Frank Key's Cafe supplies

I went into my local garden centre recently to find that the whole place have been completely re-vamped and a massive area dedicated to barbecues and smokers. What did this tell me?……..Two things:-

1. Barbecue grills and outdoor smokers continue to become more popular recreational equipment.

2. There’s money to be made!

Let’s face it; the smartest “in your face” displays have got to be for the products that carry the biggest margins, right? Having spoken to the manager I think maybe it’s the accessories where a killing can be made but whatever the case, you can quite easily spend a serious amount of cash on a new barbecue grill and that will be completely wasted money if you buy the wrong thing.

Consider the situation twenty odd years ago before modern manufacturing techniques, globalisation and low cost country sourcing, the situation was even worse for someone with no income and lots of leisure time (you guessed it, I was a student!). CD’s had just appeared on the music shelves (a big drain on cash compared to vinyl), I don’t think the word download was in our vocabulary and certainly the thought of getting free barbecue recipes off the internet could be nothing more than a dream.

I was doing what students do best – having one long party! But the opportunity to have a barbecue party was nil because we simply couldn’t afford to buy a barbecue, and to a confirmed outdoor cooking enthusiast. It was at this point that I decided to build my homemade brick barbecue out of 16 second hand bricks and two cake cooling trays.

Not only is this a great low cost introduction to charcoal barbecue grills it’s also a wonderfully portable system too. Simply lay 8 bricks on the ground in two rows of four to make a square. On two sides place 2 bricks (on their sides) and place another 2 bricks on top so that in cross section you’ve now got a U shape. Throw the charcoal on the brick base a span two cake cooling grids across the top and there you have it.

The cake cooling trays are really cheap in the supermarket and (as a true student has to) the bricks were acquired one night from a local housing development. So with the barbecue complete, how did I get hold of some good free BBQ recipes?

Well that’s where it all started to fall apart and a process of enthusiastic trial and error began. I’m pleased to say that those early formative years have paid off handsomely; all my friends still love my outdoor cooking and so much so that BBQ smoker recipes.com was born to document mine and my friends’ tasty creations.

If you do give the low cost barbecue a try, notice how the bricks heat up and create an “all round” heat. Not only is it cheap, it’s actually very effective too!

Grill Top Paella

GEORGE FOREMAN GGR50B INDOOR OUTDOOR GRILL ELECTRIC TOP MEASURES 17" ACROSS $89.99

Cuisinart 5 in 1 Griddler Cook Top Grilling Indoor Hiking Camping Outdoor Grill $104.97

George Foreman Indoor & Outdoor Electric Grill BBQ Barbecue Table Top Or Stand $99.95

Vintage Barbeque Portable Grill Quick Chef Outdoor Table Top Collectilbes $17.99

Custom Adjustable Outdoor Firepit Grill Top 20x20x20 $250.00

LODGE SPORTSMAN'S OUTDOOR CHARCOAL GRILL TOP #3051 NEW PART CAST IRON $19.00

GRIDDLE TOP PORTABLE DELUXE NEW FOR GAS RANGE OPEN FIRE OUTDOOR GRILL $119.99

Weber Outdoor Barbecue Portable Top Charcoal Grill NEW $57.99

Electric Indoor Outdoor Stone Top Grill And Broiler NEW $47.99

George Foreman GGR50B Indoor/Outdoor Grill Grill Top Measures 17 Inches Across $50.14

CHEFMASTER SMOKELESS INDOOR/OUTDOOR STOVE TOP BBQ GRILL $15.50

All Steel Outdoor Grill Gazebo w/ Slate Counter Tops & 3 Bar Stools Included $1,595.00

Lodge Logic L9OG3 Pre-Seasoned 10-1/2-Inch Round Griddle $14.89 Lodge Logic is electrostatically coated with a proprietary vegetable oil and cured at high temperatures to allow the oil to deeply penetrate the surface of the cast iron. Natural sand mold surface is ideal for our new, seasoned, ready to use finish. Sturdy handle with hole for convenient hanging when not in use. Rinse with hot water and dry thoroughly to clean; oven safe to 500 degrees F. Measures...

Sanyo HPS-SG3 200-Square-Inch Electric Indoor Barbeque Grill, Black $35.00 Grilling is healthy, grilling is delicious, and now grilling is something you can enjoy all year round. This appliance is designed to be virtually smoke free, easy to clean, easy to operate and it allows fat to drain away from your food while applying those tasty grill marks....

Lodge Logic Pre-Seasoned Rectangular Cast-Iron Grill Press $10.99 Seasoned and ready to use rectangular grill press is designed to improve your stovetop and outdoor grill favorites. Great for eliminating curl from bacon or ham and improve the presentation of many other foods. The grill press effectively holds heat in grilled sandwiches and "presses" out unwanted fats in burgers and other meats. The heavy-duty cast iron base has a unique hammered finish and feat...

Gerber 31-000751 Bear Grylls Survival Series Ultimate Knife, Serrated Edge $79.99 From Gerber, the 31-000751 Bear Grylls Survival Series Ultimate Knife is designed to help you endure in the toughest environments. It features an ergonomic grip for comfortable handling and a dependable stainless steel blade with a versatile serrated edge. Additionally, the knife and military-grade nylon sheath are packed with innovative survival tools, including a fire starter, a diamond blade sh...

Gerber 31-000701 Bear Grylls Survival Series Ultimate Kit $33.99 The product of collaboration between Gerber and survival expert Bear Grylls, the Ultimate Kit is a 15-piece survival kit built for hostile environments. It fits in your pack and has everything you need--including Gerber's miniature multi-tool, a fire starter, a survival blanket, and a wire cutter--to survive even in the toughest spots.Survival Series Ultimate KitAt a Glance:15-piece survival kit b...

Master Lock 265DCCSEN Dual-Function Security Bar $12.50 The Master Lock Dual Function Security Bar provides your home with an added dose of safety by reinforcing doors from outside intruders. Built with Master Lock's world renowned durability, the Security Bar is constructed of 20-gauge steel to withstand more than 350 pounds of force, helping ensure that your doors remain securely shut. With a versatile and adjustable design, the bar fits most hinged ...

Polk Audio RC60i In-Ceiling / In-Wall Speakers (Pair, White) $249.95 RCi Series In-Wall Speakers deliver incredible Polk sound to every room in your home without using any floor or shelf space! Now you have new options for more flexibility and performance from Polk Audio. Out of the box and into the wall (or ceiling), that's how easy it is to install new Polk Audio RCi Series In-Wall Loudspeakers like the RC60i. Dynamic Balance components and Aimable Tweeters ensur...

Polk Audio RC80i 2-Way In-Ceiling Speakers (Pair, White) $135.00 Enhance the sound in your home with a set of 100-watt in-wall loud speakers from Polk. Each of these speakers contains one Dynamic Balance 8'' mid-bass driver and one 1M-^T' soft dome tweeter, which blend to create great sound whether you're watching a movie or listening to your favorite band. To make them really disappear, just paint over them to match any decor in your home. Note: Priced as pair...

Power Bright VC100W Voltage Transformer 100 Watt Step Up/Down 110 Volt - 220 Volt $13.99 This is a voltage converter or transformer that can be used as a step up transformer in 110/120 volt countries or as a step down transformer in 220/230/240 volt countries. This heavy duty voltage transformer can be used for continuous duty. It will convert voltages of 220-240 volts to 110-120 and will also convert voltages from 110-120 to 220-240 volts....

Little Tikes Inside/Outside Cook N Grill Kitchen $269.99 This two-sided play environment lets kids cook up fun in the kitchen and grill up goodies on the backyard patio. Use indoors or outdoors.Features:"Magic" coffee pot with "disappearing" coffee, magnetic refrigerator door and stovetop burner with electronic sounds Fun pass-through window, large sink with modern-style faucet, oven and dishwasher Realistic outdoor styling including "stone" patio, sidi...

Lido Chandelier without Tops by Troy Lighting $760 The Troy Lighting Lido Chandelier without Tops is truly an amazing portrayal of luxurious elegance and lends an ethereal splendor to any unadorned room with its lovely classic pattern. The Lido Chandelier without Tops features Ribbed Champagne Crackle glass shades, hand-worked wrought iron body and Bronze Leaf finish. Troy Lighting, headquartered in California, designs and manufactures indoor and outdoor lighting fixtures, utilizing hand-forged iron and hand-applied finishes to create quality products with high-style appeal. The Troy Lighting Lido Chandelier without Tops is available with the following: Included Features: Ribbed Champagne Crackle glass shades.Hand-worked wrought iron body.Bronze Leaf finish.One ceiling canopy. Four feet of chain and ten feet of wire.Options:Size: Large (shown), or Medium.Lighting:Large option utilizes eight 100 Watt 120 Volt Candelabra Base Incandescent lamps (not included).Medium option utilizes six 60 Watt 120 Volt Candelabra Base Incandescent lamps (not included).Shipping: This item usually ships within 1-2 weeks. Dimensions: Medium Option: Width 25.5 In., Height 27.5 In. Large Option: Width 44 In., Height 44 In. Suspension: Includes four feet of chain and ten feet of wire.

Callaway Premium Grill Set $49.99 Callaway Premium Grill Set The Callaway Premium Grill Set is a 3-piece grill set that includes a spatula, tongs and a fork. The high quality stainless steel construction is sturdy, durable and built to last while the engraved wood grain handle has a stylish Callaway logo.

Twin Turtle Tops Cat Toy $3.99 What is more fun than one catnip infused turtle-shaped tops? This product comes in a package of two and the tops are large enough that they are unable to fit underneath appliances!

Anderson's Forge Outdoor Postmount Lantern by Troy Lighting $322 The Antique Iron finish gives the Troy Lighting Anderson's Forge Outdoor Postmount Lantern its Colonial charm, complemented by an Ivory Seeded glass shade. The look blends with both classic and cottage settings, softened by the rippled cap that tops the lantern. Pair with the Anderson's Forge Outdoor Pendant Lantern. Post not included. Troy Lighting, headquartered in California, designs and manufactures indoor and outdoor lighting fixtures, utilizing hand-forged iron and hand-applied finishes to create quality products with high-style appeal. The Troy Lighting Anderson's Forge Outdoor Postmount Lantern is available with the following: Details:Ivory Seeded glass shadeHand-forged iron constructionAntique Iron finishIncludes a 3" diameter post fitterPost not includedPart of the Troy Lighting Colonial Williamsburg CollectionUL Listed for wet locationsOptions:Size: Large, or Medium.Lighting: One 100 Watt 120 Volt Medium Base Incandescent lamp (not included). Shipping: This item usually ships within 1 -2 weeks. Dimensions: Large Fixture: Diameter 9 In., Height 21 In. Medium Fixture: Diameter 7 In., Height 18 In.

Zenith II E21053 Outdoor Wall Sconce by ET2 $198 A strong die cast aluminum grill sets off the ET2 Zenith II E21053 Outdoor Wall Sconce, its white acrylic diffuser shining brightly with energy efficient fluorescent illumination. Choose from two muted finishes: Dark Grey or Platinum. Great for the updated transitional or modern home. ET2, headquartered in California, offers a range of contemporary lighting fixtures and chandeliers that utilize crisp and clean glass styles and bright metal finishes to enhance modern and contemporary interiors. ET2 is a division of the Maxim Lighting Group. The ET2 Zenith II E21053 Outdoor Wall Sconce is available with the following: Details:White acrylic shadeDie cast aluminum constructionRectangular wall plateUL Listed for wet locationsOptions:Finish: Dark Grey, or Platinum.Lighting: Two 13 Watt 120 Volt 2GX7 Type T4 Fluorescent lamps (included). Shipping: This item usually ships within 3-5 business days. Dimensions: Fixture: Depth 6 In., Width 10.5 In., Height 13.5 In.

Picnic Plus Game Day Grill Set - Black $151.99 Picnic Plus-Game Day Travel Gas Grill Set

Beyblade Stealth Battles Tops Wave 1 $65.99 Beyblade Stealth Battles tops create explosive battle action with a secret attack feature that deploys when they collide with another top!Case includes 6 individually packaged tops, including: 2x Kerbecs Blade Blast (X-201) 2x Tempo Hammer Hit (X-202) 2x Pegasus Jumper (X-200) (subject to change)

Beyblade Stealth Battles Tops Wave 1 Set $35.99 Beyblade Stealth Battles tops create explosive battle action with a secret attack feature that deploys when they collide with another top! Set includes 3 individually packaged tops, including: 1x Kerbecs Blade Blast (X-201) 1x Tempo Hammer Hit (X-202) 1x Pegasus Jumper (X-200) (subject to change)

Melissa & Doug Grill Set $16.95 The coals are always "hot" in this wooden, two-piece play grill set from Melissa & Doug. Your little chef can create three kabobs by loading the skewers with plenty of shrimp, mushrooms, meat, onions, tomatoes and pepper pieces. Also included are a wooden knife and tongs to prepare, cook, and serve. Pair this with the Melissa & Doug deluxe kitchen. Specifications: Age 3+ 2.3 x 10.5 x 13 inches; 1.5 pounds

Beyblade Stealth Battles Tops Wave 2 $65.99 Beyblade Stealth Battles tops create explosive battle action with a secret attack feature that deploys when they collide with another top!Case includes 6 individually packaged tops, including: 1x Kerbecs Blade Blast (X-201) 1x Tempo Hammer Hit (X-202) 1x Pegasus Jumper (X-200) 1x Cetus Quake (X-203) 1x Striker Drone (X-205) 1x L-Drago Energy Drain (X-204) (subject to change)