'Let's have a BBQ ' said no woman ever!

[Lifewithasixyearold]

No it isnt easier, no it's not less work and no DH you don't actually do anything like all of it!
Fuck me, it's 160 degrees out there, my rage is hotter than the damn BBQ which wasn't lit in time of course and naturally I have started things in the oven because when the BBQ does get going it will incinerate the outside of everything and leave a lovely warm core of pure food poisoning within...
AIBU surely we could get them banned, smoke, emissions or something??

I loves a bbq. I prep everything early afternoon. But it is a faff I admit.

We had one yesterday. And will have one tomorrow.

The one yesterday involved inviting people round which meant as well as all the prep, cleaning the house which is usually done on a Monday. But it does mean tomorrow I can spend the day at the allotment instead.

My favourite bbqs involve us, my lovely ndn that don't give a shit if my house is a tip and a random shout over the fence of 'we bbqing later, you coming round?'. There is something lovely about feeding people in the sunshine and relaxing with a very strong g and t.

Oh, I quite like a BBQ.

Dh is a very good cook and a good BBQ'er, but it does involve just as much effort from me re rolls, salad, getting bits etc.

We had a barbie yesterday with another family. I love a bbq as soon as the sun is out. If we weren't all stuffed from father's day lunch I could be tempted with the left overs in the fridge

YANBU awful food and awful smell

DH gets the idea every year he wants one and I put a stop to it on the basis he can't cook and can't prepare food and can clean up even less well

Also if he served me a burnt burger he would basically think he was a Michelin starred chef.

If the food is awful, someone is doing something wrong, same as if food cooked indoors is awful. We have a Weber, its ancient and we will be devastated when it dies. Mind you its still in great condition so hopefully many years service yet. I am mumsnetting whilst DH occasionally turns food. Only prep has been a bit of chopping and some marinading. What could be better?

My dp can do a full roast dinner, with roast potatoes and Yorkshires on a barbecue.

"Dh is a very good cook and a good BBQ'er, but it does involve just as much effort from me re rolls, salad, getting bits etc."

Why? If he's cooking why are you doing anything? Unless you share cooking- that's different.

Rudedog then I think your problem is your husband! I cook fabulous bbqs, succulent steaks, seasoned cajun chicken, garlic and herb sausages and then a massive mixed salad with fresh lemon and olive oil dressing, homemade coleslaw, pesto pasta and lemon, mint and coriander couscous washed down with lots of icy cold beer or wine. How is that awful food??? I honestly think some people just hate being outside away from the kitchen table. Chill!

I think if I cooked it - it would be much better but I have little interest seeing as I do all the other cooking.

BBQs I've had at others have all been burgers and sausages and chicken - I'm not sure if my main issue is I don't drink!

We've just had our BBQ since I last posted - all cleared away,easy peasy

I used to think BBQ's were over rated until I started cooking my own. Now I love them. Dp wants to get a gas one, and I can see the benefits, but I enjoy the ritual of lighting the charcoal and waiting for it to get ready and I don't think you'd get the same smokey taste with a gas BBQ... I may have gone off on a tangent. Anyway, yabu.

OP, are you usually this sexist, or is it just over BBQs?

I've found a kind of half way compromise. I put the George Forman on the dining table and chuck everything we might need from the kitchen into a large shopper. I then prepare as we go, at the table as the food is cooking. We have large doors opening out from the table so it feels like we're outside.

YANBU. I hate barbecue food. My neighbours have had their barbecue on four times today. Every time someone was hungry, it must have been "Oh let's get the bbq lit". So we either have to put up with our house stinking, or close the windows. It was the same yesterday, and no doubt it will be the same tomorrow.

There are lots of public BBQs to use in country parks in my part of England. All being put to good use today when I took my dog for a walk. Lots of picnics today too.

We got rid of our gas one, it was never the same as the real thing. DH built his own from bricks.

We cook over our firepit. I say "we", DH does all of the prep while I spend ages tending the fire to get it just right. Then I do all the cooking while also teaching our young DC about fire safety & how to sharpen the end of a stick for toasting marshmallows. Once everything's cooked we sit round the fire to eat & toast marshmallows. I'm too hot & pregnant for all that today though!

I was bloody lol at your title!!
And I totally agree with you.

I don't sit near the chicken when it's cooking in the oven. Which doesn't make much sense at all having written it but I don't want to sit near the food whilst it's bloody cooking on a barbecue.
To barbecue 3 bits of chicken for 3 people. What an F. As in effort. I like to drink wine outside and smell other people's barbecues. I'm such a fabulous neighbour!!!!

If people were smoking cigs and blowing it all over your garden I doubt you would be happy.

How the heck could anyone enjoy all that smoke, whether you are a BBQer or neighbour. Very anti social IMV.

Unless BBQ is up at the very top of the garden where it doesn't impact on those around them. That won't happen though will it, because it is a spectacle! Look at me I am BBQing.

Feck sake. I hate the smell of BBQs, I hate BBQd food too smoky for me.

So that's me in the dungeon so!

Total ball ache! I plan and prepare marinade everything. Do the lot basically while he gets bbq out lights it and takes all the damn credit for wonderful food! I also get the glorious job of scrubbing the grills as he conveniently finds something else to do at that precise moment!
Tips i have learnt/amassed: use disposable plates cups etc.
Dont put dips into fancy bowls as increases washing up.
Have a bin bag hung up ready for rubbish.
Soak grills in boiled water with a few spoons of coffee and they soon come up gleaming!
Prepare salads earlier in day and leave in fridge.
Bugs hate citrus so dot a few cut oranges lemons around.
Use cupcake cases to cover your drink to keep bugs out. Insert a hole for straw.
Plenty of ice and booze!

I often say it!

But then, I do zero cooking.

I would suggest a BBQ as all I have to do is make a salad. DP does everything else including the clean up. It's great!

YANBU. DH cremates everything all summer long. I never suggest it.

I went to a children's party with a barbeque yesterday, it was lovely, but I wasn't prepping it all, I was sitting in a chair downing beer! 😆