12 best BBQs for 2023: Cook up a feast with gas, charcoal or electric designs
Our top rated products from John Lewis, Weber and Aldi
The best part of summer is enjoying a BBQ in the sunshine. Whether you're an aspiring chef in charge of the grill, hosting friends, or you're just there to load up a plate, the right one can make all the difference.
Not all barbecues are made equal, however – there are gas, electric, charcoal and even portable designs at wildly different price points.
Some can set you back hundreds, while others are a bargain-friendly steal. If you love a classic burger or flavourful kebab skewers, vegan hot dogs or a rack of ribs, we can assure you there's something to meet your every need.
We've hand-picked the best, taking into account size, portability, weight, price and versatility, so you can get the best bang for your buck.
Best BBQs for al fresco dining
Charcoal Kettle BBQ | £24.99 (Was £34.99) from Aldi
Aldi is a must-visit for anyone shopping for a bargain and this bargain BBQ doesn't disappoint. It boasts a firebowl, ash tray, cooking and charcoal grid, wheels and even comes with tongs.
Neo Direct Large Charcoal Barrel Smoker Barbecue BBQ | £99.99 from The Range
This compact design is perfect if you want a sizeable BBQ for a smaller patio or balcony. There are 183 square inches of cooking space, an adjustable charcoal pan and a durable porcelain enamel cooking grate. The Range recommends using it to roast side dishes or smoking meats full of flavour.
John Lewis & Partners 3-Burner Gas BBQ | £319 from John Lewis
This impressive piece of outdoor cooking kit is for anyone looking to invest in a larger gas BBQ. It can cook for up to 6 people, making it ideal for garden parties and family get-togethers. It has an in-built lid thermometer so your food will never burn, side shelves for keeping crockery and cooking utensils to hand and a warming rack for whipping up a feast.
Outback Meteor 6-Burner Hybrid Gas & Charcoal BBQ | £969.99 from Outback Barbecues
If you want to enjoy the benefits of both a gas and charcoal BBQ, look no further than this Outback Barbecues design. Each burner has individual cooking controls across two surfaces, a side burner for cooking sauces or searing steaks and a roasting hood. What more do you need?
George Foreman Large Smokeless Indoor BBQ Grill | £89.50 from Argos
If you like the classic George Foreman grill, you'll love this budget-friendly indoor BBQ for delicious dinners all year round. It's made with smokeless technology so there will be no lingering greasy smells filling your kitchen.
Portable Folding Charcoal Barbecue Desk | £17.99 from Amazon
Amazon has many budget-friendly BBQ's but if you're limited on outdoor space, this one takes the cake. Needing no assembly, it has folding legs, weighs just 1.6kg, and is made from heat-resistant stainless steel.
Tower Charcoal BBQ Grill with Side Tables | £159.99 (Was £199.99) from Very
If you like laying out a barbecued feast buffet-style, invest in this Tower grill from Very. It boasts a 54cm cooking area, airflow vents, a heat-resistant powder-coated steel body, a shelf for condiments and even hanging hooks for your tongs.
Traeger Pro D2 575 WiFi Connected Wood Pellet BBQ | £719.20 from John Lewis
This minimalist style comes with over 200 five-star reviews. One says, "I'm simply blown away by the power the 575 line has. Not only are the wifirecapabilities amazing, but this grill gets HOT and stays hot. It's really user friendly and the preheating capabilites are amazing. Everything that I've cooked has come out perfectly - from chicken, to veggies, and venison. Can't wait to grill something this week!"
Weber Master-Touch Premium E5770 Charcoal Gourmet System BBQ | £399 from John Lewis
Weber is the gold standard BBQ brand. This charcoal BBQ has a host of impressive features ranging from a rust and chip resistant bowl and lid, built-in thermometer, crack-proof wheels and cool-touch handles.
VonHaus 64 cm Charcoal Barbecue | £174.99 (Was £199.99) from Wayfair
If you're catering to guests with varying tastebuds, this VonHaus BBQ is one of the most versatile money can buy. It has a grill for cooking typical burgers, fish and veggies, as well as a wood smoker for deliciously smoked meats that will have people coming up for seconds and thirds.
George Foreman GFKTBBQ Charcoal BBQ | £80.99 (Was £129.99) from Amazon
The second George Foreman BBQ on our list is more traditional but very reasonably priced. One Amazon reviewer said: "plenty of room on the grill allowing you to have cooler areas for slower cooking." High-temperature and dust-resistant, it comes on wheels for easy transportation and storage.
Weber Spirit Classic E-310 3-Burner Gas BBQ | £745 from Weber
With over 30 five-star reviews on Weber, this gas BBQ is highly rated. It comes with three stainless steel burners, hooks for six tools, an enclosed front for added storage space and a cooking grate with a removable grease tray.
