Last updated on July 9th, 2021
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Best BBQ Reviews
A garden grill is part of our summer identity here in the UK when the weather on our side. But some of us purchase a gazebo to keep the BBQ season going on for as long as we can as well as investing in an electric or gas patio heater. Whether you like cooking homemade burgers, a local butcher’s sausages or grilling hot steaks, nothing compares to the authentic BBQ taste. If you are in the market for a BBQ, sit tight and let’s give you a ride to the best BBQ in the UK.
BBQs come in all sizes and shapes, with the major distinction being either gas BBQs or charcoal BBQs. To find the best BBQ, think about what you’ll be cooking, how often and who you’ll be cooking for. This way, you’ll be able to find the right BBQ size with the right features for your cooking style. But that’s not all, we have all the factors to consider in our comprehensive buying guide, which you can go through after the BBQ reviews below.
BEST PICK
Below are our favourites that we have found to be the best BBQ’s and have been included in our review:
Gas BBQs
- Fire Mountain Everest 4 Burner Gas Barbecue – BEST PICK
- Fire Plus – CosmoGrill 6+1 Gas Grill Barbecue
- Charles Bentley 4 Burner + 1 x Burner Gas Barbecue
Charcoal BBQs
- Tepro Toronto Trolley Grill Barbecue – BEST PICK
- Fire Mountain Deluxe Trolley Charcoal Barbecue
- Weber One-Touch Original 1341504 Barbecue – BEST PREMIUM PICK
- Broil-Master Charcoal Grill Cart
New Infra-Red Design BBQ
Check out our review where we have compared the best BBQ covers
Below we review the Best 8 BBQ’s on the market and we have categorised them into three different categories; gas, charcoal and infrared for easy reading. So let’s get to it, below you will find our top 4 favourite gas models followed by our carefully chosen charcoal BBQ’s
Our Best BBQ Reviews
Gas Barbecues
1. Fire Mountain Everest 4 Burner Gas Barbecue
BEST PICK
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The Everest 4 Burner Gas BBQ is an affordable barbecue from Fire Mountain that cooks well and has been built to last to ensure good value for money. It stands out due to its modern design and premium quality, yet it comes at an incredible price which is why it is probably proven so popular on Amazon.co.uk.
This BBQ offers a large cooking area of 77cm x 42cm (W x D), plus one grill area and griddle which should be enough to cater for family meals and parties, including grilling burgers and hotdogs. The grill itself measures 37.5 x 1 x 41.5cm (W x T x D), whilst the griddle dimensions are 37.5 x 1 x 41.5cm (W x T x D).
It’s worth mentioning that the BBQ comes flat packed and requires home assembly before use. The whole assembled unit measures 140 x 106 x 56cm (W x H x D) and it weighs 44kgs so it is certainly a sturdy piece of kit. In addition, there’s a removable drip tray below the cooking area to ensure cleaning is a breeze which is one feature all good BBQ’s should have.
There are 4 exclusive cast iron burners, each of 12,000 BTU, featuring electronic piezo ignition for safe and simple lighting every time. The dome-shaped roasting hood integrates a temperature gauge for keeping a close eye on the heat, whilst it also features a wire warming rack for keeping food warm after cooking.
The BBQ has a shelf on either side to maximise the preparation area when needed, with little bars to the front providing space for hanging utensils on plus a hook to one side. Behind the fabric front panel is a lower shelf that’s ideal for storing the gas bottle when the BBQ is off. Remember to always keep the gas bottle away from the BBQ during use to minimize the danger of fire.
A propane gas regulator and hose are also included to help connect your gas to the bottle, which you have to buy separately (as with all BBQs). Two wheels placed to one side allows you to tilt and roll the BBQ into position to start grilling, this feature also makes it easier to store away the cooking apparatus when not in use. Ensure you keep your BBQ indoors or cover it when not in use to help keep it in the best top-notch condition.
Pros
- Has an immense cooking area – 77cm x 42cm, including a grill size of 37.5cm x 1cm x 41.5cm and griddle of the same dimensions, making it perfect for family meals.
- Integrates a temperature gauge for monitoring the heat and a wire warming rack to keep food in great condition after cooking.
- Comes with two side shelves to help increase the cooking surface when necessary.
- Easy to move into position and store away due to the attached two wheels on one side.
- Has a premium design and quality, yet the price is a bargain.
Cons
- Cleaning the BBQ is not as easy as expected, since it lets mess go past the drip tray into areas that are hard to reach.
- Takes a bit long to assemble – at least 3 hours if you are not use to building flatpack equipment etc.
Our recommendation
The Fire Mountain Everest 4 Burner Gas Barbecue is a decent piece of cooking equipment that does a good job of preparing meals for family and friends. It has 4 burners that are safe to ignite every other time thanks to electronic piezo ignition.
You’ll love the large cooking area and the provision to increase the area whenever you want. In addition, the BBQ offers great mobility plus easy storage.
On the downside, the assembly of this barbecue takes quite a long time and we found that it might give you a hard time cleaning depending on how clean you like to get it.
Overall, you simply get what you pay for, so this grill cooks just fine and comes at a great price but don’t expect it to last forever. That being said as long as you clean it, maintain it and keep it covered it should last for many years. We were really impressed with this model overall which helped it win our spot for the ‘Best Pick Award’. To sum up, great quality, it cooks brilliantly and comes at an amazing price.
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Read next: Best BBQ Gazebo
2. Fire Plus – CosmoGrill 6+1 Gas Burner Grill Barbecue with Side Burner
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The Fire Plus – CosmoGrill 6+1 Gas Burn Grill BBQ Barbecue w/ Side Burner is becoming a popular gas option due to its high performance, premium quality and ease of use.
It boasts 6 stainless steel burners, each 12.6kW, and they are ignited individually with individual knobs featuring piezo ignition, meaning you can keep your matches for some other lighting. In addition, there is one side burner with a lid, plus two cooking grills with a stamped enamel finish that makes them look quite classy.
The CosmoGrill uses flavouring bars, (also known as flame tamers) to prevent drippings from clogging up the burners. These tent-like metal pieces rest under the grate over each burner and offer a place for drippings to land on and vaporise into flavoursome smoke that gives food a distinct grill flavour. In some way, they also help in spreading the heat across the surface of the grill.
This barbecue additionally has a fully removable grease pan to catch any dripping juices and grease in order to give an easy time cleaning after you’re done cooking.
A layered BBQ hood makes the barbecue reach cooking temperatures far more quickly and this allows you to bake or roast in addition to grilling. For instance, if you have a large chunk of steak that’s very thick to grill, simply close the hood and the trapped hot air will heat up the food like an oven. Furthermore, the hood even features a thermometer to help you monitor the cooking without needing to open it.
Also included in this grill is a warming rack that provides space for keeping your food hot after it’s cooked. Remember that various foods need different times to be fully cooked, so the warming rack is incredibly useful. Then, you can serve all of your food hot once the rest of the slower-cooking foods are ready.
This grill also brings about the benefit of portability. It is fitted with two caster wheels that allow you to move it easily to wherever you want. This is something you’ll appreciate especially those days when you are enjoying grilling your sausages and the rain starts to fall. By simply grabbing the handle on one side, you can take the grill out of the rain to a roofed terrace, regardless of the weight of this BBQ.
There is a useful shelf to the left of the BBQ that is perfect for keeping your utensils when you are not using them. On the right-hand side of the BBQ, there is an extra burner for frying some onions or alternatively warming up sauces.
Pros
- Has a sturdy aluminium-lined hood with integrated thermometer to let know how things are progressing without having to open it.
- Versatile grill that allows you to grill, roast or bake.
- Includes a side burner for warming up sauces and another full-length side table for holding utensils whilst you cook.
- Has a warming rack for keeping your food in great temperature without overcooking it.
- Has two castor wheels for moving it to the cooking location.
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a gas hose and regulator, so you’ll have to buy separately.
Our recommendation
This is a superb BBQ grill that will allow you to prepare enough food for family and friends. It looks great at first glance, well-built and easy to move. It has some convenient features such as an integrated thermometer, side burner, side table plus a warming rack.
The only issue is that you will have to purchase a hose and regulator separately which is an extra expense that our ‘Best Pick’ by Mountain Fire does not have.
All in all, the Fire Plus CosmoGrill 6+1 Gas Burn Grill BBQ Barbecue is another excellent choice for those who want a grill that will make large meals in one go and is a great alternative to our ‘Best Pick’, especially if you need a little more cooking space.
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3. Charles Bentley 4 Burner + 1 x Burner Gas Barbecue
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The Charles Bentley Gas Barbecue is available in either black or a titanium grey option. It includes 4 stainless steel burners which give about 14kW each and they are individually ignited. This allows you to create different temperature zones across the unit and you’ll be able to cook various foods all at once. Additionally, there’s a side burner when you need that little more cooking space.
The grill comes with a full-length chrome warming rack for keeping your food warm until you serve. Constructed with a side table, the BBQ grill provides space where you can keep the utensils you carry on board. Furthermore, there are two storage cabinets for storing all your BBQ essentials, including 3 utensil hooks and a sauce rack.
This BBQ has a double-layered hood that offers extra insulation and helps keep the food warm for up to 30 minutes after the unit has been turned off. A thermometer on the hood allows you to monitor your cooking without having to open it which is a nice little feature.
Speaking of the construction, the body and handles are made from stainless steel whilst the cooking grill is made from stamped steel with an enamel finish. The body material is heat and flame resistant (as you would expect) meaning you won’t burn yourself when opening the hood, whilst at the same time, the body will remain to look elegant.
The grill requires home assembly and the good thing is that instructions are included to guide you step by step and these seem quite easy to follow. The assembled dimensions are 136 x 56 x 106cm, with a primary cooking area of 63 x 41cm, whilst it weighs 34kg so is not too heavy to move around on the wheels.
For easy manoeuvring around the garden or patio, the grill has 4 castor wheels, side handles and brakes. It also features a propane gas regulator and 60cm hose that is suitable for a 13kg green patio gas bottle or even a 5kg. Lastly, the BBQ grill includes a bottle opener that comes in handy when it’s time to follow up with a drink.
Pros
- Comes with 4 burners that are ignited individually and allow precise heat control for cooking a wide range of foods.
- Includes a warming rack for keeping your food at an optimum temperature long before you serve.
- Safe and easy to manoeuvre around the garden due to the fitted caster wheels, handles and brakes.
- Easy to assemble because it comes with straightforward instructions to get you started in minutes. This regards to initial setup.
- Supplied with a hose that works with both 13kg and 5kg green gas bottle.
- Built from sturdy, heat resistant and flame resistant stainless steel which ensures great durability of the grill.
- Has an elegant finish and you can choose between Black and Titanium Grey.
Cons
- Drip tray isn’t big enough to catch all the fat when cooking which means some of it drops over the back of the BBQ.
Our recommendation
The first impression of the Charles Bentley x4 Burner + 1 x Burner – Gas Barbecue 5 Burners shows that it’s a beautiful and well-built kit. Obviously, a black stainless steel finish is quite striking from any distance (if you choose a black model though). On top of that, Bentley made sure that the unit is heat and flame resistant so that you can find the long term value for investment on the basis of durability.
It has 5 burners in total, which will allow you to cook your favourite foods at different temperatures. The inclusion of storage compartments is brilliant, while some add-ons such as bottle openers will only take your outdoor experience with friends to another level. You’ll also benefit from easy assembly and storage as well as easy manoeuvring around your garden.
The only niggle we found regards the size of the drip tray, which in our opinion is on the smaller side. Some of the fat may end up down the back of the cupboard and over the back of the grill, making for tough cleaning later. It also takes a while to assemble but we don’t think that this is a deal-breaker.
In closing, if you want to add some style to your barbecuing life, choose the Charles Bentley x4 Burner + 1 x Burner Gas Barbecue. It doesn’t have as many cooking options as the CosmoGrill 6+1 Gas Burn Grill BBQ, but it should still cook enough food for quite a number of people.
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Charcoal Barbecues
4. Tepro Toronto Trolley Grill Barbecue
BEST CHARCOAL PICK
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For a cosy barbecuing evening on the patio or terrace, the Tepro Toronto Trolley Grill Barbecue is the ideal companion. It features an American-style grill cart that allows a height adjustment to your preference. By letting you adjust the distance between the grill, rack and coals you have control over the cooking temperature of your food.
Another impressive feature about this BBQ grill is the manner in which it cooks. The Tepro Toronto has a unique two-tier design that allows you to shut the grill area and prevent the heat from escaping. With hot air trapped inside, your food cooks evenly on all sides, similar to how a convection oven works. This means you don’t always have to put your food directly above the flame as is the case with standard BBQs. The cooking area measures 41.5cm x 27.5cm and you actually benefit from two of them.
In addition, it includes special air vents that allow air to pass over the coals and prevent them from going out whilst the lid is closed. On the lid, there is a useful thermometer that helps you monitor the temperature inside your grill and in some way, you get to know when to add more coals so your grill lasts longer into the night.
When it comes to mobility, the Tepro Toronto is a sure thing. It has a handle on one side which you can use to lift it up a little, and with the help of fitted wheels, you can pull the BBQ to any location in your garden. The Toronto also comes come with some handy add ons including utensil hooks and a bottle opener, making this grill ideal for outdoor fun with the family.
Pros
- Features a built-in lid thermometer which helps you monitor the temperature inside the grill.
- Has a height adjustable cart that allows you to regulate the heat cooking your food by adjusting the distance between the grill rack and coals.
- Designed with air vents that allow complete air circulation during grilling and keeps the coals burning for longer.
- Can easily be moved to and from the barbecuing location thanks to the handle and wheels.
- Includes utensil hooks and a bottle opener to complete the perfect barbecuing event.
Cons
- No problems found.
Our recommendation
The Tepro Toronto Trolley Grill BBQ is a well-built BBQ grill with excellent convenient features. We like the adjustable height of this grill that basically gives you complete control over your cooking.
The built-in temperature is also a great feature whilst utensil hooks and the bottle opener are other extras that are rare to find in other BBQs. For the price of this BBQ, we are sure you’ll get great value for what you pay for.
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5. Fire Mountain Deluxe Trolley Charcoal Barbecue
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In our search for a BBQ that offers a remarkable way to cook regular grilled food for garden parties or family meals, we found the Fire Mountain Deluxe Trolley Charcoal Barbecue to be a decent option.
It comes flat packed and with assembly instructions included in the box, you can set up the whole unit in about an hour, this is far faster than most other BBQs we have reviewed. The assembled dimensions of this BBQ grill are 99cm x 123cm x 50cm (H x W x D) with a cooking area of 63cm x 38.5cm.
The cooking area is split over two levels that can be adjusted over three heights, thus providing a fantastic way to cook various foods simultaneously. When on the highest level, the back grill can help keep food warm whilst your other ingredients cook.
Keeping in mind that charcoal smoke can cause discolouration, rust or corrosion on metal hardware, charcoal BBQs ought to be fully resistant to these effects. The Deluxe Trolley is made from strong, black powder-coated stainless steel which resists any form of wear.
For convenient barbecuing, the grill has two side shelves for quick preparation and holding condiments or plates whilst your main food is cooking. You can also keep other essential items such as extra charcoal and utensils in the large storage area beneath the grill.
There are two wheels on the side that allow you to tilt and move the grill into position, as well as enable rolling the BBQ into the storage area after every use.
Pros
- Has two grills that can be adjusted between three heights that are perfect for cooking different foods at the same time.
- Built from a strong stainless steel that resists wear and increases the life of the frame.
- Allows you to have everything you want within reach thanks to the two side shelves for holding essential items such as condiments and utensils.
- Comes with a storage compartment for hiding extra charcoal and additional utensils.
Cons
- Assembly instructions are somehow lacking.
- Coal area is quite small compared to other charcoal models in the same price range.
Our recommendation
The Fire Mountain Deluxe Trolley Charcoal Barbecue is a very versatile barbecue due to its adjustable grills and three cooking levels. We really like the solid steel construction with black powder coating, which not only assures maximum durability but also makes the grill look really attractive. You’ll appreciate the side shelves and storage area which basically allow you to carry everything you need to use whilst barbecuing.
There are a few flaws with this BBQ grill, however, we feel they are quite manageable. Having said that, the Deluxe Trolley Charcoal Barbecue is an affordable investment for major family barbecue events and probably one of the cheapest for its size and features. Overall it is worth considering for anyone looking for an affordable charcoal barbecue.
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6. Weber One-Touch Original 57cm 1341504 Barbecue
BEST PREMIUM CHARCOAL PICK
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The Weber One-Touch 57cm Original 1341504 Barbecue has an exceptional kettle design with enough room to cook food for up to a family of 4. The majority part of it is made from special enamelled steel with a black finish that makes it an eye-catching piece in the garden. The handle is made of reinforced nylon with fibreglass, the aeration valve and ashtray built using aluminium, whilst the rollers are made of thermosetting plastic that is resistant to elements.
The One-Touch Original requires self-assembly and the full dimensions are 64cm x 57cm x 98cm (L x D x H). At only 12.7kg, this is one of the most lightweight and portable BBQs on the market. It is also easy to manoeuvre around thanks to its two wheels.
When in use, it offers plenty of space to cook food. You can easily take a pack of burgers and another pack of sausages and still have extra room for chicken. Furthermore, the large surface means that you can have meat on one side and fire on the other and enjoy the benefits of ‘indirect barbecuing’ as well as the conventional seared BBQ. A vent at the bottom of the BBQ takes the pain out of cleaning the grill, so you will find this BBQ easy to use in general.
Pros
- Has an excellent kettle design with an elegant enamelled steel finish.
- Large cooking surface of 57cm in depth that allows the cooking of different foods at the same time.
- Weighs only 12.7kg making it a very portable BBQ.
- Easy to use and clean.
Cons
- None found.
Our recommendation
The Weber One-Touch 57cm Original 1341504 Barbecue is a very well-made product that cooks incredibly well and is a real head-turner, however its also the most expensive for its size.
It is easy to install and provides a large cooking area that allows you to do both direct and indirect cooking. Let’s not forget the little weight of this grill and its beautiful traditional looks.
Perhaps the only niggle is the price since this BBQ is a bit expensive compared to other charcoal models. All in all, this is a great BBQ kit for families of up to 6 members who are looking for the very best charcoal BBQ.
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7. Broil-Master Charcoal Grill Cart
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The Broil-Master Charcoal Grill Cart with its large grilling surface brings extensive features for garden barbecue events. Firstly, it has a large cooking area – 55cm by 42cm – offering enough room to prepare sausages, steaks, vegetable shish kebabs and more.
Perhaps something you will love the most about this BBQ is its flexibility in fuel use – it allows easy cooking with charcoal, coal briquettes and even wood. And whilst your food is cooking, you can maintain an ideal temperature range through the built-in lid thermometer. Combined with an adjustable charcoal tray, you can optimally manage your cooking in order to achieve the perfect taste. The Broil-Master Charcoal even allows indirect grilling for even cooking when the lid is shut.
There is a storage space just below the combustion chamber in which you can keep extra fuel for when you need it. The grill also includes one side rack that does a great job of warming food.
Speaking of the build, this charcoal BBQ has a classic design and it’s finished with powder-coated steel for increased durability. It has two functional wheels and non-slip supporting feet with large side handles to help in relocating the grill. A bottle opener attachment is also a useful addition to this grill. Worth mentioning is that assembly instructions have been printed in three languages; German, English and French.
Pros
- Can use a wide range of fuel, including wood, charcoal and coal briquettes.
- Cooks food effectively due to the adjustable charcoal grate combined with a temperature monitor.
- Allows both direct and indirect barbecuing.
- Comes with a storage space for carrying extra charcoal.
- Can easily be relocated to various spots around the garden thanks to the handy side handles and wheels.
Cons
- No clear negatives.
Our recommendation
The Broil-Master Charcoal Grill Cart with Large Grilling Surface is a classic barbecue with excellent practicality. It is hard to beat the fact that it works with various fuels that are readily available.
It has an adjustable grate that only a few BBQs have and it also benefits from onboard storage.
We also like the side handles and wheels that make it quite mobile even with more than 20kgs of weight. Overall, a well-made BBQ grill for a great price and one that can be used with many fuels makes this a very attractive option especially if you have wood to burn.
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Gas with Infrared Barbecues
8. Char-Broil Performance Series T47G – 4 Burner Gas Barbecue
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Char-Broil is a leading American barbecue brand that is known for making innovative products and now they are available in the UK so we thought they were worth a look. The Char-Broil Performance Series T47G is a major statement by the American company simply because it uses cutting edge Infrared technology as the source of heat.
In a traditional gas BBQ, a flame heats the grills directly, however, with an infrared BBQ, there is an infrared element between the grills and the flame. The gas heats this element that then radiates the intense heat to the food. This system is highly gas efficient, using up to 30% less gas than a gas BBQ and cooks food evenly without flare-ups to deliver up to 50% juicier food.
The T47G boasts the largest cooking area in Char-Broil’s chain of BBQ’s. It has 4 primary burners, 1 side burner to warm up sauces, a large warming rack to keep food warm away from the main cooking area and 2 side shelves to hold extra grilling tools. In addition, an electronic igniter at each burner ensures a perfect start at the push of a button every time. Each burner features its own temperature control gauge, meaning precise cooking is possible through the four burners.
Char-Broil’s stainless steel burners and cast iron grates are built to last and can stand the heat. The grates are corrosion resistant and easy to clean. The grill has four wheels, with two of them featuring locking casters, making it stable once the wheels have been locked in place. Other than that, it is generally easy to move. When not in use, Char-Broil recommends covering the grill using the tailored Char-Broil 140 565 covers and these are sold separately.
This product enjoys a lifetime warranty, the longest when compared to the other grills on our list. However, the cooking grates have a one-year warranty, while the cook box and lid have a 2-year guarantee.
Pros
- Offers a large cooking surface with 4 primary burners and 1 side burner for sauces and dishes.
- Uses up to 30% less gas and cooks up to 50% juicier food than standard gas BBQs.
- Requires no matches for lighting the burners – it uses electronic ignition.
- Allows individual temperature control for the 4 burners.
- Has a durable construction, with stainless steel burners and cast iron grates.
- Easy to move the grill, thanks its four wheels. Two wheels with caster locks also ensure stability of the BBQ.
Cons
- Takes a lot of time to assemble, about 3 hours.
Our recommendation
The Char-Broil Performance Series T47G is a modern BBQ that benefits from the latest Infrared technology and first impressions are excellent. They are well known to be more efficient than conventional gas barbecues but this comes at a price but you will probably save the extra expense you pay in gas and it is a quality BBQ with a lifetime warranty.
Its large cooking area can cook for more than 10 people at a time and its supplementary features such as side shelves, warming rack and temperature control are quite useful.
As solid as it looks, putting together the T47G BBQ needs some patience. But once it is up and running, you will find joy entertaining your guests with big meals. It goes without saying that this BBQ grill needs some serious investment, but it’s worth every penny.
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BBQ Buyer’s Guide
There is a lot to think about before buying a BBQ grill so be sure to consider the following:
Barbecue type: Gas vs Charcoal
The major decision you will have to make is whether you want gas or charcoal barbecue. Gas models are usually more expensive than their charcoal counterparts, so somehow your budget may determine your purchase but gas BBQs are much easier and quicker to get cooking.
- Gas BBQ – The main advantage of a gas barbecue is that it allows you to start cooking almost immediately. Gas also tends to cook more evenly due to temperature regulation. Some models have multiple burners that allow cooking of food at different temperatures, which is useful for foods that require varied heat. If you want to grill outdoors but you don’t have the whole day or you want your food on the table real quick, gas BBQs are the best option.
- Charcoal BBQ – Charcoal BBQs on the other hand, require more time to get going as the charcoal needs to get hot to cook food well. You need to allow around 45 minutes before you start cooking in order for the embers to burn hot and reduce the probability of flames. These barbecues are ideal for get-togethers with family and friends as well as weekend garden parties when you know that you have enough time to enjoy. If you think a charcoal BBQ is the best option for you, you can learn more from our charcoal BBQ reviews
BBQ Size
The size of a barbecue determines the amount of food it can serve at a time. You will want a large grill for big parties or if you have ample space in your back garden. In this case, you can consider a BBQ that offers 450 sq.in to 800 sq.in total cooking surface.
If your outdoor area is a bit limited or you occasionally host large groups, go for one of the more compact models. A grilling area of about 350 sq.in to 500 sq.in is just enough to cook 15 to 25 burgers at a time, more than enough for most family BBQ occasions.
There are even some other portable models that you can use for balcony grilling or take camping. These allow quick assembly and easy storage, however, they only serve a few guests at a time.
BBQ Material
The frame and body of a BBQ can be made from stainless steel, painted steel or cast aluminium. Stainless steel is appealing and rust-resistant. Most expensive models are made from stainless steel, including stainless steel burners and handles. Yet, stainless steel can yellow over time, especially if left open to the elements when it isn’t in use.
Painted steel is also great at first, but it’s susceptible to rust when the paint peels away or due to scratches. On the contrary, a cast aluminium body is durable and does not rust.
The material used on the BBQ grates can make a significant difference. Porcelain-coated cast-iron grates will do a great job of retaining and transferring heat, making them a solid option for searing meat. Porcelain-coated stainless steel grates also do a good job in retaining heat, however, they are not as effective as their counterparts. Heavy-gauge stainless steel will retain heat excellently, is highly durable and resistant to rust. In addition, it is also the easiest to clean.
BTU’s
This is the measure of a BBQ heat output. Generally, the more the BTU, the hotter the frizzle. The number of burners in a BBQ will determine the BTU’s delivered by the particular grill. Most barbecues have up to 4 primary burners that rate a combined 25,000 to 60,000 BTU’s, with side burners ranging from 10,000 to 12,000 BTU’s. Just to give you an idea, a 44,000 BTU BBQ is said to be ‘hot’, whilst a 60,000 BTU unit is blazing.
Grill assembly
Some grills are more hectic to build than others. If you’re not good with DIY, find a BBQ with pre-assembled parts as it will save you the hassle and time. If you are purchasing from retail shops, ask to check the instructions just to see that they are clear and straightforward. For those that prefer ordering online, then you can rely on barbecue reviews to inform if the grill you want is easy to put together or not.
Storage and transportation
Stand-alone charcoal BBQs are easy to move to and from the shed anytime you need them, but large gas BBQs are usually heavier and are better off leaving them on the patio all through the summer. Pay attention to barbecues with handles and sturdy wheels that facilitate movement around the garden and into the shed.
Price and warranty
There are cheap models that cost less than £100 and they tend to have all the basic cooking features. However, these are cheaply made and won’t last the test of time. Large grills with more than 3 burners will cost more than £250 and they come with extra features such as electronic ignition, foldable side tables and are usually durable. When it comes to BBQ prices, consider your needs first before you invest your money in a barbecue.
Make sure to compare the warranties of various models. The best bunch of BBQ’s have limited lifetime guarantees. It is also common to find that some products only have a few parts covered by a warranty. On this note, BBQ reviews and manufacturers sites are the best sources of warranty information.
Features to look for
- Hood – a good hood opens enough to allow access to the entire cooking area. Pay attention to the hoods resistance to accidental closing from gusts of wind.
- Controls – look for knobs that are easy to grip and turn. Ensure they are well-labelled with positive stops at both the low and high end position. Knobs that incline out are easier to reach without having to bend over.
- Ignition – you can choose between piezo and electronic ignition. In piezo system, you need to press a button or knob and generate a spark to ignite the gas. Electronic option uses a battery to ignite the gas.
- Side burner – this is a handy extra that is often found in large BBQs. It is usually handy for stirring sauces and keeping food warm without overcooking it. Some side burners have covers that offer considerable space for preps and maybe holding utensils.
Final Conclusion
We all agree that things taste better on a BBQ. Perhaps what we can disagree on is the best BBQ choice, considering that what works for you will not be the best option for someone else.
With our BBQ buyer’s guide, we hope you can easily choose the best barbecue grill that suits your needs, based on size, style and price. Having looked at different BBQ products, here’s our summary;
The Everest 4 Burner Gas Barbecue is our best barbecue overall. Firstly, it is a gas model that will get you going the moment you hit the back garden. It boasts 4 premium cast iron burners with a total of 48,000 BTU and features piezo ignition for instant lighting. With its large cooking area, including a grill and griddle, you can cook food for a whole family and friends and still have an easy time cleaning the BBQ.
We actually feel that this BBQ fulfills all the considerations we highlighted in the buying guide above, plus more other useful features. It has two side shelves, a sturdy hood, wire warming rack, built-in thermometer, removable drip tray, and 2 wheels to one side. These features definitely justify the price of this BBQ and we feel it offers the best value when compared to the other gas models.
If you have to list the most popular charcoal BBQs, the Tepro Toronto Trolley Grill Barbecue will surely find a spot in any lineup and we’ve chosen it as our best charcoal BBQ. It’s not the largest thing on the market, however, we like the broad range of features on this model.
Some of the exceptional selling points include the height-adjustable coal tray, built-in lid thermometer, direct and indirect cooking options, and its handy and convenient design, which makes it ideal for patio and balcony grilling. Unless you want a bigger BBQ, this compact barbecue pays dividends when put into action.
Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
