage, recreational vehicle, or any enclosed area.

    1. Select an outdoor location safely away from any flammable or combustible materials and in a position where passers-by are unlikely to be burnt, or meet with an accident. Keep the barbecue a minimum of 45cms (18”) from any combustible material.

    2.Position the barbecue out of any direct wind which could affect combustion. This especially applies to the side burner.

    3 Position the barbecue on a level surface. This applies to both mobile and built-in units.

  • My appliance is not working, how do I get it fixed?
    We have qualified factory technicians available to assist with the repair of your appliance. Simply book a service and repair online to call Beefeater Customer Care on 1300 307 939 or contact us and we will be glad to assist you.
  • What is direct and Indirect cooking?


    Direct Cooking

    This method of barbecuing where the food is directly exposed to the heat source or flame. Generally thinner cuts of meat, fish and poultry that cook fast, are more successful with this form of cooking, whereas thicker cuts are best cooked by the indirect method, or a combination of both.


    Indirect Cooking

    This method of cooking only applies if you have a roasting hood. Indirect cooking is where the heat circulates around the food, cooking by convection. This is similar to an oven and is recommended for rotisserie cooking, roasts, poultry, casseroles, vegetables and whole fish. The indirect method of cooking can also be used to cook such items as thick meat and fish steaks that have been quickly seared on the grill by the direct method (to seal in the natural juices) then completed by the indirect method.

    The golden key to success in indirect barbecue cooking is to take your time and cook slowly. Firstly pre-heat the barbecue as previously described, then:

    If your BeefEater has 2 burners (e.g. BUGG)   Turn both burners down to low setting.

    If your BeefEater has 3 burners   Turn the central burner off and reduce the two outside burners to medium.

    If your BeefEater has 4 burners  Turn the two inside burners off and reduce the two outside burners to medium.

    If your BeefEater has 5 burners   Turn the three inside burners off, leave one outside burner on high and reduce the other outside burner to medium. Then raise the hood and place the food on the unlit, centre portion(s).

    Warning:   Never cook with more than 2 burners on “High” when the hood is down. With the BUGG, burners must be on “Low” when the hood is closed. For Charcoal barbecues, simply move the coals away from the centre of the barbecue and place your food in the centre of the barbecue.

  • How do I stop food sticking to the grill?
    Ensure your BBQ is preheated, never place food onto a cold BBQ as this will cause food to stick. A light coating of cooking oil applied to the meat and/or cooking surface will help prevent food from sticking. Cooking oil sprays may be used to coat the food or cooking surface prior to cooking, but as the spray can be flammable, they should NEVER be used during cooking, while the burners are alight. Use our BeefEater Teflon liners as they are great for marinades and soft batter like cooking pancakes. BeefEater Teflon liners are available from you BBQ specialist retailer or shop.beefeaterbbq.com.au
  • How can I roast in my BBQ?
    Yes. If you are cooking a roast, it is a good idea to use the special BeefEater Roast Holder which not only keeps the meat away from the heat source, but sits neatly into a baking tray. This is essential in the case of the 2-burner barbecue or BUGG where the meat tray will be sitting over direct heat. The indirect cooking is the best way to roast meat with the hood down.
  • How do I get grill marks on my meat?
    Grill marks is what you want on your BBQ meats and you will not get them from moving your meat too much around. To achieve them you place your steak or chicken onto the hot grill and let it sit there for at least 2 minutes. Rotate the meat by approx. 1 quarter and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Repeat the same process on the other side.
  • How can I tell if my steak is cooked correctly?

    A meat thermometer or Beefeater digital thermometer is the only really safe way to test that meat is cooked to your satisfaction. Use the chart below to check against the temperatures recorded by the thermometer when you insert it into the thickest part of the meat. Take care when inserting the thermometer to make sure that it does not touch any area of bone. It is also advisable to check the temperature of large pieces of meat in more than one section.

    Beef/Lamb
    Rare: 52-55°C
    Medium Rare: 55-60°C
    Medium: 60-65°C
    Medium Well: 65-70°C
    Well done: 75°C

    Pork
    Medium: 65-70°C
    Well done: 75°C

    Chicken/Duck/Turkey
    Poultry should be above 75C to ensure it is cooked properly and to avoid food poisoning
    Fish is cooked when:
    • The flesh easily separates when tested with a fork
    • The flesh comes easily away from the bone
    • It loses its translucent appearance and become opaque

  • Why should I have a cover on my BBQ?
    For protection keep the barbecue and trolley covered with a special BeefEater Polyester PVC cover to minimise weathering by the elements when the barbecue is not in use.
  • How do I clean porcelain enamel or stainless steel grills?
    Many food acids, marinades, juices and sauces contain highly acidic elements that will slowly attack the surface of the enamel if not removed immediately after cooking.
    • After use, remove all solid material from the cooking surfaces using a brass bristle brush or plastic scourer. Wipe off remaining residue with a paper towel.
    • Gently wash the surface of the grills with a soft sponge and a solution of hot water and a mild dishwashing liquid.
    • Dry the grills immediately using a paper towel.
    • Coat the grills with a layer of cooking oil. This will protect the grills between barbecuing sessions.
    Do not use highly caustic, harsh or abrasive chemical cleaners to clean the cooking grills. (Always check the manufacturer's specifications and recommendations prior to use).
    • Before each subsequent use, pre-heat your BeefEater Barbecue for 10 minutes before cooking. Allow the unit to cool off and then remove any remains from previous cooking. Wipe off with a paper towel and then lightly coat with a layer of cooking oil. The cooking surfaces are now ready for barbecuing.
  • How can I get rid of stubborn fat build up on my grills without using chemicals?
    Heat the grill up high then rub two halves of lemons dipped in salt into the grill surface. The acidity and abrasiveness in the salted lemons will break down any stubborn fat and grease to make light work of cleaning.
  • How do I clean the hood?

    Wash stainless steel and vitreous enamel with warm soapy water or detergent, using a clean cloth and if necessary a soft bristle brush. Only never use this method on the fascia, as harsh cleaners could damage the fascia graphics. Likewise, if your model features a glass window, this should be kept clean to maintain vision into the hood whilst cooking. Only clean the glass window when the hood is cold as water can crack hot glass.

    • In the case of stainless steel, cleaning in one direction only along the original polish lines, produces best results.
    • To remove light grease or salt spray, use soap, liquid, or powder detergents with warm water.
    • To remove heavy grease from vitreous enamel and powder coated trolleys, use concentrated detergent, or domestic cleaning powders.
    • To remove heavy grease from stainless steel, use a recommended stainless steel cleaner.

  • How do I clean a stainless steel hood?
    Use warm soapy water and a soft cloth. BBQ wipes are also a great option. To remove heavy grease from stainless steel, use a recommended stainless steel cleaner.
  • How do I check for gas leaks?
    You can test for leaks by spraying a mixture of soapy water over the gas bottle fittings and hose. If it bubbles, then there is a leak. Tighten the connections or replace the hose if it is leaking.
  • Where do I go for warranty queries?
    Please call us on (09) 573 2220 or Contact us and we will be glad to assist you.
  • Where can spare parts be purchased?
    Spare parts can be purchased from shop.beefeaterbbq.com.au or see your Beefeater specialist retailer. Alternatively please call us on (09) 573 2220 or contact us and we will be glad to assist you.
  • Can the barbecue be connected to natural gas?
    1. You can purchase a natural gas conversion kit from the retailer or online at shop.beefeaterbbq.com.au but the conversion and installation must be done by a registered gas fitter or plumber.
    2. Contact a registered gas fitter/plumber to obtain a quote for the conversion and to confirm whether this appliance will work efficiently with the current gas supply to your household, in accordance with installation Code AS/NZS5601.
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