Despite the last few summer being a wash out, the concept of eating outdoors with friends and family has increased dramatically over the last few years. The introduction of Gas barbecues has meant that the slightest break in the weather is now an opprtunity. For me and for many others though the only real way to barbecue is on a Charcoal Barbecue.
The charcoal smell from a Charcoal BBQ, and the chargrilled taste, cannot be replicated by its gas counterparts, making the traditional charcoal bbq the prefered choice of many keen would-be outdoor chefs.
Finding the best place to have your Charcoal Barbecue positioned is always a good idea. The following pointers should help you when looking for somewhere to set up your charcoal barbecue:
No over hanging hazards like trees, washing lines, buildings.
Not too close to any building.
Flat level ground.
Good access or exit in case of a problem.
If you have pets it would be advisable to shut them away whilst cooking on your charcoal bbq.
When choosing the right spot for the Charcoal BBQ also consider what it will be like when all of the starving guests are in the same area. All of this will give you a idea of how much space you have available and also whether you want static charcoal BBQ or a Portable BBQ. The best way is to weigh up the pro’s and cons and work out which will best suit your needs.
The Portable BBQ is the more popular choice as they can be wheeled away and stored in a shed or garage. Whereas a static charcoal BBQ is out in all weathers and open to animals both wild and pets running on them or worse.
OK, so you’ve decide on the type of charcoal BBQ, you’ve pick your spot to set up, next you can start to look for the actual barbecue itself.
When choosing one think safety, you will effectively be making fires in the base of your BBQ. The re-inforced foil used in portable BBQ’s is very thin and can often be quite dangerous, the bottoms have been know to give way which can obviousy be very dangerous in itself. So it is best to select a robust charcoal BBQ that will not only last longer but offer safety to keep those BBQ parties going without any injuries.
Try and keep your feet on the ground though and buy a Charcoal BBQ that is the right size for your requirements and not too big. In the vast majority of cases such a buying charcoal BBQ decision will be regretted at a later date.
I know I have gone over it already but it is worth mentioning again safety when using a charcoal BBQ is vital. Keep children pets and other animals out of the charcoal BBQ cooking area at all times.
