Barbecue novice - advice needed!

[DruidKnight]

DH and I so rarely do a barbecue that we've only ever used the disposable ones and just done the bare basics - sausage and burgers, the odd kebab. But we want to up our game and get a proper charcoal one, and start doing more exciting meals on it that the kids can enjoy and get involved with. Any recommendations for one that's reasonably straightforward that we can learn the ropes on without it costing too much?

Get some Schwartz Cajun seasoning, bash some boneless chicken breasts til they're the same thickness (between cling film with a rolling pin) cut them in halves, coat them in the spices and BBQ those. They go down really well with a nice salad.
I also do minted lamb kebabs. (If you're not using metal ones, make sure you fully soak wooden skewers in water before using them!) Then lamb mince, salt and pepper and freshly chopped mint, all mixed thoroughly and formed into sausages round the skewers. Turn regularly.
I find things like steak hit and miss really.
I have a largeish charcoal BBQ and I use 2 of the bags of charcoal that you ignite, side by side. I also line the base with foil, poking holes in where they need to be. It makes it so much easier to clean!
Happy BBQing! ❤

https://www.argos.co.uk/product/3451618?clickPR=plp:3:26

We've got one like this, though the lid on ours is hinged so just lifts open rather than sitting at a weird angle like this. It's just the right size for 4-5 people. It's DH that does the lighting and cooking, I have no idea when I would close the lid but he sometimes does when cooking. We just do simple things too like burgers, sausages ace some marinated chicken breast.

Meat thermometer... so you can check everything is cooked inside not just on the outside!

Remember you cook above the hot coals, not on the flames.

If you invest in a Weber, they last for years and years and there is an enormous online community for support.

Have a look and see if there is a good one going second hand if budget is a profit.

It’s the only way to do your turkey and ham, I promise you.