There is some confusion about the difference between grilling and barbecuing. Grilling is a high heat cooking method whereas barbecuing is uses a long slow smouldering heat to cook the food. This slow heat generates smoke if using charcoal or wood which gives the food that distinctive smoky flavor. This type of cooking is most suitable for large cuts of meat and traditionally the barbecue was associated with the poorer classes unable to afford the more expensive cuts of meat.

Many people enjoy the flavor of smoked foods. Smoking is the process of barbecue and gives the food that wonderful and distinctive flavor. It is possible to purchase a very inexpensive barbecue smoker if you want to get started.

Built in barbecues are particularly popular in the United States as a hot trend in home design. You may go for simple barbecue and outdoor setting or go to the full extreme of including refrigerators, sinks and countertops - a real outdoor room with an outdoor cooking area.

When cooking the barbecue, there are various ways to add flavor to the meat. You could use a rub which is a combination of spices which forms a flavorsome crust on the surface of the meat as it cooks. A rub is essentially a dry form of marinade.

A marinade is a combination of oil, acid and seasonings. The acid helps to break down the surface tissue of the meat and the seasonings add flavor. It is important not to marinate your food too long or the acid will break the tissue of the meat down to the point where it can become mushy.

The other way to add flavor to barbecue food is via sauces. Many say that a barbecue is not really a barbecue without the barbecue sauce. Many recipes have been passed down families for generations and different geographical areas have sauces common to their areas such as Texas famous for their thin sauce comprising a tomato base with molasses and Worcestershire sauce.

Before purchasing a barbecue, it is important to look at the style of food you enjoy along with the way that you like to entertain.