Finding the best hybrid BBQs under £500 can be tricky, but we've shared where you can find the perfect model to take your outdoor cooking to the next level, even if you're working to a budget. As outdoor cooking becomes increasingly popular, many people turn to hybrid BBQs as a versatile and convenient way to cook up a storm. Combining the best of both worlds – gas and charcoal – hybrid BBQs have become one of the best BBQ grills for your garden. They offer the speed and convenience of a gas grill while still providing the authentic smoky flavour of charcoal BBQ.
Modern Gardens magazine writer Jill Morgan says, "You can also use the gas burners to quickly get charcoal or briquettes lit and up to temperature before cutting the gas to savour the delicious aroma and smoky flavours only given by traditional coals. Having these two fuel types within one unit also enables you to be really flexible with your outdoor cooking and adapt your methods depending on how much time you have available."
Best hybrid BBQs under £500 at a glance:
"Short on time on a weekday evening? Then cook with fast and easy-to-control gas. Want to impress guests with a more authentic grilled flavour at the weekend? Opt for slower-burning charcoal, safe in the knowledge that you can boost the heat with the gas burners if needed, or if your hungry younger guests just can’t wait any longer," says Jill.
So, without further ado, let's dive in and explore the best hybrid BBQs on the market for those with a strict budget. However, we've also shared the best hybrid BBQs on Modern Gardens, irrespective of price.
Best hybrid BBQs under £500
Best overall hybrid BBQ under £500
www.johnlewis.com
The John Lewis 4 burner hybrid gas and charcoal barbecue is the ultimate garden must-have for larger gatherings that gets top marks from many reviewers for its excellent build quality. With the ability to cook for up to eight people, the four gas burners allow for even heat distribution, while the warming rack is perfect for timing your meals to perfection.
The built-in thermometer and adjustable knobs give you full control over the heat, while the two side shelves provide ample space for your cooking essentials. The BBQ cabinet with double doors provides additional storage, and the four castor wheels make it easy to manoeuvre and store away after use. Plus, it's easy to keep clean with a BBQ brush (sold separately) so you can easily keep grilling all year long.
Pros
- Best-seller with an average customer rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Four burners which can each be lit individually
- Contains warming rack to time your cooking to perfection
Cons
- Quite large and bulky with a width of nearly 140cm
Dimensions: | H114.5 x W157 x D53cm |
Number of burners; | 4 |
Guarantee : | 10-year guarantee included |
Accessories included: | Hose and clip-on propane regulator, other BBQ accessories available separately |
Best budget hybrid BBQ under £500
www.argos.co.uk
This bestselling grill from Argos is a versatile barbecue that lets you cook with propane gas or traditional charcoal. The dual hood design gives you two gas burners and a tray for charcoal, so you can switch up your cooking methods depending what's on the menu. This BBQ is made from durable steel with a powder-coated finish to protect it from the elements. It has a wheeled base to make it easy to move around your outside space.
Despite this being a more budget-friendly option than some in our round-up, the grill offers some nice design touches such as separate thermometers on each hood, a handy spice rack ideal for sauces and seasonings, a hook for tea towels or oven gloves, a side prep area, and a wire shelf beneath the BBQ giving you extra storage.
Pros
- Plenty of cooking space for a family get-together with two sections
- Lots of handy storage space integrated into the BBQ
- Durable steel construction with powder-coated finish for durability
Cons
- Only suitable for propane gas, if you want to use butane, you'll need to purchase a separate regulator
Dimensions: | H116, W139, D59cm |
Number of burners: | 2 |
Guarantee: | Manufacturer's 2-year guarantee |
Accessories included: | Thermometers on both hoods, a storage shelf, a spice rack, and hooks. Hose and regulator included |
Best compact hybrid BBQ under £500
You can grill, smoke, and air fry all in one with the popular Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill and Smoker. This outdoor electric grill is perfect for any outdoor space, including gardens, patios, campsites, and balconies, thanks to its easy-to-use design with no need for charcoal, gas, or flames. There are seven different cooking programmes to suit various foods, and although this is a more compact option, still gives you a cooking surface of 37cm by 28cm.
It features Woodfire Technology with an integrated smoker box that burns natural wood pellets for authentic smoky flavours, something reviewers report works brilliantly, especially with proteins. This grill comes with a wood pellet starter pack, pellet scoop, crisper basket, and chef-created recipe guide to get you started. Plus, it's weather-resistant for year-round outdoor storage.
Read our Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ review to find out more about what we thought.
Pros
- Ninja's Woodfire Technology with an integrated smoker box
- Portable with a compact design perfect for smaller spaces
- You can use this for seven different cooking methods
Cons
- Small, so not great for cooking for large groups
Dimensions: | H34 x W46 x D46 cm |
Number of burners: | N/A |
Guarantee: | Two years |
Accessories included: | Grill Plate, Cook and Crisp Basket, Removable Woodfire Smoke Box, Grease Tray, and Pellet Scoop |
Best premium hybrid BBQ
If you are looking for a hybrid BBQ that's perfect for smaller groups but still packs a punch, this Outback 4 burner grill is a great choice. It's a little over the £500 budget when not on deal, but this versatile grill is easy to assemble and maintains a consistent cooking temperature while looking sleek and modern, a stylish choice for contemporary outside spaces.
Available in an eye-catching red, green, and blue enamel finish, this four-gas-burner grill includes a charcoal basket with hybrid briquettes and porcelain-coated cast-iron grates. With four separate temperature zones and a side burner for sauces, you can cook up a storm for your family and friends. And when it's time to feed the whole gang, this model can handle up to 24 burgers at once.
Pros
- Comes with a removable wooding chopping board for prep
- Different colours available for stylish, modern looks
- Compact and efficient with a cooking area of 64cm by 42cm
Cons
- Takes a while to put it together
Dimensions: | <meta charset="utf-8">125cm x 140cm x 58cm |
Number of burners: | 4 Burner |
Guarantee: | n/a |
Accessories included: | Removable wooden chopping board, an extra side burner, tool rack, temperature gauge, single layer drip tray, warming rack, four vapour bars, integral spark ignition and bottle opener |
- Charcoal basket
- Side burner
- Stainless-steel design
- Lockable castors
- Multi-cook grill for pizza
- Wok
- Griddle
- BBQ tool rack
- Drip tray
- Temp gauge
Best three burner hybrid BBQ under £500
Grill enthusiasts will love the excellent value Char-Broil Gas2Coal Hybrid Grill. With its patented charcoal tray, this BBQ ensures uniform cooking, fewer flare-ups, and juicier food. Switching between gas and charcoal takes just three steps and can be done in under 60 seconds. Happy customers love the fact that with this Gas2Coal hybrid design, you can use the gas to light the charcoal and then turn the gas off to cook over the hot charcoal.
This all-in-one grill offers plenty of cooking space for your family and friends, with a convenient side shelf for plating up and storing your utensils. We love the side burner, perfect for quickly warming up sauces or cooking side dishes and vegetables. Plus, with a warming rack, you can keep your food toasty off the primary heat while monitoring the temperature with the integrated thermometer.
Pros
- Wheeled base for portability around your garden
- Removable cast iron cooking grates for easy cleaning
- Gas2Coal design for true hybrid cooking options
Cons
- Some reviews say cleaning isn't easy
Dimensions: | <meta charset="utf-8">62.5cm x 134.4cm x 120.7cm |
Number of burners: | 3 burner |
Guarantee: | 5 years on the stainless steel burners. 2 years on all other parts |
Accessories included: | N/A |
Best value hybrid BBQ under £500
www.appliancesdirect.co.uk
You get the best of both worlds with the Char-Broil Gas2Coal 2.0 210 - functionality and a relatively affordable price. This unique hybrid allows you to cook with both gas and charcoal, meaning you get the speed and ease of gas and the flavour of charcoal in one convenient grill.
This is basically a smaller version of the other Char-Broil Gas2Coal BBQ we've featured - this one is more compact making it great if you're after a BBQ to wheel around the garden or out of storage at a moment's notice. Reviewers suggest this model is ideal for two to four BBQ guests. It can convert from gas to charcoal in less than 60 seconds and the patented charcoal trays are made for uniform cooking.
Pros
- Comes with wheels for simple portability
- A more compact build that's ideal for couples
- Quick and easy to switch between fuel types
Cons
- Not suitable for cooking for a crowd
Dimensions: | W114 x H116 x D62.9cm |
Number of burners: | Two burners |
Guarantee: | 5-year warranty on the stainless steel burners and 2 years on all other parts |
Accessories included: | Not specified |
How we chose the best hybrid BBQs
All of these hybrid BBQs for small gardens have been hand-selected by our team of Modern Gardens shopping experts. We carefully considered size, power, and functionality in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching hybrid BBQs to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.
Where possible, we also test and share the latest and best products you should know about. And, with help from Modern Gardens Magazine, Garden News and Garden Answers, we share expert gardening knowledge to help you get the most from your product.
What to consider when buying a hybrid BBQ under £500
When it comes to buying a hybrid BBQ, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the perfect model for your needs:
Price: Hybrid BBQs can range from budget-friendly options to high-end models, so it's good to set a budget before you start shopping. This article only covers hybrid BBQs around the £500 marker so even those working with a tighter budget can enjoy the benefits of a gas grill and charcoal in one.
Size: Consider the size of the cooking area and the overall size of the BBQ. If you have a small garden, look for more compact BBQs or ones that will fit into your space - we'd always recommend measuring up first.
Fuel type: While hybrid BBQs can use both gas and charcoal, some models may favour one fuel type over the other. Consider which fuel type you prefer, and ensure the BBQ can accommodate it.
Features: Many hybrid BBQs have additional features such as smoker boxes, rotisserie kits, and built-in thermometers. Consider which features are important to you and look for a model that includes them. If you're a keen cook, you might find these extra features usual but if you're a beginner to the barbecue scene, a simpler model might best suit your needs.
Brand: Look for reputable brands with good reviews and warranties to ensure your hybrid BBQ is built to last.
Hybrid BBQ FAQs
Are hybrid BBQs easy to use?
Many hybrid BBQs are designed to be user-friendly, with features such as easy-to-read temperature gauges and adjustable grates. Plus, with the option to use either gas or charcoal, you can choose the method that suits you best. Just ensure you're up to speed with the best way to light a BBQ so your grill session is a safe and successful one.
What are the benefits of a hybrid BBQ?
The main benefit of a hybrid BBQ is the ability to enjoy the best of both worlds – the convenience and speed of gas grilling and the authentic flavour of charcoal. Plus, many hybrid BBQs come with additional features, such as smoker boxes and rotisserie kits, making them incredibly versatile.
Where can I buy a hybrid BBQ?
You can find hybrid BBQs at many outdoor and garden retailers, as well as online marketplaces such as Amazon and eBay. Some popular brands include Char-Broil, Weber, and Outback. It's also worth keeping an eye out for the best BBQ deals that pop up throughout the year, especially off-season, where you can get a high-end, quality BBQ at a reduced price.
What to read next:
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Ellen Kinsey is a senior health and wellness product writer for Modern Gardens, specialising in sustainable living and health. She lives and breathes all things natural health, cooking and nature.