It's quite surprising how many chefs there are at a barbecue party and each one has a unique way of cooking. In fact, if you don't really want to cook, throw a barbecue party and watch the chefs go to work!

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

So lets take a closer look at the main two types of barbecues available. Each year I would buy a cheap barbecue in the end of season sale. My sole intention was to use it throughout the next season and dispose of it afterwards … and begin the cycle again.

I held the opinion that charcoal barbecues were proper barbecues and gas ones were for cheats. Then my wife bought me an Outback, with double burner and a side hob. I'm not going to spend too much time on the disposable barbecues, they have their place, and they are fine for family picnics.

Don't mistake disposable barbecues with portable barbecues … two totally different types of grills.

Portable barbecues are compact lightweight versions of the bigger regular models and are available in both gas and charcoal.

They are not just taking away on picnics and camping; if you have a small patio or roof garden and don't have the space for a larger barbecue, the portable barbecue may be perfect for your needs.