This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.
The British aren’t good at many things. Queuing, complaining, and crying over football are certainly up there as national skills. But there’s another great British skill that sometimes goes overlooked: The natural, God-given ability to get out the barbecue at the very first glimmer of sunshine.
Even if you’re not an experienced grill-person, few people can deny the great taste of barbecued food. That goes for veggies too. Barbecuing isn’t only for the carnivores these days. But getting that great taste means getting a great bit of BBQ kit.
Fortunately, there are lots of options out there — from charcoal to gas via hybrid models. That doesn’t make buying a barbecue any easier. Barbecues are a hot topic, and it’s easy to go cold if you get blindsided by jargon, features, and tasty-looking choices. That’s why we’re here to help. Indeed, before you part with any cash, here’s a quick guide to buying a BBQ — and a selection of the very best models.
Charcoal or gas BBQs — which is better?
This is the ultimate question. Well, when it comes to barbecuing at least. Charcoal barbecues are of course the classic version. They give that distinctive smoky, chargrilled taste. They also need fewer extras than gas barbecues which means they’re usually cheaper, too. But they can be tricky to light and take much longer to get to the right temperature. They’re also much harder to clean.
Gas barbecues are easier and faster. They’re usually ready to cook on in 10 minutes or less and have easily-controllable temperature dials — not to mention other fancy features and mod cons. They do, however, lack that authentic barbecue taste, unless they have flavouriser bars. And the added convenience will hit you right in the wallet.
It all comes down to personal preference: It’s taste vs. convenience. Or you could meet halfway and get a gas-charcoal hybrid. Whatever you choose, it’s all tasty stuff.
How big is a barbecue?
You can file this one alongside “How long is a piece of string?” There’s no straight answer but charcoal barbecues tend to be much smaller. In fact, there are options that are extremely portable — meaning you can take them on camping trips or even to the park. Gas barbecues tend to be bigger bits of kits. They’re more like an oven on wheels and tend to suit larger gardens. Ask yourself some storage-related questions. Where will you keep your barbecue? In the garden all year round, under a protective cover? Or will you wheel it in and out of the garage? Size up your outdoor space first.
What are the important BBQ features?
It’s not only about gas and coal. There are lots of other features to consider. Here are some that might seal the deal for you:
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Cooking space — That’s right, cooking space is always at a premium. Space might come in the form of side tables, condiment holders, and even hooks for your tools. Anything that helps maximise your BBQ’ing area.
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Burners — On the subject of space, the number of actual burners (which you’ll find included on gas barbecues) is crucial. Big family? Then four or even more burners might be necessary. Extra griddles and side burners are also a bonus.
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Fat drip trays — Cleaning a barbecue can be a job in itself. That’s why fat drip trays are super useful. They can also reduce the amount of flare-up you get from the flames.
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Hood — If a barbecue has a hood, it immediately levels-up your griddle game. This allows you to roast meant as well as grill. Especially good for cooking whole chickens.
Keep these things in mind when shopping for an upgrade.
What is the best barbecue?
We have researched everything on offer and highlighted a selection the very best models to suit you and your garden. We’ve considered price, size, cooking speed, fuel access, and much more, so you don’t have to. Just pick a favourite.
These are the best barbecues for 2024.
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