A small backyard calls for cozy accents like fire pits. Amazon has quite a few selections that make a big impact on the ambiance, but fortunately, not a big dent in your wallet.

Now that spring has officially arrived, you're probably thinking about fixing up your yard and taking your plans al fresco...even if it's still a tad chilly. A fire pit is one of those accessories that will put the finishing touches on your oasis and give back throughout the year. 

Whether you're interested in snagging one for warmth, aesthetics, or marshmallow roasting, brainstorm fire pit ideas and turn your backyard area into the go-to gathering spot of the spring, and beyond. 

Fire pits: Amazon's best selections from $40

Even if you're working with small backyard ideas, there's no reason to exclude fire pits. Amazon has plenty of compact selections, as well as tabletop offerings, should square footage be at a minimum. The Kizzby Table Top Fire Pit Bowl on Amazon clocks in at less than five inches wide and four inches high, is currently on sale for less than $25, and has a 4.6/5-star review. The portable, rectangular Korniful Tabletop Fire Pit on Amazon is another hot contender (get it?) and is less than $40.

What to shop

Of course, if you have your heart set on something a bit bigger than a tabletop fire pit (but isn't too overwhelming in size), these customer favorites offer just what you're looking for and perfectly complement your outdoor furniture, really embracing that inviting feeling.

Although the Real Homes team did not personally test these fire pits, we selected options based on ratings, reviews, prices, and sizes that are suitable for smaller scales. Prices were correct at the time of publication. Read all directions properly before putting your fire pits to use. 

Need some outdoor fire pit maintenance tips? We're here to help. These are the things you shouldn't put on a fire pit, according to experts. If you want to go the DIY route, these tips from pros will help you build a smokeless fire pit.
    

Whether you're a first-time grill owner or you're hoping to upgrade, our list of the best grills ought to help sway this all-important decision. Our team of reviewers has been busy this summer cooking on a load of barbecues, from the likes of Weber, Everdure by Heston Blumenthal, Char-Broil, and many more big brands, to help you pick with ease.

Because a grill isn't something you can try before you buy, we've done the job for you. Whether you're searching for a portable grill for use on your balcony or to take on vacation, or maybe it's a do-it-all smart model that you want to invest in, keep scrolling for our verdict. Our guide features a grill for every budget and all backyard sizes, plus we've included some of the gas, charcoal, and hybrid models below, too. As well as a pellet smoker if you're getting super serious with your outdoor cooking.

Now's the best time of year to get your hands on a new grill, ready for next year. Get grilling with our top recommendations. Check out our best pizza oven guide so you can feast on homemade pizza in the backyard, too.

The best grills

Our favorite gas grill is the Weber Genesis II EX-335 GBS. It's designed to last and is both durable and easy to clean. Not only that, but it's super convenient and simple to use. Its smart features make it the perfect pick for serious outdoor cooks, so if you're just looking to cook up a few burgers, this isn't really for you. We rate it five out of five stars.

Cooking ability
This grill is great for cooking for groups of people, with plenty of space including three burners and a keep cool rack. You sync it with your smartphone and hook your food up to the temperature gauge for up-to-date alerts on when your food is done. We used it to cook everything from sausages to spatchcock chicken, potatoes, peppers, corn, steaks, and more. Our one complaint is that it only comes with one probe to check the temperature. 

Design
This barbecue certainly comes with space demands, so it's definitely a better option for people with sizeable yards. It is easy enough to store though, with four wheels (two of them lockable) for easy moving.

Good to know
Offering a sturdy design, this grill features a porcelain enameled lid two stainless steel side tables, and painted steel doors. Assembly takes a while and is a bit fiddly. You need a total of 10 batteries to use this grill.

We can highly recommend buying the Green Egg; it's everybody’s favorite (including ours) in terms of style and substance and it’s perfect for small spaces, terraces, and patios. We tested it in our yard and rated it five out of five stars. It's extremely high quality and really it's a lifelong grill. It can cook all foods to an incredibly high standard, but just bear in mind its hefty price tag.

Cooking ability
This charcoal grill requires lump charcoal to cook your food, and it has a handy fill line so that you know how much to use (this should last for three uses). 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 undercooking 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. It retains heat incredibly well since it's ceramic, plus you can buy a special ceramic attachment, a convEGGtor, to indirectly cook your food. Otherwise, bear in mind it doesn't have a keep warm rack. 

Design
If you buy the Big Green Egg on its own, it will arrive without a stand to pop it inside. And it will crack if not properly supported. It might be a good idea to get a 'Nest' with your grill as this features wooden shelves on either side, so you can keep meat and fish separate, or use one shelf for the cooked food and another for the rolls and salads. This kamado grill does come in other sizes, too.

Good to know
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 both burnt down by the Egg’s residual heat leaving a fine ash that can easily be brushed away. The only this holding this grill back are its higher price tag and heavy weight.

Should you be searching for a charcoal grill, then this one from Char-Griller is your best bet. We tested it and gave it 4.5 stars out of 5. Not only is it great for cooking your classic barbecue food, like burgers and sausages, but it can also smoke, roast, and bake food. Plus, it's great for larger families with a decent size cooking area on offer, with a removable warming rack too.

Cooking ability
This charcoal grill is easy to ignite thanks to its integrated fan. Even though it's fuelled by charcoal, it offers total temperature control and once it's ready to cook, you'll get an alert on your phone. Yes, it connects to your smartphone and also has an LCD digital display for those who aren't as tech-savvy. Otherwise, bear in mind that you need to season the cooking plates before use. You can set timers for your food and thanks to its built-in temperature probes, you can check that your meat is cooked with ease (and peace of mind). It offers heaps of space for cooking various foods at one time, plus it has a warming rack to help you with timings.

Design
This grill comes in a range of sizes, but we tested the large size. With this in mind, its design is suitable for all spaces, large and small, balconies and back yards. It offers plenty of storage space while cooking, from two side shelves to three hooks for your utensils. Moreover, it has a storage shelf underneath for holding your plates or your buns while you cook. It comes in your choice of black, red, blue, or grey.

Good to know
It needs to be covered if kept outside to avoid rusting. We found that it burned through charcoal fast while testing and that its probe was sometimes a little inaccurate.

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

Cooking ability
This design offers great gas temperature control with two, three, or four 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 flavor while the ability to cook without the heat on in the charcoal mode is great. The results, flavor-wise, are stunning. We cooked steaks, chicken, asparagus, skewers, scallops, and sausages on this grill.

Design
There is a little space with a side shelf and warming rack, which is also handy for keeping food warm. Otherwise, if you're not using the side burner you can use this as extra food prep space. Underneath the BBQ you'll find more storage space for tools and more. It also sits on wheels for easy transportation. Its side shelves don't fold, but you can use them to help move the BBQ into place if need be.

Good to know
It comes in several sizes so you can choose the best for your family size and budget. Assembly also took a while, so don't expect to unbox it and be cooking within half an hour.

We're currently testing this gas grill from Weber, however, we can say so far that we love it. It's app-compatible meaning you can check on its temperature from indoors, whilst you can use it for roasting, baking, steaming, or even stir-frying. It even has a side burner for extra cooking space. It comes in your choice of four burners or three, and it can be fuelled by natural gas. It offers heaps of storage including two side shelves and a cabinet underneath the grill itself. It sits on lockable wheels to make it easier to move around your yard, and is definitely better suited for large families or those who use their grill often. We'll update this when our review goes live.

We're currently testing this Cuisinart grill in a large family backyard. At the moment, we're enjoying cooking on it, and with five burners plus a side burner on offer, it's the ideal pick for larger spaces. If you often have yard parties or you have a larger family, this is the grill for you as it offers total control over several zones, so that you can cook everything from wings to burgers, sausages, and corn all at one time. It has a sizeable keep-warm rack plus lots of storage on board, to keep your sauces, your buns, and your plates nearby. Even better? It's surprisingly affordable considering its large size. We'll update this once our review is live.

If you're searching for something that can do everything a full-size model can, then the Weber Go-Anywhere is your best bet. We've given this grill five out of five stars, and we really wish we could give it more. Its brilliant design paired with its sizable cooking area make grilling up a storm easy, while it sits at a happy-go-lucky price point, too. What's not to love?

Cooking ability
We used it to cook everything from chicken wings to burgers, sausages, corn, and a joint of beef. It took around 25–30 minutes to get hot each time we tested it. You can fit six to eight burgers on there at one time, so we used it for batch cooking for a large group as well as just for the two of us. It can tackle pretty much any task, big or small.

Design
The unique design of the Go Anywhere is what initially caught our eye. It has foldable feet that unhook to cuddle the grill and its lid, to ensure it's secure when you're taking it on the go. It's super sturdy and has a comfortable handle that never gets hot, and it has plenty of vents to allow airflow.

Good to know
This grill comes with a briquette bowl to help you measure the charcoal you need. It's easy to clean after use and we put the grates in the dishwasher for ease. It has a hinged lid to protect it from the wind while cooking. Our only dislike is that it doesn't come in more colors. You can leave it outside if you like, but we'd suggest covering it or placing it somewhere the rain can't reach. Though it is fuelled by charcoal, we don't rate it as our best overall charcoal grill because of its smaller size.

A very convenient grill that's fit for big families and large yards alike, the Weber Smokefire is brilliant. It makes cooking anything and everything super easy, and you can check on your food while you're in the kitchen rustling up a salad to accompany your food. The app compatibility is second to none and is undeniably handy when it comes to getting the perfect temperature. It's definitely one for barbecue enthusiasts.

Cooking ability
The Weber Smokefire can be controlled by the Weber Connect app for ease of cooking. You set the temperature of the smoker on this app and using the probe, you can use it to check the cooking status of your food. It also has a control panel on the grill. We used this smoker to cook a lamb shoulder joint, ribs, steak, and kebabs. We found the keep-warm rack super helpful and everything we cooked came out with a true smoky taste. Cooking made easy.

Design
It's not the prettiest to have in your yard, but admittedly it could look worse and does rock that pitmaster vibe. It sits on wheels and is easy to transport considering its size. The only thing is that it requires power to work, which means it needs to be positioned close to a power outlet.

Good to know
This grill requires two people for assembly, and it arrives in a very large box. It's easy to clean although for the first three uses it advises you not to clean the grates to season them. It also boasts a night light if you're ever cooking in the dark, and handily enough it alerts you when you need to add more pellets.

Offering outstanding control and good looks, the Everdure by Heston Blumenthal Force 2 Burner Gas grill is a great investment. When it comes to ease of use it's right up there too.

Cooking abilities
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 down, with it being high enough for convection cooking if you fancy a large joint of meat. We used it to cook burgers and sausages, as well as a whole chicken, a shoulder of lamb plus veggies.

Design 
Side shelves and extra storage space below provide all the space you need for sauces and salads. The die-cast aluminum body is rust-proof and feels extremely sturdy and durable. Choose from a range of colors including blue, orange, or graphite.

Good to know
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. It's also a bit tricky to clean inside.

If you're searching for a compact grill, perhaps because you have a small yard or maybe because you rarely cook outside? The Weber Smokey Joe is the best option for you. This brilliant little grill might lack a little when it comes to size, but it certainly makes up for it when it comes to features. You can use this small yet mighty grill to cook everything from burgers to a Tomahawk steak. 

Cooking features
For a portable model, it’s packed full of features such as a steel cooking grate, a tuck-n-carry lid, a steel charcoal grate for aeration, and a briquette measuring cup so you don’t overdo it on the heat production. It's pretty simple to use and it's more than easy to get good results. We tested this grill with everything from burgers to a Tomahawk, kebabs, and lots of smaller cuts of meat. It's safe for us to say we were more than impressed. In fact, one of the times we tested this grill we cooked for around 20 people, making burgers in batches, and it performed brilliantly.

Storage space
There’s no storage space with this grill, but you wouldn’t expect it for such a small model or such a low price. It sits atop a table when in use. Though not technically storage, it does have a hinged lid that can be used for shielding the weather whilst in use.

Added benefits
At just 7.7lbs, this is lightweight enough to take with you to the beach, park, festival, or camping site. When we tested this BBQ, we noticed that though it does have a tuck-n-carry lid, it's not the most secure. Bearing this in mind, we wouldn't suggest putting it in a car filled with ash or charcoal in case of spillage. You can also use this BBQ to indirectly cook food by rearranging the coals once they've burned. This is great when it comes to cooking joints and delicate pieces of fish.

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

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

Design
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.

Good to know
Cleaning this 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.

Which type of grill should you use?

When buying a grill, there is a lot to consider — the price, how much space it takes, its capacity to hold food — but there is one aspect that buyers tend to get hung up on: what's the best power source? Charcoal, liquid propane, electric, and wood pellets are the main power sources for grills and each offers a little something different. 

Electric
Electric grills are usually small in size and used inside, though there are a few outdoor electric grills. They can be much easier to clean than other types of grills, however, don't expect to be able to grill a lot on electric grills as they don't tend to have large surface areas. 

Charcoal 
A lot of barbecuers love charcoal. It offers a smoky, delicious taste to food and they don't tend to take up a lot of space. Though we've included a top-notch charcoal grill in this guide, there are a ton of cheap and affordable options like the Weber 441. Keep in mind that charcoal grills take much longer to heat up and the temperature is much harder to control. Plus, when you're done using a charcoal grill, you have a bit of a mess to clean up. 

Gas
Propane grills are convenient. You don't have to wait for anything to heat up and you can begin cooking right away. The drawback is that you never know how much propane is left in a tank and they don't generally offer smoky or woodsy flavoring that's associated with charcoal or wood pellet grills. Some even claim you can taste the propane, but that might be a bit of a stretch. If you're looking for ease and convenience or even the ability to adjust your temperature quickly, then a propane grill is the way to go. 

Wood pellets 
Most people don't cook over open wood fires anymore because it takes too long for the fire and heat to build. The grilling gods have found a way to create the same effect with wood pellet grills. If you can afford them, wood pellet grills are phenomenal because they grill, roast, sear, smoke, and much more in one grill. Like an oven, you can set your temperature with wood pellet grills and don't have to worry about it getting too hot or burning too low. Many, though not all, wood pellet grills have Wi-Fi connections and apps that can control the grilling features on your phone. 

Real Homes review process

Here at Real Homes, we like to have hands-on experience with all the grills we've featured in our guide. We've tested all bar just a couple of grills in this guide, and we are currently working on two grill reviews. Only the grills we've rewarded with four-out-of-five stars or more will make it to this guide, so you know you are getting the best of the best for your money.

The things we look out for in our reviews include; how easy it is to set up, cook meat and veggies, and store and maintain after each use. We also take into consideration the size of the grill because we know that not everyone has a large yard.

We like to test products for a minimum of six weeks so, in the interim,  we have considered what other customers think of the product/s and have called upon our barbecuing knowledge thus far to share what we think are the best grills right now.

For more info, see our guide on how we review BBQs. Otherwise, you can read all about Real Homes reviews.

Meet our grill testers:

The rest of the barbecues on our list were tested by writers from our sister brands, including Ideal Home, Homes & Gardens and Gardeningetc.

It's time for the big charcoal vs gas grill throwdown... Cooking outside is one of the joys of summer – and perhaps beyond if you have the right grill. And whether you are an old hand with the barbecue, or relatively new to grilling, there are plenty of options to make it easy and enjoyable to make homecooked food in your yard.

The best grill for you though is not just about getting the right size but also the right type. Get a bunch of grilling aficionados in the room and the debate of charcoal vs gas grills will almost certainly come up...

The purists will argue that authentic barbecue food can only be achieved with an open flame, while gas grill lovers will ask why you'd give yourself extra work if you want to cook outside regularly.

To help you decide which is better for your outdoor kitchen, we have listed the pros and cons of each so you know whether to buy a gas or charcoal BBQ.

Pros of cooking on charcoal grills

Charcoal barbecues have a number of advantages over gas grills:

Portability 
Going camping? You can take a light, portable charcoal barbecue with you. No gas to lug around, and though a big bag of charcoal might be hefty, you can just take what you need or know you will be able to get it fairly easily at your destination.

Affordability
Charcoal barbecues are cheaper to buy than gas or hybrid barbecues. The fuel is also cheaper too, so they are more cost-effective to run.

Heat
They may take longer to heat up but they can get much hotter than gas grills – that may suit what you're planning to cook, perhaps searing steak.

Taste
You can't beat the taste of charcoal-cooked meat. You can get delicious results with both types of grill, but there are reasons why cooking on open flames creates a more intense flavor and different texture. A gas grill predominantly uses conduction to cook. Anything in contact with the grill plates will be heated directly meaning good control over your cook and those pleasing grill lines, but little browning of anything not touching the grill. Meanwhile, a charcoal grill heats via convection, radiant heat from the fire itself, and direct conduction of the hot grill holding the food. This leads to allover browning and that flame-grilled taste.

Cons of cooking on charcoal

Lighting time
Unlike gas barbecues that are ready to cook almost from the word go, charcoal barbecues need time to heat up – and you need to be adept at lighting them, too. A charcoal chimney can speed up this process, but little is more frustrating than struggling to light a fire surrounded by hungry hoards.

Cleaning time
Charcoal barbecues are undoubtedly harder to clean than gas grills. There's not just the grease and food, but all that ash, too. Knowing how to clean a grill is a good start, but the grates of a charcoal grill are more prone to burnt-on food that can be hard to remove.

Poor heat and smoke control
If you're new to barbecuing or you only do it a couple of times a year, you'll know what we mean – smoke in the eyes, burnt burgers... Charcoal barbecues are undoubtedly more difficult to cook on than gas grills. And in some areas, such as apartment complexes, this is enough to lead to a ban on their use.

Pros of gas grills

Gas barbecues are an easy-to-cook-with option. Here are the advantages:

Convenience and speed
Connect up the propane, turn the knob, press the ignition... and you're just about ready to cook, give or take 15 minutes to allow the grill to really heat up. They make outdoor cooking on the daily pretty easy and you don't need much effort to learn how to BBQ right on one.

Controllability
Ideally, you should pick a grill that has at least two separate burners that can be controlled individually. Don't be talked into a barbecue because it has an exceptional BTU (British thermal unit) rating; instead, look for a good quality, sturdy grill with heavy metal grates that will better trap and hold heat. Vents are another important feature. Lava rocks, flavored briquettes and metal deflectors all stop the meat's fat from reaching the flames, which means flare ups are less likely than on charcoal BBQs.

Ease of cleaning
No ash? It makes for a tidier clean-up. Many gas grills have a drip drawer below to catch fat. This is easy to remove and clean, meaning your not scrubbing at the whole grill for hours.

Cons of cooking on gas barbecues

You need gas
Well, you need charcoal, too, but it's so much more obvious when that's getting low. Make sure you're topped up on barbecue gas before you start – and look for gas bottles that come with an indicator to tell you when supply is getting low, or a regulator, which keeps an eye on the gas pressure. Gas is not as widely available as charcoal either so keeping well-stocked takes a little more planning.

Portability
Large gas grills that can cook up a storm for a party are great, but their lack of portability is a downside if it starts raining or for when you want to hide it away. So, if you're going for a smaller model, always look out for one that has wheels. 

Cost
Gas barbecues are more costly than charcoal, and the cost of the gas adds to this.

Cooking temperature
You can actually reach higher cooking temperatures using charcoal (though it may be harder to get right or maintain). Going back to BTUs mentioned earlier, a high BTU grill is great, but the real cooking temperature depends on something called heat flux.

Simply put, this is the BTUs divided by the surface area of the grill, so what you're looking for is not the highest BTU rating, but the highest BTU to area ratio to get higher heat flux. With charcoal you can force higher heat flux by piling all of your coals in a section of your grill to really up the temperature, your BTUs only being restricted by how much charcoal you have.

Gas vs charcoal grill: the verdict

The answer about whether a gas or charcoal grill is better ultimately comes down to lifestyle and how much you want to 'geek out' over grilling. If you need something quick, easy to cook on and that essentially recreates your indoor kitchen for the outdoors, then a gas grill is perfect. You can get it roaring in no time and have reliable cooking results with little prior grilling skill.

Charcoal while being more affordable, is more in tune with that authentic outdoors cooking experience we are innately drawn to. The smell and taste of flame-grilled food is part of its allure and if you are willing to really get your head around tending to the fire and optimizing areas of your grill for higher heat flux, you open yourself to pitmaster-style results. 

However, cooking on charcoal is a learning curve and if you have a load of hungry guests waiting to be fed, you're going to want to get some practice in first. 

What is a combo grill?

If you still can't decide, let us introduce you to a hybrid – the combination grill. With gas burners, but also a section for coals, you really do get the best of both worlds. You can use the gas side to make sure everything is cooked through, finishing it with a smokey lick of flames on the other side. Or, use the charcoal part for cooking your main elements of the dish, while the gas grill can serve as a stovetop for cooking accompaniments. 

They are, of course, some of the most expensive types of grill, but they offer the versatility of use and mean you don't need two grills to match your cooking styles. You can also get combi-grills that include a smoker, giving you even more ways to create tasty food.

Should you be in search of the best gas BBQ, then we can for sure help with this all-important purchase. We've been hard at work this summer, testing six of the top models you can buy in our very own back gardens. The verdict? Our roundup below of stellar buys from the likes of Weber, Char-Broil, Everdure and other brands. Get yours now, or regret it later.

The summer might be coming to a close, but after the weather we've had this year, we can pretty much guarantee a bright and sunny September. Maybe your current barbecue has recently packed up or perhaps you're looking to upgrade from a charcoal model to something easier to use? Or the best of both with a hybrid? Smart idea. There's a reason that gas cooking is popular, and we couldn't agree more that a gas BBQ is a failsafe option for everyone.

Gas barbecues, as well as boasting fast ignition, can offer total temperature control that's usually over more than one zone. So, you can simultaneously cook your wings or an entire chicken beside six burgers, at different temperatures, whilst ensuring your food is ready all at the same time. Genius! 

And with minimal effort required for tasty results, gas barbecues rarely flare up and burn your food which makes for more time for you to relax with a glass of vino on your garden sofa, rustle up a salad in the kitchen or catch up with friends as they arrive for a garden party.

If you've heard enough already then keep scrolling. For other options including charcoal and electric models, check out our complete guide to the best BBQs.

Our best gas BBQs to buy in 2026

Our favourite gas barbecue is the Weber Genesis II E-310. It's designed to last, with a chip-resistant and rust-free coating and cast iron cooking grates that are durable and easy to clean. Not only that, but it's super convenient and easy to use, with plenty of space including three burners and a rack. You can use it with charcoal or gas, which means no more waiting for your charcoal to light and the option of total temperature control. You sync it with your smartphone and hook your food up to the temperature gauge for up-to-date alerts on when your food is done. 

This sizeable gas barbecue demands a bit of space so wouldn't be the best for those with a small amount of outdoor space, or for small families. It also has steel side tables and steel doors for more storage, for tools and your charcoal bags. It sits on wheels, too. Bear in mind that assembly takes a while and is a bit fiddly.

Another hybrid option, we can definitely recommend this barbecue from Char-Broil as it 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. It also has a side shelf and warming rack, plus a side burner that doubles as extra food prep space when not in use.

This hybrid barbecue comes in a range of sizes so that you can choose based on your individual needs. Underneath the BBQ you'll find more storage space for tools and more. It also sits on wheels for easy transportation. Do note that assembly also took a while, so don't expect to unbox it and be cooking within half an hour.

If you're searching for a gas barbecue that's small in size and reasonable in price, then the Char-Broil All Star could be the one for you. We had a small family test this BBQ for us, and the results were perfect. It's a great all-around option for anyone with a small amount of outside space to offer for a BBQ. For cooking a few burgers, some sausages and your other classic barbecue food, you can't go wrong.

It's a compact BBQ in more ways than one. With two foldable side shelves, it offers the space you need whilst being convenient to store away after use. A cover is sold separately. It also sits on wheels so you can move it around your garden with total ease. Cleaning is easy but assembly is confusing, but don't let that put you off as it only needs to be done once. Use the app to help you out.

If you're searching for something small that can do everything a full-size model can, then the Weber Go-Anywhere is the best portable barbecue for you. We've given this BBQ five out of five stars, and we really wish we could give it more. Whilst we admittedly tested the charcoal version, the gas model is very similar with the exception of the fuel used. Use this one along with a disposable propane or butane gas canister and light it with the press of the red button. It only has one burner, though, so everything will be cooked at the same temperature. It even sits at a happy-go-lucky price point, too.

This tabletop gas barbecue has foldable feet that unhook to cuddle the BBQ and its cover, to ensure it's secure when you're taking it on the go. It's super sturdy and has a comfortable handle that never gets hot. It's super easy to use and even if you're not someone who would ever take their BBQ out of the house, it's undeniably great for anyone with a smaller garden, a balcony or a terrace. Or even if you use your BBQ only a handful of times a year.

Offering outstanding control and good looks, the Everdure by Heston Blumenthal Force 2 Burner Gas BBQ is a great investment. When it comes to ease of use it's right up there too. 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 down, with it being high enough for convection cooking if you fancy a large joint of meat.

A beautiful piece of design, we think it's well worth the investment with side shelves and extra storage space below to provide all the space you need for sauces and salads. The die-cast aluminium body is rust-proof and feels extremely sturdy and durable. Choose from a range of colours including blue, orange or graphite. 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. It's also a bit tricky to clean inside.

If you'd like a bigger version, then check out the Everdure Furnace 3 Burner Gas BBQ for size, which we also rated 4 out of 5 stars.

Leave your joints of meat to slowly tenderise and infuse with smoky flavour as you enjoy the full swing of your party thanks to this 3-in-1 barbecue from Char-Broil. The Big Easy isn't for anyone who's just searching for something to cook their beef burgers and grill their sausages, but it's angled more towards those hoping to cook everything from an entire chicken to a large turkey, a brisket of beef or even a shoulder of lamb. It's gas-powered to make it easy to achieve incredible results but you can add wood chips for smoking, and it has just two settings to make it faff-free. For an easy and healthy way to feed the five thousand, invest in this handy smoker. 

It comes with a handy roasting basket and there’s a grill for placing smaller cuts of meat such as chicken wings. In terms of size, it's really quite compact but wouldn't be the best BBQ for a balcony or terrace, mind. It's ideal for feeding lots of people but doesn't have any onboard storage. It's also not on wheels.

What to consider when choosing a gas BBQ

Gas barbecues come in all manner of shapes and sizes, with two-burner units often sitting alongside the more serious-looking six-burner BBQs. This means that there are a few factors you'll need to consider before making a decision.

1. How many burners?
Gas BBQs with multiple burners are the best. You can seal your food on the heat, then turn half the burners off, close the lid and allow your food to cook super slowly off the direct heat. Otherwise, some models feature side burners that you can use for your side dishes if need be. 

2. How heavy is it?
If you'll be wanting to move your barbecue around your garden, then be sure to consider its weight (especially if it's not on wheels). If hard to move you'll want to pick a spot and keep it there, covered. Otherwise, the Weber Go Anywhere Gas is perfect for moving spots to chase the sun (or the shade). 

3. Does it have any storage?
It might not be that important to you, but having some kind of food prep area will prove to be handy – think pull-out side shelves or a storage shelf. The smaller the barbecue, the less likely it is to have onboard storage, of course.

4. What does it look like?
This may not be important for all, but for anyone with a keen eye for design, it might be a good idea to see which colours your new barbecue comes in. The Everdure Force 2 is our top recommendation if you're design-conscious and don't want a BBQ to ruin your aesthetic.

Where to buy a gas BBQ?

Here's where to shop for a new gas barbecue, online.

• Amazon gas BBQs
• Appliances Direct gas BBQs
• Argos gas BBQs
• B&Q gas BBQs
• Homebase gas BBQs
• John Lewis & Partners gas BBQs
• Robert Dyas gas BBQs
• The Range gas BBQs
• Wayfair gas BBQs
• Weber gas BBQs

Real Homes review process - how we test gas BBQs

Each and every one of the gas barbecues in this guide has been tested by a member of our team. This way, we can recommend a gas barbecue with peace of mind that it does the job, and that it's worth your money.

When testing barbecues – gas, charcoal or both – we like to have them at home for around eight weeks and use them a good handful of times. When testing, we note everything from the assembly process to how easy they are to use. We like to use them to cook veggies, small pieces of meat and if possible, larger joints. We always clean our barbecues and report back how easy it was, and any tips we may have, whilst we always compare barbecues with similar models and predecessors to ensure they're worth their price tag. 

Last but definitely not least, we consider how a barbecue looks, and how much space it will take up in a garden or on a balcony. As a team, we're made up of renters, solo homeowners, city dwellers, large family households, country residers and just about everyone in between. Rest assured you'll be able to find a gas barbecue to suit your needs.

For more info, see our guide on how we review BBQs. Otherwise, you can read all about Real Homes reviews and our whole process.

Whether you're a first-time BBQ owner or you're hoping to upgrade, our tidy list of the best BBQs ought to help sway this all-important decision. Our team of reviewers has been busy this summer cooking on a load of barbecues, from the likes of Weber, Everdure by Heston Blumenthal, Char-Broil and many more big brands, to help you pick with ease.

Because a BBQ isn't something you can try before you buy, we've done the job for you. Whether you are searching for a portable BBQ for use on your balcony or maybe it's a do-it-all smart model that you want to invest in, keep scrolling for our verdict. Our guide features a BBQ for every budget and all household sizes, plus we've included some of the best gas BBQs, charcoal, and hybrid models below, too.

Now's the best time of year to get your hands on a new grill, especially if you want to embrace al fresco dining this year. Get grilling with our top recommendations.

The best BBQs to buy this summer

Our favorite gas barbecue is the Weber Genesis II E-310. It's designed to last, with chip-resistant and rust-free coating and cast iron cooking grates that are durable and easy to clean. Not only that, but it's super convenient and easy to use, whether you choose gas or coal to cook with. We rate it five out of five stars and the best gas BBQ you can buy.

Cooking ability
This BBQ is great for cooking for groups of people, with plenty of space including three burners and a keep cool rack. You can use it with charcoal or gas, which means no more waiting for your charcoal to light and the option of total temperature control. You sync it with your smartphone and hook your food up to the temperature gauge for up-to-date alerts on when your food is done. We used it to cook everything from sausages to spatchcock chicken, potatoes, peppers, corn, steaks and more. Our only complaint whilst cooking is that it only comes with one probe to check the temperature. 

Design
This barbecue certainly comes with space demands, so it's definitely a better option for people with sizeable gardens. It is easy enough to store though, with four wheels (two of them lockable) for easy moving.

Good to know
Offering a sturdy design, this BBQ features a porcelain enamelled lid two stainless steel side tables and painted steel doors. Assembly takes a while and is a bit fiddly. You need a total of 10 batteries to use this BBQ.

We can highly recommend buying the Green Egg BBQ; it's everybody’s favourite (including ours) in terms of style and substance and it’s perfect for small spaces, terraces and courtyard gardens. We tested it in our garden and have rated it 5 out of 5 stars.

Cooking ability
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 undercooking 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.

Design
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.

Good to know
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. The only reason this isn't rated our best charcoal BBQ is because of its higher price tag and heavy weight. 

If you're searching for something that can do everything a full-size model can, then the Weber Go-Anywhere is your best bet. We've given this BBQ five out of five stars, and we really wish we could give it more. Its brilliant design paired with its sizable cooking area make grilling up a storm easy, while it sits at a happy-go-lucky price point, too. What's not to love?

Cooking ability
We used it to cook everything from chicken wings to burgers, sausages, corn, and a joint of beef. It took around 25–30 minutes to get hot each time we tested it. You can fit six to eight burgers on there at one time, and we tested it plenty of times while cooking for two, and once for cooking for seven, in batches. It can tackle pretty much any task, big or small.

Design
The unique design of the Go Anywhere is what initially caught our eye. It has foldable feet that unhook to cuddle the BBQ and its cover, to ensure it's secure when you're taking it on the go. It's super sturdy and has a comfortable handle that never gets hot, and it has plenty of vents to allow airflow.

Good to know
This BBQ comes with a briquette bowl to help you measure the charcoal you need. It's easy to clean after use and we put the grates in the dishwasher for ease. It has a hinged lid to protect it from the wind while cooking. Our only dislike is that it doesn't come in more colours. You can leave it outside if you like, but we'd suggest covering it or placing it somewhere the rain can't reach. Though it is fuelled by charcoal, we don't rate it as our best overall charcoal BBQ because of its smaller size.

This BBQ from Weber gets top points as our best small BBQ. It can tackle any task, while it's definitely more fit for keeping at home and using in a small garden, tiny balcony or for couples and small families. It offers a decent size cooking space and comes in a range of colourways. Even better? It's super affordable and takes up zero floor space.

Cooking ability
We're very impressed with the cooking ability of this small yet mighty BBQ as we used it to cook everything from burgers to a Tomahawk steak plus kebabs and more. Its cooking space is circular which makes the BBQ itself a bowl shape. We found that it was ready to cook in just 15–20 minutes. You can fit approximately eight burgers on this BBQ at any one time. We tested it in several situations, to cook for two people and even for a large group of people. It does a great job of batch cooking, too.

Design
Choose from a range of colourways, our favourite being Ivory. We're not huge fans of the tuck-n-carry lid as It's not as secure as you'd hope, especially if you're searching for something to cart around. Otherwise, it is nice and compact and it has a hinged lid for wind protection.

Good to know
It's easy to clean and we put the grates in the dishwasher. It comes with a briquette bowl so that you can measure charcoal with ease. Ours has been left outside, but as with the Go Anywhere, you might want to place it somewhere away from the elements. Even though this BBQ is fuelled with charcoal, it isn't our best charcoal BBQ around solely because of its size.

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 this barbecue which leaves you with plenty of scope for creating amazing food. 

Cooking ability
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. We cooked steaks, chicken, asparagus, skewers, scallops and sausages on this BBQ.

Design
There is a little space with a side shelf and warming rack, which is also handy for keeping food warm. Otherwise, if you're not using the side burner you can use this as extra food prep space. Underneath the BBQ you'll find more storage space for tools and more. It also sits on wheels for easy transportation. Its side shelves don't fold, but you can use them to help move the BBQ into place if need be.

Good to know
Thanks to a warming rack, you can keep food warm while cooking more – ideal for larger batches and parties. It comes in several sizes so that you can choose based on your family size, and your budget. Assembly also took a while, so don't expect to unbox it and be cooking within half an hour.

The Weber Compact Kettle Charcoal BBQ packs in all the things we love about charcoal BBQs into a traditional and compact kettle design. It's the style that makes Weber a household name, and it delivers on value and style. 

Cooking abilities
Choose your diameter from 47cm or 57cm. It's sizeable enough to care for a family, and there's a drip tray underneath to catch ash and charcoal that might escape. That means you've got easy cleaning options. You can cook up to 13 burgers on there at any one time.

Storage space
It's fairly nonexistent, but you can use the shelf between the wheels to store plates and utensils while you grill.  

Good to know
The price is a huge bonus. It's reasonably priced but comes with adjustable heat filters for smoking and keeping temperatures maintained or amping up the flames. 

A very convenient BBQ that's fit for big families and large gardens alike, the Weber Smokefire is brilliant. It makes cooking anything and everything super easy, and you can check on your food whilst you're in the kitchen rustling up a salad to accompany your food. The app compatibility is second to none and is undeniably handy when it comes to getting the perfect temperature. It's definitely one for barbecue enthusiasts.

Cooking ability
The Weber Smokefire can be controlled by the Weber Connect app for ease of cooking. You set the temperature of the smoker on this app and using the probe, you can use it to check the cooking status of your food. It also has a control panel on the BBQ. We used this BBQ to cook a lamb shoulder joint, ribs, steak and kebabs. We found the keep warm rack super helpful and everything we cooked came out with a true smoky taste. Cooking made easy.

Design
It's not the prettiest to have in your garden, but admittedly it could look worse and does rock that pitmaster vibe. It sits on wheels and is easy to transport considering its size. The only thing is that it requires power to work, which means it needs to be positioned close to a plug socket (or an extension lead).

Good to know
This BBQ requires two people for assembly, and it arrives in a very large box. It's easy to clean although for the first three uses it advises you not to clean the grates to season them. It also boasts a night light if you're ever cooking in the dark, and handily enough it alerts you when you need to add more pellets.

If you're searching for a gas barbecue that's small in size and reasonable in price, then the Char-Broil All Star could be the one for you. We had a small family test this BBQ for us, and the results were perfect. It's a great all-around option for anyone with a small amount of outside space to offer for a BBQ.

Cooking ability
We used this BBQ to cook burgers, spatchcock chicken, corn, halloumi and peppers. It works well to cook for small families and it's pretty easy to use. Results each time were what we expected and it's pretty fuss-free to get ready to cook.  

Design
It's a compact BBQ in more ways than one. With two foldable side shelves, it offers the space you need whilst being convenient to store away after use. A cover is sold separately. It also sits on wheels so you can move it around your garden with total ease.

Good to know
It's heavy so will need two people to help carry it for set up. Cleaning the BBQ is easy, and it includes a tool to do so. Assembly takes a good while and is confusing, but don't let that put you off as you need only do it once. Use the app to help with assembly.

If you're searching for a Kamado grill, then this one from Tower is brilliant. We've tested it and we rate it 4.5-stars. It's affordable and compact, so great for small families and large spaces alike. Just pop it atop a garden table and you're all set to go.

Cooking abilities
We used this BBQ to cook burgers, sausages, chicken fillets and vegetable and halloumi kebabs. The wooden handles stayed cool to the touch the entire time we used it, plus it has a lid to conceal heat well. Its built-in temperature gauge tells you when the BBQ is hot enough for use, and this is undeniably handy when it comes to cooking joints, too. If you're cooking for more than four people at a time, you will need to batch cook your food though don't worry as it retains heat very well.

Storage
Since it is so compact, on-board storage is nonexistent. Though when it comes to putting it away, it comes with a cover and it can be left outdoors with no worries. Convenient.

Good to know
Minimal assembly is required when this BBQ arrives. It's quite heavy so you will need two people to move it. It's super convenient to clean, plus we think it's nice and stylish to sit in your garden all year round. It's sturdy so we had no worries about durability.

Offering outstanding control and good looks, the Everdure by Heston Blumenthal Force 2 Burner Gas BBQ is a great investment. When it comes to ease of use it's right up there too.

Cooking abilities
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 down, with it being high enough for convection cooking if you fancy a large joint of meat. We used it to cook burgers and sausages, as well as a whole chicken, a shoulder of lamb plus veggies.

Design 
Side shelves and extra storage space below provide all the space you need for sauces and salads. The die-cast aluminium body is rust-proof and feels extremely sturdy and durable. Choose from a range of colours including blue, orange or graphite.

Good to know
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. It's also a bit tricky to clean inside.

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. There’s also an outside temperature gauge so you can keep an eye on the temperature inside of it, too. 

Design
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.

Good to know
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.

5 things to consider when buying a BBQ

1. Size
How many people you regularly cook for will dictate the size of the cooking area. For four people, you need up to 1,800cm². For six or more, you need at least 2,000cm² and if you regularly cook for more than eight, go for 2,500cm² or more. 

Consider whether the barbecue you're eyeing up 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. Otherwise, you can normally buy a cover from the brand to help protect your BBQ from the elements.

2. Burners
Many gas BBQs come with a number of burners that are capable of cooking for up to 12 people. There are also warming racks that can toast hot dog buns and keep burgers warm while the rest of your feast is cooking. Consider how many people you usually cook for, and then choose the number of burners you really need. It's not always the more the merrier, too, as every extra burner adds a lot to the price tag of a BBQ. Three to four burners is sensible for families and small gatherings.

3. Fuel
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’d be better off with an all-singing, all-dancing gas design. Maybe you want the best of both with a hybrid dual-fuel model? If you’re after something a little more exotic or as an added extra for an existing barbecue, consider a smoker. When you need something for the park or to take to a festival, go for a portable model which will really impress your friends.

4. Flavour
While a 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 smoke. For added flavour, consider a smoker barbecue instead.

5. 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.

Where to buy a BBQ...

• John Lewis BBQs
• Argos BBQs
• Amazon BBQs
• Robert Dyas BBQs
• Appliances Direct BBQs
• The Range BBQs
• B&Q BBQs
• Whitestore BBQs

Real Homes review process

Getting hands-on experience with all the products we featured in our guides is important to us, because it'll ultimately help you. Those you see in our list - from Weber to Everdure by Heston Blumenthal – have found their way into our great British gardens with an aim of cooking up some feasts this summer, come rain or shine.

The factors we look out for go beyond how it looks. We delve into how easy it is to set up, cook meat and veggies and store and clean after each use. We also take into consideration the size of the BBQ because we know that not everyone has a large patio, or indeed a garden, so our review panel has called in barbecues that suit their home set-up to give a real-life verdict.

For more info, see our guide on how we review BBQs. Otherwise, you can read all about Real Homes reviews.

Here's who reviewed what from the Real Homes team.

The rest of the barbecues on our list were tested by writers from our sister brands, including Ideal Home, Homes & Gardens and Gardeningetc.

The best portable grills are easier to maintain than your standard grill, and they're much less of an eyesore. Win-win. Think of a tabletop grill a bit like a small air fryer that you only use when the weather is warm.

Designed to be used on a stable outdoor surface, portable grills take up little to no floor space while in use. They provide enough cooking space to feed a few people, and you can use them to batch-cook food, too. If you use your grill less than once a month, it's worth buying a compact charbroiler. Typically, they're easier to clean, store and maintain. 

I spent last summer testing the best barbecues so that I can answer the big ol' question: What is the best portable grill you can buy? That will depend on what you're after and how many people you need to feed. But out of the ones I tested, these three were my favorites. 

The best portable grills to buy this year

The quick list

• Back to the top ⤴

The best portable grill

Though compact, this sizeable grill from Weber gets top points from me as it can be used to cook for more than four people at a time. Ideal if you have guests over, I managed to cook eight small burgers at a time on this grill. It's more fitting for keeping at home and using on a small patio or tiny balcony. It also comes in a range of colorways, is super affordable, and takes up zero floor space. And, because you can use its lid while cooking you can control the temperature of your grill and can use it to cook full joints of meat. It's a great all-rounder.

I used it to cook everything from burgers to a Tomahawk steak plus kebabs and more. The bowl-shaped grill does mean you can't use it to indirectly cook food, but no biggie. It was ready to cook within just 15–20 minutes and it stayed hot for a good while, so I used it to batch cook for an entire party of people. The lid can also sit on the hinge and guard the grill against wind and has a damper control so that you can manage airflow. I wasn't a huge fan of its tuck-n-carry lid as it didn't feel secure, hence why it's better for use at home rather than out and about. For example, if you put charcoal in it for a day trip, I'm almost positive it would spill out in your car.

The Weber Smokey Joe Premium is easy to clean and has dishwasher-friendly grates. It comes with a briquette bowl to measure charcoal with ease. I gave this grill to my parents to use while I tested other grills, and they've left it in their yard for the last year in between uses. It only requires a wipe down before every use and it takes up no space in their huge yard.

Rated 5 stars out of 5 in our Weber Smokey Joe review 

The best portable grill for taking on the go

This portable grill is the most pick in this guide. It was initially going on my wedding gift list, so when I was allowed to review one — I leaped for joy. This is the grill that I still have and use time after time, mostly because it looks so cute on my kitchen shelf when not in use, and it is so convenient. We're yet to take it out of the house and to the beach or park, but it has handles (they get hot!) and it comes with a lid that's also a chopping board plus a plastic food storage tray to hold your buns and more. It gets full points from me for portability, and even more for its stylish design and colorways. I managed to squeeze up to six small burgers on this grill.

I was skeptical about this grill as it doesn't have a lid that you can use while cooking. So, it's one for just cooking small pieces of meat and veggies, too. I used it to cook burgers, kebabs, and sausages and they all turned out perfect. But I'd avoid cooking any larger joints on there as it will take so long and they will cook a little unevenly without a lid to control the temperature. It doesn't stay hot for as long as our Weber pick, but it's perfect for couples who just use their grill for the basics now and then. I did manage to use it to batch cook and because the design of this grill is a cube, you can rearrange the charcoals once ready to indirectly cook foods, too.

Though nice and portable, this is heavier than our other two picks. Also, I found it almost impossible to keep its orange interior clean. The grates I popped in my dishwasher but the orange interior stained fast. Also, bear in mind that you cannot leave it outside overnight. So you need to dedicate some indoor space to it. I do like that the accessories sit neatly inside the grill, with clips to keep everything inside secure. You could fill it with charcoal and take it on a day trip without any worries. Hence why I rated it our best pick for taking on the go.

The best stylish portable grill

This basic grill gets top marks for design. It's the smallest on our list, comes with a cork lid that doubles as a base, and you can choose from black or white. I loved using it to cook and found it super convenient to store away. I managed to fit five small burgers on its cooking surface at one time. You can't control its temperature, so it's just a case of lighting it and waiting for it to be ready for your food. Though it is the most expensive grill on our list, you can often find it on sale around the $250–$300 mark.

It's quite similar to the Heston Blumenthal model, albeit smaller, and lighter. I used it to cook smaller pieces of meat plus some veggies. Unfortunately, because it has a cork lid, I couldn't use it to cook joints of meat. However, this lid does double up as a base for the grill, to protect your table. Just make sure that you line up the dips of the lid with the vents to allow airflow while cooking. Though round, the design of the base of this grill is flat so that you can use it to indirectly cook food.

Considering its size, it might be best to use this grill to cook for couples or up to four people. I managed to batch cook on it as it does stay hot, but again without a lid, it doesn't last as long as the Weber grill.

It comes with a grill-lifting tool and a carry strap, however, I couldn't get it to sit on my shoulder. Otherwise, the BBQ is easy to pick up though thanks to its handles, and after cooking, I popped the grates straight into my dishwasher. Note, you can't leave it outside because of its cork lid and given the price tag, you probably wouldn't want to.

Rated 4 stars out of 5 in our Berghoff Tabletop BBQ review

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What to consider when buying a portable grill

1. Size
Portable grills come in all shapes and sizes. Some are traditionally kettle-like in shape and are usually lightweight for easy transportation. Alternatively, portable BBQs can be even more compact with a strap, lid, or even handles to help you transport it.

2. Portability
You've already thought about handles, but also note your grill's weight and if you can buy a carry bag if you'll be taking it out of the house. This Samdew portable grill carry bag from Amazon fits the Weber Smokey Joe.

3. Fuel type
Consider whether you would prefer to cook on gas or charcoal, and think about how easy this fuel is to carry around. You can fill the majority of portable grills with charcoal before you leave home, providing they have a secure lid. Otherwise, check the side of the compatible gas canister, and the weight of it!

4. Ease of cleaning
Cooking on a barbecue is fun, but you need to know how to clean a grill if you want to keep it in good condition.

How we review portable grills

I live just outside London and have a tiny amount of patio space where I reviewed these grills. I've ranked each one based on how well I think it performed, its features, and value for money. An in-depth explaination of how we test barbecues is covered in our main guide.

If you're wondering how to start a charcoal grill, my colleague, Christina Chrysostomou can help with that.

Fan of disposable barbies? Then it's time you learned how to start a charcoal BBQ. Those shop-bought aluminum boxes are great for an impromptu barbecue at the beach or in the park, but this single-use, short-term solutions won't serve you for longer than one occasion.

Direct heat grilling over coals is the most basic and common grilling method. And cooking over fire is something that our ancestors used to do, so it's going to be easy right? Only if you know what you're doing. Get it wrong and it can be extremely dangerous.

The best barbecue will deliver that signature chargrilled taste that everyone loves in the summer over and over again. But, if you don't know how to prepare your coal-fuelled grill, you're going to struggle to feed your family and friends. A charcoal grill burning at half heat also poses the risk of upset tummies and food poisoning as some meats (ie: chicken) need to reach a particular internal temperature to be deemed safe to eat.

On the other hand, if your barbecue is too hot your meat might end up with blackened, acrid skin on the outside, and pink (read: raw) on the inside. It's not ideal and you may need to use your oven to finish the undercooked items. Plus you'll lose your status as the prime pitmaster...

1. Clean the BBQ

Obviously, you shouldn't need to clean a BBQ if it's brand-new. But if you've borrowed it off a friend, or bought a secondhand grill, it's worth scrubbing off burnt-on food, dirt, and debris. Not cleaning it first is one of the biggest BBQ mistakes and can affect your charcoal burner's performance.

Now, place your barbecue in a safe location, away from anything flammable. This includes your kids' paddling pool, a wooden fence, and your best garden furniture. If you're blessed with a long mane of hair, you may want to tie this away from your face or tuck it into your top.

Also, consider the stability of your foundation. When lighting a barbecue, a level patio design is always going to trump a sloping or bumpy lawn as a bbq area idea. It's also imperative that you keep children and animals away from the barbecue as charcoal can spark and fire is not something to be played with.

2. Remove the top cooking grate

In order to access where you'll stow the lump charcoal (in whatever form you choose), you'll need to lift off the metal shelf you place the food on. This should reveal a vessel which you'll put your fuel source into.

3.  Prepare your charcoal

There are a few ways to prepare your charcoal before you set it alight. But our favorite and most efficient method involves investing in a chimney starter.

This method doesn't require any charcoal lighting fluid so is great if you haven't got any on hand, or don't want to use this flammable liquid (N.B: it can affect the flavor of your food). A chimney starter is essentially a metal tube that you put your lump charcoal into. Place this in the base of the barbecue and fill it with charcoal. The amount you use will depend on 1) how big your grill is 2) what you're intending to cook on it.

How to:

1. Fill the charcoal starter with your intended about of coal: Home Depot suggests you fill it 1/4 of the way for low heat (good for charbroiled fish), 1/2-3/4 of the way for medium heat (great for cooking burgers and brats), and fill it right up if you want high heat.
2. At this stage, you can choose to use charcoal lighting fluid: If you do want to use this liquid as a catalyst for your fire, saturate the coal and leave it for around five mins to soak into your carbon chunks. Under no circumstances should you use gasoline to start a charcoal grill. It's not only incredibly dangerous but very expensive too.
3. Add an accelerant to the charcoal grate and light: place one or more firelighters / lighter cubes on the grate and light it carefully using a utility lighter or long match. Suitably dispose of the match end if using.
4. Pop your filled chimney starter over the lighter cubes and light the charcoal: Remember if you have used lighting fluid it will smell a little strong.

4. Monitor the coal color

The coals will initially turn from black to red as they heat up. But you're a little way off cooking just yet! You're actually waiting for the coals to go a powdery grey hue. Be patient as this will take around 20 minutes.

At this point, you can carefully decant the contents of the chimney starter into the barbecue and use a long wooden stick or old broom end to distribute the coals evenly to create an equal layer of coal. You can use a scrap piece of cardboard to fan the barbecue. This will increase the airflow and subsequent oxygen into the coals to help fuel your fire.

N.B: As a courtesy, put the chimney starter down somewhere safe (ie: not on plastic), and if your guests do visit your cooking space, make them aware of this very hot tool.

5. Replace the top cooking grate and regulate the temperature

Before you start cooking, it's an idea to check the temperature of your barbecue, using a barbecue thermometer. Ideally, this should be around 350F to cook most protein items safely, without burning them to a crisp. If you need to cool your barbecue down, you can sprinkle a little fine table salt on the coals to take down the temp a touch.

5. Place food on BBQ and cook

You're now ready to start cooking your items using your best BBQ tools and accessories. Although there are lots of barbecue styles, and cuts to choose from, there are some fundamentals to follow wherever in the world you are.

Typically, you'll want to put the items that take the longest to cook on the barbecue first. You'll also know not to pierce meat or move it unnecessary as this will make it dry out.

You can also add on a motorized rotisserie mechanism that will rotate the spits and skewers for an even char. These motors easily hook onto your barbecue frame and turn your equipment automatically.

How long does it take for charcoal grill to heat up?

Coming from a Greek Cypriot background, seeing a charcoal barbecue being lit was a regular occurrence. A pork or lamb souvlaki with a pitta (toasted on the grill) was a highlight of my childhood, and I've watched my dad do it a fair few times. So it seems only fair that he should answer this question as our barbecue expert. Here, he shares his grill guidance from a health perspective:

'The biggest error people make when organizing a barbecue in their backyard is lack of patience,' says Thomas Chrysostomou, ambulance care and emergency medical treatment assistant.

'You should allow at least twenty minutes for the coals to heat up. Waiting a little longer than you're used to, and working in some contingency into your plans not only gives you time to achieve those professional-looking grill marks but saves your guests from gastro issues in the middle of the night, post-party.'

'This is because the charcoal has had time to reach a stable temperature and you can cook food accurately and evenly without wrestling flames! Ultimately, this means you can relax and socialize, but I can't stress enough – keep an eye on that fire, and as boring as it sounds, drink alcohol responsibly when manning the flames. An evening in ER for something that's avoidable is no fun at all.

Cooking outside is one of my favourite things to do, and if you want to do it right, you need a good barbecue tool set to help you succeed. We forced ourselves to cook delicious food for days on end to bring you the best tool sets we could find. It was a terrible ordeal, but we struggled through it for you, our readers. This is not true, it was amazing, like all barbecue food.

Throw it on the barby

I don't really need much excuse to throw some burgers or a steak on the barbecue, and I don't much care what weather it is either. A good set of barbecue tools makes the entire process much easier and more enjoyable.

The Grilljoy BBQ Grill Tool Set is the perfect set for the barbecue guru in your life and makes the perfect gift. I love the hard case as it makes it feel like a premium product, but it still doesn't break the bank.

Hey good looking, what's cooking? Well, it depends what barbeque styles you're adopting and where in the world you're getting your grill on.

If you're lucky enough to have tried and tasted international cuisine, you'll know all about the different cuts of meat and vegetables on offer. Not to mention the delicious bastings and marinades that your favorite proteins and sides are flavored with. However, sauces are just one thing: it's all about the treatment that the ingredients get that results in the authentic flavor. And that includes investing in the best grill for the job.

From piling your meat high at a South American buffet to tucking into a Tandoori chicken with naan, we show you how to recreate meals you might have eaten on vacation, without the expensive flight or wait.

Sink your teeth into these BBQ styles...

1.  Brazilian churrasco

Ever been to a Brazilian Churrasqueira? The chances are you've sat down at one of these value establishments and have been presented with a card to indicate whether you'd like a slice of the grilled meats that are on rotation.

With chicken hearts to beef short ribs, pork belly and Picanha (that's rump cap to you and I), there's certainly variety, but if you're a little picky, you might be waiting your turn to get your hands (or fork) or your preferred dish.

This Brazilian Flame rotisserie BBQ from Amazon will allow you to replicate the experience at home with friends and family so you can choose the meats you like without the long wait. 

As one of the best portable bbqs out there, this gas-operated machine is smokeless so your hair won't smell and your clothes won't be dirtied while cooking. Although we can't promise you won't get messy once you start digging into your meaty masterpieces.

Just don't forget the grilled pineapple and giant marshmallows for dessert! This might be easier (and less sticky) to do this over a good ol' fashioned campfire. We've even got a tutorial of how to build a smokeless fire pit.

2. Turkish Mangal

Since Ottoman rule, the Turkish have been renowned for their skewers of meat (aka kebabs) draped over a charcoal bbq, known as a Mangal. Though commercial food establishments have simplified the process somewhat, the takeaway points are still the same. Hot white coals, cubed meat (Şiş / shish), and a bright marinade containing olive oil, garlic, paprika, oregano and other middle-eastern / Mediterranean-inspired herbs.

The best charcoal bbqs (like this stainless steel Mangal from Wetlif Semejniy on Amazon)  come with lots of space to turn metal skewers and this can be done either manually (by hand) or with a rotisserie motor. The latter, while a little more expensive to run means that the meat is continuously cooking at all angles which will result in a more professional finish. If investing in a motor, it's worth buying something like the BBQStar mechanism which works with big brands like Weber, Char-Broil, GrillPro, Brinkmann, Char-Griller and Napoleon.

Top tip: When serving at the table, layer your meats over warm flatbreads to allow them to soak and mop up the juices.

While the taste of charcoal-grilled meat is second-to-none, cleaning up spent ashes can be messy if you don't employ the right method, so it's worth checking out our guide on how to clean a bbq so you can spend more time eating and socializing with your guests.

3. Jamaican oil drum 

Feeling hot hot hot? Either the weather outside is a little balmy, or you've taken a bite into a lip-smacking bit of Jerk chicken. A quintessential part of Afro-Caribbean cuisine, this summertime staple is a delicious part of Jamaican cuisine and is steeped in spices and history.

What makes this meat treatment so special is down to a plethora of different things. First, you have the spices namely scotch bonnet, nutmeg, allspice, smoked paprika, cinnamon, and thyme. Then, a touch of brown sugar for sweetness (and that signature crust), followed by a flame-grill with love on an oil drum charcoal BBQ.

Oil drum bbqs can be made DIY if you can get your hands on a large enough canister, and something to split it in half. But, if you want to save yourself the hassle, then try shopping on Walmart for one.

4. Japanese Yakiniku grill

You only need to shout the word 'Teriyaki' to get our heads turning. Full of umami flavors of soy and sesame oil, this delicious oriental cuisine is the Far East's take on meat on sticks and all things scrummy.

While you're probably most familiar with dishes like Yakitori (skewered chicken), there's so much more to discover with this East Asian cuisine. From eel to pork belly, and marbled cuts like Waygu, if you prefer your meat with a little fat, you're going to enjoy this grilling style.

Eddie McDonald, head chef, Donald Russell, describes yakitori as a classic Japanese barbecue flavor, saying:

'It's delicious with chicken, but you can also try it with salmon or monkfish for something different. For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a slice or two of fresh ginger and some spring onion batons to the sauce as you heat it. Remove them when the sauce has cooled down and brush on your chicken as usual. For a finishing garnish, sprinkle with gently toasted sesame seeds.'

This Happy Sales Japanese grill  (pictured above) has a 4* rating on Amazon, and with non-stick Die-Cast Aluminum plates, there's nothing getting in between you and your dinner. Sit this on the dining table or kitchen island and take turns to grill your own selection of beef, chicken, pork, lamb, and fish. This is one of the best indoor grills to get all the family involved – though children should be supervised when taking their turn, so as not to burn their hands.

And, if you are afraid of undercooked meats and general food safety, get yourself a food thermometer from Alpha Grills on Amazon to check the internal heat of what you're eating. Trust us – it's cheaper than a trip to the emergency room or any gastrointestinal meds to soothe a poorly tummy from a stomach bug.

5. Korean BBQ (Gogigui)

Gogigui literally translates to 'meat roast' and is one of our favorite grilling styles that combines the char of broiling with the succulence that roasting can achieve.

If you've ever wondered how Korean BBQ restaurants produce a banging bulgogi or serve up sizzling short ribs to perfection, the bad news is that most recipes are top secret (though you can do some research online to find something similar to copy).

Alternatively, get yourself a readymade marinade and save yourself the multiple shopping trips trying to source specialist ingredients from supermarkets and ethnic food stores. This We Love You Bulgogi marinade on Amazon gets 4.5 stars, is gluten-free and doesn't contain monosodium glutamate (MSG) or high fructose corn syrup if you're trying to avoid these ingredients in your diet.

Oh, and you'll need a Korean grill of course! This Iwatani Smokeless Korean Barbecue Grill YAKIMARU CB-SLG-1 gets 4.5 stars on Amazon and the seller is keen to quickly answer any questions you have.

6. Indian Tandoor

Is there anything that beats a hot bubbly naan filled with fragrantly grilled chicken and finished with a fresh mint sauce? If this is your idea of a Friday night treat, you might want to save up your pennies for a Tandoor oven.

In under an hour, your clay oven is ready to cook bread, meats, paneer, and more. Using a cocktail of cayenne, paprika, garlic, and yogurt, you can create a rust-colored marinade that'll battle the searing hot temperatures of this Asian cooking equipment.

Sure, the large clay pot is a lot more expensive than other grilling mechanisms we've mentioned up top, but if you like to eat takeout with friends every week, this cultural cooking equipment will soon pay for itself.

Don't be put off by the average rating on this Tandoor oven by Puri Tandoori – one Amazon reviewer mentioned that while it takes a while to get used to the temperature settings, it has served them well for over five years!

Treat yourself to the Tandoor cookbook by Ranjit Rai to expand your knowledge beyond your curry house staples. Or, if you feel like you've spent enough, read the Tandoor recipes cookbook by Natalie Sadler for free with Kindle unlimited.

7. Argentine Curacao 

Argentina is known for its meat – in particular, its beef. From lean Lomo to chorizo, Ojo de Bife and everything in between, unless you're a vegetarian/vegan, we're pretty sure you'll struggle to find a cut that suits your tastes.

The success to bossing the Argentinian grilling style lies with finding a reputable butcher who'll provide good-quality meat (Porter Road has a great subscription box) , and the asado (or bbq). Using a simple iron plate called a parilla, you can regulate the heat by moving this metal sheet closer towards, or further away from the fire.

Season only with coarse sea salt for a truly authentic experience, but if you do want to experiment with different flavors avoid garlic and sugar which will burn and become bitter/acrid.

Note, Argentine barbeques are also known as Santa Maria grills, so if you're new to the grill game, it's best to get acquainted with the terminology Amigo. Pick up this XMetal grill before it sells out on Amazon.

8. Tuscan grilling

We often associate Italian cuisine with little more than pizza, pasta, and maybe a couple of scoops of gelato... but that's where we are very very wrong (and a little unintentionally ignorant).

While southern Italian cuisine usually comprises of fish, pulses and vegetables, travel up towards the center and the north and you'll find a more carnivorous nation who grew up eating grilled meats washed down with local wine. So it makes sense that with so many regional styles of cooking, the heart of landlocked Tuscany is a hotbed for charbroiled hunks of farmyard flesh. But this isn't your usual wet bbq as you know it...

Speaking on behalf of Tuscany's tourism board, Eleonora of Aglio, Olio e Peperoncino says: 'As opposed to barbecuing – which requires low fires providing long, slow cooking, and usually involves rubs, marinades or sauce brushing.'

'Tuscan grilling is strictly about cooking over hardwood fire, without a lid to cover; and with very little in terms of ingredients, besides the hero component. This means no basting, no use of fancy marinades and balsamic rubs, and knowledge of what meat sauce is.'

For a perfect Tuscan grigliata, locals-only employ a light sprinkle of salt and pepper, sometimes a drizzle of lemon juice and the occasional herb seasoning.'

9. South African Braii

'Barbecuing is more than a meal in South Africa, it’s a lifestyle and practically a national sport,' explains McDonald.

'For South Africans, the weekend means one thing: grilling meat over wood. And this isn’t just a quick grilling, a braai (that’s what they call it) can last for hours and is a real feast.'

'There’s plenty of etiquette associated with a braai too. Grilled over flames, a traditional braai uses local wood (although people are starting to use charcoal now too). And once the food is cooked the fire is kept going as the centrepiece of the social event.'

'So, what do South Africans grill on the braai? Traditional meats include sosaties (chicken and lamb skewers), boerewors (sausages) and biltong (dried meats).'

What is the difference between Teppanyaki and Hibachi?

'In the U.S., the phrase “hibachi-style” is occasionally used to refer to what is really teppanyaki cooking,' explains Lauren Hall, senior director of marketing, Benihana.

'Hibachi grills are called Shichirin in Japanese and are small, portable barbecue grills that are made from cast iron. These grills have an open-grate design and commonly use charcoal as their heating source.'

'Modern hibachis in U.S. restaurants are electric so that they can be used to cook food indoors. By contrast, teppanyaki grilling involves using an iron griddle with a flat, solid surface to prepare food in restaurants in front of guests. Teppanyaki grills typically use a propane flame as a heat source.'

'Guests are able to sit around the teppanyaki grills so that they can view the skills of the teppan chefs while they grill chicken, pork, beef, and seafood dishes. The teppanyaki grill’s surface is also ideal for cooking finely chopped sides such as eggs, vegetables, and rice.'

The Everdure Force 2 is a robust BBQ with celebrity chef credentials. Endorsed by Heston Blumenthal, it’s part of the Everdure by Heston Blumenthal brand, distributed by Kettler in the UK. But the celebrity collaboration is far more than mere lip service. The heat is fast and furious – albeit totally controllable – so you can sear, char, and roast your way to professional-caliber barbecue feasts. 

With two gas burners and a deep lid capable of covering a 6kg turkey, the Everdure Force 2 isn’t exactly compact, but it’s not aimed at catering to very large crowds either. We’d recommend it for garden parties with up to 10 guests, maybe a few more if you cook in batches or stick to sausages.

We have always been strictly charcoal on the BBQ front (aka BBQ Snobs), switching between a Morso Grill Forno and an outsized fire pit with grill, depending on the number of diners. Gas has always felt a little like cheating, and we’ve long believed charcoal yields more flavorsome results. We tested the Everdure Force 2 for a number of weeks in early summer, trying out various food types and recipes to get an overall assessment of its strengths and weaknesses. 

Find out if the Everdure Force 2 really is the best BBQ – did it convert us to gas, or are we sticking to our charcoal guns?

Product specifications

• Fuel type: ULPG or Natural Gas
• Dimensions: (with stand, lid down): H106.8cm x W117.5cm x D74.2cm
• Cooking area dimensions: 60cm x 42cm
• Weight: 33kg 
• Number of burners: 2 
• Max power output: 23.1MJ

Unboxing the Everdure Force 2

Delivered on a flat-bed loader, the Everdure Force 2 is squeezed into a single but very large box (109cm x 61cm x 58cm) that takes two fairly strong adults to safely lift. If you’re on your own, think carefully about where you would like the delivery person to leave it, because your best bet would be to assemble in situ and then wheel it onto your patio. 

Inside, the Everdure Force 2 was protected by what seemed like an excessive amount of polystyrene as well as plastic bags that were unsuitable for re-use. Not the most promising start. Poor eco-credentials aside, my first impressions were solid. Literally. Even pre-assembly it was easy to see that the Everdure Force 2 is a beautifully made, heavy-weight BBQ. The only slightly flimsy component was the plastic tray that fits on the stand.

Putting the Everdure Force 2 together wasn’t terribly taxing, especially since I had my husband and his power tools on hand to help. I read the instructions, which were fairly easy to follow with a mix of illustrations and lengthy text, and he wielded the tools. Well, just an electric screwdriver really, but it speeded up assembly no end. 

It’s an 11-step process that essentially involves building the stand, adding a handle on the lid and then screwing BBQ and stand together. The only mildly challenging part was getting the handle onto the lid because it sits on an angle and involved a bit of hit-and-miss work to get the screws to align. 

Once assembled, I took a moment to marvel at the Everdure Force 2's chic design. Refreshingly refined, a thing of beauty in fact. It’s available in Orange, Mint or Graphite. The one we tested was Graphite; I’d choose Mint if I were buying. 

What is the Everdure Force 2 like to use?

There’s no denying the Everdure Force 2 is a fairly low-tech beast. No App to connect, no fancy food probes, and absolutely no “smart” controls. As BBQ purists, we couldn’t have been happier.

What the Everdure Force 2 does have is two independently controllable burners, which split the grill in half, and offer the most precise heat control imaginable. And we know this because several of our dinner guests, who regularly or only cook on gas, told us so. The idiot-proof controls feature slick push-and-turn ignition, similar to the controls on a regular gas hob.

Tracking down a gas bottle wasn’t easy, mainly due to supplier issues with the canisters. The only one I could find in the whole of Devon, for a King’s ransom I might add, was a whopping 11kg (5kg is the recommended size), which does look a bit mad hanging off the side of the Everdure Force but beggars can’t be choosers. 

If I were buying this BBQ for long-term use, I’d also invest in a cover for the gas bottle – maybe one of those neat boxes that double as a side table.

Cooking burgers and small cuts of meat

The main feedback from our gas-proficient friends was that their own gas barbecues didn’t allow the heat to go anywhere near as low, without blowing out at the faintest gust of wind. This meant cooking meat through to the core without scorching the outside to a crisp was a mad juggle of constant turning and repositioning. 

Not so with the Everdure Force 2. Of course, you do need to turn sausages and burgers to achieve even browning, but no more than you would in a frying pan. And without the constant fear of serving charcoal for dinner. 

I did miss the built-in warming shelf we use on our firepit style grill when entertaining, which is where we pop burgers and ribs while we wait for the chicken and sausages to catch up. But as we mainly used the Everdure Force 2 for our family of four, it was easy to move cooked food to the second burner, on a lower setting or off, to keep warm when required.

We always knew grilling on gas was quicker than charcoal (by about 30 minutes on a good day) but we never dreamt of going from cold to searing anywhere near as quickly as the Everdure Force 2. 

The official claim from Everdure by Heston Blumenthal is ‘ready to cook in less than five minutes. We timed this, and it was hot to go in a little over four minutes every time. Steaks, which we like medium-rare, were done in about two minutes on either side with the BBQ thermometer reading about 200 degrees.  

This unusually speedy heat-up is achievable thanks to the Everdure Force 2's built-in flame tamers, which are integrated into the grill (essentially the solid areas you can see in the shape of the gas burners beneath). 

These built-in flame tamers allow the burners to be positioned closer to the food, compared to barbecues with separate flame tamers that sit between the burner and grill. The result is the grills get hotter much faster, but you’ll still avoid a load of flames shooting up every time fat drips onto the lit burners. Clever.

Cooking larger joints of meat

Like pretty much any barbecue with a lid, the Everdure Force 2 turns into a convection oven with the lid down, which is perfect for roasting large joints of meat. We did a medium chicken in about two hours, and it was juicy and succulent but with that unmistakable BBQ smokiness. The skin was particularly crisp and delicious. 

However, slow roasting is where the Everdure Force 2 really excels. Again, that low heat setting comes into play, and you can leave it gently working its magic on belly pork or butterfly shoulder of lamb for three or four hours without really needing to check progress. But who can resist? 

On our Morso charcoal oven, slow roasting is a far more stressful affair, involving near-constant temperature checks and coal top-ups. 

Space-wise, I’d say you can easily roast two medium chickens in the Everdure Force 2, and there’s plenty of room for a large shoulder of lamb (not at the same time). 

To achieve a really slow roast, longer than four hours, you’ll need to use indirect heat, by which I mean put the joint of meat on one side, preferably wrapped in foil to begin with, and only light the other side, on its lowest setting. 

Obviously, this does restrict the size of joint you can conceivably slow roast so pulled pork for a large crowd isn’t going to fit.

Cooking fruit and veg

During our test period, we tried various vegetables on the Everdure Force 2, including juicy corn cobs (we roasted them wrapped in buttered foil for about 10 minutes before browning them off), well-marinated veg kebabs, and curried butterbeans in a cast iron pan. 

Vegetables are pretty hard to get wrong, or at least less risky in terms of potential salmonella, but they all turned out exceptionally well. The star turn though, was simple barbecued pineapple slices, lightly sugared and served with ice cream. Sweet, smoky goodness.

Even if you don’t invest in the Everdure Force 2, I can definitely recommend you check out Heston’s BBQ recipes on the brand’s website. Many are rather pretentious (lobster and caviar anyone?) but there is plenty of mouth-watering inspiration to be had – the beef tenderloin with garlic and rosemary sounds sublime. Do take care to read the method before you start purchasing ingredients though as some are aimed at the brand’s charcoal barbecues or those with rotisseries. 

One final note on the thermometer that is attached to the lid. It seemed fairly accurate – I used the portable thermometer from inside our AGA to check a few times and there were no wild inconsistencies. 

However, condensation appeared inside the glass of the thermometer soon after it was installed, and I don’t know how to get it out. You can still read the temperature, just about, but it’s unattractive and doesn’t reflect well on quality.

Cleaning the Everdure Force 2

One minor complaint on the cleaning front was how difficult I found it to get the two grill plates back into position. 

They each sit on several small lugs but there are only finger holds on one side so it’s hard to get them to sit properly, resulting in an annoyingly wobbly cooking surface. I trapped my fingers between the two heavy grill plates several times trying to get them into place. Ouch.

The hot plates have a non-stick enamel coating, which means you should avoid any wire brush cleaning tools. Instead, the brochure recommends mild detergent and a sponge. I took the grill plates off and soaked them in the kitchen sink for a little while and they cleaned up nicely.

The interior also seems to be some kind of non-stick surface. I started by wiping the majority of grease and food debris off with a kitchen towel. Then spritzed with Method’s multipurpose spray and used a washing-up brush to scrub a little, before repeating with the paper towel. It was a little awkward to get under the gas burners, but the brush did the trick nicely and it cleaned up easily and well. 

Under the barbecue, there’s a very handy removable tray, with a tin liner, which I washed out and reused each time we cooked.

Storage and maintenance

The Everdure Force 2 doesn’t come with a cover, but I think one is needed because I noticed after a heavy downpour the rain had seeped under the lid and was standing in pools in the base. Plus, the fat catching tray was full of water. 

There is currently a free bundle offer on the UK website (and some other retailer sites), which includes a cover and flat plate. The cover retails at £95.

The two large castors on the stand makes it easy to manoeuvre under cover if you have a carport, garage or level-entry shed nearby. I’ve seen reviews that say it’s unwieldy and hard to manage but I found it really easy to wheel the Everdure Force 2 about our patio when trying to escape a certain wind direction! Similar to pushing a half-full wheelbarrow.

When barbecue season is over, you may well want to put the Everdure Force 2 into more weather-proof storage, and you’ll need plenty of space to do so. The left side of the top resting plate folds down to create a smaller footprint, which makes it very slightly less space-guzzling when storing. Alternatively, you could take it off the stand and break down the legs into a more compact package, but I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone without reasonable storage space.

How does the Everdure Force 2 rate online?

There is a lot of love for the Everdure Force 2 online, with most people posting positive remarks regarding the tastiness of the food it produces, heat up speeds and, above all, looks. There’s a huge design-savvy crowd out there who are sick to death of seeing huge, metal boxes ruining their smart patios.

On the side of the naysayers, and there are always a few, the main complaint was about how hard it is to get those grill plates in position, and some felt the cooking area wasn’t sufficient for their needs. If you’re cooking for large crowds, don’t buy this medium size barbecue.

How does the Everdure Force 2 compare?

The Everdure Force 2 is in a class of its own, especially in terms of design – it’s just lovely to look at and creates a stylish feature on the patio, even when not in use. Its closest competitor is probably the Furnace, again from Everdure by Heston Blumenthal, which is very similar in looks and build but with an extra burner. 

At just £150 more, I think I’d be tempted to splash out on the Furnace, and enjoy that extra cooking capacity (2,990sq cm, compared to the Force’s 2,440sq cm) and burner flexibility. You can also get a teppanyaki plate to fit the Furnace, which is great for stir-fries and fish dishes.

Should you buy the Everdure Force 2?

We really enjoyed testing the Everdure Force 2 and for us charcoal nerds, the super-fast heat up was the main selling point. Early summer was more about showers than the sun, so it was great to have a barbecue we knew could deliver between the downpours. We were also amazed to discover that food held a similar smoky-charred flavor to our charcoal grills but perhaps that’s just our ignorance. 

The fact it heats to 200 degrees in under five minutes, faster than our fan oven indoors, made the Everdure Force 2 so convenient that we often used it for mid-week meals and even a quick breakfast (English fry-up) one bright sunny Saturday. Anyone seeking impromptu outdoor cooking would do well to consider the Everdure Force 2.

One thing we did feel the Everdure Force 2 lacked was a built-in warming shelf. Often, and especially when entertaining, there are food types that cook quicker than others, despite your best-laid plans. A warming shelf is perfect for stacking cooked food while waiting for the rest to catch up. In fairness, you can buy a warming rack, for an additional £34 but as it’s not built-in, you’ll need to find somewhere to store it when not in use.     

The ‘portable’ aspect of the Everdure Force 2 allows you to use it as a table-top barbecue or on the supplied stand, which is also a bit of nonsense really. Sure, you can take it off the stand, but it requires unscrewing in four places underneath and then two people to lift it off. 

Not something I’d want to do on the regs. And as for the idea of taking it camping; you’d need a vast amount of boot space, or a trailer unless you leave your tent behind! With that in mind, I would not recommend the Everdure Force to anyone hoping to switch between the stand and table-top options on a frequent basis.

Undoubtedly, this is one of the best gas BBQs out there, so if you are searching for an upgrade or considering the switch from charcoal to gas, the Force 2 is great.

About this review, and the reviewer

Linda Clayton is a professionally trained journalist and has specialized in home, interiors, and fitness for more than two decades. She’s a fastidious product reviewer, design obsessive, serial renovator, and amateur runner. 

Now on her fourth reno project (a Victorian redbrick in Devon), she is lucky to have recently completed the garden landscaping and patio area, which are finally perfect for hosting barbecues for family and friends.

She and her husband tested the Everdure Force 2 over several weeks in early summer, trying out a range of old favorites (i.e. anything that can be left unattended) as well as a few new ideas. While no Heston, she’s always up for more challenging recipes, especially ones that push her pre-teen children to try new foods.

While Everdure does not pay us to review its products, the company prefers not to have used barbecues returned as they cannot be re-sold once cooked upon. This affords Linda extra opportunity to continue testing, and update these reviews should any other relevant points arise that she feels buyers should be made aware of. 

We all know that there are BBQ mistakes to avoid if you want your food to taste good and not make you sick. But what about barbecue mistakes that will actually damage or even ruin the grill itself? 

Even the best grills will eventually succumb to damage if used incorrectly or not maintained properly, and a damaged BBQ is a barbecue that will not give you great results. Even worse, you may find yourself in a situation where you have to replace yours prematurely, having to fork out hundreds on a brand new grill. BBQ experts name the top mistakes not to make if you want your barbie to last. From lighting a BBQ properly to cleaning it using the right tools...

1. Not cleaning your BBQ

Sounds obvious, but many people don't clean their BBQs regularly. And, as it turns out, not only will not cleaning your grill give you food poisoning, but it also will ruin the grill itself. Heather Nixon, Bio-D’s sustainability manager, urges BBQ owners to clean their grills after every use to prevent rust build-up. 

To clean your barbecue, 'scrape any residue off the grills – rubbing half an onion on the grills can help with stubborn excess, and leave to soak in hot water with washing up liquid. For best results, leave to soak for 20-30 minutes to make sure all of the food residue is broken down.'

2. Using harsh cleaning agents

On the other hand, if you're over-enthusiastic with your scrubbing, you could end up damaging the finish on your grill. Paul McFadyen, Managing Director at metals4U, explains that 'stainless steel is used for barbecue grills as it's hard-wearing and doesn't rust like most other metals – so when cleaning it you should be really careful not to use anything too abrasive that might damage the metal finish.

'I would advise using baking soda mixed with water to form a paste to remove any dirt or grime, as it is non-toxic. Be sure to rinse the area well after treating, it and dry it with a microfibre cloth to prevent watermarks. You can also use baking soda to clean aluminum – so if your pots and pans are looking grubby, or you have tough-to-remove stains, use the same paste to get them looking shiny and new.'

3. Not oiling your grill regularly

You've cleaned your grill. Now do you a) leave it be, or b) oil it? If you're not oiling it, particularly if your BBQ is made from cast iron, you'll be looking at a rusty BBQ pretty soon. Andrew Lovell, Product Manager from LANDMANN, recommends oiling your grills 'before cooking to make sure food doesn't stick. It also helps prevent rusting and helps to clean more easily once you've finished. Vegetable oil is fine for this as it has a high smoke point.'

4. Grilling with the lid closed

This is a very common BBQ mistake that could end up costing you your BBQ – and could even cause an injury. Ross Bearman, Great Taste Judge and Founder of BBQ Gifting company, Ross & Ross Gifts  ,explains how starting a gas grill with the lid closed could easily damage your BBQ:

'Lighting your grill with a closed lid can cause quite a serious buildup of gas, which in some situations can create a ball of fire. Not only is this going to damage your BBQ, but it could very easily hurt you too. Ensure you keep your BBQ lid open when lighting it and if the flame does go out, simply turn the grill and gas off, waiting 5 or so minutes before relighting just to be safe.'

These common mistakes are easy to avoid. Look after your BBQ and keep grilling! 🍗 

Knowing how to BBQ right is one of life's great skills. Whose soul doesn't leap at that smoky scent of food sizzling on the grill as your family, friends, and neighbors gather around on a beautiful summer afternoon?

However, even if you are the proud owner of the best BBQ money can buy, you still will need to spend some time learning to use it correctly. And if at first you don't succeed, try and try again, as the saying goes. You will be rewarded for your patience. This guide will help you figure out where to get started – and where you may go wrong, to begin with. 

How to barbecue right: experts say it is all about temperature

If you're not sure how to barbecue correctly and don't know where to start, Eudell Watts, of Old Arthur's Barbecue Sauce & Rubs, recommends you master getting your barbecue to the right temperature for what you're cooking – and making it stay at that temperature for the right amount of time. Just nailing the temperature will give you infinitely better results with your barbecuing attempts. Watts told us: 

'Producing a satisfying barbecue at home begins with knowing your equipment and how to regulate your fire to achieve the desired temperature that you want to cook at. 

If you are grilling a steak, do you know how to get your grill to 500 degrees farenheit (260 celsius) and have it hold there without going much hotter? If you are barbecuing a cut-up chicken, can you get your grill to hold at 275 (135 degrees celsius) or so for a couple of hours?  

If your answer to this type of question is a fretful 'no', don't despair. 'There is a wealth of great instructional videos and blogs online that can help you identify the right cooking temperature, length of time, and internal temperature target for the meat that you will be barbecuing.'

See more on grilling different food below, but first, we need to know what type of barbecue you are dealing with.

How to choose the right type of grill for your cooking style

Whether you're buying a barbecue for the first time or are looking for a new one, there are a few things to consider to make sure you pick one that suits your cooking needs. After all, knowing how to BBQ right depends on you having the right kit for the job to start.

Here are some things to consider:

Quality and price
If you barbecue regularly, it's worth spending a little more to buy a durable grill with  a decent warranty. 

Size
Barbecues are a classic party theme, so if you're going to be cooking for a crowd (more on that below), consider a larger model than one that could cope with the needs of your immediate family. Bear in mind that storage during winter months could be an issue, especially if you don't want it left outside – if covered up – year round. How much space do you have in the shed from October to spring, for example?

As a guide, for cooking for up to four people, you'll need a cooking area up to 30 inches wide; for up to six people to eight people choose one around 36 inches; and if you regularly cater for masses 42 inches is a must but you can get grills as wide as 50 inches or more.

Burners
Closely related to the size of your gas BBQ, the number of burners you have will give you greater flexibility. Ideally, each burner should be easily and individually controlled for different cooking levels.

Portability
Like to take your BBQ camping with you? It'll need to fold down neatly. Want to drag it (safely) down the garden when you're done cooking? Wheels are a handy option.

Grill materials

• For easy maintenance and cleaning, choose stainless steel.
• Cast iron is a popular choice, but you do need to oil the grill before and after use to avoid rusting.
• Choose porcelain-coated grills for easy cleaning and low maintenance but be aware that these tend to be on higher-end models only.
• Chrome-plated grills need careful cleaning after use.
• Look out for grills with flavorizer bars; these will give your food an extra kick in the taste department.

Barbecue lids
Useful for roasting, handy for sheltering your food from the breeze, lids and hoods need to be easy to maneuver so that you can get the best from your grill. Look for models with built-in thermometers. 

Smokers
These offer a different cooking style altogether, but are very popular if you like to cook a big joint of flavor-filled meat.

Griddles
An optional extra with larger or higher end BBQs, a griddle can be used to keep food warm, to cook smaller items that might fall through the grills and for frying, just like you would in a pan. 

Charcoal BBQ, gas BBQ or hybrid BBQ?

Choosing between a charcoal barbecue, a gas barbecue or even a hybrid grill comes down to more than just taste. And despite what expert barbecue cooks say, one isn’t necessarily better than the other – there are pros and cons for each. 

In short, charcoal will give you an affordable option and you really can't beat the taste of food cooked over coal or wood. You also get more portable charcoal grills and they can reach much higher cooking temperatures. However, that temperature is harder to regulate and they are trickier to light and take longer to come to heat than gas. They are also smokier.

Gas is instantaneous, easy to use and generally a gas grill is easier to clean. You will get a much more controlled cook and should be ready to cook on your gas barbecue in about 15 minutes after lighting. With the convenience comes the higher initial cost of a gas grill (which can often be twice the price) and the need to buy gas.

A combo grill is a hybrid of both (or sometimes a hybrid of gas and a smoker). There are, however, more combo options. A hybrid infrared gas grill is a gas grill; on one side you get traditional convection burners, and on the other an infrared burner. On this infrared burner, you can cook foods at lower temperatures as well as high. 

How to BBQ with charcoal

There's some skill to barbecuing on charcoal and learning how to light a barbecue, but the most important ways to ensure the results are perfect are: 

• Prep the barbecue by cleaning out any old ask, removing the grate, and opening the bottom vents. This allows air to circulate around the charcoal, which will help you get an even, strong burning barbecue. 
• Use the right amount of charcoal: the more charcoal you use, the tighter you pack it, the hotter your fire will be and the longer it will burn. Cooking a couple of burgers or sausages? You can get away with 15 to 20 coals. Searing steak? You'll need twice as much. Hosting a party? Scale the coals up per person, working with around five to 10 pieces of coal per piece of meat.
• Wait until the charcoal is covered with white-grey ash before cooking. This should take up to 30 minutes. 
• There should be no smoke; if there is, the coals aren't ready.
• Get a barbecue temperature gauge to ensure your barbecue retains the right amount of heat. You're looking for at least 107ºC+ (225ºF).
• Control a charcoal barbecue's temperature with the vents: you can reduce heat, slow down cooking or lengthen cooking time, by closing down the vents almost completely (never do so completely or the fire may go out); opening the vents will create a fiercer, faster heat.
• Season the BBQ grill when it's cold. Use a high heat cooking oil, wipe off any excess with kitchen roll and you're ready to go.

How to use a barbecue chimney starter?

Hate the taste of lighter fluid on your barbecued food? A charcoal barbecue chimney starter is an upright metal tube that lets you start your coals with just some sheets of newspaper and a match. If you barbecue for a crowd (more on that later) on a regular basis, choose the largest chimney starter (available on Amazon) you can find. Its large capacity will hold enough briquettes for a 57cm diameter kettle grill. It's constructed from aluminized steel and has stay-cool thermoplastic handles.

How to BBQ with gas

• Keep the lid open when lighting a gas barbecue. Safety first! If it is windy, make a shield to hold up while you light it. 
• Allow the grill to heat up for at least 10 minutes. Once you've lit your first burner, turn on the others. This will allow the grill to heat up properly and will burn off any food and grease left over from last time.
• If it's smoking, it's not ready – so allow that grease to burn off properly first.
• Turn down the heat and get ready to cook. 
• Control heat further – if your gas grill is too hot and you can't close vents or turn down the burners further, trying reducing the amount of gas on the propane tank itself. Also, keep the lid open to allow some of the heat to escape. 

BBQ smokers: how to use a smoker grill

Smoker grills are ideal for cooking food at lower temperatures, meaning you get gentler, slower cooking over a longer time, and incredibly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside meat. 

Find the best smoker grills in our buyer's guide.

Here is how to cook on one:

• Put cold meat in the smoker: straight from the fridge will absorb the smoke better than room temperature meat.
• Use the smoker's vents to control heat – open them before adding fuel, and adjust them when the smoker heats up.
• Use a chimney starter to fire up your smoker grill. 
• Use wood for flavour – but as a supplement fuel not the main fuel. Large pieces of wood will burn more slowly than kindling, and put them to the side of the fire, not on top to infuse.
• Put a pan of water on the grate; this helps keep the meat juicy.
• Wait until it reaches slow cook temperatures – around 107ºC (225°F).
• Keep the doors closed as much as possible: opening them regularly allows the much-needed smoke to escape.

BBQ party: how to cook for a crowd

Barbecue parties are a summer must, and even a middle-sized BBQ can cope with cooking for a crowd. The upside to barbecuing for lots of people is that you can prep all the side dishes – from potato salad to green salads to coleslaw – well in advance, leaving only the meat to cook when your guests arrive. If you love cooking outside, exploring bbq area ideas that will accommodate both your barbie and your party is a must.

In terms of the cooking itself, following these rules:

• Use a smoker grill to slow cook for a crowd. That way, you can get the meat on well in advance of guests arriving. It's also a more economical approach and very low maintenance – no flipping burgers!
• Buy aluminium foil tins and containers or have plenty of large oven-proof platters handy. That way, as individual pieces of meat, from sausages to burgers, are cooked, you can transfer them to the tins and cover them with foil to keep them warm at the side of the grill (or on a low heat in the oven).
• Use the upper rack to keep cooked meat warm but to stop it cooking. 
• Keep the crowd away from the barbecue: you need air to circulate or the meat will steam and toughen.
• Limit the amount of meat on the grill – crowding the BBQ will cause an excess of fat to drip on to the flames, causing flare ups.
• Cook in order – while the BBQ is at its hottest, cook the meat that can stand high heats and then sitting (steaks or burgers are a good example). It's never a bad idea to get sausages and chicken started in the oven then finish them off on the barbecue. This will ensure they're cooked through safely.
• Stay by the barbecue – if you get distracted you'll return to burnt burgers.
• Buy too much meat and too many buns – they can always be frozen if they're not eaten, but no one wants to go home hungry.

Why is my charcoal barbecue not lighting/not staying hot?

According to Eudell Watts, 'One of the tougher things to master when barbecuing with charcoal is how to regulate the top and bottom dampers for optimal airflow.  Air is the fuel that allows charcoal to burn.  The top damper serves as an exhaust for hot air, smoke, and gasses, the bottom damper regulates the amount of air/fuel that is allowed to enter.  It is just as important to pay attention to the exhaust, as it is the inflow.

'You might have the inflow restricted down to a minimum, but the exhaust wide open.  This creates a bit of a vacuum which aggressively pulls air in through the restricted intake much faster than you might have thought.  If your intent is “slow and low”, you might need that exhaust choked down a bit to ensure a more lazy burn! 

'Learning to balance the two dampers to achieve a steady temperature, at the desired level is critical to success.'   

Is it better to grill with the lid open or closed?

Open, for sure. Closing the grill lid means you can't see what's happening and, paradoxically, you can end up overcooking and drying out your food. You can also completely burn it and not even notice. It's different if you're using a smoker, which will operate at a lower temperature and is infusing your food with smoke rather than searing or chargrilling it. Go ahead and close the lid on your smoker, especially if the instruction manual tells you to. 

BBQ accessories: choosing the best tools to cook with

The best barbecue tools include long-handled tongs, a fork and spatula. However, use the fork sparingly – if you pierce the meat it will leak its juices. Ideally, use the tongs as your main tool. Other BBQ tools you may find handy include a long-handled basting brush, a temperature gauge, a stiff wire grill brush and it never hurts to have a fire extinguisher handy. Barbecuing at night? A flashlight or head torch will be handy. 

How to barbecue meat, fish and even pizza

Just like when you're cooking in the kitchen, what you put on your barbecue grill needs different temperatures, cooking times and cooking techniques to produce great results. 

Bear in mind that, in general, when the barbecue lid or hood is closed, the cooking will be faster than if it's open; and, if the meat is thicker, it will need to be cooked for longer. If in doubt, and unless you're slow cooking in a smoker or are cooking delicate foods, such as fish, it's usually best to barbecue with the lid open, whether you're cooking on charcoal or gas.

We all know how to cook burgers and hot dogs, right? But other meats can be more tricky. As a general rule, fish will need a medium heat (around 390ºF–410ºF/200ºC–210ºC), while steak needs a high heat (700ºF/375ºC+). Use your barbecue's temperature gauge to ensure your BBQ is at the right temperature before you start to cook.

Hot tip? Never press down on barbecue meat with your spatula while cooking; doing so squeezes out the juices that keep the meat tasty and tender.

How to BBQ steak

Steak needs a hot barbecue, but the exact temperature will vary depending on the cut of meat (the more marbling the better for barbecuing) and how you like your steak cooked. 

Start by cooling steaks (thinner ones in particular) in the fridge. It shouldn't be frozen but it should be firm and cold; this will help you achieve the ideal cooking result: you want to char the outside of the steak but keep the inside juicy and if it's cold it will take longer to over-cook inside. 

Put the cold, seasoned steak on the grill. Initially it will stick, but leave it for a couple of minutes and it will loosen off. Then flip it and repeat on the other side. Move the steak off the heat to cool a little – this will make it tenderise. 

How to BBQ chicken thighs

Chicken thighs need a medium/hot barbecue. Why thighs? They're a fatty part of the chicken (or fatty-ish), which means they're the best part to cook on a barbecue.

Start by bringing the chicken thighs close to room temperature, season them and put them on the grill, skin side down, closing the lid for around 15 minutes. Allow it to brown on the first side before you flip it and cook for another 10 to 15 minutes. Again, the meat will stick to the grill to start with but will loosen, so be patient or the skin will pull away if you turn it too early. 

Now open the lid and cook on direct heat for the last 10 minutes, five minutes on each side. This will crisp the skin nicely.

Bear in mind that it takes longer to cook chicken (or any meat) with bones in, so give thighs and legs longer (around 30 to 40 minutes) than breasts or wings. Use your food thermometer to check the chicken is cooked inside (it should have reached 165ºF/75ºC). 

How to BBQ chops

Pork and lamb chops need a medium/hot barbecue.

Start by bringing them to a cool room temperature, season and put them on the grill. Shut the lid. Flip when the meat has released from the grill – it'll need upwards of four minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the chops (allow around 10 minutes each side for doorstep chops). Use your thermometer to check that pork is cooked through: it should be around 150ºF/65ºC ideally; below 140ºF/60ºC and you risk poisoning your guests, over 158ºF/70ºC and the meat will be tough. Open the lid briefly to give your chops that chargrilled, just crispy finish.

How to BBQ sausages

Follow the instructions above for pork chops as they need cooking to the same temperature.

How to BBQ salmon

For salmon, you need a minimum fire.

Start by getting your salmon close to room temperature, coat it lightly with oil, then season it. Put it on the grill and give it a couple of minutes for the meat to loosen – removing it too early will rip the fillet and you won't get that great grilled look. Once it loosens, flip the salmon carefully. You can check the salmon is cooked by trying to break it apart with a fork. If it flakes, it's ready. If it doesn't, cook for longer. It should take no more than three minutes per side, but give it longer if you don't like salmon pink inside.

How to BBQ a lobster tail or shrimp

Yeah, we know it's not something you'll do all the time, but it's great to know how to barbecue a lobster tail for that special occasion. Lobster needs a direct, medium heat.

First cut the shell towards the tail (but not beyond it) with kitchen shears, then split the lobster meat with a sharp knife along the shell cut line. Don't cut all the way through. Now rub the meat with olive oil and season.

Place the lobster flesh side down for five or six minutes, then flip over for another five minutes. If you want to baste the lobster, do this next. 

Follow the same instructions for large shrimp.

How to BBQ pizza

Yes! You can barbecue pizza. You'll need dough rounds, which you can buy ready-made or make yourself at home. Shape and lightly oil, then put straight onto a lightly oiled grill on low to medium heat. 

Grill the dough for a couple of minutes on each side until they look golden brown. Remove to a plate and add your toppings, leaving a couple of centimeters without topping around the edges. Put the pizza back on the barbecue, close the lid and allow three to five minutes for the toppings to cook.  

You may want to also investigate outdoor pizza ovens – after all, they are designed especially for pizza fans. 

These bbq area ideas will guide you to create the outdoor barbecue space of your dreams. Whether your backyard is vast, with the possibility of building a whole outdoor kitchen area, or tiny, with the barbecue sitting right next to your outdoor furniture, we have ideas to make it all work seamlessly and stylishly. 

The best bbqs make alfresco cooking a joy – if you use yours often, it makes sense to create an outdoor bbq area. Find the perfect look and configuration for your outdoor space.

1. Create a dedicated bbq area on a patio

The easiest way to create an outdoor bbq area is by dedicating your patio, if you have one, to it. The rest of the backyard can then be for relaxation and dining. And if you don't already have one, exploring patio ideas is well worth it. 

You could even lay a patio yourself. Take inspiration from this bbq area created by VisionScapes – we like the way the dark patio slabs contrast with the rest of the backyard.  

2. Add a canopy to keep the area shaded

If your outdoor bbq area is in a sunny spot, you'll benefit from exploring deck shade ideas. While everyone loves a bit of sunshine, preparing dinner for five in the blistering heat is not so pleasant.  

You don't have to go for a solid deck cover – go for a slatted design like the one used in this gorgeous bbq area created by Maite Granda. You'll still get to enjoy the sun, but it just won't be quite as intense.

3. Small bbq area? Go for a smaller barbecue

It is always better to be realistic about how much space you're working with for your outdoor bbq ideas. If what you have is a small deck or patio, a massive gas bbq just won't be an option. 

To keep the area neat and easy to move around, go for a small charcoal bbq, or even a portable bbq for the smallest footprint. 

4. And get clever with your outdoor furniture

If your bbq area is actually also the entirety of your outdoor space – say, if you only have a balcony or small deck – you'll have to choose furniture that can be moved out of the way when needed. Explore patio dining sets that are foldable, like the Applaro from IKEA.

5. Incorporate your bbq into an outdoor fireplace

If you live in an area where the nights get cold, an outdoor fireplace will make a dramatic difference in how long you can stay outside enjoying your barbecued meal. 

If you're getting a fireplace built from scratch, incorporating the bbq into the fireplace structure will save you a lot of space and create a sleek design. This luxurious bbq area with a stone fireplace has been created by Bruce Palmer Coastal Design. 

6. Configure a breakfast bar in an L-shaped area

Thought an L-shaped patio was a curse? It's actually a blessing for exploring bbq area ideas. Create a cozy corner area for cooking; if you then add some bar stools on the other side, you'll have yourself a breakfast bar idea. 

7. Use geometric zoning to designate different areas

If your bbq area is also your pool area and your dining area, you can create the illusion of separate spaces by using several paving materials instead of just one. 

Combining pool deck ideas and outdoor dining ideas in one space can be as simple as opting for paving slabs right next to the pool deck, as in this neat example by Fifth Season Landscapes. 

8. Narrow backyard? Get clever with the layout

Bbq area ideas for narrow backyards have to take into account the restricted width of these spaces. A bbq is by all means still possible, but you won't be able to go for the traditional layout in which the barbie and the patio furniture set are grouped close together – it'll just be too difficult to move around the area. 

Instead, position your outdoor furniture lengthwise, and flush against your garden wall or exterior. Round tables won't work here, so go for a rectangular design. Take inspiration from this brilliant layout in a bbq area design by Cross Construction. 

9. Get a folding table to give yourself prep room

Let's face it, not all of us are able to install an outdoor kitchen, whether that's because we don't have the space or the budget for one. However, if your barbecue doesn't come with any prep or storage space, you may struggle to find space to rest your cooking utensils and gloves. 

This is where a portable, folding outdoor table comes in. You don't need anything very fancy: an outdoor folding table can be bought from Bed, Bath & Beyond for under $50. 

10. Go for slim-framed furniture in smaller areas

If you're exploring bbq area ideas for smaller spaces and don't want folding furniture, go for a slimline, slim-frame design, like the Viholmen from IKEA. It's made from powder-coated steel, which makes it durable, and we like the dark-gray finish, which matches the bbq nicely.

Where is the best place to put a bbq?

According to outdoor experts at Artisan Exterior, safety should be your top priority when choosing where to put your bbq in your backyard. That means not putting it right next to your back door, and 'away from any potentially flammable debris such as rubbish bins or mulch. The same goes for low-lying trees and hedges.'

The positioning of your bbq will also depend on what it will be next to. You don't want smoke blowing into your bedroom window/your neighbor's property, so ideally you want to place your bbq a little away from your home, or at least facing away from windows. 

Other than that, it really will depend on the shape and size of your backyard. 

What do you need in a bbq area?

The exact list will depend on how much you plan to bqq, and how advanced your cooking game is, but most people will need (all can be bought from Amazon):

• Outdoor cooking tongs
• A spatula
• Grill gloves
• Grill fork
• Firelighters
• A plate to rest the cooked food on
• An outdoor table to put everything on

Planning a summer of dining al fresco? You need to know how to light a BBQ properly. Perhaps this year is your first at the barbecue, because you've just invested in a new char-broiler to entertain guests at home. Or maybe you are a dab hand with the old smoker, but always struggle to get an even burn on your grill?

Luckily, we've got all the tips you need here – whether yours is a charcoal, hybrid or gas BBQ. Because even if you have invested in one of the best BBQs – it can't light itself!

How to light a BBQ

Lighting a BBQ properly is beneficial for a number of reasons. It can help cut cooking times (good for hungry guests and tired hosts), make grilled food look (and taste) better, but most importantly can ensure that heat is evenly distributed within meat products to ensure harmful bugs such as salmonella are killed. After all, you wouldn't want your guests to leave with a stomach bug as a souvenir from your soirée...

So if you've got all the gear (including the best bbq tools and accessories) but no idea how to light the thing – we've put a bunch of experts in the hot seat with a quick-fire round of bbq-related questions so you can claim your well-deserved grill master or mistress title.

Before you start: BBQ lighting etiquette and prep

Before you learn how to BBQ, there are a few house rules to bear in mind. Because most barbecuing is done outside in your backyard, there are a few things you'll want to consider, especially if you live in a neighborhood with a communal backyard space or if your external space is in close proximity to someone else's. After all, a cookout is meant to be an enjoyable and amicable experience, so you don't want to annoy your next-door neighbors.

We asked one expert to provide their tip on keeping the peace with nearby residents when lighting a BBQ. But, you may also want to take on this advice when using one of the best portable BBQs in a park or other public green space (being sure to check local rules and regulations to ensure you're permitted to use it in these areas).

'Smoke from a BBQ can be considered a nuisance if it’s blown into a neighbor’s garden,' says Harry Bodell, gardening expert, Price Your Job.

'Although the position of the BBQ may be OK one day, it may not be the next. Before you begin a BBQ, observe the direction of the wind, and position the BBQ accordingly. If your neighbor is drying their washing in the garden, be sure to alert them of your BBQ so that they may move it.'

Lighting a bbq that uses charcoal

Who can resist the smoky flavor that grilling over charcoal adds to your dishes? Not us – that's for sure! But using coal as a fuel source to light a BBQ can be tricky if you don't know what your doing.

It goes without saying that our instructions are based on a barbecue that has been properly maintained. So if you've left it in a bit of a state since your last garden party, we've lots of advice on how to clean a  BBQ. Do this first before moving on...

You will need:

• Charcoal
• A charcoal chimney (optional)
• A barbecue temperature gauge
• High heat neutral cooking oil (like sunflower oil)
• Kitchen roll

Method:

1. Season the BBQ when it's cold

Seasoning a BBQ will ensure that the deliciously crispy skin on charbroiled chicken thighs and fish won't stick to the grill. To do this, use a high heat cooking oil, wipe off any excess with kitchen roll and you're ready to go.

2. Give your BBQ time to heat up

Unlike gas barbecues, that are ready to cook almost from the word go, charcoal barbecues need time to heat up – and you need to be adept at lighting them, too. A charcoal chimney (see below) can speed up this process.

3. Prepare the barbecue

For optimum results, remove the grate, and opening the bottom vents. This allows air to circulate around the charcoal, which will help you get an even, strong burning barbecue. 

4. Use the right amount of charcoal

The more charcoal you use, the tighter you pack it, the hotter your fire will be and the longer it will burn. Cooking a couple of burgers or sausages? You can get away with 15 to 20 coals. Searing steak? You'll need twice as much. Hosting a party? Scale the coals up per person, working with around five to 10 pieces of coal per piece of meat.

5. Wait until the charcoal is covered with white-grey ash

Before cooking any meat, fish or veg, make sure your coals lose their black color. This should take up to 30 minutes, and trust us... It's worth the wait. There should be no smoke; if there is – the coals aren't ready. And, make sure you're dressed for the occasion too.

'Never rush, ever,' says Fred Thompson, grilling guru, and author of the Williams Sonoma book, Grill Master.

'Grilling is a little zen-like; rush and you’ll make mistakes. Tuck in your shirt, tie back your hair if it’s long and forget the muumuu. Loose clothes and swinging hair have no place around an open fire.'

6. Check the temperature of your BBQ

Grab a barbecue temperature gauge from Amazon to ensure your barbecue retains the right amount of heat. You're looking for at least 107ºC+ (225ºF).

7. Control your charcoal BBQ's temperature

You can reduce heat, slow down cooking or lengthen cooking time, by closing down the vents almost completely (never do so completely or the fire may go out); opening the vents will create a fiercer, faster heat.

5 quick hacks for lighting a charcoal barbecue

Is you are struggling to light the coals then don't reach for the lighter fluid. Give these tricks a go:

1. Light a BBQ using leftover egg cartons: fill an old egg carton with lumps of charcoal and pop it in your BBQ. Light the card and the coals will take too by the time the carton turns to ash.
2. Light it up using tortilla chips: a few of these crunchy snacks will work like magical little fire lighters thanks to their fat and cornmeal content. Distribute a handful and light to get your fire going. Corn nacho chips can also be used to relight a dying fire.
3. Use newspaper to light a BBQ: tightly scrunch a few pieces of newspaper and hide among the coals. If this doesn't take, drizzle them with a little bit of vegetable oil to get them going.
4. Try rubbing alcohol to light a BBQ: a little goes a long way with this one so use sparingly. Make spills out of slithers of newspaper and dip the end in some rubbing alcohol. Put these in the barbecue surrounded by coals and light. Wait until they have burnt away before cooking over them.
5. Resort to whisky: yep, if you have no rubbing alcohol, high proof alcoholic drinks, like spirits will work. A cheap Scotch or vodka will do the trick – don't waste your best blend or finest single malt on the barbie!

How to use a barbecue chimney starter to light a BBQ

Hate the taste of lighter fluid on your barbecued food? A charcoal barbecue chimney starter is an upright metal tube that lets you start your coals with just some sheets of newspaper and a matchstick. If you barbecue for a crowd (more on that later) on a regular basis, choose the largest chimney starter you can find – John Lewis's Weber barbecue chimney starter is a good choice. Its large capacity will hold enough briquettes for a 57cm diameter kettle grill. It's constructed from aluminized steel and has stay cool thermoplastic handles so you don't burn your fingers in the process.

Thompson  says: 'Avoid briquettes infused with starter fluid. The fluid can impart an unpleasant chemical-laden taste to whatever you are grilling.'

'[Also], keep flammables away. Once your coals are lit, don’t put the hot chimney starter on or near anything that is easily set on fire, such as your grass lawn.'

How to light a gas BBQ

Prefer to work without coals? To work the best gas BBQs, like the Weber Genesis II EX-335 GBS smart barbecue, available from Home Depot, connect up the propane, turn the knob, press the ignition... and you're just about ready to cook, give or take 15+ minutes to allow the grill to really heat up.

You will need:

• A windbreaker or shield
• Propane tank

How to:

1. Keep the lid open when lighting a gas barbecue

Safety first! If it is windy, make a shield to hold up while you light it. 

2. Allow the grill to heat up for at least 10 minutes

Once you've lit your first burner, turn on the others. This will allow the grill to heat up properly and will burn off any food and grease left over from last time. If it's smoking, it's not ready – so allow that grease to burn off properly first.

3. Reduce the temperature

Turn down the heat and get ready to cook delicious food items such as lamb kofta and marbled rib-eye steaks.

4. Control heat further

If your gas grill is too hot and you can't close vents or turn down the burners further, trying reducing the amount of gas on the propane tank itself. Also, keep the lid open to allow some of the heat to escape. 

How to light a hybrid BBQ

A hybrid barbecue – you might have heard them referred to as combo grills – are at their most simple level a dual fuel option: one side of the barbecue is for charcoal grilling, the other for gas. A good example of this is the Gas2Coal Char-Broil bbq, available from Amazon.

There are, however, more combo options. For example, a hybrid infrared gas grill is a gas grill; on one side you get traditional convection burners, and on the other an infrared burner. On this infrared burner, you can cook foods at lower temperatures as well as high. 

Gas smoker combo grills are another option – allowing you to cook on gas and charcoal and to smoke foods, too.

How to light BBQ smokers

Smoker grills like the Kamado Joe, available on Amazon, are ideal for cooking food at lower temperatures, meaning you get gentler, slower cooking over a longer time, and incredibly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside meat. The other advantages of smoker grills? 

Smoker grills tend to have a long, horizontal chamber next to the heat source rather than above it, which makes topping up the fuel and adjusting the heat easier. That said, for first-timers to smoke grills, there's still a learning process to get the cooking temperatures just right.

Typically, the firebox attached to the side of a smoker grill sends smoke into the cooking chamber.

Gauging temperatures is tricky, and smoker grills are trickier to use than kettle barbecues, as we've said above, and the most difficult aspect is ensuring the temperatures are right for what you're cooking. Don't rely on the temperature gauges provided (especially on budget models); instead, buy yourself a digital air probe to track temperatures. This DOQAUS device, available on Amazon has over 26,000 reviews and is recommended by the online outlet too.

As for cooking times, you're slow cooking, so it's going to take longer. Build this into your BBQ schedule to avoid hangry guests waiting around for the main event.

Tips for cooking on a smoker grill

• Put cold meat in the smoker: unlike the aforementioned BBQs which perform better with cuts that have come to room temp, with a smoker grill you'll want to use meat straight from the fridge as it'll absorb the smoke better.
• Use the smoker's vents to control heat – open them before adding fuel, and adjust them when the smoker heats up.
• Use a chimney starter to fire up your smoker grill. 
• Use wood for flavor – but as a supplement fuel not the main fuel. Large pieces of wood will burn more slowly than kindling, and put them to the side of the fire, not on top to infuse.
• Put a pan of water on the grate; this helps keep the meat juicy and stops it from drying out.
• Wait until it reaches slow cook temperatures – around 107ºC (225°F).
• Keep the doors closed as much as possible: opening them regularly allows the much-needed smoke to escape.

If you like pizza then you are going to want the best pizza oven. They're a great buy if you enjoy dining in the garden (weather allowing), or want to master what makes the perfect pizza. Either way, they offer bucket-loads of fun. How do we know this? We've been lucky enough to test some of the top indoor and outdoor pizza ovens (sampling the delicious pizza as we go, of course) to bring you our complete guide. 

Recognisable brands such as Ooni, DeliVita and Sage have all been tried out. And, perhaps, some lesser-known brands such as Gozney have made the cut too because, well, it was simply a really good pizza oven. We found that the majority of those pizza ovens we've tried are wood-burning, although some of the best pizza ovens in our guide have the option of cooking with gas, which offers the same adjustable temperature settings as the best BBQs but without the need to stoke your fire with more fuel to keep the fire going.  Then, there are some options for indoor use, such as the Sage Smart Oven. This can be plugged in and will heat up to immense temperatures in minutes, making delicious fresh pizza without forcing you out into the garden. That's an all-weather pizza oven, if ever we saw one.

No matter your budget, space or culinary requirements you're working with, keep reading for a slice of our top nine pizza ovens.

The best pizza ovens

When we reviewed the Ooni Fyra 12 it impressed us with its straightforward assembly, which simply required screwing in the chimney and the fuel chute, as well as the speedy cooking times. Our pizza was cooked in just 60 seconds, as promised, although there is a bit of guesswork when it comes to heating the oven, because there is no thermometer built-in. 

It doesn't take up much space at all, and the legs fold down for storage purposes. It is also only 11kg, so moving it around the garden will not be an issue. 

This pizza oven has been reviewed by one of our editor's. It's scored (at least) four out of five stars so you know you're onto a winner.

We really like the Gozney Roccbox and we hope you will, too. It's a very close runner-up to our #1 Ooni Fyra 12 but it was just pipped to the post because of the slightly higher price tag, although it's not the most expensive. The kit is well packaged and efficiently engineered. You've got the opportunity to convert it to a gas pizza oven, should you want to try something different to the wood fire. But, do read the instructions when firing up for the first time (at least) as this can advise how to get a consistent burn. Gozney advise that you need a still, calm area to achieve the optimum 300˚C – a temperature which you can watch rise or fall on the gauge.

The pizza? Delicious. Helped by a high temperature and thin reactive dough.

Real Homes rated 4.5 out of 5 stars - read our full Gozney Roccbox pizza oven review

The Ooni Karu is immensely versatile, and produces great pizza. You can cook with charcoal, wood, or even gas using the Karu, and it’s also highly portable thanks to its foldable legs. It weighs only 12kg, so be prepared to take it with you to garden parties or camping trips. This pizza oven delivers perfectly cooked pizza in only 60 seconds, and heats up to 500°C in just 15 minutes. The Ooni Karu is a great pizza oven for alfresco dining. It fits pizzas of up to 13 inches, but be aware that it will do one at a time. While multi-fuel cooking is a great option, note that you’ll need to buy a gas burner separately to convert it.  

This pizza oven has been reviewed by one of our editor's. It's scored (at least) four out of five stars so you know you're onto a winner.

We seriously love the Sage Smart Oven Pizzaiolo. It's the smartest pizza oven we've ever used, with a panel up front displaying the different types of pizzas you can make. Simply select the right one and the temperature and timer will automatically adjust. You can also place a magnet over the display to convert this into a more manual pizza oven.

The Sage Smart Oven Pizzaiolo can heat up to 400 degrees, which is seriously impressive for a countertop pizza oven. Despite how hot it gets, the oven always stays hot to touch. The in-built pizza stone heats your pizza from above and below, replicating a wood-fired oven but without the smoke or uneven heat. When testing our pizza came out even and perfectly cooked when we followed the instructions exactly. The only downside is the price, but if you lack an outdoor space and still want fresh pizza, this indoor pizza oven is the one for you. 

This pizza oven has been reviewed by one of our editor's. It's scored (at least) four out of five stars so you know you're onto a winner.

If you really, really love pizza (or the person you’re buying this for), the DeliVita is a costly option that’s worth the dough. It has a traditional look and wood-fired interior that’s complemented by a clay lining and 12-inch mouth to easily accommodate your pizza. 

The durable outer shell means it can be left outside without worry, and the heatproof handle means you’ll be able to take out your freshly cooked pizza without worry. At 30kg it’s not the most portable, but this is a pizza oven that’s built to last. 

When we put the DeliVita Outdoor Pizza Oven to the test we loved how versatile it was, cooking meat and fish and even loaves of bread. We didn't think it was great for those who wouldn't want it on display because it's heavy (and also a real looker) but this is still a top pick for pure quality. 

This pizza oven has been reviewed by one of our editor's. It's scored (at least) four out of five stars so you know you're onto a winner.

If you're craving the authentic experience the Outsunny Charcoal Pizza Oven is here to help. For a very reasonable price point, you get a well built oven that comes on wheels so you can scoot it out of the way after use. It also has an ash drawer for easy cleaning and a built-in thermometer to keep everything in check. The pizza size is 12 inches, but our clever reviewer found she could make a bigger pizza to serve more if she went square. 

It does take a lot longer to cook a pizza in this oven. You are looking at a long as 15 minutes as opposed to the minute or so of some of the headliners above, but what it also has is plenty of other uses so you really get more bang for your buck. Our reviewer used it for barbecue food and remarked that it stays hot for a couple of hours after so you can use it for toasting marshmallows or just sitting round it to keep warm, once the pizza party is over.

Small but mighty, the La Hacienda BBQ Pizza Oven works by borrowing heat from your barbecues and can be used with gas, charcoal, or masonry BBQs. Simply slide it in or place it on top of barbecue to cook delicious pizza. 

For speed, we recommend pairing with one of the best gas BBQs which will be quick to bring it to temperature. Don't be fooled by the small price: this pizza oven features a dual wall cavity that distributes heat evenly, delivering perfect pizzas in seconds, or seared meat or fish. No assembly is required, which is always a bonus.

The Ooni Koda comes in two sizes, so depending on which you buy you’ll be able to cook pizzas of either 12 inches or 16 inches. This pizza oven is gas-powered, meaning it doesn’t have the distinctive chimney of other Ooni models. This makes it more portable and also easier to use on a tabletop. While it’s not wood-fired, so you lose some of that authentic charm, the gas does offer some advantages. For one, it’s easier to ignite and you can adjust the temperature using a dial. There’s also no smoke, which means those with tight spaces or nearby neighbours won’t have to worry. 

What is the best outdoor pizza oven in 2026?

The best pizza ovens go in and out of stock all the time, but our top pick is the Ooni Karu. It's versatile and classic, and will cook your pizza in just two minutes seconds. This outdoor pizza oven is also portable, meaning you can enjoy a fresh slice anywhere you go.

If you want a pizza oven you can buy right now, the Woody Wood Fired Pizza Oven is pretty darn close to the Ooni, and it comes with a paddle and carry case included. 

How to buy the best pizza oven

Wondering what you should be looking for in a pizza oven? These are the main things to consider: 

Fuel: domestic pizza ovens use either gas or wood for fuel, but flavour-wise, a wood-fired oven is your best bet. All of our top picks use either logs or wood pellets (but some can be gas-powered as well, if that's your preference).

Construction type is the second biggest consideration when buying a pizza oven. Traditional clay ovens look amazing, but they are very heavy, and might not offer the supreme insulation of other construction types. The Ooni Fyra, offers supreme insulation, keeping nice and cool to the touch while getting hot enough inside to singe a pizza in under a minute. 

Size: for those who are tight on space, the smallest on our list is the compact Oooni pizza oven.

What is the best pizza oven to buy?

To recap, we can highly recommend you buy the Ooni Fyra 12. It was straight forward to set up and cook on, and delivered a wood-fired pizza in under 60 seconds (as promised). 

Got a little extra to spend? We love, LOVE the Gozney Roccbox. It gives you the option to cook on wood or gas, feels really sturdy, looks great and makes a decent pizza once it has got up to temperature.

• Want to run through our list again? Jump back up to the top ^

Looking for the best BBQ? Smart thinking. Nothing brings joy quite like a family BBQ. Who would disagree that some quality meats, veggies, and whatever else you've got cooking, taste extra special when barbecued at home? 

When looking for a top-notch BBQ, there are a few things to consider. How easy it is to clean, portability, style, color, affordability... All these things will no doubt influence your decision. To help make this process that little bit easier, we've picked out some of the best BBQs you can find. Our favorite, the MASTER COOK 3-burner BBQ, is a smart choice indeed. It comes with three stainless-steel burners and porcelain-enamel wire cooking grates – neat, right? To learn more about this, plus some of our other great options, read on.

When it comes to buying an all-round quality BBQ, this MASTER COOK 3-burner BBQ is an undeniably great choice. With three stainless-steel burners, the propane gas grill is ever so easy to use. Simply push and turn the control knob, and away you go. Complete with a built-in thermometer on the cover lid, so you can keep close watch of those sizzling delights, this BBQ is wheeled and equipped with two foldable tables. Frankly, we're sold.

The Char-Broil 4-burner propane gas grill is a contemporary option, great if you prefer cooking with propane. Plus, you won't lose out on that classic smoky barbecue flavor. Where it comes to cooking your food to perfection, the Char-Broil really delivers, with the grill and grates porcelain coated for heat retention without burning. As well as this, it has a durable grease pan, which can be removed for easy cleaning, and electric ignition – fire it up! This model is a bit small, and we think it would've done better as a three-burner instead of the size, but, with that in mind, it's great. 

The Cuisinart charcoal grill is your inexpensive answer to camping trips or tabletop grilling in your back yard. It's easy to move and position exactly where you want it, weighing just two pounds, and the handy lid locks ensure there won't be any greasy spills in your car after getting back home. We do find it takes a lot of charcoal to get it properly hot for cooking and the grill height is not adjustable.

Our verdict

It looks like you're hosting the next BBQ. After all, with such great options out there, you've no excuse. In case you're still not sure which one to go for, we've outlined our top picks below.

Our favorite, the MASTER COOK 3-Burner BBQ is an easy-to-use choice, supplying the cook with three stainless-steel burners. For something modern and fast, try the Char-Broil 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill. On a budget, but after something that performs? The Cuisinart Charcoal Grill is a neat and portable choice.

On the hunt for BBQs in stock and available to buy right now? While some are willing to wait for a few months delivery on some of the best BBQs for sale right now, it can be hard to even find a barbecue in stock as soon as the sun comes out. 

If you're looking for a barbecue available for fast delivery, keep reading for our edited list. It features retailers from John Lewis & Partners to Argos who we know are dropping new stock every single day, even if it doesn't stay in stock for long. 

The type of BBQ you're after can affect how easy it is to find. We've noticed that charcoal barbies are easier to buy right now than the best gas BBQs, but even if it's a mighty gas grill you're after you shouldn't have to compromise. Just keep reading for our complete list of retailers who are trying their best to make sure we're all in for a sizzling summer. 

BBQs in stock you can buy right now

Our handy widgets can pull in everything from charcoal BBQs to sought-after gas models as and when their stock is replenished, so take a scroll and see what's available right now below.

Where to buy BBQs in stock right now

You've reached the end of our roundup, buy why not bookmark it so you can revisit it at a later date for more in stock BBQs? 

In the meantime you can check out some more garden essentials here: 

• Best pizza ovens
• Best fire pits
• Best patio heaters

The best BBQ tools will take your grilling skills to the next level. Throwing the perfect barbecue involves more than just rolling out the barbie onto your patio. For starters, you need some form of heat protection; after that, depending on what you're cooking, there are all kinds of tools and accessories that will make grilling different types of food that much easier.

Our pick of the best BBQ tools gather the coolest grilling accessories into one place to ensure no burnt fingers, sticking fillets or – perish the thought – undercooked sausages. From oyster cookers to meat thermometers, pork pulling claws or just your run-of-the-mill spatula and tongs, we've got the tools and accessories you need to turn up the heat this summer.

If you've not yet found the best BBQ or best gas BBQ, check out our guide. Otherwise, learn how to barbecue right with help from us.

What do you need for a barbecue? 

The first three barbecue tools and accessories in the list below are the basics that you'll need for barbecuing; the rest are helpful extras. We've also included a few BBQ accessories for cooking things like fish, chicken and pork, just for a helping hand.

• Long handled tongs – this is your main BBQ tool; 
• A fork – use this sparingly (and don't pierce meat with it or you'll lose the juices;
• A spatula; 
• A long handled basting brush
• A temperature gauge/thermometer;
• BBQ gloves;
• A stiff wire grill brush;
• A fire extinguisher (never hurts); 
• A flashlight or head torch for night BBQing.

THE BEST BBQ TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES

No barbecue is complete without the right gear, and the John Lewis & Partners Stainless Steel BBQ Tool Set gives you everything you need. Eight corn on the cob holders, six skewers for some serious grilling, as well as a brush, spatula, fork, tongs and carry case.

Everything can be placed in the dishwasher and used again and again, so say goodbye to single-use skewers and improvised kitchen appliances. 

While the slightly more intuitive method of cooking is what attracts many to the art of barbecuing, it can sometimes feel a little like playing with fire. For extra peace of mind, especially when cooking for those with low immunity or pregnant women, it makes sense to grab yourself a grill thermometer to test the interior temperature of the meat, and this one from Etekcity is considered the best by reviewers. 

Users loved the accuracy and value, and the fact that it doesn’t need to come in direct contact with the meat, unlike many other models, means no risk of cross-contamination. If you're only looking to invest in one BBQ accessory this summer, this is the best BBQ tool you can buy, bar none.

Designed to add some versatility to your grill, the All Things Brighton Beautiful Pizza Stone can be placed atop a BBQ to rival one of the best pizza ovens. It's not too expensive and can be used for pizzas of up to 12 inches. 

Simply get the pizza stone piping hot on the grill and add your fresh pizza dough before closing the lid and allow it to cook for a few minutes. Once you open up you'll have perfectly cooked pizza. Easy. 

If you haven’t tried the beer can chicken method for yourself, chances are you’ve at least heard about it. But if you don’t fancy the indignity of grabbing a can of Stella and putting it somewhere unmentionable, this Mountain Grillers Beer Can Chicken Roaster Stand offers a slightly more distinguished take on the barbecue classic. 

The stainless steel ‘beer can’ has a wider base for added stability, keeping your chook upright, and its reusable nature means you can choose your own marinade, whether that be wine, stock, or any manner of inventive concoctions, resulting in a juicy, tasty bird. The best BBQ accessory for cooking chicken, we think!

Anyone who’s ever tried to shred meat with a couple of forks and a shedload of patience knows that it’s probably not the most efficient method, and the makers of the Premiala Meat Claws clearly agree. 

These shredder claws ensure you won’t burn your hands or bend your tableware out of shape in the pursuit of perfectly pulled pork, brisket, or poultry – they even come recommended for tossing salads, serving spaghetti and holding fruits firm while cutting, giving these claws more mileage than you might think. And with a high-quality stainless steel construction, it’s perfectly safe for you to get stuck in. A must-have BBQ accessory for cooking pulled pork this summer.

Get the pescatarians in on the fun, or simply expand your grill skills, thanks to this BBQ fish basket by Weber. It solves the age-old problem of fish sticking to, and inevitably falling apart on, the grill, meaning you lose half of your delicious catch to the coals. 

This basket simply holds fish of all sizes firmly and allows for easy turning to ensure an even cook. The expandable design means it can stretch to fit everything from sardine fillets to a whole fish, and it’s even dishwasher safe for simpler cleanup, although reviewers do recommend giving it a soak first. The best BBQ accessory for cooking fish.

If there's one thing you don't want at an alfresco party, it's undercooked food. The Thermomix Meater takes out the guesswork by syncing to your phone and alerting you when the optimal internal temperature for your dish has been reached.

It's dishwasher safe and the smart features will even estimate how long your meal will take to cook. That's a win for flakey fish and juicy lamb chops, without any of the risks. 

You want to feel the heat at your next barbecue of course, but not literally. That’s where these best BBQ gloves, also by Weber, come in. They protect your hands from the heat of the grill and any conductive metal implements, and are engineered to withstand temperatures up to 260 celsius without reducing dexterity. 

The slim-cut knitted design means you can still feel what you’re working with, so no clumsiness for the sake of safety, and the silicone grip cleverly woven into the palm ensures that even oil-slippery handles are no match. 

From BBQ salt and oil to Moroccan rubs for lamb and pork, the Ross & Ross BBQ Hamper is designed for foodie home chefs who want to elevate their cooking. It includes hot sauces and BBQ jams, and is guaranteed to be a talking point at your next grill.

While it's a great gift, the Ross & Ross BBQ Hamper is also an excellent way to treat yourself or prepare for some entertaining. Simply cook up the goods and leave the sauce selection to your guests. 

The Grillbot Automatic Grill Cleaning Robot works on hot or cold grills to buff away grease and grit that's been left on the grill after use. It's designed for use with grills that have lids, so just press the start button, close the lid and let the Grillbot get to work.

This would make a quirky and fun gift to BBQ lovers, but users really do rave about it. A robot vacuum, for your grill. Revolutionary! 

What are the best BBQ tools? 

We all love BBQs for their laid-back vibe, but it’s important to think about safety first. 

Our top pick for the perfect cookout this summer is the Etekcity Lasergrip Infrared Thermometer, which measures the temperature of meat without so much as touching it thanks to clever IR technology, meaning less risk of food poisoning and cross-contamination. Similarly, the Thermomix Meater will alert you when your meat is cooked to make the process safer. In that same spirit, we’ve also included Weber Premium BBQ Gloves, which keep burns at bay without hampering your movement. 

Our pick of the best BBQ toolset is the John Lewis & Partners Stainless Steel BBQ Tool Set in Case. It features 16 tools inside a carry case, all of which are made from bamboo and steel.

More for BBQ season

• Want to cook indoors and out? Don't miss our best electric grills
• Take your barbecue with you? We've found the best portable BBQs

Barbecue grill lights are the ideal solution for anyone who doesn’t only grill during the day. These LED lights shine a direct light on what you’re cooking to make sure you don’t burn your food. Most grill lights operate on battery power so you won’t have to worry about having your grill near an electrical outlet. A good grill light isn’t just an ideal solution to stop you from overcooking your food, but they can also help yo keep you safe. We’ve compiled a list of the best barbecue grill lights to help level up your BBQ station. 

Bottom line

Barbecue grill lights are the key to helping you enjoy a barbecue at any time of the day or night. We love the MojiDecor BBQ grill light because its super bright LED bulbs will light up your entire cooking area. The neck also rotates 360 degrees, so you adjust it to your perfect position with ease. The light is made from aluminium that is weatherproof, heatproof and extremely long-lasting. They can also be used as a portable lamp so whether you’re planning a road trip or you need some extra light to shine on your DIY project, these will do the job. 

The two-pack barbecue grill lights from IMAGE are another best buy in our opinion. The light is zoomable so you can make sure you get the right level of illumination for your area. We are also impressed by the built-in sidelight to double up as a utility light easily. This light also turns 360 degrees thanks to the flexible gooseneck and swivel head design. 

The best barbecue tool set is an essential investment, whether you barbeque, barbie, braai, grill, cookout, or tailgate. Specialist BBQ tools differ from normal kitchen utensils as they usually feature longer handles to keep you safe from open flames and hot coals, boast a stronger and more durable construction, and often come in tidy storage boxes or cases, so you can store them when not in use.  We've rounded up a selection of the best barbecue tool sets so you can be prepared for your next outdoor cooking adventure. 

Griller thriller 

All the sets we're highlighting offer a robust grilling accessories package worthy of your consideration. The Cuisinart CGS-W13 grill tool set was awarded our top slot as it's a quality, attractive, wooden-handled set from a well-respected brand. 

Another great choice is the Alpha Grillers BBQ grilling tool set. This option doesn't have a storage case, but it covers the BBQ basics brilliantly with a brush, tongs, fork, and spatula, the latter two of which are forged from a single piece of stainless steel. 

If you're looking for a comprehensive set of tools and accessories, then the Grilljoy BBQ grill tool set could be for you. As well as the standard BBQ tools you would expect, this option also gives you a meat injector and a very useful probe meat thermometer. 

Looking to buy a small BBQ? Whether you have access to a limited amount of outdoor space, or you can't justify buying a large one as you know it won't get used, owning a BBQ makes cooking in the summer that bit more enjoyable. Small BBQs come in several different types and can either be used on a surface, popped on the ground, or sometimes they have legs. The main thing is that they can cook food evenly and have a large enough cooking area to hold a few burgers at a time.

The best small BBQ, in our eyes, is the George Foreman 15-Serving Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill. It's suitable for indoor or outdoor use, should it rain on the day you are meant to be BBQing, it can serve 15 people at one time, it's easy to use and it has a non-stick coating. See more of our top picks below.

The George Foreman 15-Serving Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill is the best small BBQ you can buy. What it lacks in size it certainly makes up for in features – it has a non-stick coating, can be used indoors or out and it requires no charcoal since it's electric. Not only that but it has enough space to feed 15 people. Use it complete with its stand or on a tabletop, and turn the dial to increase or decrease the heat. It even comes in your choice of silver or black.

Buy the Cuisinart CCG190RB Portable Charcoal Grill if you are after something that's easily portable so you can take it camping. With a 150-inch squared chrome-plated grate, there's plenty enough space for cooking. And its durable enamel coated firebox and convenient mess-free ash catcher makes it an easy job, too. This BBQ even has a dual venting system to help distribute heat evenly and manage the charcoal. Complete with a lid, this BBQ has three secure lid locks for safety purposes and for when it comes to transporting. It also weighs just 2 pounds. Choose from red or black.

Choose the Fire Sense Black Notebook Charcoal Grill if you are on a budget. It's made from heavy-duty steel and features enough space to cook for 14 people. Its cooking area measures 228 square inches to be exact. It uses charcoal to cook your food and comes with a charcoal rack and grill rack included. Not just that but it can be folded for portability reasons, and it even has handles.

The Samdray Portable Charcoal Grill is happily affordable, it folds away and it's good looking. With foldable legs, pop this small BBQ anywhere from a surface to the floor in order to use it. Made from thick stainless steel, it has a cooking area of 181 square inches and it has a dual venting system so you can manage both the temperature and the charcoal. It's also very affordable.

Our verdict

The George Foreman 15-Serving Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill ticks all our boxes and more with a non-stick coating, enough cooking space for 15 people, and the fact it can be used indoors or out. Choose the Cuisinart CCG190RB Portable Charcoal Grill if you are after something portable, perhaps for a camping holiday, or the Fire Sense Black Notebook Charcoal Grill if you are on a budget. The Samdray Portable Charcoal Grill is your best option for picnics – beach or park.

An electric grill will delight those who value precision cooking, whether you're grilling in the kitchen or out in the garden. Versatile and clever, electric grills typically have a slanted grill surface that siphons off the fat so the food doesn’t reabsorb it – a healthier way with burgers, bacon, and more. Think fewer smells and splashes than with a tabletop bbq, for example. 

For more recommendations see our guide on the best BBQ to buy for summer.

The best electric grills

For tender, juicy steaks, even when you prefer yours well done, this electric grill designed by chef Heston Blumenthal won’t let you down. It features five settings for cooking rare to well done and all levels in between. Use the probe to test whether your meat is at the right temperature for resting so the residual heat doesn’t overcook your steak, and thanks to its fast searing capabilities, the grill locks in all the juice for a piece of meat full of flavour. The best electric grill you can buy, bar none.

Coming in much cheaper than the Sage electric grill, this alternative by Tefal also delivers on the technology front. From a sensor that detects the thickness of the meat and automatically adjusts the temperature, to the cooking level indicator which lets you know when your meat has been cooked to your liking, there’s plenty of factors that make this electric grill worthy of our top 5. Perhaps its most favourable function is its six automatic cooking functions, which enable you to cook burgers, sausages, poultry and fish to perfection.

If you like to be savvy with your money, this electric grill can double up as a 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 trusty George Foreman should enable you to do it with ease. You can easily control the temperature of the electric grill so it provides the right amount of heat for cooking different meats or fish. The outside temperature gauge will enable you to keep an eye on the temperature inside, too. The best electric grill for those after something that can be used both indoor and outdoor.

If you’re looking to get plenty of use out of your electric grill, go for this great all-rounder. It features double sided plates; ridged for steaks and panini and flat for pancakes. If you love toasting panini for lunch, the floating hinge adjusts to administer the right amount of pressure. There are also 5 heat settings which will ensure perfect cooking for all ingredient types, whether it’s meat, fish or vegetables. We think it's the best electric grill for versatility. 

With the capacity to cook up to four portions, this is the best electric grill for families. It features the classic George Foreman slope design which drains off as much fat as possible and non-stick plates which remove the need for you to use oil or butter when cooking. You can use the ‘melt’ function to create the perfect cheese toastie or garlic bread, while the floating hinge allows you to place thick panini or pieces of meat on the grill. 

What is the best electric grill?

The Sage by Heston Blumenthal the Smart Grill Pro is the range to rely on if you’re looking for the best electric grill (or any kitchen gadget for that matter). While the appliances are expensive, they offer you that bit more when it comes to functionality and finesse.

Alternatively, the George Foreman indoor and outdoor grill can convert into a BBQ for convenient cooking in your back garden. Something to think about if you're after the best of both worlds. No time to read the rest of the article? Here are all the best electric grills at a glance, and the best places to buy them:

Electric grill vs. portable bbqs: which do you need? 

The beauty of electric grills is that you can use them indoors as well as outdoors – they won't fill your kitchen with smoke or oil splatters. They're also good at locking in moisture and flavour – great if you're concerned about your food overcooking and drying out on the barbie. However, if it's the classic bbq smoky taste you're after, it's a barbecue that you need, as you won't achieve it with an electric grill. 

How to buy the best electric grill

When you’re looking out for the best electric grill for you, it’s worth noting that electric grills are designed to be either open (flat and BBQ-esque) or contact (they open and close to cook meat from both sides). 

Power

Measured in Watts, the models on our list range from 1500W to 2400W.

Grease drip catch?

A grease drip catch is handy to have to catch the fat that runs off your meat while cooking.

Dishwasher safe?

Something to think about if you can't stand washing up, but also something to ignore if you don't own a dishwasher.

We update our best BBQ buyer's guide regularly at this time of year, which means we often get the first look at new launches and best buys. This Aldi BBQ is not on our list (because we know it won't be around for long enough to be a reliable buy) but we really, really want to get our hands on one RIGHT NOW. 

Why? It's brilliant! This Dark Grey Portable Charcoal BBQ is battery operated. Say what now? Yes – it's a four-battery-operated charcoal grill with an integrated fan that's perfect for speedy barbecuing. Read on to find out more.

There's more: this barbecue features a 36cm diameter stainless steel grill rack, a dishwasher-safe reflector bowl, removable charcoal basket, a blue control light to show when its in operation, silicone feet and a storage bag with two handles. 

An ideal purchase for these warmer days we're having, it's a compact buy you can slip in the car to take on days out. Charcoal is not included, but, hey, we can forgive them that. What's more? The barbecue is guaranteed for three years and comes with an equally compact price tag of just £49.99.

• Best portable BBQ: the best barbecues you can carry

Nothing beats a charcoal BBQ food for taste, if you ask us. And getting one of the best BBQs around is an ESSENTIAL this summer because it means that your household – and now other members of the family PLUS friends – can enjoy some quality time out in the garden together. And as luck would have it, the sun is shining this week AND we've found a mega barbecue deal. Happy days.

The really good news is that this BBQ could be delivered or collected today. Yep. The Argos Home 43cm Kettle Charcoal BBQ could be one of the best things for the garden you buy this summer. It has a 43cm diameter, so there's plenty of space for cooking burgers and sizzling sausages for up to six people. It's also easy to assemble so you can get grilling as soon as it arrives. All this for just £25. BARGAIN.

If you like what you hear then we advise you check out this deal sooner rather than later so you can fire up the barbie in time for dinner this evening.

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

What better time for great BBQ deals than the Bank Holiday weekend – when everyone, it seems, is having a barbecue in their back garden. If your barbie has seen better days, or you currently don't have one, now is the time to snap up an awesome BBQ at a great price. 

We may not be able to go on holiday, but we've got warm weather and our gardens – and with that, opportunities for al fresco dining. All our top picks can be delivered reasonably quickly, too. If you can't get your BBQ of choice this weekend, it'll be there for you next weekend, with the warm weather hopefully holding out till then.

See the top BBQ deals listed below. Need more info to decide which barbecue to buy? Read our guide to the best BBQs or best gas BBQs.

BBQ sales: quicklinks

• Amazon: BBQs, accessories and a good range of pizza ovens and BBQ huts
• Appliances Direct: a wide range of BBQs and smokers from £50
• Argos: gas, charcoal and portable options from £10
• B&Q: bargains from £9 and top brands including Weber and Kamodo Joe
• eBay: new and preloved barbecues for low prices
• Homebase: barbecues from £15
• John Lewis & Partners: best for big brand BBQs (price matched so you get a good deal)
• Robert Dyas: barbecues from £30 and a good range of tools/accessories
• Very: barbecues, pizza ovens and barbecue tools from £14.99
• Wayfair: charcoal, gas and electric BBQs for every budget

The best BBQ deals

Deals on the best BBQs

Read more:

• Best portable BBQ
• Best electric grill

After a cheap BBQ? Well, you are in luck because Argos have loads, and a lot of them can be delivered to your local Sainsbury's, so you can pick them up the next day when you are doing your weekly shop. You can have it delivered to your home too, but you will just have to wait a bit longer.

To make your life easier, we have rounded up five of the cheapest (but still fab) BBQs that you can order right now from Argos. For more of the best BBQs, head over to our buying guide. 

Read more: 

• Best gas BBQ 2020: 5 top buys for perfect outdoor cooking
• The best BBQ tools and accessories
• Best portable BBQ: the best barbecues you can carry

Aldi BBQs sell like hot... er... sausages. The second they come into stock, they're gone again! But not this time, folks. This time, we are so on it, letting you know that one of Aldi's most popular BBQs just came back into stock.

Not only is it one of the cheapest BBQs Aldi sell (just £59.99), but it doubles up as a smoker too, so you can embrace your inner Jamie Oliver and get doing that funky stuff with your meat and veggies. 

Keep scrolling to find out more and shop the BBQ, but you will have to be super quick, so if you missed out head to our round up of the best BBQs for more great options – including smokers – or browse the links below for today's best prices.  

Ooh it looks lovely too doesn't? As far as BBQs go, anyway. You get two cooking grills, one for BBQing and one for smoking, both of which are pretty roomy, so you will able to cook for a feast in just one go (no having to stick stuff in the oven to keep warm while you make room for the kebabs).

There's also a fair bit of storage too. You have the shelf underneath that could be handy for condiments and even a prep area to keep food that's waiting to be turned into smokey perfection.

You can order this BBQ online for home delivery and it could arrive as soon as the weekend! Be quick though, this Aldi BBQ won't hang around much longer...

Read more:

• BBQ sales: upgrade your staycation with a bargain barbie
• Best gas BBQ 2020: 5 top buys for perfect outdoor cooking
• The best BBQ tools and accessories

This competition is now closed. Head back to the Real Homes TV channel for our latest competition.

When was the last time you entered a competition? Maybe today's your lucky day!
Every two weeks, we give away a pretty brilliant prize as part of the Real Homes Show, our online TV show, and this one is perfectly timed. We've teamed up with George Foreman to offer you the chance to win one of six four-ring gas barbecues, worth £184.99 each.

We've all been spending more time than ever before in our gardens, and a barbecue is one luxury that can entertain the chef for a few hours, provide a tasty meal and bring the whole family together to eat. If you haven't got one or you're in the market for an upgrade, then this is the competition for you. We've got six four-burner GFGBBQ4B gas barbecues up for grabs, each with built-in ignition, in a design that cooks as good as it looks!

Watch the latest episode (below) and then fill in the entry form at the bottom of the page. Good luck!

Find all the best gas BBQs in our expert buyer's guide. If you're looking for the best BBQ but aren't sure whether to go for gas, charcoal, hybrid or smoker, take a look at our buying guide now.

Check out these related articles:

• Best BBQ recipes: cook up a storm this weekend
• How to barbecue right – get all the best BBQ techniques here

A chimenea can add so much to your garden: it can keep you warm on chilly spring nights, and it can also double up as an outdoor grill, as is the case with the very good-looking two-piece chimenea by La Hacienda. It's on our list of the best chimeneas for a reason – robust, pleasingly rustic, and made from clay, just like a chimenea should be. 

Barbie you want? Find the best BBQ 2020 in our list of the top picks.

• Buy La Hacienda Circles 2 Piece Clay Chimenea with Cooking Grill at Amazon

This traditional Mexican-style piece will look amazing as part of a traditional or country garden design, and has a multi-purpose construction that allows you to take the top off and use the chrome-plated grill (provided) for charcoal cooking. Yum. 

The only thing to bear in mind with this chimenea is that it has to be used according to instructions: out too much wood in it, and it will crack from overheating. And at this price – £65 at Amazon currently, as opposed to £99 elsewhere – it's definitely worth giving it a go.

• Best BBQ sales 2020: find a bargain BBQ in our guide
• Check out our guide to the best electric grills if you're serious about outdoor cooking

If you're thinking ahead to summer and wondering which is the best BBQ for your garden, you're in for a treat, as there are so many options to choose from – think compact charcoal models, full-on family gas BBQs and more –, and we've listed them all in our buying guide for your reference. But we're here to tell you about the beauty of a DIY BBQ that you can easily build yourself, using standard bricks and in just one weekend.

Who needs to leave the house when you've got such a great garden project on the go eh? Just step outside or into your garage with The Landmann DIY Charcoal Barbecue available on Amazon that comes complete with easy-to-follow instructions and all the components that you need too. You'll get a grill, coal tray, and ash collection tray – and there will be nothing more satisfying than having built this BBQ from Amazon yourself.

• Buy the Landmann DIY Charcoal Barbecue at Amazon

It couldn't be simpler, and people who have already built their barbecue themselves swear by its durability and by the high quality of the parts provided. For even greater stability, it is advisable to use mortar with the bricks. The compact dimensions – 67.4 x 42 x 6.8 cm – mean that you can have this barbie even in a small patio or garden. 

• BBQ sales 2020: the best barbecue deals for every budget

It’s the weekend and the sun is shining, so chances are you’re planning a barbecue for family and friends. But any thoughts of a blissful, relaxing afternoon in the garden while enjoying an Aperol Spritz can quickly be ruined when it’s time to light the barbecue and get cooking.

From disagreements over how best to cook a sausage to checking the chicken is cooked all the way through, it seems couples love nothing more than quarrelling over the barbecue coals. 

In fact, according to the latest research from recipe box company Gousto, which has just launched its new al fresco dining range, as many as 40 per cent of couples admit to having had a major bust-up while barbecuing.

What’s more, 41 per cent feel their partner always assumes they can do a better job on the barbecue, while 27 per cent feel they are too often accused of burning food. 

A quarter complained that their other half makes too much of a meal of cooking on the barbecue, while a further 22 per cent complain their partner tries to take all the credit when people come over – and we all know how annoying that is, right?

• Best barbecues 2019: charcoal, gas, smokers, pizza ovens... the lot

Starting to sound all-too familiar? If you regularly fall into the above trap at your summer get-togethers, there are some quick ways to ensure your outdoor soirées are far more harmonious affairs. Follow these 20 tips and you'll (hopefully) be on your way to a stress-free party...

Barbecue etiquette rules

• Never run out of bangers or burgers - 53%
• Don’t scrimp on the drinks - 49%
• Have contingency plans if the weather turns - 42%
• Make sure everyone has a drink in their hand before you get to work on the grill - 42%
• Light the BBQ an hour before your guests arrive - 37%
• Have a vegetarian/vegan option to hand - 37%
• Pre-cook some food for safety - 36%
• Don’t get tipsy before you cook - 36%
• Never use petrol to light your BBQ - 36%
• Don’t offer BBQ advice to the host - 33%
• Have some sunblock to hand - 30%
• Never put the food on the BBQ when there are still flames - 28%
• Have a golfing umbrella to hand - 22%
• Always invite your neighbours - 22%
• Use natural firelighters - 19%
• Never use a disposable BBQ - 17%
• Don’t wear a comedy chef’s hat - 15%
• Never wear a rude/comedy apron - 13%
• Don’t use a gas BBQ - 13%
• Never flip another person’s burger - 10%

Despite the heated arguments over the barbecue, it seems that ultimately we just want to do the best we can to impress our guests. Whether it’s opting for fancy artisan bread (a fifth of those surveyed), serving deli cheese (29 per cent) dips and crisps (61 per cent) or even investing in brand new garden furniture (26 per cent), we’ll do everything possible to enjoy a glorious summer of al fresco dining.

• BBQ recipes: quick, easy and oh so tasty...

Bank Holiday season is BBQ season, and that's a fact. But which BBQs are the very best? With so many brands and models to consider, choosing a barbecue can be as confusing as buying a car, especially when you haven't had one in your garden before (BBQ not car). 

If you are after a BBQ and feel a bit at sea when you browse 'barbecues' on the internet, rejoice: your search is over. These three BBQs are the top-rated models you can buy this summer. Top-rated by us. Top-rated by Which?. Need we say more? Maybe we do: if you don't fancy these, check out our pick of the best of the rest best barbecues 2019... 

1. Best Gas BBQ: the Everdure FORCE 2 Burner Gas BBQ by heston blumenthal 

This gas BBQ comes with an endorsement from none other than Heston Blumental, and that counts for something. The compact and good-looking Everdure Force 2 Gas BBQ looks deceptively slender: it is, in fact, a real powerhouse when it comes to outdoor cooking. For one, it heats up almost instantly, ready to cook in under five minutes. The extra high hood makes it perfect for convection cooking (think juicy chicken or turkey), and the large cooking area makes it very comfortable to use. 

For more great models, check out our buyer's guide to the best gas BBQs.

2. Best Charcoal BBQ: the Weber Master-Touch Premium E5770 Charcoal Gourmet System BBQ

Weber are legendary in the world of BBQs, and the Master-Touch Premium E5770 does not disappoint. It's packed full of high-spec details that make for a pleasurable and easy cooking experience. From the built-in thermometer to the rust-resistant ash catcher that makes ash disposal a breeze, it's the charcoal BBQ that comes with none of the associated mess or uneven results lesser models can produce. The porcelain lid of the E5770 allows for an even distribution of heat, so you don't have to worry about your meat not cooking through properly. And the special grate can accommodate a wok or griddle, meaning that you can cook lots more than just meat. A charcoal winner.

For more great models, visit our buyer's guide to the best charcoal BBQs. 

3. Best portable BBQ: the Kamado Joe Junior Grill

If you like your BBQ to be on the smaller side, but want all the high-tech features of a larger barbecue, the Kamado Joe Junior Grill is for you. What makes this BBQ really stand out is its versatility: the clever ceramic construction allows for a wide range of cooking styles, from cooking very quickly at very high heat to slow roasting at very low heat. And at only 31 kilograms, it's perfectly portable. 

For more portable models, check out our buyer's guide to the best portable BBQs. 

• How to barbecue right: techniques, tips and buying advice

Looking for the best cheap BBQ deal? We don't blame you. Why spend a fortune on an expensive BBQ right now when we're about to suffer potentially the coldest Bank Holiday weekend on record, according to BBC weather forecaster Simon King? 

Last year, the temperatures reached 29ºC during the Bank Holiday. This year, we're looking at top temperatures of nearly a third of that figure. So while we'd usually use this first May Bank Holiday to sort out the garden for summer and buy the best barbecue our budgets allow, bagging a bargain cheap barbecue, if only as a stop gap, seems like a wise move. 

So, we took to the shops (not literally, we did our usual forensic research online) to find this year's best cheap barbecue. At present, Wilko look to be stealing the show in the outdoor cooking department with a decent quality, super cheap BBQ that costs just £30. So popular has the new kettle grill been, in fact, that sales of it have risen by 623 per cent in the last month. So, if you want one, you might need to be quick because it looks like it's going to be a sell out product. 

• The best barbecues 2019: gas, charcoal and hybrid BBQs, barbies for smoking and pizzas, party-sized and portable

Other BBQs that are looking to be hot this summer are compact models with portable BBQs,  barrel BBQs and  tabletop BBQs making it into Amazon's Best Sellers this week. There's even a BBQ grill that you can dismantle and stick in a bag. Clearly this summer we are less into those cumbersome BBQs that are bigger than most ovens and would rather buy a cheap BBQ that we can actually fit on our garden or patio...

More on cooking alfresco: 

• Best portable BBQ: the best barbecues you can carry
• The best BBQ tools and accessories
• The best charcoal BBQs