Despite the last few summer being a wash out, the concept of eating outdoors with friends and family has increased dramatically over the last few years. 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.

Part of the appeal of a Charcoal BBQ are the smells that are produced from not only the charcoal BBQ but from the food cooking and sizzling away, sometimes for a bit too long becoming a part of the charcoal burning on the BBQ.

Finding the best place to have your Charcoal Barbecue positioned is always a good idea. 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.

Flat level ground.

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. All of this will give you a idea of how much space you have available and also whether you want static charcoal BBQ or a Portable BBQ. The best way is to weigh up the pro’s and cons and work out which will best suit your needs.

The Portable BBQ is the more popular choice as they can be wheeled away and stored in a shed or garage. 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.

I know I have gone over it already but it is worth mentioning again safety when using a charcoal BBQ is vital. Keep children pets and other animals out of the charcoal BBQ cooking area at all times.