Tips for best BBQ grill for a beginner?

[aveatry]

Also as mentioned buy real lumpwood charcoal and not from supermarkets but having said that Morrisons sell Bik K in a brown bag and is good stuff. Also I have had some good bags from B and Q its called resturant grade and is in a 15KG bag.
Good charcole lights faster - burns hotter - lasts longer - produces less spitting sparks and produces less ash
I don't bother with the starter chimneys but just put a couple of natural firelighters in the bottom and carefully build a pyramid of charcoal on top - then go and do some more prep (read have a beer )
Then when its good and going I spread it out.

 

[aveatry]

As for control if you have a wider grill then you can put most of the charcoal at one end and can move the meat around as needed.
Tools
I use two tongs and have one on the right for butting raw meat on and then one on the left for handling cooked meat.

 

[aveatry]

I wouldn't try getting into smoking with lids on just yet as that is an art in itself.
Something like this might be a good start. It can be lowered - see the 3 slots on the right. It also has a higher keep warm rack. The good thing about th positions is that as the coals start to die I usually lower the grill and cook delicate things like wings or fish or banna with honey and almons wrapped in tin foil as a pud on the lowest setting as the coals have almost gone.
but you may need to get the next size up so it is wider and you can keep more charcoal at on end.
Also try to add little and often coals to keep the heat constant.
I actually built my own BBQ with all the elements I have suggested but also it has the capability of being a smoker and is all stainless steel for easy cleaning.

 

[aveatry]

For some smoke flavour you can chuck on some oak nuggets or chippings but the small chippings can go up in flames before they smoke so you can put then in a small smoking box. But personally I buy bigger chunks by the KG but that is for long 8 hour smokes

 

[blackcloud]

Thanks all seen this one in Lidl and trying to decide between the B and Q one mentioned at the top and this one?

What are peoples thoughts? Lidl is £99

Weber Compact Black Charcoal BBQ (D) 470mm

This Weber Compact charcoal kettle barbecue is ideal for anyone short on space, the compact kettle barbecue can be brought out for a delicious feast then tucked away conveniently when not in use.

www.diy.com

 

[aveatry]

Thanks all seen this one in Lidl and trying to decide between the B and Q one mentioned at the top and this one?

What are peoples thoughts? Lidl is £99

Weber Compact Black Charcoal BBQ (D) 470mm

This Weber Compact charcoal kettle barbecue is ideal for anyone short on space, the compact kettle barbecue can be brought out for a delicious feast then tucked away conveniently when not in use.

www.diy.com

I would go for the rectangle one rather than the round one as I described earlier you can load coals more at one end on a rectangle one rather than a round one. and not sure if the webber can but height adjusted

 

[aveatry]

I think lidl also have the chinmy starters in at the moment which I have heard good things about on BBQ chats

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

I certainly wouldn't buy from B&Q, they're considerably cheaper online.

 

[ETAF]

on mine rectangle , never used the kettle circular versions.
i do as said, prevously , I can load half or 3/4 if its just maybe 4 of us and then the other / 1/4 is cooler
on the shelf above I have 2 glass ( oven quality pyrex ) dishes that i put on that section and then i put all the cooked meat etc in those - and they keep very hot, and dont dry out , even for people who want 2nds
Burgers , sausages , corn , chicken , lamb and various kebabs
I put onions & potatoes wrapped in foil with a little butter into the side without the charcoals and can move those around to heat/caramelise in the foil - really really good
I have also put bananas/pineapple in foil on the grill

Also tools , i had really cheap ones and then i got a decent set for a present and they are so much better and last longer

 

[aveatry]

Even with a decent size grill I find when cooking for 4 or more you have to eat in waves - and keep it coming rather trying to cook it all in one go and then that's it.

 

[blackcloud]

Sounds like the lidl one is the better bet than the b and q one.
Can't find any decent charcoal anywhere locally though.
Do I have to have a chimney or can I just use these?

 

[aveatry]

You still need those lighters in a Chimney. All a chimney does is get the charcoal going faster - just means less time for a beer

 

[aveatry]

If you have a morrisons nearby try them for Big K charcoal

 

[blackcloud]

Do I need a lighter? Thanks

 

[aveatry]

Or this in Band Q