In Britain, we’re a nation obsessed with barbecues. As soon as the sun comes out and the temperature lifts, we’re out in our gardens cooking up a feast. From BBQ ribs and hot dogs to grilled halloumi and veg kebabs, barbecues are a much-loved summer tradition whether you’re a meat-lover, veggie, or vegan. But with so many options on the market, it can be difficult to pick out the great barbecues amongst the sea of average ones. So we’ve compiled this list to make it easy for you to find exactly what you’re looking for.

What to Consider

Before diving into our list of the best barbecues, it’s useful to first get an idea of the type of barbecue you’re looking for. There are so many choices to make when it comes to barbecues. From different fuel types and cooking methods to different designs and sizes, there’s a lot to think about. So here’s a simple guide of what you need to consider.

Fuel Type

One of the first things to consider when choosing a barbecue is what fuel you want to use. Charcoal is a popular choice and is ideal for adding that traditional chargrilled taste to the classic barbecue foods.

However, if you’re looking for a barbecue that’s easier to use and more convenient, gas might be better for you. Perfect for cooking up some delicious recipes from fresh fish to tender chicken, gas barbecues give you better control over the flames and heat.

Can’t decide? You don’t have to. Get the best of both worlds with a hybrid barbecue. Giving you the option to use charcoal or gas depending on what you’re cooking and who you’re cooking for.

Design

Barbecues come in a range of designs to suit different garden styles and meet different cooking needs. Whether you’re looking for a stand alone garden barbecue, a built-in unit for your outdoor kitchen, or a portable barbecue to take on picnics and camping trips, there is a design for you.

For roasting, enclosed vessels like egg and kamado style barbecues are popular choices. However, if you’re looking for a smokier taste, a barrel or upright smoker grill might be better for you. Other popular barbecue designs include grills with lids (like kettle barbecues), open grills, and stone or brick masonry barbecues.

Size

Along with a range of designs, barbecues also come in a range of sizes. From small grills that are ideal for table tops, balconies, or taking on day trips, to large barbecues that would be a perfect addition to your outdoor kitchen, and every size in between.

Not only do you need to consider what size of barbecue will fit in your garden, you also need to consider the cooking surface space that you’ll need. If you enjoy entertaining throughout the summer with regular garden parties, you may need a larging cooking surface to be able to feed everyone. Whereas, if you prefer to keep things more low-key with barbecues just for your close family, a smaller cooking surface might be the right size.

The size of your barbecue might also be impacted by any accessories and storage space that comes within the unit. Therefore, you need to think about whether these extras would be useful to you.

It’s also important to take good care of your barbecue to keep it in good condition for years to come. If it is too big to move inside over the winter, we recommend protecting it with a cover.

Best Barbecues

Best Charcoal BBQ

Landmann Broiler BBQ

Our favourite features:

• Height adjustable charcoal pan
• Separate firebowl door
• Folding side table
• Handy wheels

The Landmann Broiler BBQ is our top pick for charcoal barbecuing due to its size and useful features. With a cooking surface of 56cm by 42cm, this barbecue is perfect for cooking for medium to large groups of people. The two wheels make it easy to move around your garden, and the folding side table and useful lower storage shelf gives you extra surface space while being able to be compactly stored away.

As well as the handy size and design, the cooking features on this unit make barbecuing a dream. From the adjustable charcoal pan and the air vents to the separate firebowl door and built-in thermometer, this BBQ lets you keep control and adjust the temperature to allow for different cooking styles.

Best Gas BBQ

Norfolk Grills Atlas 400 Gas - 4 Burner with Side Burner and Cabinet

Our favourite features:

• Large cooking surface
• 4 burners and a side burner
• Warming rack
• Useful storage space

If you prefer gas over charcoal, the Norfolk Grills Atlas 400 barbecue is the one for you. With the large 72cm by 42cm cooking surface and 4 stainless steel 3.5kw burners with an additional side burner, there’s enough room to cook for the whole party. Want to keep your food hot once it’s cooked but your guests are still arriving? Simply place it on the warming rack.

Like the Landmann charcoal BBQ, the Atlas gas BBQ also has two wheels for easy movement around your garden and a built-in thermometer to help you keep track of your cooking. A little bonus is that it also has a built-in bottle opener. There’s no shortage of space with this BBQ from the storage cabinet to the tool hooks, there’s a place for everything.

Best Hybrid BBQ

Outback Magnum 3 Burner Hybrid - Black

Our favourite features:

• Interchangeable cooking surface
• Warming rack
• Useful side table

The Outback Magnum 3 Burner Hybrid gives you the best of gas as well as the best of charcoal. Included with this barbecue is 3 stainless steel burners (and a side burner), a hose and propane regulator, and a charcoal basket so you have the option of using coconut shell briquettes.

Our favourite thing about this BBQ has to be the interchangeable cooking surface. The cooking area is 64cm by 42cm and is compatible with multiple Outback cooking surfaces. The cooking surface that comes with the barbecue is a grill but this can be swapped for other Outback surfaces like a pizza stone, paella dish, or steak grate.

The other features that made us fall in love with this BBQ are the warming rack, the side table, the temperature gauge, the tool rack, and the bottle opener. This unit really does have everything you need and more to enjoy a summer meal in the garden.

Best Smoker BBQ

Callow Vertical BBQ Smoker Grill

Our favourite features:

• Large ventilated charcoal pan
• Adjustable air vents
• Meat thermometer probe access points
• Waterproof cover

Barbecuing is all about getting that smokey taste. And there’s no better way to achieve this than with a smoker barbecue. The Callow Vertical BBQ Smoker Grill comes with 2 cooking grates and 6 cooking hooks, allowing you to cook a large variety of meats and barbecue favourites in a style that suits you. Be in full control over your feast with the 4 temperature control adjustable air vents, built-in thermometer, and 2 meat thermometer probe access points.

The lower barbecue door allows you to access the large, fully ventilated charcoal pan and the one gallon water pan so that you can monitor and top up your water and charcoal to give you 5-6 hours of smoking time. This Callow smoker even comes with its own waterproof cover, keeping it in top condition for years of tasty meals.

Best Masonry BBQ

Buschbeck Stockholm Masonry Barbecue

Our favourite features:

• Adjustable cooking heights
• Compatible with charcoal or firewood
• Fuel storage area

A masonry barbecue is a beautiful addition to any garden, adding that luxury holiday feel to your outdoor space. The stylish Buschbeck Stockholm Masonry Barbecue is white granite with a quartz and stainless steel mantlepiece. The spacious design of this barbecue creates a 54cm by 34cm cooking space, 4 levels for adjusting the height of the chrome grill, and plenty of room for turning your food or adding more fuel.

All of these are great features, but what we love even more about this barbecue is that it is double skinned, meaning you can use either charcoal or firewood in the barbecue. This makes the barbecue multifunctional as a place to cook your summer meal as well as somewhere to light up an outdoor fireplace once the sun goes down. It even has a handy storage space to keep your charcoal or firewood close to hand.

Best Built-in BBQ

Beefeater Signature 4000 4+1 Burner BBQ

Our favourite features:

• Heat and flame control

• Glass viewing window
• Roasting hood lights

Built-in barbecues don’t get much better than the Beefeater Signature 4000 4+1 Burner BBQ. This gas barbecue comes with a propane gas hose and regulator, a built-in thermometer, and a free electric rotisserie. With 5 stainless steel burners, a hot plate, and a large warming rack, you’ll never run out of space, no matter how large your gathering is. Easy to light with the quartz start ignition, this barbecue has the added safety feature of blue warning lights next to each burner knob so you can easily see when the gas is turned on.

The corrosion resistant stainless steel roasting hood is special on this barbecue. Not only because of the glass viewing panel, but also because it has 2 handy lights, ensuring you can keep a good eye on your sizzling feast. With vaporisers to reduce flame flare-ups and reflectors to encourage an even distribution of heat, you’ll be the favourite barbecue chef in the village.

Best Portable BBQ

Landmann Piccolino Portable Charcoal BBQ

Our favourite features:

• Quick and easy to assemble
• Carry handle
• Includes BBQ tongs

Heading out for a fun day at the park, on the beach, or in the countryside? Or maybe you’re off on a camping holiday with the kids? You don’t have to miss out on enjoying a delicious barbecue just because you’re away from home. The Landmann Piccolino Portable Charcoal BBQ is lightweight, securely clips shut, and has a comfy handle, making it easy to bring it with you wherever you’re going.

The stainless steel cooking grill is 34cm in diameter which is ideal for cooking up a dinner for up to 4 people. The addition of the warming rack also gives you extra space to keep food warm if you need time to cook up something extra. This barbecue also has a ventilation disk located on the lid to help control the temperature. An added bonus? It comes with a set of stainless steel BBQ tongs.

Best Small BBQ

Norfolk Grill Corus Charcoal Grill - Wheeled

Our favourite features:

• Kettle style
• Lid holder
• Storage shelf

Just because you have a smaller outdoor space doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a summer barbecue. Whether you have a balcony, a small patio, or a little decking area, using the Norfolk Grill Corus Charcoal Grill will be your favourite pastime this summer. Designed in the traditional kettle style, this charcoal barbie comes with an ash catcher, a thermometer, and a lid holder for when you need the grill to be open.

Ideal for smaller spaces, the Corus grill has a useful wire shelf for storing everything you need without taking up any more of your precious space. The handles and wheels make the barbecue easy to move, whether you’re storing it away for the winter or just need to move it out of the way when you’re not using it.

Best BBQ for Entertaining

Norfolk Grills Absolute Pro 6 Burner

Our favourite features:

• 6 burners
• Interior lighting
• Storage space
• Fridge
• Sink

Do you love hosting summer garden parties with all of your family and friends? Then you’ll need a barbecue that can keep up with your social schedule. If you have a larger budget and the space in your garden, the Norfolk Grills Absolute Pro 6 Burner is well worth the extra spend. This stainless steel barbecue has 6 burners including a 3.6kw side burner, a 4.5kw back burner, and a warming rack, letting you feed everyone at your large garden gatherings.

With the Absolute Pro, you’re not just getting a barbecue, you’re getting a full kitchen unit with ample storage space to keep all your condiments and barbecuing essentials. No longer will you need to traipse in and out of the house as everything you need will be outside, including a stainless steel sink and an LED-lit fridge.

Best Budget BBQ

Landmann DIY BBQ

Our favourite features:

• Unique to you and your needs
• Large cooking grill

From one budget extreme to another, having a smaller budget doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the fun. The Landmann DIY BBQ is our top pick for those with a smaller budget. This barbecue set comes with a 67cm by 41cm chrome plated cooking grill that goes over the ash catcher tray and charcoal grid.

This barbecue gives you the opportunity to design your own barbecue while having the guidance of the included building instructions and the grills to cook for up to 10 people. All you need to do is get your hands on this DIY set, pick your bricks, and build your personalised barbecue.