Boretti Barilo 2.0 Charcoal BBQ – Italian design for maximum grilling pleasure

The Boretti Barilo 2.0 Charcoal BBQ combines timeless Italian design with the pure taste experience of charcoal barbecuing. This Dutch premium brand, known from The Great Garden Makeover, has developed with the Barilo 2.0 a barbecue that is perfect for lovers of authentic grilling and enjoyable garden parties with large groups. With a grilling surface of no less than 87 x 41 centimetres, you effortlessly prepare delicious meals for up to 20 people. Whether you're organising a garden party, hosting a family gathering or simply love the characteristic aroma of charcoal: the Barilo 2.0 is built for intensive use and years of grilling pleasure.

What distinguishes this charcoal barbecue from others is the combination of high-quality materials and thoughtful design. The two cast-iron grill grates and one cast-iron hotplate ensure perfect heat distribution and those characteristic grill marks that you only get with top-quality grates. The robust construction of steel and cast iron, with a total weight of 42 kilogrammes, guarantees stability during grilling. With heat-resistant handles, you operate the barbecue safely, whilst the integrated thermometer gives you complete control over the temperature. The adjustable air vents make it possible to grill both directly and indirectly, allowing you to prepare everything from quickly seared steaks to slowly cooked meat.

Features & advantages of the Barilo 2.0 Charcoal

Cast-iron grates and hotplate for restaurant quality

The Boretti Barilo 2.0 is equipped with two cast-iron grill grates and a proper cast-iron hotplate. Cast iron is the ultimate material for serious grilling: it absorbs heat optimally, distributes it evenly and retains high temperatures for a long time. This allows you to achieve that perfect Maillard reaction that creates a delicious crust on your meat, whilst keeping the inside tender and juicy. The hotplate is ideal for preparing vegetables, fish, fried eggs or even pancakes on the barbecue – versatility at its finest.

Enormous grilling surface for groups of up to 20 people

With a cooking surface of 87 by 41 centimetres, the Barilo 2.0 provides space for up to 20 burgers, multiple racks of ribs at once or an extensive combination of different types of meat and vegetables. This makes the barbecue particularly suitable for large families, garden parties and barbecue evenings where you don't want to stand constantly by the grill. The total dimensions of 105 cm length, 52 cm width and 107 cm height provide a comfortable working height, so you can grill at leisure without back pain.

Adjustable air vents for temperature control

The Barilo 2.0 features thoughtfully placed air vents that allow you to precisely regulate air intake and therefore temperature. By opening the vents you get more oxygen to the charcoal, which results in higher temperatures for quickly searing meat. If you close the vents partially, you lower the temperature and create perfect conditions for slow cooking or smoking. Combined with the built-in thermometer in the lid, you have complete control over the grilling process, resulting in consistently perfect results.

Robust construction with heat-resistant handles

The sturdy steel construction with cast-iron components gives the Barilo 2.0 a weight of 42 kilogrammes – a guarantee of stability during grilling. The barbecue stands solid and doesn't wobble, even when you open or close the lid. The heat-resistant handles on the lid and base ensure you can operate the barbecue safely, even when it's at full temperature. This is not only pleasant during grilling, but also essential for safety, especially when children are nearby.

Both direct and indirect grilling methods possible

The Barilo 2.0 is designed for both direct and indirect grilling methods. With direct grilling you place the food directly above the glowing charcoal for high temperatures and quick cooking – perfect for steaks, burgers and sausages. For indirect grilling you place the charcoal to one side and the food to the other side, close the lid and use the barbecue as an outdoor oven. This method is ideal for larger cuts of meat such as spare ribs, whole chickens or pulled pork that need to cook slowly without burning.

Applications

Direct grilling for quick results

With direct grilling you place steaks, burgers, sausages, fish fillets or vegetable skewers directly above the glowing charcoal. The cast-iron grates of the Barilo 2.0 reach high temperatures and give that characteristic grill pattern to your food. Using the adjustable air vents you quickly create temperatures of 250 degrees Celsius or higher – perfect for quickly searing meat. The large grilling surface means you can grill for a whole group at once, without anyone having to wait long for their food.

Indirect grilling and slow cooking

For larger cuts of meat or dishes that need to cook slowly, the Barilo 2.0 offers excellent possibilities for indirect grilling. Spread the charcoal over one half of the barbecue, place your meat on the other side and close the lid. The barbecue now functions as a hot air oven where heat circulates around the food. Monitor the temperature with the thermometer and adjust it with the air vents. This way you prepare perfectly cooked spare ribs, whole chickens, pork loin or even bread and pizza.

Cooking on the cast-iron hotplate

The supplied cast-iron hotplate opens up a world of possibilities. Cook eggs and bacon on it for a garden breakfast, grill delicate fish that would fall through a grate, or stir-fry vegetables in Asian style. The plate is also perfect for making fajitas, fried potatoes or even pancakes. The cast iron retains heat excellently and you get even browning everywhere. After use, the plate develops a natural non-stick coating that makes cooking easier and easier.

Assembly & use

The Boretti Barilo 2.0 comes with a clear Dutch manual that guides you step by step through the assembly process. Assembly is relatively straightforward and requires no special tools – within an hour your new barbecue is ready to use. Ensure a stable, level surface and maintain sufficient distance from flammable materials. Place the barbecue at least two metres from the building and away from overhanging branches.

For the first use, it's important to season the cast-iron grates and hotplate. Rub them with heat-resistant oil (such as sunflower oil), heat the barbecue for 30-45 minutes at high temperature and then allow everything to cool completely. This process creates a protective layer that protects the grates against rust and provides non-stick properties. Repeat this seasoning after thorough cleaning or when the grates look dull. Clean the cast-iron parts after use with a steel brush while they are still warm, and rub them lightly with oil. Never use aggressive cleaning products or dishwashers for cast iron.

For optimal use of charcoal, it is recommended to use a fire starter or electric lighter instead of chemical starter blocks that can affect flavour. For prolonged grilling, add regular small amounts of fresh charcoal. The ash tray at the bottom makes it easy to remove ash between grilling sessions. Cover the barbecue after use with a suitable cover to protect the material from weathering. Store the barbecue preferably dry and covered, although the robust construction is also resistant to Dutch winters if you maintain it well.

Frequently asked questions

Is this barbecue suitable for how many people?

The Boretti Barilo 2.0 is designed for groups of up to 20 people. The spacious grilling surface of 87 x 41 centimetres provides enough space to grill for a large group at once. Of course, you can also use the barbecue excellently for smaller groups – you simply have extra space to prepare different dishes at the same time or to create zones with different temperatures.

How long does it take for the barbecue to reach temperature?

Depending on the amount of charcoal and weather conditions, the Barilo 2.0 reaches grilling temperature within 15 to 25 minutes. For high temperatures above 250 degrees Celsius (for steaks) you need slightly more time than for lower temperatures around 180 degrees (for indirect grilling). The thermometer in the lid gives you real-time information about the temperature, so