Conquering the art of outdoor events is key to hosting sociable summer dinners and garden parties in style. Hosting a BBQ event may seem simple, but there is a lot that goes into the planning phase and requires early planning.
So, what factors do you need to consider? Keep reading, we’ve got you covered with some smoking hot tips!
Starting planning early
Finding the best commercial BBQ hire is a task that deserves some time and effort! Begin your search early, ideally between 6 – 12 months before your event date. This will give you enough time to research and explore different options without feeling rushed.
Remember, great BBQ caterers get booked quickly, especially during the peak summer season, so don't wait until the last minute!
Should you hire a gas or charcoal BBQ?
This is the first and, arguably, the toughest decision you’ll need to make before hosting or catering for a big BBQ.
Which BBQ do you choose for your BBQ hire? Both options have their unique advantages, and the choice largely depends on your grilling preferences and the nature of your event.
Here at Plato Commerical Catering Hire we love gas BBQs. Gas cooks food more evenly and is less hassle and are also known for their quick heat-up time and precise temperature control, making them efficient and convenient for larger gatherings. They are also cleaner to operate and require minimal cleanup.
There are plenty of hire options for commercial coal BBQs, but we’d always go for a commercial LPG-based BBQ.
Ensure you’re selecting quality catering equipment
Ultimately, whichever option you choose, ensure you rent from a reputable catering equipment hire company (like us!) to ensure the BBQ is high quality, well-maintained, and can deliver exceptional performance. Ensure that they have the necessary licenses and insurance, as with any heated kitchen appliance, BBQs can be dangerous so it’s vital they’ve been properly checked and are performing correctly.
When hiring equipment from Plato, you can be safe in the knowledge that any electrical equipment is PAT tested before it’s hired out. Plato is also a member of the SafeHire Certification Scheme, which means we have a proven competence in safety, health, environment, and quality. This ensures you’ll receive the highest possible quality of service and catering equipment hire.
At Plato Catering Hire, we’re extremely proud to be SafeHire certified. We’ve been part of the Scheme for many years and have seen our commitment to high-quality catering equipment hire rewarded by winning SafeHire Event Equipment Hire Company of the Year in 2017 and 2021. Then, again in 2022, we were finalists in the same category.
Achieving SafeHire Certification demonstrates:
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Our commitment to the leading Hire Industry Safety Standard.
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Our competence and commitment to continual improvement in Safety, Health, Environmental and Quality.
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Our client demands for high standards of service are being met.
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Our workforce is well trained to support all of our customers.
Hire BBQ caterers
There’s of course nothing wrong with undertaking the catering element yourself, but if the event is particularly large, professional help is often a smart investment.
The benefit of hiring BBQ caterers is that they’re experienced enough to know exactly how to cook the food, how much of it to cook and, most importantly, how to time everything perfectly.
The proof of the pudding, (or in this case, the BBQ!) lies in the tasting. Many reputable BBQ caterers offer tasting sessions, allowing you to sample the menu before the event. This is a fantastic opportunity to experience the flavours and quality of their food firsthand. Use this time to discuss your preferences, make customisations, and ensure the caterer meets your expectations. Don't be shy to try out tastings with multiple caterers; after all, you want only the best to make it to your plate!
You can also get staff to assist with serving food, helping to ensure that your food is served promptly and efficiently. That’ll result in less stress on your part, happier guests, and a successful event! Plus, by opting for professional BBQ caterers, hosts or event organisers can focus on entertaining their guests and enjoying the festivities, knowing that the food service is in capable hands.
You may need to hire additional BBQs for different dietarian options
A BBQ event is all about tantalising taste buds with an array of flavourful meats, sides, and sauces! If you decide to go with our above point and get caterers in, look for BBQ caters that offers a diverse menu with options to suit different dietary preferences, including vegan and vegetarian options.
If you’re providing different dietarian options, remember that you will need different grills to cook meat and vegetarian choices to avoid cross contaminating dishes. Be sure to factor this into your budget.
Hiring the right BBQ equipment means you can have a bigger guest list
One of the best things about BBQ events is that they can feed a large number of people cost-effectively and easily. This means the host can invite as many clients, colleagues, friends and family as they want! So, don’t be afraid to stack up the invite list and finally make good on your promise of getting everyone together. Everyone loves a BBQ. Just make sure you request dietary requirements beforehand to cater for those with allergies or intolerances, and anyone who is a vegetarian or vegan. You can cook some wonderful vegetarian dishes on BBQs, don’t forget.
With large guest lists, it’s essential that the commercial BBQ hire is reliable. It has to arrive on time in perfect working condition, work well at the venue, and be able to supply food for all the attendees.
Ensure your venue has enough space
One of the most important things when it comes to BBQ events is having enough space not only for the guests, but for the BBQ smoke to escape. This is where the design of your venue plays a key role. So, if you think it looks a bit tight given how many people will be turning up, it might be best to look for an alternative.
The ideal venue should have ample room for the grilling area, food preparation, and serving stations. Additionally, consider the space needed for tables, chairs, and any other seating arrangements you plan to have. Adequate space allows everyone to move around easily, avoids congestion (especially of the BBQ zone where we all tend to gather for seconds!), and ensures a pleasant space for socialising and dining. If your BBQ event includes games or activities, make sure there is enough open area for these as well. Prioritise selecting a venue that not only complements the BBQ theme but also provides plenty of space to create a memorable and enjoyable experience for all of your guests.
After all, no one wants to be continually trying to avoid billowing smoke from the BBQ. It’s also important to consider your venue when choosing your commercial BBQ hire as it can dictate which you pick, such as the size of your BBQ and the energy source. You will also need to ensure the safe storage of the gas cylinders. This is why it’s a good idea to hunt down venues which are purpose built for these kinds of events, because they should have plenty of space and a strategically placed BBQ already in place.
Need catering equipment hire for your BBQ event? Contact our friendly team today to find out how we can help!