If it isn't burnt, it isn't barbecued … wrong!

Charcoal barbecues versus Gas barbecues. When shopping for a barbecue begin the 'touchy feely' process. Buy online by all means, there are great barbecue bargains and probably some of the cheapest barbecues around. However, get out and around the shops to inspect.

Weber Gas Barbecue

It is highly likely that the average charcoal barbecue is a flat pack and you'll need to assemble it. With this in mind, shake and rattle the one in the shop. Does it wobble? Will it be safe with white-hot embers in it? Will it survive the duration? How many levels does it have? If your charcoal is flaming and spitting, you'll need to raise the grill away from the flames. Otherwise your meat will burn on the outside and be raw in the centre.

The only controls you may have are the levels in which you can raise or lower the grill and probably an air vent.

B&Q Carcoal

Look closely at the type of charcoal you buy. There are two types; hardwood and softwood; Hardwood charcoal or briquettes have less sap or resin, thus they have low tar, so smoke less. Less smoke means fewer odours. Hardwood tends to burn evenly.

Before pouring your charcoal into the barbecue, line the dish with foil, shiny side up. Apart from reflecting the heat up, all you need to do is wrap the foil into a parcel and remove the ashes. Follow the instructions on the charcoal packaging.

Cooking on charcoal barbecues