Buying guide
The right accessories make a good BBQ better and keep it going for longer. The most important ones are the least glamorous: a fitted cover, the correct hose and regulator, and the heat shields a built-in needs. This page explains what each accessory does and which BBQs it fits.
What fits what
| Accessory | Fits | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| BeefEater hose and regulator (96581) | BeefEater 1200, 1500, 1600, 1700, 3000 and Clubman | UK LPG hose and regulator |
| BeefEater natural gas kit (95176) | BeefEater 1200, 1500, 1600 and 1700 | Converts to mains gas; Gas Safe engineer to fit |
| BeefEater heat shields | Built-in 1200, 1500/1600, 3000 and 7000 | Rear shield and series-specific side shield and hanging bracket sets |
| BeefEater bracket set (BA70HS) | Built-in 1500, 1600 and 1700 | Side heat shield and hanging bracket; changes the cut-out width |
| Buschbeck cast iron grid | Buschbeck masonry BBQs and grill bars | Double-sided 54 x 34cm grid, about 4.5kg, for searing |
| Buschbeck cast iron plancha | Any Buschbeck masonry BBQ | 54 x 34cm plate for fish, eggs and vegetables |
| Buschbeck chrome grill | All Buschbeck masonry BBQs and grill bars | Spare or second 54 x 34cm grill |
| Buschbeck fire grate and ash pan | Buschbeck masonry BBQs and grill bars | Stainless steel; ash drops through for easy removal |
| Camp Chef Artisan pizza oven insert | Buschbeck masonry BBQs and other BBQs with room for it | Bakes pizza on a ceramic stone; 39.7 x 34.3 x 20.3cm |
| Lifestyle 24 piece tool kit | Any BBQ | Tongs, spatula, knives, forks, brushes, seasoning boxes and skewers |
Covers
A cover made for your model is the single most useful accessory. It keeps rain, leaves and bird droppings off, slows rust and stops mould growing in the firebox over winter. BeefEater makes heavy duty polyester covers for its 1200, 1500, 1600, 3000 and Proline BBQs, built-in and trolley (we list none for the 7000 built-in), Lifestyle makes covers sized for its BBQs and Buschbeck makes covers for its standard masonry BBQs and grill bars. See all BBQ covers, and fit any cover only once the BBQ is completely cold.
Gas parts and safety
Use the hose and regulator specified for your BBQ and your gas. BeefEater's UK assembly suits its 1200, 1500, 1600, 1700, 3000 and Clubman series; it does not fit the 7000 series or the Proline, which need a different part. Check hoses each season for cracks, leak test joints with soapy water, and replace a tired hose: many makers recommend every five years.
Converting to natural gas. The BeefEater natural gas kit must be fitted by a Gas Safe registered engineer, who will also connect the BBQ to your supply. Do not attempt the conversion yourself.
Heat shields and brackets for built-ins
A built-in BBQ radiates heat into the enclosure around it. BeefEater's rear heat shield and series-specific side shields protect the surround, and the hanging bracket sets support the BBQ in the opening. Because the bracket changes the cut-out (for example, a 1600 4 burner needs 880mm with the bracket and 830mm without), decide on it before you build. Our built-in BBQ installation guide lists every opening.
Cooking extras
- Cast iron grid: heavier than a chrome grill, it holds heat for deeper sear marks. Season it with a thin coat of oil.
- Plancha: a flat cast iron plate for food that would fall through the bars.
- Pizza oven insert: the Camp Chef Artisan sits on the grill and bakes pizza, bread and even cakes on a ceramic bakerstone over wood, charcoal or gas. Check your BBQ has 39.7 x 34.3cm of flat grill and 20.3cm of headroom.
- Tools: long-handled tongs and a spatula keep your hands away from the heat. The Lifestyle 24 piece kit is stainless steel and weighs 3.5kg; the 3 piece set has a spatula, tongs and fork.
For fire pit cooking, including hanging pots, roasters and half moon racks, see fire pit accessories.
Caring for accessories
Wash cast iron in hot water without soap, dry it straight away and wipe it with a little oil before storing. Keep tools and grids dry over winter. If a grate has rusted, our guide to rescuing rusty grates explains how to clean it without harsh chemicals.
Common questions
Which regulator fits my BeefEater?
BeefEater's UK hose and regulator assembly (96581) fits the 1200, 1500, 1600, 1700, 3000 and Clubman series. The 7000 series and Proline need a different part.
Can I convert my BeefEater to mains gas?
Most can. The 1200, 1500, 1600 and 1700 series use BeefEater's kit 95176, which we list; the 3000E, 7000 and Proline series need their own BeefEater kits. Any conversion must be fitted by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Do I need a heat shield for a built-in BBQ?
BeefEater sells heat shields to protect the enclosure. The hanging bracket sets also change the cut-out width, so decide before you build.
Will the Camp Chef pizza insert fit my BBQ?
It needs at least 39.7 x 34.3cm of flat cooking area and 20.3cm of headroom. It is designed for Buschbeck masonry BBQs and suits other BBQs with that space.
Do Buschbeck grids fit every Buschbeck BBQ?
The chrome grill and cast iron grid fit all Buschbeck masonry BBQs and grill bars, and the plancha fits any Buschbeck masonry BBQ.
How do I look after a cast iron grid?
Wash it in hot water without soap, dry it straight away and wipe on a thin coat of oil before storing.
How often should I replace a gas hose?
Check it every season and replace it if it is cracked or stiff. Many makers recommend a new hose every five years.
Do you sell BBQ covers?
Yes, for BeefEater, Lifestyle and Buschbeck BBQs. See our BBQ covers collection for the model each one fits.
Protect your BBQ
A fitted cover is the accessory that makes the biggest difference. Find the one made for your BBQ, or message us with your model.