Charcoal Grills / Barbecues

Over the years I have been lucky enough to cook on a wide range of grills, most of them charcoal but there have been a couple of
gas-fired ones as well.

The charcoal grills have pretty much the same things in common. They are usually made of a high grade steel, either barrel (half an oil drum) or circular in shape. These grills will have a grate for your food, and usually a second grate for your charcoal. They may have a lid, and perhaps a slightly smaller, high level grate to keep food warm - or to cook food with a more gentle heat. They usually have 3 or four legs, and if fitted with a lid, this will usually be vented and may include a thermometer in its design. If you have a larger grill, they'll probably be wheels on two of the legs for easier mobility.

The outdoor grill come in may sizes, from a small low level grill capable of holding a few burgers, upto monster party grills that can hold dozens!

When you look for a grill, make sure it has an adequate cooking surface even while using the indirect cooking method. Make sure its sturdy enough for your needs, and if fitted with a lid, that it offers enough space underneath for what you intend to cook. Remember, if you're intending to have people over for a bbq party, its no good simply buying a grill big enough for your family of four!

I currently have a barrel style grill - basically half an oil drum on legs! Its big enough to hold around 20 burgers at a time, and has two side shelves to hold my tools, plus a large shelf underneath to hold the food that's waiting to be cooked.