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A charcoal barbie being the most cost effective can be simply an oil drum cut in half along the length and propped up on a steel or wooden frame. It's entirely possible to make your own and can be made very cheaply - sometimes for nothing at all!
Charcoal is always the preferred method for cooking outside. Experts say that gas or electric simply cannot provide the flavour that coals produce and whilst this is somewhat true, charcoal can easily put off the beginner outdoor chef as it can be difficult to light, taint the food with the odour of propellant (beginners often use to much lighter fluid on the coals which flavours the food leaving a gasoline like taste (not {good|pleasant|tasty|nice!!!) and finally novices don't wait until the coals are white but place food on the BBQ as soon as it is lit - resulting in cremated food!
Generally, a novice should heed the advice of a seasoned bbq master - there is always someone willing to offer help.
Gas BBQ's can be obtained for around 90 - 100 pounds but can reach upwards of 2,500! Weber is the leader in this type of grill - they are the Rolls Royce in outdoor cooking and if your budget allows you should purchase one of these rather than a cheap imitation from your local garden store.
A tip - when you buy your BBQ,choose a decent cover. No matter how many times you say you will always put it away when you've finished, chances are after a few beers on hot day in the sun and {you will|you'll forget and the rain will come. Stainless steel BBQ's (the best) do not like the rain at all!
This type of grill does not use charcoal but lava rocks instead. These can be used over and over again but change them at least once every 12 months - if you are lucky enough to live in a climate with year round sunshine then consider changing the lava rock once per season.
Lava rock does provide the charcoal taste to some extent but does need a helping hand initially. On your very first cook on your new unit you should 'christen' it with cheap economy burgers and fatty sausages. The fat from this food will coat the rocks and provide a lovely flavour to your food - very similar to charcoal. (throw the food away - it will be tasteless the first time - plus it's cheap food remember?)
You can also use hickory chips to add extra flavour. Soak them for an hour in warm water, drain and sprinkle over a low heat then add your food - lamb is best this way.
Finally electric barbecues or grills - don't bother - you may as well cook inside in the oven!
The best way to start of the summer is to purchase a starter kit. This gives you all you need to start cooking outdoors. From the barbeque itself along with tongs, grill cleaner and cooking utensils. Usually the starter kits are more cost effective than buying the items separately so are very good value.
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