Best Barbecue Buying Guide: Find the Right Model for You

Summer is here, and now is the perfect time to upgrade your outdoor cooking setup! Whether you’re buying a barbecue for the first time or replacing an older model, we can help you find the right one. From compact charcoal kettle BBQs to high-tech gas grills and party-friendly pizza ovens, we have it all! In this barbecue buying guide, we’ll outline the different types available and highlight some of our bestsellers for inspiration. We’ll also touch on some key things to think about before making your choice – here’s everything you need to know!

Buying a BBQ: the different options

Charcoal barbecues

Charcoal barbecues are ideal for anyone who loves that classic smoky flavour and wants a hands-on cooking experience. Offering lots of flexibility, you can sear steaks directly over high heat or slow-cook joints with indirect heat over charcoal. You can even wrap up vegetables in foil and cook them amongst the coals. Kettle BBQs are particularly good for roasting meat and slow-cooking larger cuts, as their domed shape distributes heat more evenly.

The Weber Compact Charcoal BBQ, affordably priced at £99.99, is popular for smaller spaces. Its porcelain-enamelled bowl and lid retain heat efficiently and resist rust, while the built-in cleaning system makes ash disposal easy. Better yet, its tripod-style legs have wheels for easier manoeuvrability. Need more room? We stock a slightly larger 57cm version too.

Pros and cons of charcoal BBQs

Charcoal BBQs are usually cheaper to buy than gas models, but costs can add up over time due to fuel requirements. Additionally, they take longer to heat up – typically around 45 minutes – and the temperature is harder to control. With that in mind, we’d suggest choosing one with adjustable dampers and using briquettes over lumpwood. On the plus side, charcoal models are more portable than gas models, which makes them great for camping and picnics.

Gas barbecues

Gas barbecues are ideal if you value convenience and control. They’re typically ready to cook within 10 minutes and allow you to manage heat precisely. Unlike charcoal, gas grills create less mess as there’s no ash to cleanup. On top of that, gas BBQs come in various sizes and configurations to suit your needs. You’ll also have the flexibility to turn individual burners on or off, depending on how many people you’re catering for.

The Weber Spirit E-210, at £499.99, is a compact yet powerful model. It boasts two burners, a fast ignition system and porcelain-enamelled cast-iron grates that retain heat and clean easily. For larger households or those who entertain regularly, we also stock the larger Weber Spirit E-425. This includes two additional burners with extra searing power and a bigger cooking area for £699.99. Perfect if you’re buying a BBQ with the intention of hosting parties!

Or, if you frequently cook outdoors, you could upgrade to the luxury Weber Genesis E-315 with spacious grill. The premium model boasts a state-of-the-art grilling system, twin side tables, a warming rack and porcelain-enamelled flavouriser bars. You’ll also receive a kit to turn your grill into a Dutch oven or poultry roaster. Plus a 10-year warranty for peace of mind.

Pros and cons of gas BBQs

If you’re buying a new BBQ and want one that will heat up quickly, gas is the obvious choice. Many also come with handy integrated thermostats. However, gas barbecues don’t deliver the same smoky flavour as charcoal, which is why many models have additional features like flavouriser bars. This is just one of the reasons why gas barbecues are more expensive.

Wood pellet barbecues

Wood pellet grills offer that distinctive smoked flavour with the convenience of consistent temperature control. Using compressed sawdust pellets made from aromatic woods, these grills are especially suited for smoking meats like brisket and ribs, or even vegetables. They’re typically thermostatically controlled, making them straightforward to use. But one downside is that they do require significant ventilation. As such, they should only be used in large gardens.

Dual fuel barbecues

If you’re torn between the taste of charcoal and the convenience of gas, a dual fuel barbecue could be the ideal solution. These versatile models allow you to cook with either gas or charcoal – or both simultaneously. Some even include charcoal baskets that can be ignited using gas, speeding up the process while still offering that traditional flavour. However, dual fuel BBQs are generally more expensive than singular models, plus heavier and less portable.

Electric barbecues

Perfect for patios, balconies and gardens where space is tight, electric BBQs are generally compact and produce minimal amounts of smoke. Simply plug them in to generate instant heat and adjust the settings to suit what you’re cooking. For example, many come with grilling, steaming and even defrosting options. Electric BBQs are ideal for families, as there are no naked flames and most come with safety features like auto shut-offs. But there is a trade-off. These grills must be positioned close to a power source and the food cooked lacks that traditional BBQ flavour.

Travel barbecues

For barbecuing on the go, a portable travel model is essential. Lightweight and compact, these are great for picnics, camping or beach trips. Especially in places where disposable barbecues are banned due to the fire risk they pose. The Everdure by Heston Blumenthal Cube Charcoal BBQ, recently reduced to £149.99, is a stylish option with a porcelain enamel body designed to prevent overheating. It also features an integrated storage tray and prep board, and removable grill rack and charcoal tray for easy cleaning. Just bear in mind that cooking capacity is somewhat limited on portable models.

Or if you’d prefer a slightly larger gas option, take a look at the Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill. This collapsible BBQ has a more generous cooking area that can handle up to 15 burgers, yet it folds flat for easy transportation. Priced at £399.99, it’s a solid pick for caravan and camping holidays. This model can also be used in small gardens without taking up too much room, and can be stored away when not in use.

Pizza ovens

We’ve talked about buying a new BBQ, but have you considered a pizza oven? These nifty, portable outdoor ovens have gained popularity in recent years and it’s easy to see why! Not only do they cook authentic stone-baked pizzas in minutes, but they’re also great for baking bread and roasting meat, fish and vegetables.

Ooni pizza ovens are the most well-known brand in our range. We supply both the Koda gas model and the Karu oven which can run on wood or charcoal. Either way, expect a lightweight design that heats up quickly, is fully portable and cooks pizza in just 60 seconds!

Alternatively, the La Hacienda BBQ Pizza Oven, now half price at just £49.99, is designed to sit on top of a barbecue. That way, you don’t need to buy a separate appliance! You can bake or roast items in your pizza oven and grill or slow-cook meat on your barbecue as preferred.

What to consider before buying a BBQ

With so many options on the market, here are some key things to bear in mind before you buy.

How often will you use it – and what’s your budget?

Start by thinking about how regularly you’ll be barbecuing. If you’re an occasional griller, a simply charcoal model may be all you need. They’re cheaper to buy upfront, but can cost more in fuel over time if used often. If you plan to cook on a regular basis, a gas BBQ is worth the higher initial investment, as they’re cheaper to run in the long term. You should also look for one with a good warranty – Weber typically offer a 5-10 year guarantee on different parts.

Tip: porcelain-coated grills are a popular but premium option. If you’re on a budget, look for models with more affordable stainless steel grills that are highly durable and easy to clean.

How many people are you cooking for?

When buying a BBQ, we’d suggest choosing a size based on how many people you typically cook for. For up to four people, a cooking area of 1800cm² or a BBQ with two gas burners will suffice. Hosting six? Look for 2000–2500cm² or four burners. For larger gatherings, aim for over 2500cm² or 6 burners, plus features like warming racks and side burners. That way, you can grill and cook side dishes at the same time, and keep pre-cooked food warmer for longer.

How much space do you have?

For patios or balconies, compact options like kettle grills and electric models work best. They are space-saving in design and, in the case of electric BBQs, require minimal ventilation. We also stock foldable travel BBQs that fit easily into car boots and have handy features like secure latches and built-in storage. Use them on your travels or as a temporary setup in a small garden. Or, if space isn’t an issue, a full-sized gas grill with side tables and storage cabinets can offer greater convenience and functionality.

Order your new barbecue in store or online

Explore our full barbecue and accessory range online and enjoy free local delivery within Oxfordshire. Selected models are also eligible for free national delivery, so be sure to check the product page on our website for details.

Alternatively, why not browse your options in person? Oxford Garden Centre is situated just off the A34 and we’re open 7 days a week, with a friendly team on hand to answer any questions.