Eating out doors with family or friends has been increasing in popularity on a yearly basis, although very dependant on the weather. Of course that restriction is not as bad as it once was with the increase in availability of the gas barbecue. 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.

Always think about the positioning of your Charcoal Barbecue before setting up. The following pointers should help you when looking for somewhere to set up your charcoal barbecue:

Make sure there is nothing overhead that can catch fire like trees or washing lines.

Not too close to any building.

Try and set your charcoal bbq up on an even surface.

Make sure you have an escape route planned in the case of an emergency.

Somewhere that you can preferably exclude pet’s from.

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. So work out how much space you will need and then make a concious decission on whether to go for a Portable BBQor a built in charcoal barbecue. The best way is to weigh up the pro’s and cons and work out which will best suit your needs.

Most people will go for a portable BBQ as they are convenient and easily put out of the way when not in use. 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.

Safety is also of great importance after all it is a fire that you are playing with. Some of the portable BBQ’s that are available are far too flimsy and are prone to collapsing or bending causing not just a fire hazard but also possibilities of burning. Go for a sturdy charcoal bbq with a good thick solid base. not only will it last much longer it will also be much safer.

Whatever happens though don’t let your heart rule your head and just run out and buy the biggest and meanest charcoal BBQ that you can find. Remember, the bigger the Charcoal BBQ, the more charcoal you will have to put on it, which can often be very costly.

Now, although health and safety has already been mentioned it is the most important thing of all, just make sure the kids and pets are out of harms way, then crack open a nice cold beer and enjoy you charcoal BBQ.