Alright, let’s talk about the Everdure Hub II. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill BBQ. No, mate, this is a beast. A charcoal BBQ with a built-in rotisserie and electric ignition that’s more like a garden centrepiece than a simple grill.
Back in May 2023, the good folks at Everdure decided to gift me this beauty to help with some content creation and to provide a detailed, honest review. And let me tell you, I was chuffed to bits. I mean, who wouldn’t be? It’s like being handed the keys to a Rolls-Royce and being told to take it for a spin.
So, I’ve spent the last few weeks putting the Hub II through its paces, grilling everything from juicy steaks to succulent chicken kebabs. And now, I’m ready to share my thoughts. So, grab a cold one, sit back, and let’s dive into the world of the Everdure Hub II.
Introducing the Everdure Hub II
The Everdure Hub II is a charcoal BBQ that’s been designed with the ultimate outdoor barbeque entertainer in mind. It’s a collaboration with Heston Blumenthal, a renowned chef known for his innovative and scientific approach to cooking.
The Hub II is designed to stimulate all your senses with its integrated rotisserie and open barbequing experience. It’s equipped with a Fast Flame Ignition System™ that gets your BBQ ready in just 10 minutes. Plus, it comes with a built-in storage that doubles as a warming area for food and plates.
The design of the Hub II is sleek and modern, with a premium titanium finish. It’s not just a BBQ, it’s a show-stopper that’s sure to draw attention at any gathering. And with its safe and easy charcoal reloading system, you can keep the party going without any hassle.
But enough of the official spiel, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. How does the Everdure Hub II actually perform in the hands of a BBQ enthusiast like me? Let’s find out.
The Honest Review
First Impressions and Unboxing
When the Hub II arrived, I thought they’d sent me a small car by mistake. The box was massive! Unboxing it was like Christmas morning, but with more polystyrene. Every bit was well protected, and let me tell you, you’ll need a mate to help you move this behemoth around. One minor hiccup was the lid – it was slightly buckled upon arrival. It doesn’t affect the performance, but it does ruffle my feathers a bit when it’s sitting in the garden.
Design and Aesthetics
The Hub II is a looker. It’s like a Scandinavian minimalist met a retro enthusiast at a BBQ party and this was their love child. The titanium finishing is top-notch, and it stays looking sharp even after a good grilling session.
After a quick wipe down, it’s as shiny as a new penny, with no oil marks or fingerprints in sight. It’s big, it’s bold, but it’s not brash. It’s the Sean Connery of BBQs – suave and sophisticated.
Assembly and Setup
Putting it together was a doddle. You’ll need a mate to help with the heavy lifting, but the instructions are as clear as a summer’s day. Most of the time was spent getting my head around the sheer size of the rotisserie. I mean, you could probably spit-roast a dinosaur on that thing!
Features and Functionality
The rotisserie is the star of the show – smooth, silent, and can handle a load up to 40kg. The adjustable height feature is a game-changer, but it can be a bit noisy when it’s loaded up with food. I’m not sure if it needs a bit of lubricant or if it’s just flexing its muscles. The open grilling area is like a football pitch for your sausages. The Fast Flame Ignition System gets you up and running faster than you can say “pass the ketchup”, and the built-in storage and warming area is a godsend for keeping your buns toasty.
Reloading charcoal is a breeze with the removable chrome grills and cool-to-touch chrome handles. I’m so used to donning gloves for a BBQ, but with the Hub II, you can forget about singed fingers. Just place new fuel around the edge and push it towards the centre as it burns down. Easy peasy. But I do think they could have thrown in a few tools for the price. I find myself using the Kamado Joe Ash Tool to move fuel around.
Cooking Experience
Now, let’s dive into the meat of the matter – the cooking experience. Since the Everdure Hub II landed in my garden a few weeks ago, it’s been on regular rotation, handling everything from quick midweek meals to leisurely weekend cookouts. But there are three standout dishes that I’ve meticulously prepared, documented, and am particularly chuffed with. And let me tell you, cooking these on the Hub II was an absolute joy!
First up was a vibrant Chinese sticky chicken kebab with grilled pineapple and veggie skewers. This was one of the first recipes I wrote for the Hub II, and it was a perfect match for the rotisserie. The chicken cooked evenly, soaking up all the smoky goodness, and the grilled pineapple and veggies were a cinch to prepare on the spacious grill area.
Next, I tackled a reverse-seared tomahawk steak with grilled asparagus and a roasted red pepper, tomato, and garlic chimichurri. This was another early recipe, and it really showcased the Hub II‘s versatility. The reverse sear method was a breeze thanks to the adjustable rotisserie and the fast flame ignition system. The steak came out beautifully caramelised on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside. The grilled asparagus and the homemade chimichurri added a vibrant, smoky, and utterly delicious touch to the dish.
And finally, I got to flex my culinary muscles with a Tandoori rotisserie chicken, grilled naan, and mixed veggies. This was a recipe that truly showcased the versatility of the Hub II, making the most of its flexible cooking area and different cooking methods. The rotisserie was perfect for the succulent Tandoori chicken, while the grill was ideal for the homemade naan and colourful veggies. And let’s not forget the warming cupboard, which came in handy for helping my dough rise. The result was a vibrant and flavourful BBQ feast that was a hit with the family.
The Hub II made all these cooking experiences enjoyable and effortless. It’s not just a BBQ; it’s a complete outdoor cooking solution that lets you explore a wide range of recipes and techniques. Whether you’re grilling, roasting, or rotisserie cooking, the Hub II has got you covered.
And these are just the first few recipes! I’ll be cooking up a storm and writing more recipes for the Hub II, so keep an eye on my website for more BBQ inspiration.
Value for Money
The Hub II isn’t cheap, but then again, neither is a Rolls-Royce. It’s a premium product for those who take their BBQ seriously. But I reckon they could throw in a few extras for the price. I mean, come on Heston, where’s the recipe guide? And a cover wouldn’t go amiss either.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Rotisserie that could probably handle a small cow
- Warming unit for keeping your buns warm
- Design that’ll make your neighbours green with envy
Cons:
- Power cable that’s shorter than a winter’s day
- Lack of included accessories
- Rotisserie rod that requires a degree in logistics to handle
Conclusion
The Everdure Hub II is a beast. It’s perfect for those who love to entertain and want a BBQ that’s more of a garden centrepiece. But for the everyday griller, it might be a bit of overkill. With a few tweaks and some extra goodies thrown in, it could be the ultimate BBQ for any outdoor cooking enthusiast. So, Heston, when’s the Everdure recipe guide coming? I’ve got my apron on and I’m ready to grill!
End Summary
The Everdure Hub II is a high-end BBQ that delivers on its promises. It’s a beast of a machine, offering a versatile cooking experience with its impressive rotisserie and spacious grilling area. While it’s not for everyone, those who love to entertain and cook for large groups will find it a game-changer. With a few more accessories included, it could be the ultimate BBQ for any outdoor cooking enthusiast. Keep an eye on my website for more recipes and BBQ inspiration!
The Final Result
Disclaimer:
The Everdure Hub II was kindly provided to me for testing and content creation back in May 2023. However, this review is entirely voluntary and reflects my personal experiences and opinions after using the grill extensively since then.
You can explore the Hub II for yourself at Everdure’s official website. As of my experience, this grill has become a central part of my outdoor cooking arsenal, and I continue to use it to this day.
So, fellow BBQ enthusiasts, that’s my honest and in-depth review of the Everdure Hub II. If you’re looking to elevate your BBQ game with a versatile and efficient grill, I highly recommend giving this one a try. I reckon you won’t be disappointed.
Until next time, keep those coals burning and those rotisseries spinning! Cheers!
