This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.
We Brits are good at many things. Queuing, apologising, and being generally awkward. We’re well practised. Something we don’t have much experience with, however, is sunshine. When the clouds do occasionally part and the sun delivers some much-needed rays, we tend to have a collective (but not literal) meltdown. And what better way to celebrate a bit of sunshine than firing up the barbecue?
The first hint of summer and it’s almost like Brits are contractually obligated to get their barbecue out. It’s a watertight deal. We have no choice in the matter. So with summer (or what passes for British summer) on the horizon, it’s time to buy, or upgrade, the essential summertime item: the barbecue.
Fortunately, there are lots of options out there — top brands such as Everdure, Weber, and Char-Broil — but that doesn’t make choosing something any easier. Barbecues are a hot topic, and it’s easy to go cold if you get blindsided by jargon, features, and too much choice. That’s why we’re here to help. Here’s a quick guide to buying a BBQ.
Charcoal vs. gas barbecues — which is best?
This is the ultimate question. Well, when it comes to barbecuing at least. Charcoal barbecues are of course the classic version — and give that distinctive smoky, chargrilled taste. They also need fewer extras than gas barbecues which means they’re usually cheaper, too. But they can be tricky to light and take much longer to get to the right temperature. They’re also much harder to clean.
Gas barbecues are easier and faster to use. They’re usually ready to cook on in 10 minutes or less and have easily-controllable temperature dials — not to mention other fancy features and mod cons. They do, however, lack that authentic barbecue taste, unless they have flavouriser bars. And the added convenience will hit you right in the wallet.
It all comes down to personal preference: It’s taste against convenience. Or you could meet halfway and get a gas-charcoal hybrid. Whatever you choose, it’s all tasty stuff.
How big is a barbecue?
You can file this one alongside “How long is a piece of string?” There’s no straight answer but charcoal barbecues tend to be much smaller. In fact, there are options that are extremely portable — meaning you can take them on camping trips or even to the park. Gas barbecues tend to be bigger bits of kits. They’re more like an oven on wheels and tend to suit larger gardens.
Ask yourself some storage-related questions. Where will you keep your barbecue? In the garden all year round, under a protective cover? Or will you wheel it in and out of the garage every summer? Size up your outdoor space before making a decision.
What are the important features to consider when purchasing a BBQ?
It’s not only about gas and coal. There are lots of other features to consider. Here are some that might seal the deal for you:
Cooking space — That’s right, cooking space is always at a premium. Space might come in the form of side tables, condiment holders, and even hooks for your tools — anything that helps maximise your BBQ’ing area.
Burners — On the subject of space, the number of actual burners (which you’ll find included on gas barbecues) is crucial. Big family? Then four or even more burners might be necessary. Extra griddles and side burners are also a bonus.
Fat drip trays — Cleaning a barbecue can be a job in itself. That’s why fat drip trays are super useful. They can also reduce the amount of flare-up you get from the flames.
Hood — If a barbecue has a hood, it immediately levels-up your griddle game. This allows you to roast meant as well as grill. Especially good for cooking whole chickens.
Keep these things in mind when shopping for an upgrade.
What is the best barbecue?
We have researched everything on offer and highlighted a selection the very best models to suit you and your garden. We’ve considered price, size, cooking speed, fuel access, and much more, so you don’t have to. Just pick a favourite.
These are the best barbecues for 2023.
