Best BBQ: 13 top barbecues, grills and smokers for outdoor dining

The best BBQ will help you to continue making the most out of your garden, and spending some quality time with the family. The seasons may have changed and the chillier weather starting to settle in, but a barbecue will keep you warm with all your favourite barbecue foods piled up on a plate as you cosy up under a blanket.

It's a nice thought, isn't it? To make it a reality we have honed in on our top picks and split them into the different types available – charcoal, gas, hybrid and electric – to make it quicker and easier for you to search. And if you want to read up on precisely how to buy the best BBQ this year, scroll down to read our detailed run through of points to consider.

We have included a few barbecues that can be used as pizza ovens on this list, but we also have a dedicated list of the best pizza ovens for you to check out, too.

Our best BBQ picks to buy

There's a selection of BBQs to choose from; from gas BBQs to charcoal barbecues, which all come in various different shapes and sizes. And, depending on which make and model of barbecues you are drawn to, you will ultimately see differences in price so it's worth honing in on a budget before making a decision.

Keep scrolling to see our top picks of the charcoal, gas, electric and hybrid varieties.

Best charcoal BBQs for 2020

Nothing beats the traditional smokey flavour of a charcoal barbecue; having said that, with the dizzying number of models out there, it can be difficult to choose a good one. We've compiled the best charcoal bbqs that give the best flavour. Keep scrolling for more barbecue types.

Love a traditional charcoal barbecue? We wouldn't hesitate buying the Weber Performer Deluxe Charcoal BBQ as it offers plenty of cooking surface as well as storage and somewhere to serve, too.

Cooking features
A grate and sear grate are included and you can also buy a number accessories as optional extras, such as the poultry roaster, which can be slotted into the centre of the grate. Perfect for classic grilling of burgers, bangers and chicken.

Storage space
As the barbecue is integrated into the cart, it doubles up as a cooking surface with storage space below. Ideal for keeping sauces and condiments within easy reach, ready to serve.

Added benefits
It may be a charcoal barbecue but there’s no need to worry about using firelighters to get this beauty going, as the Touch-N-Go electronic gas ignition lights it in no time. It also comes with a charcoal measuring cup and a lid thermometer so you can make sure everything is cooked to perfection. There are also three tool holders and a removable LCD cooking timer. We also love the One Touch cleaning system, as no one likes cleaning the barbecue after use.

If you want to involve your favourite wood chips to burning charcoal for full-on flavour, we recommend buying the Napoleon charcoal kettle BBQ.

Cooking features
The spacious lid provides plenty of space to barbecue whole joints of meat or alternatively, the grille is large enough to produce a BBQ feast, helped along by the temperature gauge, which should prevent you from burning or undercooking your food. 

Storage Space
There is a small open shelf on the bottom where you can pop a few items but nothing more, so you’ll need to have a garden table or trolley to hand for all the condiments and added extras.

Added benefits
The lid lifts up on a hinge and stays open with no risk of it snapping shut as you're turning your meat. This means you won't need to be looking for a place to put down a hot lid while cooking. Also, once shut, the lid locks in the heat while the vents regulate it. The result is some seriously juicy meat. 

To make cooking outdoors easier on yourself we can highly recommend investing in the Outback Omega 200.

Cooking features
The Grid in Grid system allows you to expand your cooking space by adding in pizza stones, woks and pans, which are available separately. There’s also a temperature gauge, removable centre rack and a secondary rack for slower cooking.

Storage space
There’s a handy side shelf that folds down for easy storage after use. Perfect for popping the ketchup and mayonnaise on.

Added benefits
We love the ash collection tray, as this makes cleaning the barbecue so much quicker and simpler once it’s fully cooled down. Just slide out the tray and dispose of the ash. Easy.

Small enough to pop into the back of the car as you head off on a day or weekend out, we can recommend buying the Weber Smokey Joe (it's well priced too!)

Cooking features
For a portable model, it’s packed full of features such as a steel cooking grate, a handy tuck and carry lid, a steel charcoal grate for aeration and a briquette measuring cup so you don’t overdo it on the heat production. 

Storage space
There’s no storage but you wouldn’t expect that for such a small model or such a low price.

Added benefits
At just 3.5kg, this is lightweight enough to take with you to the beach, park, festival or camping site. The size is ideal for two people, but you may struggle to cook comfortably for any more than that.

See more of the best portable BBQs in our guide. 

We can highly recommend buying the Green Egg BBQ; it's everybody’s favourite in terms of style and substance and it’s perfect for small spaces, terraces and courtyard gardens. 

Cooking features
Thanks to patented air-flow technology, once the Big Green Egg is up to temperature (which doesn’t take long at all), it maintains it nice and steady so there’s no worry about over or under-cooking food. Having a predictable barbecue gives peace of mind, especially when you’re having people over. You can also control the temperature to within a few degrees for precise cooking.

Storage space
It features wooden shelves on either side, so you can easily keep meat and fish separate, or use one shelf for the cooked food and another for the rolls and salads.

Added benefits
No need to worry about children dashing about, as this design has superior insulation so the outside of the egg is never too hot to touch. It’s also self-cleaning as the oil and fat left over after cooking are burnt down by the Egg’s residual heat leaving a fine ash that can easily be brushed away.

Best gas BBQs for 2020

When you don’t want to be messing around with charcoal and smoke or you prefer precise control, a gas barbecue is for you. Or you can keep scrolling for hybrid dual fuel designs as well as electric grills, smokers and pizza ovens…

Offering outstanding control and good looks, it would be a great investment if you buy the Everdure by Heston Blumenthal Force 2 Burner Gas BBQ. It did get our vote for the best gas BBQ, too, so you know you're onto a winner.

Cooking features
Any cooking gadget or appliance with the name Heston Blumenthal attached to it is going to be great quality and well thought out and this Everdure by Heston Blumenthal Force 2 Burner Gas BBQ is no different. A beautiful piece of design, we think it's well worth the investment. It comes with independently controlled gas burners for cooking on and off the heat with variable heat control so you can ensure that ingredients are cooking at the perfect temperature. Cook with the hood up or the hood down, with the hood being high enough for convection cooking if you fancy a large joint of meat.

Storage space 
Side shelves and space below provide all the space you need for sauces and salads.

Added benefits
The die-cast aluminium body is rust-proof and feels extremely sturdy and durable. Bear in mind that the plates are enamel coated, which means you'll need to clean them more carefully without the use of conventional scourers. Try a nylon brush instead.

If you're looking for great value for money and consistent cooking results, we can recommend buying the Outback Omega 250 Gas BBQ.

Cooking features
If you prefer the idea of cooking on gas but don’t want to lose out on the smokiness produced by charcoal barbecues, this Outback Omega 250 2 Burner Gas BBQ is the ideal choice. Well priced, it comes with lava rocks that, when heated with the gas flames, turn the juices from the meat into flavoursome smoke. The side burner is also useful for frying steak on a hot griddle.

Storage space 
As well as a shelf space below, there are also two foldaway side flaps, which are ideal for sauces, salads and drinks.

Added benefits
Its simple design means that assembly time is no more than 15 to 30 minutes before you're ready to go, making it an ideal last-minute purchase when the weather forecast predicts a sunny weekend.

This gas barbecue ticks all the right boxes; it's convenient, easy to use and great value for money. For these reasons, we recommend buying the Argos Home Premium 4 Burner Gas BBQ With Side Burner – it's great for all kinds of alfresco entertaining!

Cooking features
Thanks to an off-heat cooking option, this Premium 4 Burner Gas BBQ enables you to keep two rings on and two off if you’re looking to slowly cook meat all the way through. There’s a handy heat rack to keep food warm without burning and a smaller side burner gas ring perfect for cooking side dishes at the same time as your mains. 

Storage space 
This one’s got plenty of storage with a bottom shelf and useful condiment rack, which is great for seasoning food as you cook.

Added benefits
Suitable for both propane and butane gas, this model comes with a regulator for propane gas pre-installed. If you need to use butane gas, you’ll have to change this to a certified butane regulator.

Best hybrid BBQs for 2020

Not sure whether you prefer charcoal or gas? How about a hybrid dual fuel design for the best of both? Here are our top picks…

Whether one member of your family prefers gas and the other prefers coal or you’re really looking to maximise every available opportunity to cook outside this summer, we can recommend  which leaves you with plenty of scope for creating amazing food. 

Cooking features
This design offers great gas temperature control with three individual burners that allow you to get the temperature just right when cooking on the gas setting. There’s an off-heat cooking option for that smoky, slow-cooked flavour while the ability to cook without the heat on in the charcoal mode is great. The results, flavour-wise, are stunning.

Storage space
There is a little space with a side shelf and warming rack, which is also handy for keeping food warm.

Added benefits 
Thanks to a warming rack, you can keep food warm while cooking more – ideal for larger batches and parties.

Find more of the best gas BBQs in our guide. 

• Buy the Char-Broil Gas2Coal Hybrid Grill

Use both gas and charcoal at the same time with this hybrid barbecue, which provides both instant and classic cooking in one.

Cooking features
We love this John Lewis & Partners hybrid model, as it’s packed with features. There are five burners as well as an infra-red ceramic side burner, dual hoods with thermometers for cooking at different temperatures and a warming rack to keep dishes warm or you can use it as a secondary cooking area.

Storage space
As well as the warming rack, there are also side shelves, two sliding drawers and enclosed storage space underneath the cart.

Added benefits
Check out the Grillstream, which prevents flare-ups, as well as the LED backlit control knobs, chopping board and ice bucket, all of which elevate this barbecue into something truly special. The cut-out circular griddle can also be used with a pizza stone, wok and poultry roaster, which are available to buy separately.

Best electric grills for 2020

No mess, no fuss, no purchasing of fuel: electric grills give you all of that, plus portability. Keep scrolling for smokers and pizza ovens.

One of the best electric grills you can get, we wouldn't hesitate to buy the Smart Grill Pro. Perfect for steaks and burgers, it’s the next best thing to a barbecue.

Cooking features
From rare to well done, the five temperature settings will delight steak lovers. However you like your meat cooked, this will get it exactly right. Remarkably accurate, the heat probe will allow you to relax and cook meat through to the right temperature without fuss.

Storage space
None but then you'll likely be using it in the kitchen so that’s not really an issue.

Added benefits
The grill heats up in seconds and sears food for that smoky, chargrilled finish. It cooks veggies in seconds and it’s easy to clean, as the plates can be removed and will fit in a standard dishwasher.

If you're savvy with your money, we can recommend buying the George Foreman Indoor and Outdoor Grill which can double up as table top cooker and BBQ. Whether you’re taking on the cooking responsibilities at a summer BBQ or cooking a healthy mid-week dinner for the family, this grill should enable you to do it with ease. 

Cooking features
Perfect for meat or fish, this portable appliance can easily cook 15 portions of food and can be used inside or out. There’s also an outside temperature gauge so you can keep an eye on the temperature inside, too. 

Storage space 
There’s no storage with the unit but when it comes to storing it yourself, simply remove the stand and the grill will sit neatly on the table or worktop.

Added benefits
Cleaning this BBQ Grill is easy as it comes with non-stick removable plates, which are also angled so they drain fat and grease away into the integrated drip tray. No need for connecting to a gas canister or messing around with dirty charcoal – just plug in and away you go.

See more of the best electrical grills in our guide. 

Best smoker for 2020

Love the characteristic flavour and tender texture of smoked fish and meat? Now you can create your own smoked dishes at home…

Weber is a big name in barbecuing, so it’s no surprise that they’ve successfully turned their hand to barbecue smokers too. If you want to buy the Smokey Mountain Cooker you won't be disappointed – it does what it says on the tin which is why it's award-winning and highly rated by yours truly.

Cooking features
It's sturdy, snug construction is very important for the quality of the smoke, and all the parts in this reassuringly heavy smoker hold together in a nicely tight fit, making sure smoke does not escape. Smoking is an hour-long process and this smoker, once you've got it to the desired temperature, will hold it remarkably steadily. This makes it suitable for smoking anything, from fish to veg and even nuts. The multiple vents compensate for windy weather.

Storage space
There's no storage with this smoker but that’s not a problem as you’d likely have an additional barbecue or table alongside it.

Added benefits
This smoker means business in terms of how much it can cook in one go: we're talking a very large whole chicken or multiple whole salmon fillets. 

How to buy the best barbecue for 2020

Picking the perfect barbecue for your family will depend on a number of things – the fuel you like to cook with, whether you want any fancy extras and how large or small you need the barbecue to be. Also, take into account the style, the overall look and the price, too.

Fuel type
Think about the type of food you like to pop on the barbie. Is it more your classic burgers and hot dogs? In which case a traditional charcoal design will give the best, most authentic chargrilled flavour. Or are you after something that will expertly cook fish and seafood? In which case you’re be better off with an all-singing, all-dancing gas design. Maybe you want the best of both with a hybrid dual fuel model or an electric grill for when it rains? If you’re after something a little more exotic or as an added extra for an existing barbecue, consider a smoker. And when you need something for the park or to take to a festival, go for a portable model which will really impress your guests; whilst a pizza oven (also very impressive) is perfect for children’s parties and large gatherings too. So there are plenty to choose from at prices to suit every pocket too.

Flavour
While the best gas barbecue will still deliver on the smokey BBQ flavour, a charcoal barbecue is your best bet if you really like that authentic, chargrilled taste. An electric grill will be portable and easy to use, but won't give you the smoke. For added flavour, consider a smoker barbecue instead.

Ease of cleaning
Look at how simple the barbecue is to clean. Are the grates and accessories dishwasher-safe for instance? Do the parts come off so you can dunk them in a sink of hot soapy water? Bear in mind that larger surface areas will take more elbow grease and time, too.

Size
As a rough guide, for four people, you'll need a grill size that's less than 1800cm²; for six people, a grill up to 2500cm² will do; for eight people or more, look for a barbecue with a grill size that's 2500cm²+.

Storage space
Consider whether the barbecue comes with any storage space for cooking utensils and tools as well as larger shelves for condiments and pop-up side flaps for bowls of salads and rice. At the very least, it’s great if there’s somewhere to pop the Ketchup. Also, look at the overall dimensions of the design and think about where you’ll store it during the winter months. A barbecue left outdoors won’t last very long if it’s exposed to the elements so make sure there’s room in the garage or shed.

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More BBQ advice and recipe ideas:

• New to BBQ cheffing? Discover how to barbecue right
• Check out these super easy BBQ recipes
• Once you've found the best barbecue, browse our list of the best BBQ tools
• Get more garden ideas at our dedicated page
• Looking for a BBQ bargain? Good shout. Check out our BBQ deals for the best offers