How to Buy the Best BBQ This Summer
Helping you decide which BBQ is your best buy.
There's a whole world of barbecues out there, so deciding on what BBQ to buy can prove quite intimidating. From gas to charcoal, electric and wood pellet, our handy BBQ buying guide will give you all the advice you need when it comes to buying your next barbecue.
There are plenty of brands who offer top-notch BBQs but deciding which one is right for you takes some detailed thinking. Each BBQ grills differently depending on its size, shape, fuel type and overall features, so you might want to ask yourself the following questions before you commit to just any model:
BBQ Buying Factors:
How Often Do You BBQ?
Increasingly warmer and longer days means prime BBQing, and with many of us continuing to stay at home this summer, there's never been a better time to invest in a high-quality BBQ. If you plan on grilling regularly (around 3–5 times per week), it might be a good idea to consider a barbecue that saves energy. Generally speaking, although electric BBQs heat food faster and therefore use less energy short term, they do use require more energy in the long run compared to that of their gas counterparts. One unit of gas averages around four times less than one unit of electricity, so if energy efficiency is at the top of your list, opt for a gas BBQ that burns either propane or natural gas.
If you're not planning to whip out the BBQ at any opportune moment, then buying a less expensive model could be your best option. Again, gas grills using natural gas tend to be the more affordable and cleanest option.
Do You Have Available Storage Space?
Sadly, BBQs aren't resistant to the great British weather, so make sure to keep your barbecue in excellent condition by storing it indoors in a dry, clean space whenever you're not using it. Avoid rusting or mould by keeping your BBQ in a roomy garden shed or garage, but remember to never, ever store a propane barbecue model inside. Barbecue models with wheels will make for easier manoeuvring. If it's not possible to move your BBQ indoors, invest in an adequate barbecue cover that'll help keep yours sheltered from regular downpours and strong winds.
How Many People Are You Cooking For?
Take into account just how many mouths you'll be feeding when choosing your next BBQ as not all models accommodate smaller or bigger groups of people. For intimate cooking (one or two people), opt for a barbecue that not only cooks great but is also portable. Portable barbecues are ideal for small getaways and easily fit into most outdoor spaces.
Bigger gatherings like BBQ parties (three to eight people) will require a BBQ that can cope with greater amounts of food, as well as variety. Check for any dietary requirements before you grill, such as vegan and vegetarian, and try to use varied BBQ cookware and tools to avoid any cross-contamination.
Tip: Find a delicious dish for everyone at this year's BBQ with our easy BBQ recipes and vegan BBQ ideas.
Choosing the Right BBQ
Now you've thought about those key BBQing elements, take a closer look at each barbecue type to discover which model could be the best BBQ for you to buy.
BBQ Types and Best Features:
Charcoal BBQs
Great For: Achieving an Intense, Smoky Flavour
If flavour is your top priority, then charcoal BBQs will give your food that delicious smoky flavor, every time. Charcoal grills use charcoal briquettes, wood chips or sometimes a combination of both to cook food and the smoke that comes as a result of burning these enhances flavour in a way that natural gas and electric grills just can't.
Grilling time is particularly longer with a charcoal BBQ as the charcoal can take around 30 minutes to heat before it's good to go. You'll find that the charcoal turns to ash during grilling, so regular cleanup is required. For this, we recommend using an ash collection tray as this will save on cleaning up afterwards. Additionally, the charcoal must be replenished regularly and the vents that are used to monitor and adjust with the cooking temperature need a lot of attention.
Gas BBQs
Great For: Efficiency and Ease of Use
Gas BBQs are globally the most commonly used type of grill and come with one of two types of fuel: propane and natural gas. Propane is the more popular option, as most households don't have a natural gas supply on hand to tap into for their grilling needs. However, you must take care when using propane as any accidental leaks can become a serious fire hazard. Gas BBQs heat up more quickly than charcoal grills and provide a quicker cooking time at high heat. In part to this convenience, gas barbecues are generally more expensive options. Their efficiency makes cleanup relatively easy as they only require brushing around the grate.
Electric BBQs
Great For: Grilling on the Go
Electric grills are your ideal solution if you're looking for a portable grill. Electric models usually come more compact than charcoal or gas barbecue models, making them perfect for apartment balconies and small outdoor spaces that play host to a BBQ party.
In areas where large, open flames are prohibited, electric grills are your greatest ally, however you should always make sure to have a plug socket nearby or at least an extension cord. Electric grills will only take a few minutes to heat up, however they fail to reach as high a temperature as gas or charcoal BBQs. Cleanup is also super easy as you're left with no charcoal or pellets to remove.
Wood Pellet BBQs
Great For: Versatility
Wood pellet grills are the unsung heroes of barbecuing. They combine all the best features of charcoal, gas and electric BBQs so that you can grill, smoke and barbecue like a professional. Wood pellet BBQs require electricity as well as wood pellets as a dual fuel source, which means you should aim to keep their pellets dry to avoid quick deterioration. Their cooking temperatures also stay relatively precise, which means these BBQs don't require much attention or regulation.
Of course, we couldn't let you make that final step to buying your next BBQ without highlighting a few extra factors. The configuration of your grill can have a massive impact on where and how often you cook. From freestanding to on-post and flat top models, here are the details:
Grill Configurations:
Freestanding BBQs
Freestanding BBQs come without the need to be installed or attached to anything, making them ideal for large and small spaces. Although freestanding models often feature wheels for assistance when moving them around, they aren't always easily portable or lightweight. Freestanding grills come in all standard fuel types.
Built-In Grills
Built-in grills are the perfect option for people looking to create an outdoor kitchen area. These BBQ models are designed to be built into a kitchen island or outdoor counter, so be sure to check the dimensions and read the exact specifications to determine which category your built-in BBQ fits into.
Portable BBQs
As we've already mentioned, if you enjoy bringing your BBQ to the local park, beach or on holiday, then portable BBQs are the perfect option. Typically on the smaller side, portable BBQs are easy to transport and come with either an electric or gas fuel source. Just be sure to adhere to safety regulations if you're BBQing in public spaces.
On-Post BBQs
These grills are held up by one post. They're not easy to move, and can be bolted down to a deck to keep them stable. On-post grills are typically fueled by gas. Before buying an on-post grill, we recommend checking the product information to ensure that it has all the accessories needed for propane or natural gas installation or conversion.
Flat Top Grills
For years, flat top BBQs have been the solution for fast, hot and even grilling. They come with a long, flat top rather than the usual large grate or separate burners, and spread heat evenly for a guaranteed thorough cook. Flat top grills are often found in restaurant kitchens due to their consistency in performance and fast cook time, so if you decide to go for this type of configuration, make sure you have more than enough space available.
Tip: Take our handy BBQ buying guide on-board when deciding what BBQ to buy next, and for more advice and inspiration, check out our tips to hosting your next Summer BBQ party.
