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Choosing the best BBQ means deciding between charcoal, gas, or portable — each with a different trade-off between flavour, convenience, and space. This guide cuts through the options to the ones actually worth buying. For other outdoor gear, see our budget patio seating guide. For an independent perspective on grilling, Which? BBQ reviews are the most thorough available.
How we chose these BBQs
We led on charcoal against gas — flavour and sear heat against speed and control — then compared cooking area against the number of people fed, build quality and rust resistance through a British winter, and portability. These are researched picks, not first-hand reviews, and we don’t accept payment for placement. Read our full methodology →
At a glance
| Model | Best for | Spec | Price tier | Our verdict | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weber Master-Touch GBS E-5750 | Most households | 57 cm (2,552 cm²) | £££ | a premium charcoal kettle that rewards patient cooks and handles everything from sausages to whole roasts. | Check price → |
| ProQ Frontier Charcoal BBQ Smoker | Charcoal | Not published | £££ | A 4-in-1 bullet smoker that grills, roasts or smokes, ideal for those who love the ritual of charcoal. | Check price → |
| Outback Meteor 6 Burner Gas | Gas | Approx. 2,900 cm² | £££ | reliable, quick to heat and spacious enough for a proper family cookout without fuss. | Check price → |
| Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal BBQ | Portable | 1,032 cm² | ££ | compact, robust and genuinely usable at the beach, campsite or on a balcony. | Check price → |
| VonHaus Charcoal BBQ Grill | Tight budget | Approx. 2,480 cm² | £ | an honest, no-frills option that gets the job done without breaking the bank. | Check price → |
There’s a particular kind of optimism that comes with the first warm weekend of the year — the moment you decide, almost on impulse, to cook outside. Whether it’s a quiet Saturday afternoon with a few burgers or a proper garden gathering with neighbours around the table, the BBQ you cook on makes a genuine difference: to the food, to the experience, and to how much you actually enjoy the whole thing. After researching the current range of grills across charcoal, gas and portable options, here’s what we’d honestly recommend for UK gardens in 2026.
Best BBQs UK 2026
- Best Overall: Weber Master-Touch GBS E-5750 — a premium charcoal kettle that rewards patient cooks and handles everything from sausages to whole roasts.
- Best Charcoal: ProQ Frontier Charcoal BBQ Smoker — a 4-in-1 bullet smoker that grills, roasts or smokes, ideal for those who love the ritual of charcoal.
- Best Gas: Outback Meteor 6 Burner Gas — reliable, quick to heat and spacious enough for a proper family cookout without fuss.
- Best Portable: Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal BBQ — compact, robust and genuinely usable at the beach, campsite or on a balcony.
- Best Budget: VonHaus Charcoal BBQ Grill — an honest, no-frills option that gets the job done without breaking the bank.
What to Look For in a BBQ
The charcoal versus gas debate comes down to what you value most. Charcoal delivers that authentic smoky flavour and runs hotter for a proper sear, but it takes time — you’re waiting 20 to 30 minutes for coals to be ready, and temperature control takes practice. Gas is instant, predictable and easier to clean up, which matters on a weeknight when dinner needs to happen. Neither is objectively better; it depends on how you cook and how much time you want to give it.
Cooking area is often underestimated. A compact 47 cm kettle can feed two to four people comfortably, but if you regularly cook for six or more, you’ll want something larger. Think about your typical scenario rather than the occasional big party — a grill that’s too large becomes a nuisance to light and maintain for everyday use. For UK gardens, something in the 57–60 cm diameter range for charcoal, or a three-to-four burner layout for gas, is usually the sweet spot.
Build quality matters more here than in sunnier climates. British weather is unpredictable — your BBQ might sit outside through drizzle, wind and the occasional proper downpour. Look for porcelain-enamelled lids and bowls rather than bare steel, stainless burners on gas models, and solid welds throughout. A lid is almost essential in the UK: it traps heat so you can cook more evenly despite wind, and it lets you use the BBQ as an oven for indirect cooking. It’s the single feature that separates a good grill from a frustrating one.
The Best BBQs UK 2026: Full Reviews
Best Overall
Weber Master-Touch GBS E-5750
Why we like it: The Master-Touch is the BBQ that will genuinely change how you cook outdoors. Weber’s GBS (Gourmet BBQ System) grate includes a removable centre section that accepts cast iron inserts — a griddle, a wok, a pizza stone — making this far more versatile than it first appears. The porcelain-enamelled bowl and lid retain heat brilliantly, and the dual damper system gives you real, usable control over temperature. It’s built to last a decade or more, and Weber backs it with a ten-year warranty on the bowl and lid.
- Fuel type: Charcoal
- Cooking area: 57 cm diameter (2,552 cm²)
- Lid: Yes
- Weight: 14.5 kg
- Material: Porcelain-enamelled steel, plated steel grate
Our honest take: This is the BBQ we’d buy if we were only ever buying one. It isn’t cheap, but it earns its price through consistency, versatility and longevity. If budget is a concern, look at the standard Weber Original Kettle first — but if you can stretch to the Master-Touch, you won’t regret it.
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Check price on Amazon →
Best Charcoal
ProQ Frontier Charcoal BBQ Smoker
Why we like it: The ProQ Frontier is a charcoal bullet smoker that does more than smoke: ProQ calls it a 4-in-1, and it will grill, roast or smoke, switching between low’n’slow and hot-and-fast cooking. A built-in lid thermometer and several vents give you control of the temperature, and it comes with five meat hooks, cool-touch tabs on the vents and eyelets for a temperature probe. ProQ describes it as its mid-size model, big enough to feed up to 12 people but compact enough for smaller gardens, and it is the brand’s best-selling smoker. It’s designed for people who take charcoal cooking seriously.
- Fuel type: Charcoal
- Cooking area: Not published
- Lid: Yes, with a built-in thermometer
- Weight: Not published
- Material: 1mm plate steel with a porcelain coating
Our honest take: If you love the process of charcoal cooking — managing the fire, building the flavour, taking your time — the Frontier is built for it, and ProQ sells a cold smoke generator, a stacker, a plancha and a rotisserie kit that fit it, so it can grow with you. It costs more than the Weber Master-Touch.
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Check price on Amazon →
Best Gas
Outback Meteor 6 Burner Gas
Why we like it: Outback is a well-regarded British brand and the Meteor 6 Burner is one of their most dependable performers. Six independently controlled stainless steel burners let you create heat zones across a generous cooking surface — useful when you’re managing chicken alongside vegetables at different temperatures. The porcelain-enamelled cast iron grates retain heat well and leave proper grill marks, and the double-walled lid keeps everything cooking evenly even when there’s a breeze. Assembly is straightforward and the ignition is reliable.
- Fuel type: Gas (propane/butane)
- Cooking area: Approx. 2,900 cm²
- Lid: Yes
- Weight: 38 kg
- Material: Stainless steel burners, porcelain-enamelled cast iron grates, powder-coated steel body
Our honest take: For families who want the convenience of gas without sacrificing cooking performance, the Meteor 6 Burner is an excellent choice. It’s larger and heavier than some alternatives, so make sure you have the garden space for it — but if you do, it won’t disappoint.
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Check price on Amazon →
Best Portable
Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal BBQ
Why we like it: The Go-Anywhere is Weber doing what Weber does best: a simple idea, executed properly. The legs fold up and clip to the lid to form a secure carry handle, the whole thing weighs about 6.8 kg, and it still delivers proper Weber quality — porcelain-enamelled bowl and lid, decent cooking area for two to four people, and the characteristic top and bottom dampers for airflow control. It works on a picnic table, a campsite, a beach (where fires are permitted), or a small balcony. It’s compact enough to store in a cupboard between uses.
- Fuel type: Charcoal
- Cooking area: 1,032 cm² (42 x 26 cm)
- Lid: Yes
- Weight: 6.8 kg
- Material: Porcelain-enamelled steel
Our honest take: There are cheaper portable BBQs, but the Go-Anywhere is the one we’d actually trust to last and perform. It’s an investment for a portable grill, but if you cook outside regularly away from home, it’s worth every penny. The lid makes a real difference to how well food cooks, especially in wind.
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Check price on Amazon →
Best Budget
VonHaus Charcoal BBQ Grill
Why we like it: If you’re new to outdoor cooking, cooking for occasional summer use only, or simply don’t want to spend much, the VonHaus Charcoal BBQ is a practical starting point. It is a barrel-style barbecue with a lid, an enamel-plated grill of about 70 × 35cm, a warming rack above it, and a temperature gauge on the lid so you can check the heat without opening it. Close the air vents and add wood chips and it doubles as a simple smoker. A detachable handle lifts the grill so you can add more charcoal, and wheels make it easy to roll into the shed. The build is lighter than the premium options here — that’s how the price is kept low — but for seasonal, supervised use in a sheltered garden, it does the job without pretending to be more than it is.
- Fuel type: Charcoal
- Cooking area: Approx. 2,480 cm² (69.8 × 35.5cm grill)
- Lid: Yes, with a temperature gauge
- Weight: Not published
- Material: High-temperature painted steel, enamel-plated grill
Our honest take: Don’t expect longevity comparable to Weber or ProQ — the lighter steel means it will show wear over seasons. But as a first BBQ or a budget option for occasional use, it represents decent value. Store it undercover when not in use and it will serve you well for a few summers.
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Check price on Amazon →
BBQs for small gardens, patios and balconies
A small garden, a patio or a balcony changes the priorities. You’re not cooking for a big Sunday gathering; you want something that lights quickly, fits into a corner, and leaves you room to actually stand and cook. Look well below the 57–60 cm sweet spot described above: on a patio or balcony, a grill light enough to lift with one hand and store away matters more than maximum cooking area.
Fuel choice carries a different weight in a small space, too. Charcoal gives the better flavour, but it also makes more smoke, and in a tightly packed terrace or a block of flats with washing lines and open windows nearby, that’s the neighbours’ problem as much as yours. If smoke is likely to cause friction, gas lights cleaner and clears faster once you’re done, or keep a charcoal cook short and pick a still day.
Safety and clearance matter more, not less, once space is tight. Keep the BBQ well away from fences, sheds, dry planting, parasols and anything else that could catch light, and stand it on a stable, level, non-flammable surface rather than directly on decking or grass. Never light one, however small, in an enclosed or covered space — an enclosed balcony, a garage, indoors — because of the carbon monoxide risk, and keep it well clear of doors and windows so smoke doesn’t drift back into the house. Let the coals burn out and cool completely, ideally overnight, before you deal with the ash, and never tip it out while it’s still warm.
Of the picks above, the Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal BBQ is the one built for this: it’s the smallest here, the legs fold up into a carry handle, and it’s compact enough to store in a cupboard between uses. The Master-Touch and the Outback Meteor are both sized for a fuller garden rather than a tight patio or balcony, and the ProQ Frontier is a tall bullet smoker that ProQ describes as its mid-size model.
Frequently Asked Questions
Charcoal or gas — which is better?
Neither is universally better — it depends entirely on how you cook. Charcoal gives food a smoky depth that gas simply can’t replicate, and many cooks find the whole ritual of lighting and tending a fire part of the pleasure. Gas is faster, easier to control precisely, and simpler to clean up, which makes it a more practical everyday option for busy households. If flavour and the experience matter most to you, go charcoal. If you want to be cooking in ten minutes with minimal faff, go gas.
What size BBQ do I need?
As a rough guide: a 47 cm kettle or equivalent suits two to three people; a 57 cm kettle or a three-burner gas model works well for four to six; anything larger is for regular bigger gatherings. It’s worth thinking about your garden space and storage too — a large BBQ that’s awkward to move and cover will put you off using it. For most UK households cooking for a family of four, a 57 cm charcoal kettle or a four-burner gas BBQ is the ideal size.
How do I season a new BBQ?
Before cooking any food on a new BBQ, it’s worth doing a burn-off to remove any factory coatings, oils or residues. Light the BBQ, bring it to full heat with the lid closed (if it has one), and let it run for 20 to 30 minutes. For cast iron grates, apply a thin layer of vegetable oil with a cloth or brush, heat again until the oil polymerises to a dark finish, and allow to cool. This creates a natural non-stick surface and protects against rust. Repeat the oiling process after cleaning throughout the season.
Finding the Right BBQ for Your Garden
The best BBQ is always the one that suits how you actually cook — not the most expensive, not the one with the most features, but the one you’ll reach for on a warm Tuesday evening as well as a big Sunday afternoon. Whether you’re starting simple with a budget charcoal grill or investing in a Weber that will last you a decade, what matters most is getting outside, taking your time over the food, and enjoying it. That’s the whole point, really. If you have any questions or want a recommendation based on your specific setup, feel free to get in touch — I’m always happy to talk about this sort of thing.
Related Guides
📋 From the D&L Shop: Planning your growing year? Our Your First Year on the Allotment guide covers every month from clearing the plot to your first proper harvest — written from 15+ years of UK growing experience. £9.99, instant PDF download. Also useful: the Allotment Plot Planner (£4.99) for mapping beds and planning crop rotation. Browse the full shop →
Outback Meteor 6 Burner Gas - Stainless Steel
VonHaus Charcoal BBQ – Portable Barrel Barbecue with Warming Rack, Temperature Gauge, Wheels, Large Cooking Grill, Air Vents – 2 in 1 Barbeque and Smoker – Grill Meat, Fish & Vegetables
Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal BBQ | Portable Grill, Folding Legs, Compact Camping Design, Enamel Finish, Precise Airflow, 42x26cm Cooking Area, Black
ProQ BBQ Smoker (Frontier V4) | 4in1 Charcoal Meat Smoker Grill - Outdoor Smokers and Grills
Weber Master-Touch GBS E-5750 BLK EU
— Gareth
Sources
Cooking area, fuel type, burner counts and materials are taken from manufacturer specifications and cross-checked against verified UK buyer reviews. Barbecue safety guidance — including carbon-monoxide risk and safe disposal of coals — follows RoSPA barbecue-safety guidance. Safe cooking temperatures follow Food Standards Agency guidance on cooking food safely.
🛡 Our standards: How we research · Editorial policy · Affiliate disclosure · Corrections
About Gareth
Gareth Isherwood is the editor of Danbury & Lovejoy. He has baked bread at home for 25+ years and has 15 years of growing experience across gardens, containers and other growing spaces, including an East Sussex allotment for the past three years. Read his full story →
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