What to look for when buying a charcoal bbq

Compiled by Peter Stevenson

For most of us, the idea of a bbq entails a white hot, charcoal fuelled animal, pumping out plumes of smoke to provide that scrumptious flavour we all know and love. Although a lot more easy to select than a gas bbq, there are still a number of options - some more interesting ones which you may have never actually considered in fact - that need to be weighed up to unite master with the correct barbeque grill.

Size and portability

Unlike gas where you need to also think about coordinating overall size with the number of burners, with charcoal the bigger the area, the more charcoal you throw in. For a portable barbecue that you plan to take to the beach or even park, you needn't be worried about anything but cost. However, if you're planning on entertaining more guests, then you'll start needing bigger barbecuing areas and quality. In addition, don't forget that the good thing about charcoal means you can always make use of larger barbecue to do small cookouts; simply add less charcoal and keep everything firmly packed in the middle instead.

Build and temperature management

In the event that mobility isn't an issue, don't attempt to save money with a inexpensive build. The thing you don't want is it blowing over, or the handles of the grill falling off and dropping your meat or burning your self. If you opt for classy models you can have the look of the slinky gas barbecues but put charcoal in instead. Do not bother - the best part about charcoal barbecues is simplicity. In the end, charcoal barbecuing is basically a process of chucking a large bag of coals into a steel container and hovering a grill above it. Get a solid, durable barbeque grill with great handles which rests securely in position on the bbq. Many grills come in the form of chrome-plated metal, but even better ones will be solid stainless steel or enamel-coated. Enamel covered surfaces are much more common on charcoal barbecues than with gas, which permit easy cleaning, heat preservation as well as weather protection, however are prone to cracking. Complete the package with welded or strong-bolted legs to keep it securely in position.

So whaty type to choose? The main way to manage the actual temperature in charcoal cooking is to raise or even lower the height of the grill, so consider having a range of levels, in addition to additional grills to maintain various levels at all times (allowing you to cook a lot more fragile foods concurrently). Heat can also be managed with lids and air vents, so if you fancy roasting in addition to grilling choose an enclosed style such as a kettle drum. A heat monitor can be bought individually should you not acquire one with your enclosed system. Little details also assist upon more commercial models such as one touch coal waste removal slots as well as hinged grills you can match it in the dishwasher.

Simple models: Braziers

A good starting point for occasional grilling needs is really a mid-size Brazier design. One of the most familiar to most of us, Brazier simply means a charcoal tray without any vents or even cover, where temperature is managed exclusively by the height of the barbeque grill. They are obtainable as hemispherical cookware, drums or even as long rectangle-shaped trays such as "trolley" models, complete with wheels and frequently table areas at the side to put numerous bits and pieces. They range in size from medium to large and are affordable, however don't expect them to last forever or be made of the greatest stuff.

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