Recently we spoke with Bob Hart, Australia’s answer to Steven Raichlen, when it comes to BBQ experience, passion and knowledge – in fact rumour has it that Bob may even be on the invitation list to visit the American Royal as a guest judge!!

Anyhow, it seems Bob had received some information about a recent BBQ cook-off and photos of the cooks in action – a great idea he thought, but wait, could that be right?! Steaks and chicken pieces being cooked on flat heat plates. Surely not?

“Barbecue? I don’t think so… but then, I’m a bit of a barbecue Nazi” said Bob. “To me, barbecue involves the application of heat and smoke to protein, out of doors. Full stop. Even grilling should not involve a heat plate, surely. Use one of those ridiculous things, and you might just as well cook it in your kitchen, in a Sunbeam frypan.”

So there is the word from the expert and we thoroughly endorse his sentiments. Hot plates are definitely UNCOOL when it comes to the real world of barbecuing.