If you're anything like us, the arrival of spring means our thoughts are firmly fixed on the promise of warm, sunny days cooking on the BBQ in the garden. And if you're in need of a new BBQ this summer to grill your favorite steaks, burgers and veggie sides to perfection, you've come to the right place.
At Gardeningetc we've been reviewing the best BBQs for quite a while so we can bring you our recommendations, no matter the size or type of garden you're working with.
BBQs can be split into two main categories. There are gas BBQs, which can be pretty hefty and hard to build but are incredibly easy to light and maintain. Charcoal BBQs are a traditional choice, with that classic smokey smell that will have all the neighbours hankering for an invite. They're typically smaller and cheaper, too, and many come with a portable kettle design that will be easily stored in your shed throughout the winter months.
The best BBQs to buy in 2024
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Here's a quick low-down of our top picks. Click through and you'll be sent to the cheapest offer.
- Best charcoal BBQ: Big Green Egg
- Best gas BBQ: Weber Genesis II EX-335 GBS
- Best hybrid BBQ: Char-Broil Gas2Coal Hybrid Grill
- Best electric grill: Everdure Fusion Grill
- Best smoker: Traeger PRO 575 Pellet Grill
We've tried this BBQ, and it's a top choice for those who don't want to compromise when it comes to quality on either cooking mode. It's also easy to clean, and simple to switch between gas and coal plus it features a warming rack for when your timing is a bit off. Not only is it great for cooking for a crowd, but it even has an in-built bottle opener to make for fewer trips to the kitchen. It's the ultimate barbecue for those who want the best of both worlds, and if you often cook outdoors.
Easily tell the temperature of your grill using the in-built gauge which goes up to 350 degrees, which is plenty for any meal. You can use this BBQ to cook just about anything from halloumi to steak, burgers and even scallops. It also has a side burner which is perfect for, you guessed it: your side dishes. Even when using the charcoal tray with this BBQ you ignite the fuel using the gas burner, which lights easily and only needs to burn for 15 minutes to get the perfect temperature in your charcoal. After using the charcoal tray, you can also store it underneath the BBQ for less faff. It also comes with a holder for the grate tool that helps to lift grates when they're hot or dirty.
If you're an adventurer who still likes the finer things in life, then try the Big Green Egg out for size. It comes in your choice of three sizes and it can do everything from sear veggies to roast a turkey, grill sausages and even slow cook your food. It can even cook pizza! This bad boy could actually rival your home oven, all in one compact (yet admittedly heavy) piece. We tested the large size and we love it.
It's the high lid that lets you cook larger cuts of meat using indirect heat. It won't get as hot as other metal barbecues – making it safer – but it's insulated and complete with patented airflow features so that you will enjoy good, even cooking. While it is costly, it is an investment and you'll get compliments. Oh, and it's easy to clean. Plus, it's designed to be used year-round, whether in the height of summer or on Christmas morning for that turkey.
This barbecue comes in three sizes with the smallest boasting a cooking surface measuring 33cm in diameter, the medium size 46cm and the largest 61cm. Choose wisely and based on how large your family is (and how spacious your patio is).
If you are searching for a portable barbecue to take on staycations, camping or on a trip to the seaside, then this one from Weber is brilliant. In fact, we tested it in a London garden that's compact in size and it fared well. It offers everything a normal-size charcoal BBQ can, without a huge amount of floor space required. It's the best bet for anyone short on space with a tiny budget and a small family to feed.
Equipped with a lid, you can use this barbecue to cook anything from a dozen burgers to kebabs, sausages and even large joints of meat and veggies, too. The size of its cooking space is impressive considering its footprint, though you might need to batch cook on it if you are cooking for a large group. You can also use it to indirectly cook your food and create a keep warm area on your barbecue. This all-in-one unit is easy to store and even easier to cart around. Its legs are foldable and help keep the BBQ secure when not in use. It's super easy to clean due to its compact size and you can put its grates in a dishwasher for ease.
This barbecue also comes in a gas version for those who are interested in a portable BBQ but want the ease of gas cooking.
This mighty gas BBQ is designed for family feasts. Our reviewer was able to cater to meat-eaters and veggies alike with its expansive four-burner design, and the modular grill system even has room to add a wok or pizza stone. Delish.
The standout feature of this BBQ is its self-cleaning system. It's a smart design, called InstaClean Aqua. You add water to the underside of the BBQ (which also creates a lovely bit of steam to keep food moist) and any fat that drips away from your meat will simply form a layer on top of the water, meaning it's simply wiped away.
There's a thermometer on the top lid of the Campingaz 4 Series Premium S that accurately shows the temperature as you're cooking. This helped to make sure our food was still cooking when the lid was down, and because the dials could ramp down the temperature with ease, it offers complete control when cooking steak, etc.
We think the price is spot on for such a smart BBQ, and while it took a while to assemble, it's durable once you've pieced it all together.
We were blown away in testing by how powerful the Traeger PRO 575 Pellet Grill is when it comes to smoking, grilling and cooking. It's definitely one for serious cooks, or for anyone who likes to impress their guests. Cook fish, meat and veggies with this pellet grill. It's got a drum-shaped body that can fit larger cuts of meat, too. It's an ideal buy for anyone with plenty of patio space, and a love for outdoor cooking.
A Wi-Fi-operated grill? You heard us right. You can receive alerts when your food reaches the ideal temperature, and monitor your grill from the Traeger app even when you're indoors. Simply fill the hopper with pellets, plug it in, switch it on at the back, select the temperature you want it to reach, press the ignite button and you’re sorted. It automatically adds more pellets when required, and if you're cooking a joint of meat it makes sense to use the meat probe. This connects to your phone so that you can check cooking progress as you rustle up a side salad or clean the house before guests arrive. Considering its size, it's also quite simple to clean after use, too.
The smart design is what caught our eye with the Weber Traveler. It has a generous cooking area but folds down to a pull-along for easy transportation. We rated it 4.5-stars out of 5, mostly because of how easy it is to use, clean and cart around. It's app-connected, too, and it offers a handy prep surface. It's the ultimate portable gas BBQ for large families that might want to avoid a charcoal option. If you're often staycationing, then this is the buy for you.
Beyond the sturdy wheels and grippy handle, this BBQ is useful for more than just travelling. Because it folds flat we could imagine it propped against the wall of our garden shed when not in use. It's also got smaller, disposable gas canisters that won't take up much space, either. Whilst handy for being on the go, it's something to consider if you're trying to be eco-conscious. Design aside, we were wowed by the cooking space that Weber has been able to pack into the Traveler. It cooked up corn and an enormous tomahawk steak with plenty of space to spare. We think it could cook for four to six people, easy.
Taking only 40 minutes to assemble, we were off to a great start with the Char-Broil Big Easy Smoker, Roaster and Grill. For the price, it looks like a premium model that will stand the test of time, with an unconventional design that's probably more akin to the type of BBQ you'd buy in the USA. It allows you to slow cook inside the barrel of the BBQ, and you can use wood chips to smoke your meat for heaps of extra flavour.
The actual cooking surface is a little small for feasting, so it's better suited to those cooking for three or four people than serious garden parties. We used this BBQ to roast chicken, slow-cook pork shoulder, and even make a speedy pizza that might just rival the best pizza ovens.
This BBQ is gas-powered, and because the cooking surface sits top the main drum body of the grill, it means it will take a longer time to pre-heat than most BBQs. Cooking was very even though, and once again we took full advantage of the smoking modes here to make some extra flavourful sausages. Delish.
At just 37cm in diameter and 3.5kg in weight, this tabletop BBQ is the best buy for anyone with a smaller garden, terrace or balcony to work with. It's a great option if you're on a smaller budget, too. We tested this BBQ over a number of uses and have decided it's best for anyone who needs something compact that won't take up any floor space in their garden. The only reason it's not our best for portability is that its tuck-n-carry lid isn't the most secure when carting around from A to B.
Its lid gives your food a desirable yet subtle smoky taste, and with enough cooking space for 6+ burgers or three steaks, you could use this BBQ to cook a small chicken or an entire Tomahawk steak. The lid also can sit on a stand to shield wind away whilst your BBQ is lighting, or whilst it's lit. It comes in six colours and can be left outside, whilst it's also easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts.
You may think that it has to be charcoal for a proper BBQ, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the easy ignition that other models will offer you. The Everdure Fusion needs to be plugged in, but once you've done that it will ignite your charcoal in just seven minutes. It also has a rotisserie button, which when using the rotisserie attachment included will keep your chicken, sausages, kebabs, or whatever else you might cook spinning for a juicy finish.
We adored the look of this BBQ. It's totally modern, and can be used freestanding or with the included stand which is very sturdy. Assembly was a breeze, only taking 30 minutes in total. The cooking area was enough to feed at least four, but the lack of lid means you'll be unable to keep food warm once it's finished cooking.
When using the rotisserie it had a bit of a wobble, which might be because we used the rotisserie rods on the highest of three settings. We didn't have the same issue on the other two. And the taste? Deliciously smokey, just how we like it.
The Char-Broil All-Star is a great little barbecue if you want something that's gas-powered but you don't have much to spend. It's ideal for smaller families and it offers plenty of cooking and storage space. We tested it on a small patio and it proves itself to be the perfect cooking companion, time and time again. In short: it's faff-free, affordable and has everything you need to cook up a storm for yourself and a few others.
It might take some getting used to, but this compact gas barbecue is brilliant. With cast-iron grill grates that are durable, rust resistant and easy to clean, it promises to cook evenly and with fewer flare-ups, using TRU-infrared technology. It has a built-in thermometer dial so that you know when it's ready (it takes around 10 minutes). And a handy keep warm shelf to help get the right timings. The side shelves provide room for prep but they’re foldable, keeping it slim when you’re not cooking.
If you like the look of the Big Green Egg but aren't so keen on the price tag, then try this one out for size. This Tower Kamado BBQ is similar to the mini Big Green Egg but at a fraction of the price. It's heavy and durable, it offers a decent size cooking area for a small family and it retains heat very well. Whilst it doesn't come with all of the add-ons that a Big Green Egg might, it may just be the BBQ to suit your needs right now.
This compact barbecue offers a surprisingly spacious cooking area for the fact it's a tabletop. It has a built-in temperature gauge that will let you know when it's up to temperature for baking, cooking, searing or smoking. We used this barbecue to cook 6 burgers at one time and noticed its handles stayed cool to the touch, whilst it retains heat very well. It's also super easy to clean after use and thanks to its compact size it's easy to store, just bear in mind it's heavy.
Ready to cook within five minutes, you can use this gas BBQ to cook pretty much anything you desire. With a built-in temperature gauge, it's easy to use even when you're cooking for a large group of people. It's plenty sizeable for tackling a party, in fact, it can cook up to 28 burgers at one time, and it has heaps of space so that you can separate your burgers from your wings and your veggies.
We like the high lid, which would fit heftier roasts and large meals for slow-cooking. It doesn't have a keep warm space although you could use one of the burners on the lowest temperature for this. And in terms of build, it's definitely made to survive years of use, though it's too nice to leave outside for the elements to damage. It's on wheels for easy moving.
We also tested the which is a very similar barbecue but with two burners instead of three. We rated this 4 stars out of 5 also. If you have a smaller budget, a smaller family and a smaller garden, then go for the Force 2 instead of the Furnace.
Tried, tested and loved by us, this brilliant portable BBQ works using charcoal, and it cooks food impressively well considering it doesn't come with a lid that you can use whilst in operation. We think that this tabletop BBQ is ideal for smaller families or couples with not a lot of space on offer to buy a charcoal BBQ since it sits on a tabletop and looks pretty at the same time. Otherwise, it's handy for taking camping, on staycations or to the beach or for a pretty picnic.
Complete with a bamboo preparation board and a plastic food storage tray, all parts of this barbecue stack together, held secure with strong clips. When it comes to cooking, it's great for smaller crowds and can be used to batch cook, though we would probably avoid cooking a joint on there as it doesn't have a lid that you can use whilst cooking. You can also position the charcoal wherever you like, to directly cook your food or (slowly) indirectly cook pieces of meat or fish.
Available in four stylish colours, this portable BBQ gets 5-stars from us when it comes to looks. With metal handles, you can bring it in from the unreliable British weather and store it in a cupboard with complete ease since it cannot be left outside in the rain. You can put the grates in your dishwasher to clean them, but the interior of the BBQ is a little harder to keep looking its best.
This BBQ used to sit in our #1 spot, but it's out of stock right now. We'll let you know when it's back.
Our editor put this one through its paces, and she was a total convert to smart Weber grilling. One of Webers' most immense barbecues to date, the Weber Genesis II EX-335 GBS is a serious grill for those who really care about their barbecue. We tried it and we still love it to date. It's the top gas BBQ for serious foodies and offers total control over three burners. It's definitely built to last. We enjoyed using the Weber Connect Smart Grilling app for notifications about when our food would be ready. This made it a lot easier to deliver that perfectly medium-rare steak.
With a generous cooking area, you can serve up for a large party with this model and the warming rack means you can get all the timings right. We really enjoyed the height of the grill, and the side burner is also far more capable than many of the best barbecues we have tested. The stainless-steel Flavorizer Bars of this model promise the flavour barbecued food should have, but with the adjustability of gas and the simplicity of electronic ignition.
How we tested these BBQs
Fully assembled Weber Go Anywhere BBQ in review
We like to have hands-on experience with all the products we feature in our guides, and our best BBQ guide is no exception. We've reviewed all of the products in this guide with our Gardeingetc badge sitting comfortably alongside them. If they received a minimum of four out of five stars then they've made the cut, and they'll stay in this guide.
When we're writing up our reviews, we look out for the really important things like how easy it is to set up, cook meat and veggies, and then store and maintain it after each use. We do also take into consideration the overall look and size of the BBQ because, after all, we don't all have a large space to flex our outdoor cooking skills. This is something that our review panel understands, which is why we've selected barbecues to try out (for you) to suit our own home set-up. Read more info on how we review BBQs.
Our review process normally takes up to eight weeks, although this is entirely dependent on the great British weather so it may take a little longer.
Millie is Head of Reviews for a number of Future's home sites, including Gardeningetc, Homes & Gardens, Real Homes, and more. Formerly she has specialised in outdoor cooking and has tested pizza ovens, barbecues, and grills.
Millie reviewed the Char-Broil Gas2Coal in her parents' large garden and loved it. She rated it 4.5 stars out of 5 after testing it several times. 'When it came to cooking ability, it's a definite winner, but assembly was a little fiddly,' says Millie.
Millie also tested the Everdure Fusion, a charcoal BBQ that's powered by electric ignition. Genius.
Beth, our Editor, tested our very favourite BBQ for us, the Weber Genesis II EX-335 GBS.
Beth rates it 5 out of 5 stars and still uses this barbecue to cook up a storm come the sunny weather. 'A state-of-the-art gas grill for serious BBQ fans, this BBQ will cater for your grilling needs all year round. Thanks to its built-in smart technology, it's easier than ever to grill your chosen BBQ dishes to perfection, plus it will encourage you to cook exciting recipes that you wouldn't have considered attempting before,' she says.
Gin was previously a contributing writer at Gardeningetc, whilst being the Deputy Editor of Ideal Home magazine.
She tested the Char-Broil All Star over at Ideal Home and rated it a top buy for small families with a small amount of patio space to work with. Otherwise, for Gardeniningetc she reviewed the Weber Traveler and rated it 4.5 stars. 'The Weber Traveler gas barbecue is the ideal portable barbecue for those who are looking for a grill that's both easy to use and easy to clean. It's perfect if you're short on storage space and, as a bonus, you can bring it with you when camping or on a self-catering holiday,' she says.
Annie has tested a load of barbecues on her spacious London patio, from the likes of Weber, Everdure and BergHOFF.
She tested the Weber Go Anywhere, as well as the Everdure Cube and the Weber Smokey Joe. In short, she's a portable BBQ pro! Whilst she rated it 5 stars in the charcoal model, she can't comment on how the gas version cooks. 'The Weber Go Anywhere is a brilliant little barbecue to take on the go, whether to the beach or on a staycation. It's convenient in more ways than one,' says Annie.
Linda Clayton is a reviewer extraordinaire, with heaps of experience reviewing everything from BBQs to robot vacuums. Whether it's inside your home or in your garden, she's an expert in putting products through their paces, and always gives her totally honest rundown.
Linda tested the Char-Broil Big Easy Smoker, which she gave a 70% rating. She loved its smokey flavour, but was limited by the small cooking area.
Bethan has reviewed a whole host of garden buys for us, from lawnmowers to pressure washers and even barbecues.
She gave the Campingaz 4 Series Premium S BBQ a solid 4 out of 5-star rating after testing it in her back garden up north to host her family. 'It may take a while to assemble, but the ease of use, cooking results and impressive cleaning system will make you want to barbecue more often, whether it’s for just your family, or a small garden party,' she says.
What to consider when buying a new BBQ
How many people do you want to cook for, and which fuel or even fuels do you prefer to use. Also important? The price is crucial plus you’ll want a barbecue whose style fits in with your outdoor space.
How much does a BBQ cost?
There’s a huge range of barbecue prices from the very modest, through those costing a few hundred to the investment buy of around £1,000 and upwards. The size of the best BBQ has an influence of course, and so does the sophistication of the features, so think carefully about whether you’re looking to replicate the precision of indoor cooking outdoors, or you simply want grilled food with outdoor flavour.
A good-quality charcoal BBQ made of sturdy materials can cost you less than £100, so if you're looking for a budget buy then cooking with charcoal will be the more affordable option.
A decent entry-level gas BBQ from leading retailers such as B&Q and John Lewis will set you back around the £300 mark, and they will be up to the job of most grilling tasks. However, if you want a model that is made from really robust materials, has a long warranty, can cook a wider range of foods with ease, and is packed with the latest features, you'll be looking at £1,000+.
What size BBQ do you need?
How many people a particular grill size will feed can only ever be a guide. The overall dimensions of the best BBQ will count, too, of course, particularly when outdoor space is limited in your BBQ area or outdoor kitchen. If this is the case, you may need to compromise to give yourself room to cook and leave enough space for a table and chairs.
Don't just think about your current requirements, however. A good-quality BBQ should last you for many years to come. So if your family of two is likely to grow in size in the not too distant future, it might be worth investing in a larger size than you currently need to make sure you can cater for any extra additions too.
If your outdoor grill station has some room to spare, you might like to opt for a slightly bigger model which offers storage as well as cooking, or at least a little room for sauce bottles and herbs to add to your food. Foldable shelves are a boon when the cooking’s over and you want to take back some space.
Which BBQ type is right for you?
Can't decide between gas vs charcoal grills? For some, it has to be charcoal for an authentic barbecue flavour. Remember that one of the key things when learning how to cook on a charcoal grill is that you’ll need to factor in the time for the fuel to heat up, and it can be tricky to get an even temperature.
A gas barbecue, on the other hand, is easy to start and quick to heat up. Heating should be even and the temperature can be easily controlled. You will have to deal with the gas canisters.
If you can’t decide between the two, dual-fuel hybrid models mean you don’t have to. There are also electric grills for creating your alfresco meals. They’re convenient but there’s no smoke, of course. Smokers can use different fuels for their low temperature slow cooking. To get the best from your new BBQ, our guide on how to light a BBQ has step-by-step advice.
What's the easiest BBQ to keep clean?
When it comes to how to clean a barbecue, a gas barbecue means less cleaning up than a charcoal design, and you won’t need to dispose of the ash either. Other than that, take a look at whether you can use the dishwasher to help you clean up after cooking.
A number of the best BBQs we tested come with design elements that will make cleaning easier. A standout for this was the Campingaz 4 Series Premium S, which comes with a feature called InstaClean Aqua. It consists of a water tray which you place under the grill. This solidifies any fat that trips down from the BBQ on top of the layer of water, meaning it won't clog up the BBQ mechanisms and will allow you to simply empty out any waste from the tray at the end of your meal.
Some BBQs don't recommend you clean them very regularly, to allow the grill bars to become seasoned. This is particularly normal with Weber BBQs. The Weber Genesis II EX-335 GBS has 'flavorizer bars' which are designed to inject some smokey flavour despite the gas design. These don't require a regular deep clean, you just need to give them a wipe after every use.
Do you need to store a BBQ inside in winter?
Even the best BBQ will need storage in winter – or a good cover. Leaving it unprotected outside in the worst of the winter weather is likely to cause materials to degrade and rust to develop. Wheels to help you move it into storage are handy if it’s a weighty model.
Keep in mind that you can often get a deal on a BBQ cover when buying your grill, so we recommend investing in the cover at the same time as the grill to make sure your BBQ is always safe from the elements.
Although model-specific covers available from the same brand as your BBQ might be a slightly more expensive option than a generic cover from the likes of Amazon, we'd always advise you buy one that is a specifically designed for your BBQ. It will fit snugly and is less likely to get blown off in strong winds, which will leave it exposed to bad weather.
