Best BBQ buys for 2023

The Great Summer BBQ – nothing beats it. Sizzling sausages in the sun is summer tradition that lives on through the generations. And with our gardens becoming the hottest party venues of the season, your barbecue becomes the star of the show.

From extra-large gas BBQs to feed a party of people to compact and portable charcoal options to take camping, we've got a barbecue to suit. We’re here to help you find the best model for cooking up a delicious feast, from tasty grilled burgers and sausages to scrumptious smoked fish.

Before you buy

To make sure you get the right one, there are a couple of questions to ask yourself before you make your choice.

Where will the barbecue be used?

We want you to find the barbecue that fits your home perfectly. Our huge range caters for every space, whether you’ve got loads or just a little.

If you’re short on floor space, one of our more compact BBQ’s will be the ideal match. Or if you’ve got plenty of room go for a larger barbecue. Many in our range come with handles and wheels so you can easily move them around and store them away when not in use.

How many people will the barbecue cater for?

Almost all of our barbecues are designed to cater for four people or more. Size does matter though, and the bigger the grill size, the easier it will be to cater for bigger groups or parties.

And if you expect to be hosting large numbers of hungry people, look for additional extras that help you cook up more food. Many in our range come with handy side areas for prepping food and serving up.

Types of barbecue

Barbecues are categorised based on the fuel they use and we offer three types – gas, charcoal and electric.

Gas barbecues

For complete control over the temperature, as well as the ease of being able to start cooking with one click, choose a gas barbecue. Unlike a charcoal option, they're ready to start cooking almost immediately. Gas barbecues have a generous cooking area making them ideal when cooking for larger groups and they’re easy to clean afterwards.

Our traditional gas barbecues:

• Cater for up to 16 people
• Offer fast and reliable ignition
• Have up to six burners
• Feature grills made from porcelain enamel, enamel-coated steel or cast iron, offering even heat distribution
• Are flat-packed and easy to assemble, though some may require a second pair of hands
• Are simple to store – most come with handles and wheels to make moving them into your garage or shed a breeze

Charcoal barbecues

For the authentic barbecue experience and flavour, opt for a charcoal barbecue. While they take a little more time to be ready – the ritual of getting one going is what outdoor cooking is all about and they can be a cost-effective choice.

The fuel is inexpensive to buy and replace, but they do require more maintenance. You’ll need to clean the grill and remove the ash every time you use it. Our charcoal barbecues:

• Cater for up to 12 people
• Have up to four adjustable grill heights to allow you to control the temperature of your food
• Feature grills made from steel, porcelain enamel, or steel and enamel. Porcelain enamel offers even heat distribution
• Are available with porcelain enamel lids so that you can cook at high temperatures, like an oven
• Feature wheels to move out of the away when not in use

Electric barbecues

Electric barbecues are powered through a power socket, like most other electrical items. This makes them an easy and versatile choice - simply plug them in and wait a few minutes for the element to heat up before you start cooking.

They’re also great for caravans and camping on powered campsites. Our electric barbecues:

• Feature porcelain-enamelled cooking grates, that are easy to remove and clean by hand or in the dishwasher
• Are compact and simple to store
• Offer easy temperature control
• Are available with side tables for food preparation and serving up

Pizza ovens

Forget burgers and sausages, if pizza is more your thing then a pizza oven is the perfect match for you. 

Our pizza oven features:

• A temperature gauge to ensure your food is cooked just how you like it
• Wheels and a handle so it can be moved easily
• Stainless steel doors to retain heat
• A shelf underneath for plates and condiments
• A removable ash drawer

Barbecue features

When choosing your new barbecue, look for extra features that make outdoor grilling easier and the results all the tastier.

Gas barbecue features

Our gas barbecues can feature:

• A removable drip tray for easy cleaning and some models feature vapour bars that protect the burners from excess grease
• Storage options, including storage cupboards for gas bottles
• Side tables for extra surface space – look for ones that can be folded, extended or feature integrated hooks for utensils
• Dishwasher-safe grills
• Extra grill bars that help the cooked food achieve that authentic chargrilled flavour
• A warming rack to keep cooked food warm, toast buns and melt cheese
• A hood-mounted temperature gauge/ thermometer
• A stylish design, featuring coloured components in either a shiny or matt finish
• Resistance to rusting and chipping

Charcoal barbecue features

Our charcoal barbecues can feature:

• A hinged grill grate to make it easier to add extra fuel
• An ash collecting tray for the post-barbecue clean-up
• Storage options, including shelves or a cupboard underneath the barbecue
• A built-in chopping board for food preparation • a side table – look for ones that can be folded
• Dishwasher-safe grills
• A warming rack to keep cooked food warm
• A chimney starter for quick start-up
• Utensil hooks
• A hood-mounted temperature gauge/ thermometer
• Non-rust vents to allow airflow
• A stylish design, featuring coloured components
• Resistance to rusting and chipping

Tools & accessories

In addition to your BBQ you’ll need extras like fuel and cooking tools. We’ll also suggest some other items to consider, to make the most of your barbecue.

Barbecue fuel and accessories

Make sure your barbecue doesn’t burn out halfway through cooking your sausages by having fuel on hand. Stock up on charcoal or gas dependent on your barbecue's fuel type. Pop into one of our stores to get your gas bottles and refills.

Charcoal models also need firelighters and a flame lighter.

And always be sure that any extra fuel is kept a good distance away from your barbecue when it's lit.

Barbecue cooking tools

Prepare delicious food on your barbecue with the help of our wide range of cooking accessories. From smokers to tongs, grill baskets to thermometer forks, we have plenty of cooking tools to help you look and feel like a professional chef.

Barbecue cleaning tools

Keep your grill sparkling by cleaning after every use with warm soapy water and brush. We also offer some barbecue cleaner sprays that can help with the post-barbecue clean up.

Barbecue covers

If being stored outside, shield your barbecue from the elements with a barbecue cover. Choose the right one to suit the shape and size of your barbecue and look for those made from material that is water and tear-resistant for extra protection.