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If you’ve ever stood in front of your barbecue and thought there has to be a better way to set this up, you’re not alone. Crossray barbecue kitchens are one of Australia’s most searched outdoor entertaining setups right now – and for good reason. With the right layout, accessories and a little planning, your backyard can go from basic grill station to a fully functioning outdoor kitchen that works as hard as you do.
Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a crowd this Easter long weekend, these are the Crossray barbecue kitchen ideas worth stealing.
Why your barbecue kitchen set up starts with durable materials
If you love cooking in the fresh air and sunshine, an outdoor kitchen could become your favourite ‘room’ in the house.
Buying an outdoor kitchen is an investment, but if you get the set-up right you’ll be using it for years. An outdoor cooking space can be as simple as a built-in barbecue with bench space or it can be more expansive and include cabinets, a fridge and sink.
Quality is key. You want durable materials that can withstand the Australian climate: stainless steel, zinc-coated steel cabinets that resist corrosion, and stone benchtops for superior heat resistance.
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Well-made equipment, such as Crossray barbecues and outdoor kitchens, are even suitable for exposed and coastal spots. And Crossray’s built-in barbecues are not just for snags – with high hoods and accessories, you can use them to cook everything from pizza to large cuts of meat and rotisserie chicken.
How to free up time by slow roasting meat on your Crossray barbecue
For stress-free entertaining, using your barbecue to slow cook a substantial cut of meat well before your guests arrive means no juggling hosting and cooking at the same time.
A beautiful lamb shoulder, pork belly or beef brisket can sit on indirect heat for several hours (plus it makes your backyard smell incredible!).
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If you like to do a bit of everything on your barbecue, try the Crossray Extreme electric outdoor kitchen, which includes the Extreme Electric BBQ, a stone benchtop, cabinets, an optional sink and the choice of a single or double fridge. The barbecue has a high hood so it can handle even the largest of meats.
Fast barbecue meals your Crossray can pull off when you’re entertaining a crowd
On the flip side, if slow cooking isn’t your style or you’re short on time, opt for cuts that cook in a flash. Lamb cutlets are brilliant for this and need just a few minutes each side on high heat to develop a gorgeous char and are super easy to eat. Also consider prawns, thin-cut steaks or haloumi skewers to reduce your time spent cooking.
The simple prep trick that makes outdoor entertaining so much easier
Here’s where many well-intentioned hosts come unstuck: trying to manage both mains and sides on the barbecue at the same time. You can avoid this by preparing all your salads and side dishes in advance and keeping them in the fridge until serving time.
Keep your dressings separate to add just before serving. There’s nothing sadder than a soggy salad that’s been sitting in a dressing for too long.
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If you have a smaller outdoor space, prepping ahead really takes the pressure off. Consider a Crossray X-Origin compact gas outdoor kitchen, with the built-in infrared X-Origin Gas BBQ, robust stone benchtops, kitchen cabinets and an optional fridge.
Why a well-stocked outdoor kitchen means you’ll actually use it more
If you’ve invested in a quality outdoor set-up, treat it like a proper kitchen. You’ll be amazed how much more often you’ll use it. The difference between a smoothly run barbecue session and a chaotic one often comes down to having what you need, where you need it.
Keep spare trays or platters stored in your outdoor cupboards so you aren’t dashing inside mid-cook. Rolls of paper towel are essential for quick clean-ups, wiping down surfaces, or mopping up the inevitable spills and splatters. And keep all your barbecue utensils (tongs, spatulas, basting brushes, meat thermometer) stored in your outdoor kitchen cupboards
permanently.
When everything lives out there, you can fire up the barbecue on a whim without the tedious ‘gathering supplies from the house’ routine.
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If you’re the host with the most, consider Crossray’s top of the line Premium XPlor Gas outdoor kitchen, with a XPlor Gas BBQ with four high-intensity ceramic infrared burners, a stone benchtop, kitchen cabinets, an optional single or double fridge and a whole host of layouts and options.
