Adding an outdoor barbecue to your home is a great way to make the best use of your yard and turn your outside space into a useful entertainment area. You can invest in a simple outdoor grill that heats up with charcoal or you can invest in something more ornate, like a large wood smoker or a propane-fueled grill. It all depends on many factors, including your budget, how much space you have to dedicate to an outdoor barbecue space, and how much you plan on entertaining outdoors.

Before you shop for your outdoor barbecue needs, know what you're looking for. This guide will help you learn what you need in an outdoor barbecue.

What are you barbecuing?

Are you primarily barbecuing meat, or do you want your barbecue for kebabs and pizza or other types of food? The type of outdoor barbecue you buy should reflect the style of barbecue you want to do. If you have no preference, a basic style of barbecuing unit that has a few racks for separating foods can work well, in either a charcoal or gas style. For more even and controlled grilling, a gas-fueled barbecue is best, but if you want the flavor of grill marks and other infusions, then a charcoal or wood smoke grill might be best.

How much space do you need?

The smaller your outdoor barbecue space, the smaller your barbecue unit should be. You want one that is portable on wheels so you can move it from one part of your yard to another for easy use and to get it out of the way when not in use. If you have an entire outdoor kitchen, your outdoor barbecue can be more ornate in style and can be larger and more fixed in its location. Choose an outdoor barbecue with a cover or portable lid so you can protect the unit when not in use and cover foods while cooking for more even cooking.

How much money do you have? 

The more ornate and large a barbecue is, the more expensive it can be. If you just want something basic and inexpensive for an outdoor barbecue experience, then consider a basic charcoal grill with a single rack. Your outdoor barbecue specialist will help you select the best barbecue for your needs based on your cooking style, budget, and entertainment needs. You can have the unit set up professionally when you order it or set up your outdoor barbecue on your own.