In an earlier contribution to this discussion,
Jo wrote:

I'm looking to buy my husband a 'cheap' barbeque for his birthday (I
say cheap because we are not barbeque experts and really just want
one to practise with). I have no idea what sort are ideal for
beginners. Can anyone enlighten me - either what sort may be a good
reasonably-priced buy....or what to avoid.
Thanks in advance,
Jo

Focus sometimes do one for a very reasonable price (25 quid or so) which is
square-ish with rounded corners, has a hinged lid, fold up trays at the
side, legs and (I think) a couple of wheels at the back. It also has a
couple of levers at the front for adjusting the height of the grill rack
above the charcoal, plus a number of opening vents to control airflow.

We have had a very similar one for quite a few years - and its still going
strong - although it's now looking a bit "second-hand"!

I suggest you buy some bags of "self-lighting"? charcoal - where you stick
the whole bag in and put a match to it - and go away for a quarter of an
hour. When you come back, the charcoal will all be hot, and will have spread
itself out fairly evenly over the base of the barbecue. You only need to
poke it a bit to get a totally even layer, and then put the grill rack in
followed by the food.

But don't be in *too* much of a hurry to start cooking. Wait until the
flames have died down and until the charcoal is a fairly even grey colour.
Hold your hand palm down a few inches above the charcoal. If you can't stand
it for more than about 3 seconds, it's hot enough to cook on!

--
Cheers,
Set Square
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