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It’s not every week that you buy barbecues, so make sure you buy wisely. As a general rule, go for the best quality model you can afford, while thinking carefully about how often you will use it and how many people you are likely to be grilling food for.

You may be planning to use your barbie for al fresco dining several times a week during the long summer evenings or to entertain regularly, but even if you are only using it for the occasional weekend, it’s worth investing in a good quality one. A cheap grill may save you money in the short term, but it may well not last, and could spoil the fun of outdoor living by becoming difficult and frustrating to use.

As a general rule of thumb, try not to settle for less than 400 square inches of cooking space, even if you’re just going to be throwing on a couple of steaks every once in a while. Safety features like stay-cool knobs are important and worth paying extra for, but try not to go overboard on features you are unlikely to use. Side burners, for example, can add to the cost of the product so be sure you are going to use them.

Easy assembly is also crucial. The fewer parts your barbie has, the easier it will be to put together. And make sure to look for sturdy construction and cast-iron grill bars.

Essentially, your choice boils down to whether you want to go for a gas or charcoal-fuelled version. Research has shown that the food tastes the same cooked on both, but there are other things to bear in mind. If cost is a crucial consideration, gas-powered grills tend to be more expensive initially, but charcoal barbecues can end up being more costly to run in the long term.

At the same time, decide whether you want to be able to start grilling at once, or prefer the ritual of building and maintaining a fire. For some people, this process is an unmissable part of having barbecues. Others swear by the precise heat control of a gas-powered product. Most gas grills create significantly less heat than the average charcoal ones, so look for a model with burners which are close to the cooking grate.

It’s also a good idea to look for a grill with dual heat control so that you can work the burners separately. You could grill a whole platter of hot dogs and burgers, for example, or just one steak on a small area. And try to find a model with a drip tray, which will make cleaning up much less of a chore.

Finally, look at barbecues with a view to where you are going to store them in the winter months. It’s no good having one that’s too big for your shed, for example. And be sure you can move it easily across your patio or decking without the whole family having to wrestle with it.

While you may not previously have thought of buying barbecues online, doing so can save you money, time and hassle, with many companies offering free delivery to your door, so log on today for cheap grills this summer.