If you are a BBQ enthusiast you know that charcoal grills have a flavor that is completely different from that of gas grills. The flavor that charcoal gives your food is richer and gives the meat a natural smokiness. For those that truly love to BBQ there is simply nothing better than a summer afternoon spent together with family, friends, your favorite drinks and of course your BBQ grill.

Even though the charcoal grills are the best for Barbeques the techniques of a good BBQ are not easily mastered. Don’t panic if you are a beginner! There will always be several ‘experts’ at any BBQ, and every one of them will be willing to offer advice! Whether you are new to grilling or not, here are a few tips that will make your Barbeque events fun and safe.

* Make sure the grill is placed on a level surface. You definitely do not want your grill to tip over when it is loaded with meat! (If possible locate your grill near a table)

* Have all the tools you will need in one place, close to the grill. Tongs, grill-cleaning brush, basting brush, spatula, lighter fluid (if you use it) and, the charcoal.

* Want to know how many briquettes to use? A good rule of thumb is to measure the amount of food that you will be grilling. Use around thirty briquettes for every pound of meat that you plan to cook.

* Light the charcoal. When the charcoal is gray (usually about 20 min), Using the long tongs, spread the charcoal out evenly on the bottom of the grill. Place the grill over the charcoal; use the grill-cleaning brush to clean it.

* Place your food on the grill. Do not place chicken, hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill and expect them to be done at the same time. Cook the chicken for about 20 minutes prior to placing hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill. Place the hot dogs on the outer edges of the grill.

* When your food is about 5 minutes from being done, start basting the food with the BBQ sauce. Make sure you baste both sides of the food.

* Make sure your charcoal grill is cold prior to moving it. NEVER dump the charcoal ashes out onto the ground – there may still be live coals in the ash, they will start a fire.

Enjoy your charcoal grill BBQ and the food!