Barbecues Seen As Home Improvement For Kiwis

Barbecue season officially kicks--off Labour weekend, but New Zealanders barbecuing year round

No longer just a utilitarian object for cooking sausages, New Zealand home owners see built--in barbecues as a value--added addition to their property says one of the country's leading barbecue distributors.

According to Roly Kerridge, the national distributor of BeefEater barbecues, a trend towards built--in barbecues is gaining momentum around the country.

Mr Kerridge says demand for premium barbecues is not isolated to metropolitan areas and there has been significant pre--season sales of barbecues nationwide.

"Traditionally Labour weekend has marked the start of barbecue season and consumer demand for barbecues has generally reflected this. However, demand has been strong since August thanks to requests for built--in barbecues.

"Home makeover television shows like Auction Squad and The Fence are encouraging people to find easy ways to increase the sales price of their house," he said.

"The addition of a fixed stainless steel barbecue in the backyard makes properties more practical, more attractive and more sell--able."

Australian--based Peter Woodland, Managing Director for BeefEater Sales International, says New Zealanders' growing desire to use barbecues year round and not just in summer is another reason people are opting for built--in barbecues.

"New Zealanders are treating their barbecues as outdoor kitchens. Barbecuing is not something synonymous with summer any more. Kiwis are passionate about their barbecues and are using them for a variety of cooking purposes all year round," said Mr Woodland.

"Barbecues add value to entertaining areas so people are looking for innovation, style and endurance in outdoor cooking appliances and accessories."

Mr Woodland says it was these demands that led to the development of the latest revolution in barbecues -- the BeefEater Ivis Outdoor Kitchen Centre.

"The Ivis Outdoor Kitchen Centre gives new meaning to hosting a barbecue this summer. As the market for home renovations grows, people are looking for innovative new ways of extending their living space to encompass a sophisticated outdoor kitchen," he says.

Available in two and four burner barbecue configurations, the Ivis Outdoor Kitchen Centre combines barbecue technology with modular kitchen design. Barbecue food and beverages go hand in hand with an optional bar fridge and electric wine chiller. There are unlimited storage options, sink and water fixtures and space for a home entertainment system.

"With huge advances in barbecue technology and capabilities, the humble backyard barbecue really has come of age," says Mr Woodland.

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BBQ Factoids

Scholars believe the word "Barbecue" came from the French in Louisiana. "Barbe--a--queue" translated is "from whiskers to tail" which is a neat description of a whole roasted beast.

Others think the word "Barbecue" comes from early advertisements for bar, beer and pool establishments -- bar--beer--cue.

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