Standing over the charcoals with tongs in one hand and beer in the other has long been seen as a man's domain.
But according to celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, the true masters of the barbecue are women.
Contrary to generations of received wisdom, the 39-year-old said female chefs in his London steak house are much better at managing open flames.
Men, meanwhile, panic if they cannot control the heat with a switch.
"Actually some of the best barbecuers are women," said Jamie.