Everything re barbecues!

[Furries]

For various reasons, I’ve never owned a barbecue. Would now like to get one sorted and would appreciate some advice.

The barbecue itself - I live on my own and, for various reasons, won’t be hosting large barbecue events. Probably cooking for maximum of four people, more likely two most of the time. So, I definitely don’t need an all-singing/dancing gas model. Definitely want charcoal. Any recommendations for make/model would be great.

Using the blooming thing! Any advice re firing it up (charcoal), cooking tips and cleaning it definitely appreciated.

Finally and, most importantly, food suggestions. Lovely marinades for chicken and salmon (other fish welcome). How to ensure red meat doesn’t dry out. Basically, any huge hits in your household!

Thanks in advance - am looking forward to some al fresco cooking.

I’d recommend a Weber kettle bbq. I think you can get quite a small one. They cook really evenly and you don’t have to keep flipping or turning your food. They’re also really easy to control the air flow and therefore the temperature.
We use a chimney starter and lighting cubes to get it going. It normally takes 10-15 until the charcoal has completely ashed over.
Allow meat to come up to room temperature before putting on the grill. The grill will need about 10-15 mins to pre-heat. Also, brush it with oil to stop stuff sticking.
Know whether you need direct or indirect heat before you start to cook. How you arrange your coals will give you different heat zones and more control. A good set-up is to put all of the lit charcoal onto one side so you have a place to do indirect grilling.
Indirect is better for larger joints and meat on the bone. It’s also for more delicate items like fish. Indirect means that food won’t scorch or burn, and it generally produces more tender meat.