The choice of which barbecue to buy is made easy for some people because of the type of fuel available.

If you live in the bush, a wood-fired design would probably be the best bet. But if you're a city dweller with a local Council that has no sense of humour whatsoever in regard to backyard bonfires, then an LPG trolley barby might be the wisest choice or even (and it hurts me to say this) an electric unit.

Whichever way you go, it really is important to know the facts about the fuel you will be using. Like most things in life - there are pros and cons with each choice.

While gas is clean and efficient, it does have the potential to take out lazy or stupid barbecuers in a most spectacular manner. Using the wrong wood could also involve an exciting ride in the back of a big, white van to the local casualty department.

So, here's the good oil on fuels - forewarned is forearmed.