First time doing a bbq!

tsobo

tsobo

tsobo

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25 Mar 2015
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Hi all. First time doing a bbq, and I feel I have a lot to learn. I bought a cheap oil drum charcoal bbp from argos, and now whats next? What kind of charcoal do I need;is best, some say I shouldn't light the charcoal with a lighter, so what do I use please. Also I'm into recycling a lot, what can I do with the bbp ashes, can I use them as grass fertiliser?. Sorry in advance if the post is scilly.
 
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Just reading some of the comments, people going on and on about the initial typos, is this really necessary? Half the posts on here are about the initial typos, can we please leave it now and just move on, you all must be very good teachers I get it!
 
Demon said:
It shows how society has progressed because we have a man asking for basic information from strangers.. only 15 years ago there was no way in hell.. asking directions, asking what the best shaver was, or how do I BBQ would be no-no's..

Effectively, stop worrying about minutae.. if the bag says BBQ or Barbecue on it, and looks like charcoal, that will do..

Lighting it, use whatever method.. sure technically some aren't ideal, but once the coals are burning and whatever you used to start it has eviscertaed you'll be fine..
I don't think you can buy the gel or liquid starter fluid.. that was ace.. basically allows you to squirt that on mid BBQ and get a 10 foot flame.. a real primal caveman experience..

Worry more about temperature and cooking the middle of things.. the biggest mistake people make is just burning the outside to a crisp with an uncooked centre, so cut some in half before thinking of serving and check! You can always slice sausages/burgers in half in an emergency to just sear the inside that bit.. not ideal, but your guests will unknowingly thank you.
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Thanks, this is very handy information. I know to some, it's just common sense, but I've never done it before and what better way to learn, than asking those who actually do it. Many thanks.
 
bigmike20vt said:
start simple. sausages and burgers.
charcoal is better than gas imo

(and for a good cost to quality ratio I really like Sainsbury's TTD 1/4 pound burgers with onion)

just before serving stick your cheese on the burgers then put the lid on the BBQ for about 1 min

don't put meat on till the flames have diedndown. chances are the 1st few times you BBQ the BBQ will be just about perfect to cook on as you finish ;)

once done I like to put a tiny amount of water on it then cut off the air to it. you can usually recycle some of the bricks to use again.

failing that the ash is ok mixed in your soil/compost
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Thanks very much. I'll definitely do this..
 
PapaLazaru said:
Buy a chimney starter.
Buy some natural firelighters.
Buy good charcoal.
Put a couple of the firelighters on the grill.
Light them.
Put the chimney on top.
Wait till it looks all hot.
Pour the charcoal into HALF of the bottom.
Sear your meat above the coals (keep a close eye on it)
Move it to the other side to finish with the lid on.

Something like that :D
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The chimney starter looks great. I have checked a few videos online and they advise with the starter you don't need the firelighters. Do you still use the firelighters with the chimney?
 
413x said:
I don't think it's my imagination that charcoal makes the food taste better. I find it's worth the faff. But it is a faff! :D


I'd second those chimneys. They make the hardest job (getting it going) much easier.
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Have you noticed much difference in the taste though? From charcoal to electric?
 
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