Nothing says summer quite like grilling your favourite meat on the barbie, and to get that irresistible flavour, you need the best BBQ or best outdoor grill for the job. To make sure you've got the right piece of equipment, whether you need something compact for the patio or big enough to cater to large family gatherings, we've put together a handy guide. We've selected the best BBQs available to buy right now that will help take your cooking skills to the next level.
With all sorts of designs and cooking options available from hybrid BBQ models, Kamados, egg grills, tabletop BBQs and more, there's something out there to suit everyone. The best outdoor grills will be easy to clean, not too difficult to assemble, and, of course, deliver on those big flavours.
Best outdoor grill at a glance:
• Best hybrid BBQ for cooking area: John Lewis Grillstream 6 Burner Hybrid Gas & Charcoal BBQ - view on John Lewis
• Best overall charcoal grill: Weber Compact 47cm Charcoal BBQ - view on Amazon UK
• Best overall gas grill: Fire Mountain Everest 4 - view on Amazon UK
• Best smoker grill: ProQ Frontier BBQ Smoker - view on Amazon UK
Whether you choose to use gas or charcoal BBQ, they both should give you the same results as long as you cook with a lid down. That's where and how the flavours are created. Gas can be more convenient as you just use an ignition switch, and away you go. Charcoal may give you a smokier flavour for your hearty BBQ food. You can read more on this and more below in the FAQs.
As you can't test out a BBQ or outdoor grill prior to buying, we've done the hard work for you. Whether you're looking for something premium or budget-friendly, we've got a BBQ to suit your needs so you can get sizzling in no time.
The best outdoor grills at a glance
Hybrid BBQs
Best hybrid BBQ for cooking area
www.johnlewis.com
The John Lewis Grillstream 6 Burner Hybrid Gas & Charcoal BBQ is perfect for catering to large groups, thanks to the six gas burners that can cook for up to 12 and the large 92.4 x 41.5cm grilling area. Each burner can be individually lit, so you don't need to worry about wasting gas for smaller soirees, and the side shelf can be converted into a side burner too. With the built-in thermometer, you can keep an eye on the cooking temperature, whether you're cooking with gas, charcoal, or both together. Not to mention there's a warming rack, and plenty of storage beneath, and the Grillstream system will stream fat away to prevent flare-ups and make grilling that little bit healthier.
Customer review: "As a major charcoal enthusiast, I was skeptical about moving over to a primarily gas BBQ. But with big plans to cook for groups this summer, I needed something with a larger surface area than my current one, and the flexibility of longer cooking times without the faff of lifting grills to replace coals. Needless to say I'm stunned by the performance of this BBQ and am not hesitant anymore!!"
Pros
- Great for large families and cooking lots of food
- Loads of storage space
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Large footprint
Dimensions: | H115 x W159 x D56cm |
- Transporter wheels
- Lid thermometer
- Warming rack
- 6-burner gas barbecue cooks for up to 12
- Hybrid system for both gas and charcoal cooking
- Each gas burner can be lit individually
- 2 side shelves and enclosed storage underneath
- Hybrid system for both gas and charcoal cooking
The best hybrid grill for quick convertibility
Do you love the taste of charcoal but are enticed by the efficiency of gas? The best outdoor grill for you could be a hybrid BBQ, to enjoy the best of both worlds. Topping our list of hybrid BBQs is the great-value Gas2Coal 2.0 BBQ. You can use gas for an impromptu evening cookout or add coals for the classic BBQ experience. It's quick and easy to adapt; a charcoal tray slots over the gas burners, and the burners are used to light the coals. This makes it super-easy to light but also to achieve a steady, even temperature quickly, and simply turn the burners off once the coals start glowing.
Our review: "During testing, we found the Char-Broil Gas2Coal Hybrid Grill 4 Burner a delight to use. It made catering for 50 people a breeze during an all-day gathering using gas, which can be handily stored in the cupboard underneath the grill. It's also ideal for couples and families who enjoy a spontaneous BBQ, as it fires up quickly and cooks food evenly. The porcelain-coated cast iron grills are rust-resistant and easy to clean, and the temperature indicator on the lid lets you know when you're ready to start cooking. There's plenty of space in the cupboard for storage, and the bottle opener is also a nice touch.
"It arrived in a huge, heavy box, which definitely needed two people to transport. It took a couple of hours to put together, with some challenging aspects (the angle of the screws would be better suited to an Allen key than a Phillips head screwdriver for ease, and the gas pipe is tricky to attach to the fittings), but once assembled, is clearly well-made and sturdy. It's easy to manoeuvre thanks to the wheels and quiet to operate, and the brakes on the wheels keep it in place while cooking. We'd recommend keeping it away from materials that could scratch it (i.e. a brick wall) and putting the parts down on grass or a sheet during assembly to avoid any damage."
Pros
- Plenty of cooking space
- Versatile, making it ideal for families and larger gatherings
- Ignites quickly
- Gas or charcoal options
- Side burner for cooking smaller items/sauces
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Takes a while to put together
- Can scratch easily
Dimensions: | 23.9 cm x 60.98 cm x 46.18 cm |
- Electronic ignition
- Stainless Steel Burners
- Cast iron grates
- Charcoal tray
- Side burner
- Temperature gauge
- Side shelf
- Warming rack
- Cart wheels
Best hybrid BBQ under £500
Looking for a BBQ to go the distance and be able to withstand year after year of outdoor cooking? This is the one for you. With a PE-coated tough exterior, the Outback Meteor BBQ has been praised by reviewers for its sturdiness and longevity, with previous models having lasted over 10 years. Having said that, you should still make sure to equip it with a cover when in storage.
It's simple yet has enough capacity for you to exercise a bit of culinary creativity and broaden your al fresco menu. It has four burners and charcoal baskets with Hybrid briquettes. There's a large cooking area, a warming rack, and a side burner that has a hinged lid for additional serving space.
Customer review: "After deciding to move back to a gas bbq from a charcoal one and having had an Outback product in the past, this was a natural choice. I wasn't disappointed as the build quality seems to be very good. There's a lot to put together but it all went together well and feels really sturdy. It cooks well on gas. I haven't tried the hybrid bbq charcoals yet but it's a great idea to have a crossover with charcoal-style cooking. So far so perfect!"
Pros
- Attractive
- Good size for medium-sized gardens
Cons
- Takes a long time to assemble
Dimensions: | 128 x 140 x 61cm |
- Side burner
- Side table
- Built-in thermometer
- Porcelain-coated cast iron grill
- Front panel storage drawer
- Chrome-plated warming rack
Best charcoal grill
Best overall charcoal grill
The Weber Compact Charcoal BBQ takes our top spot as the best outdoor grill that's fire-powered - and is a favourite on Amazon too. The chrome triple-plated cooking grates make it easy to cook comfortably on and is easy to clean, with a One-Touch Cleaning System in place to easily sift out ash, dirt, and burnt food and grease. Reviewers have said that it's perfectly sizable, one customer was able to grill 16 sausages and 8 quarter-pounder burgers at once, but still nicely compact for storage or for use on a balcony. It's a versatile choice, durable, and it won't rust due to the porcelain-enamelled lid and bowl.
Customer review: "What a beast! Just cooked two barbecues, one for 18 people, the other for 9. This thing is easily big enough to rip through about 16 sausages or 8 1/4lb burgers at once. Gives a ferocious heat that is easy to control. It cooks things fast, really fast! Banging the lid on gives such a great smokey flavour. Quality is top-notch. I would definitely recommend complimenting this purchase with a charcoal starter, heatproof gloves, and a cover. Overall, fantastic purchase and really pleased."
Pros
- Brilliant budget-buy
- Comes with a very long 10-year warranty
- Durable and weather-proof
Cons
- No temperature gauge
Dimensions: | 53.1 x 54.1 x 87.9cm |
- Lid handle with heat shield
- Bottom wire rack
- Porcelain-enamelled bowl and lid
- Angled lid hook inside barbecue lid
- Removable, aluminium ash catcher
Best charcoal grill for size
If you consider yourself King of the BBQ and enjoy cooking a lot of food (or have plenty of mouths to feed), this XL BBQ will perfectly suit your grilling needs. Great for family or friend-filled gatherings, you can cook over 10 burgers and 10 sausages at once, and there's plenty of room to grill or smoke larger meats too. This CosmoGrill BBQ has everything you need; plenty of storage with foldable side tables, hooks to hang your utensils, easily adjustable air vents and coal tray, and a door at the front too for easy movement of coal without having to touch or lift the grill. With all the features, it's understandably a bit more expensive, but it's definitely a garden investment if you love barbecuing regularly.
Customer review: "Really pleased with this, bought it a couple of months ago and have now finally managed to use it a few times. The build was easy, took a while but straightforward enough. The coal tray is great, it's nice to be able to adjust the heat without having to struggle with moving the rack up or down like on different BBQs, and the side trays with plenty of hooks make cooking for large parties easy. There is loads of room for meat, which is awesome, as we always cook too much. Would definitely recommend this grill."
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Bottle opener is a nice touch
Cons
- Large in size
Dimensions: | 124 x 66 x 113cm |
- Two foldable side shelves
- Wide bottom rack
- Built-in thermometer
- Removable ash tray
- Bottle opener
- Adjustable air vents
Best gas BBQs
Best overall gas grill
Are you after a BBQ that you can use in your garden and the park? With this Grill2Go, you can take your barbecue if you are looking for the ultimate gas BBQ, then this Mountain Everest Burner can tackle the toughest of crowds. It also comes equipped with wheels and side tables so you can cook up a feast anytime you like.
Customer review: "I am extremely impressed. Most of the time, I will only use two burners. I think this BBQ could manage a huge cookout with no problem. All in all, I really have to say I am blown away with this for the price. It easily competes with BBQs at 3 or 4 times its price. It has everything you really need. You can't go wrong. It's all good quality so it should last for many years. So please, save yourself the hours and days that I invested reading and researching, and just buy this."
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Practical with easy cleaning
- Premium quality components
Cons
- Intense heat - be wary
Dimensions: | 140 (W) X 106 (H) X 56 (D) |
- Two side shelves
- Built-in temperature gauge
- Warming rack
- Lower shelf storage
- Cart wheels
- Enamelled cast iron grill plate and griddle
- Premium long-life stainless steel burners
Most versatile gas grill
Weber products are known for their excellent build quality, and this Weber Q 2000 Gas Barbecue is no different. This extremely versatile BBQ is compact yet has everything you require for the ultimate alfresco feast. It is small enough to fit on a modest-sized patio but still features two foldable side tables to prepare and store your ingredients. You can opt to buy it with or without the stand, but we think it's a handy addition for anyone looking to barbecue everywhere and anywhere!
Customer review: "I have owned this Q2000 for three or four years and use it at least 3 times a week, sometimes four or five times! 12 months a year. I could not be happier with this grill!"
Pros
- Easy to use and clean
- Rust-resistant for year-round dining
- Stylish and practical design
Cons
- A little flimsy for some
Dimensions: | 62 x 131 x 102cm |
- Foldable side tables
- Contemporary design
- Push button ignition
- Removeable drip tray
Best Kamado Egg grills
Best small Kamado Egg grill BBQ
This compact, egg-shaped BBQ weighs in at 25 kilograms, so can be popped in the boot of a car for outdoor BBQ picnics. This offers three-in-one functionality; BBQing and grilling, smoking, and it can be used as an outdoor slow cooker. This is suitable for use with charcoal, pellets, and wood chips. The ceramic insulation makes for an efficient way to keep the heat levels healthy. This has a bamboo handle and an integrated thermometer on the lid.
Pros
- Stylish design
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Small cooking area
Dimensions: | 34.5cm tall, cooking grid is 25.5cm |
- Bamboo handle
- Built-in thermometer
- Fire box
- Charcoal grate
- Stainless steel cooking grid
Best portable Kamado Egg grill BBQ
This versatile ceramic grill is well-built and portable. With the ability to sear, roast, grill, or smoke your food, this Kamado charcoal grill is efficient as it holds in heat and moisture and simplifies temperature control. Not only that, coal delivers a unique smoke-infused flavour that you just can't beat. One grill, so many opportunities.
Customer review: "Expensive, but worth every penny. This grill/oven/smoker takes barbecue to a whole new level. So far we have produced meltingly delicious pulled pork (an 18 hour low smoke we could never have attempted before); creamily tender brisket; the moistest, tenderest roast chicken ever; and drop-dead gorgeous pizza. Even relatively mundane dishes like pork chops and steak are elevated by the Kamado's fierce but controllable charcoal grill."
Pros
- Handle frames make it very portable
- Large grill area, despite small size
Cons
- Premium option, but from a reputable BBQ brand
Dimensions: | 50.17 x 52.71 x 68.58cm |
- Built-In temperature gauge
- Side handles
- Removable Easy Dump Ash Pan
- Cast-iron air vent
Best alternative BBQ and grills
Best smoker grill
For many, the best part of barbecuing is tucking into food with that delicious smoky flavour and aroma. Yes, charcoal is good, but a smoker raises the taste sensation to a whole new level, and it's fun to experiment with different smoking techniques and wood chips to enjoy a variety of smoky flavours. Once a bulky piece of kit for commercial use only, smaller smokers are now readily available. The ProQ Frontier BBQ Smoker is perfect for beginners, with a temperature gauge and a little access door so you can check how your food is doing. Compact enough for the smallest patio but big enough to feed a crowd of 12, we like its industrial style too.
Customer review: "I love my ProQ. I've had it for about a year now and it has been used regularly since then, even in winter. I have smoked pork shoulder, ribs, chickens, brisket, and sausages on it and they have all turned out amazing. The temperature control is easy, but get yourself a good leave in probe thermometer, don't rely on the lid thermometer. I recommend the Maverick range of thermometers."
Pros
- Cool design
- Lots of cooking space
Cons
- Using the vents to control the temperature can take a bit of practice
Dimensions: | 98cm x 37cm |
- In-built lid thermometer
- 5 meat hooks
- 10-year warranty
- Rust resistant
- Cool-touch tabs and handles
Best pizza oven
uk.ooni.com
Ooni is a big hit with pizza lovers and kickstarted the trend of making pizzas in your garden. The Ooni Fyra is high quality and affordable, with foldable legs and a chimney that can be twisted off so you can store it inside the oven itself if you want to pack it away or take it on the go. The Fyra promises to cook authentic wood-fired pizzas in just 60 seconds, so pizza parties will be a regular in your house. This pizza oven makes the cooking process easy, and it's guaranteed to be used all summer long.
Customer review: "So impressed with the quality of this; it's compact yet cooks as big a pizza as you'll need and churns them out very quickly. 10 minutes heating up, and it's ready to cook; pizzas are ready in minutes. It's compact yet cooks as big a pizza as you'll need and churns them out very quickly. 10 minutes heating up, and it's ready to cook; pizzas are ready in minutes."
Pros
- Quick to cook
- Portable
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Wood burning only
Dimensions: | 74 x 39 x 72cm |
- Folding legs
- Powder-coated carbon steel shell
- 10mm cordierite stone baking board
Best firepit
A firepit is a popular and simple way to ward off the evening chill if you want to stay outside for longer. This TAOTAO option has the added benefit of coming complete with a chrome grill. This makes it ideal for anyone who BBQs occasionally, giving you a fire-powered platform to cook on whilst the flames are in action. This is a particularly attractive choice, with flame-decaled mesh sides so you can see the progress of your blaze. This great value option comes with a free, smaller camping firepit, and a free rain cover.
Customer review: "I was pleasantly surprised by how big this actually is. Plenty big enough to BBQ for a half dozen people and for a few people to sit around on a cooler evening. Definitely big enough for a fire log. The design is clear, the bowl itself feels sturdy though not overly heavy. The BBQ grill is plenty thick enough to be able to do its job for the foreseeable future."
Pros
- Decorative side detail
- Free firepit and cover
Cons
- No flame control
Dimensions: | 24D x 24W x 24H centimetres |
- Mesh lid and sides
- 360-degree viewing angle
- Attractive bronze finish
- Quick assembly
How we chose the best outdoor grills and BBQs
All of these outdoor grills and BBQs have been hand-selected by our team of Modern Gardens shopping experts. We carefully considered fuel types, performance, and functionality in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching outdoor grills and 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 are the different types of BBQ grills?
Charcoal BBQ: Using charcoal as the source of fuel, charcoal BBQs are affordable and deliver deliciously smokey food with authentic char. Charcoal grills are the most affordable option.
Gas BBQ: Gas BBQs tend to be more expensive initially but give you the convenience of quick and evenly cooked food. Running on a gas canister rather than a fresh supply of charcoal each time, they're quick to ignite, offer better temperature control and tend to be easier to clean up.
Hybrid BBQ: A hybrid BBQ brings together the best of both worlds. You can use the one BBQ to cook with charcoal, gas or both at the same time. Switch between the two for the perfect pairing for quick food delivery that's got the authentic taste of a BBQ. It's worth noting that these are typically the most expensive form of BBQ.
Electric Grills: Electric grills are predominantly used indoors, but we've seen more coming onto the market. Offering an easy clean, and convenient cooking experience, they're safe to use indoors, outdoors, and on balconies. Some have the option to add wood chips to a canister for a more heightened BBQ flavour, but keep in mind that you'll need an electricity supply.
Smoker Grills: A smoker grill cooks at a low heat and is designed to expose your BBQ food to the smoke in the cabinet for the greatest amount of time, using charcoal and wood chips for an amazingly rich and smokey flavour.
Kamado Egg Grills: These hooded grills are made from ceramic and provide constant heat on minimal fuel. Unlike steel smokers, Egg grills can hold temperatures for more than 18 hours without adding more coals, and the temperature heat can reach more than 300°C to sear steaks, just like in high-end restaurants.
Outdoor Pizza Ovens: Available to be run on wood, charcoal or gas, outdoor pizza ovens are made to cook a handmade pizza - surprise surprise! Different fuels can alter the flavour and cooking speed, with wood-fired pizzas being a favourite for taste.
BBQ grill FAQs
How do I start a BBQ?
There are a couple of options when starting a BBQ, and which option you choose depends on which BBQ you have. If you have a hybrid BBQ, then the choice is all yours.
How to start a gas BBQ: For beginners selecting the right gas, like butane gas or methane gas, is the best starting point, advises Robert Dyas. After following the manufacturer's instructions to connect it correctly, keep the lid open and light it. Gas canisters can last for up to four hours on low heat, but it's wise to have a backup just in case. Never leave your gas BBQ unattended, and set it up away from flammable products.
How to start a charcoal BBQ: To make things easier when lighting a charcoal BBQ, you'll also need firelighters. This can be liquid lighter fluid, natural eco-friendly firelighters, or firelighter blocks. Pack them in between your charcoal and light them to get your fire going using lump charcoal or briquettes. Robert Dyas recommends using the 1:1 ratio for your coal – for every kilogram of meat, add a kilogram of charcoal.
Take your barbecuing up a notch with the latest grilling gizmos and best BBQ tools.
Can you use any cooking charcoal or gas on a hybrid BBQ?
Yes, though it's worth checking the manufacturer's instruction manual in case they have any requirements or recommendations.
The BBQ brand Outback, for example, recommends that you use their Hybrid Charcoal Briquettes for their charcoal, and John Lewis recommends propane or patio gas cylinder bottles ranging in sizes from 3kg to 13kg for their gas.
Are egg grills or Kamados worth it?
Kamado grills, including the Big Green Egg BBQs, are designed to maintain low temperatures for long, slow cooking and create a roaring fire for searing steaks or grilling pizzas.
If you are looking for an efficient outdoor grill that is also a very versatile cooker to roast, bake, and smoke all in one — egg grills are an excellent investment. These ceramic cookers use lump charcoal, not briquettes, and can smoke and grill any kind of meat. Many brands come with extra accessories, such as a pizza stone, tiered grill grates, and a heat deflector which really make this a versatile product. If you are looking for just outdoor grilling, there are other budget options with no frills.
How far should an outdoor grill be from my house?
An outdoor BBQ or grill needs to be at least three metres, or 10 feet, away from your home. It should be the same distance apart from fences, bushes, and any other flammable objects.
The ground you place your grill on needs to be completely even, and putting it in a well-ventilated area is essential.
What is the best outdoor grill for the environment?
Gas BBQs are undoubtedly the most eco-friendly option. The issue with charcoal BBQs isn't so much the smoke you'll create whilst cooking, but in the initial charcoal manufacturing process which can have environment-damaging effects.
If you are sticking with charcoal, make sure you look for products from sustainable sources, and those that have the FSC logo - this means it's been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
What to read next:
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Eleanor Weaver is the Deputy Homes & Garden Product Editor for Modern Gardens, specialising in outdoor furniture, décor, and tools. She's always looking out for inspiration online for stylish and affordable designs, and enjoys spending time in nature.