Best BBQ 2024 – the top 10 electric, charcoal and gas barbecues we’ve tested

There’s never a bad time to shop for one of the best BBQs. Even if you’re not planning on using your BBQ any time soon, by investing now you’ll be prepped and primed for when alfresco dining is a more tempting, and weather-friendly thought.

Whether you’re looking for one of the best gas BBQs or one of the best charcoal BBQs, the team at Ideal Home is here to make your life easier by having narrowed down the countless options out there to present you with 10 of the very best barbecues to invest in.

When reviewing each of these barbecues (several of which we tested in unison) we considered everything from how long they took to build to each one’s cooking ability. What’s more, we haven’t forgotten about each barbecue’s price: there’s something for all budgets just below, whether you have sub £200 to spend or £1,000+.

Keep scrolling to see top choices from brands such as Weber, Char-Broil, Everdure, Kamado Joe, Big Green Egg and Traeger put to test. And if you’re kitting out your garden in a big way, then our buying guide on the best pizza ovens will be a valuable resource, packed full of fan favourites.

Quick list

Best gas BBQ

What does it take to be the best BBQ on this list? Value for money, cooking power and ease of use – all of which the Weber Spirit II E310 GBS Gas Barbecue has by the bucket load.

This entry-level buy is perfect for anyone who needs quality but isn’t willing to compromise on power. In our tests, it proved itself as a reliable investment from the minute we set it up, and was even a fairly easy BBQ to clean, which goes a long way in the heat of a summer’s day. This particular model is part of a wide range from Weber, with prices ranging from £599 to £1299 depending on your desired spec.

Earning five stars in our review, this three-burner BBQ wowed us with its versatile cooking ability, acing every test we threw it at (including veggies, sausages, burgers, and a whole spatchcock chicken). Importantly, it reached the optimum temperature for grilling with ease and was able to stay at that heat without incident.

Design-wise, this is a practical-looking BBQ with all of the features to make flipping those burgers considerably easier. Searching for sturdy side tables and space for all of your spatulas and tongs? The Weber Spirit II E310 GBS won’t disappoint, with large wheels for repositioning in your garden too. We’ll admit, it’s not as showstopping as the Everdure Force, but its value for money can’t be overstated. For the price, you guarantee three burners, a large cooking space, and performance and quality that usually comes with a much larger price tag.

Our Weber Spirit II E-310 Gas BBQ review has the full details.

Best charcoal BBQ

Simple, well-made, affordable, and high-performing – what more could you want from a charcoal BBQ? The Weber Original Kettle is a classic by every standard, and it’s the ideal size for 2-4 people. Weber has been around for decades, with a wealth of experience when it comes to making gold-standard BBQs, and this kettle-style one was invented by the brand itself, and has spawned many an imitation since.

We think you should invest a little more (the RRP is £250, but you can find it for less) on Weber’s OG version. Why? Well, because the cheaper imitations don’t have the same emphasis on quality, and won’t last you as long. Our Deputy Editor Rebecca Knight has had a Weber Original Kettle in her family home for over five years, which means that your initial £250 investment can be thought of as a cost to be spread out across a few years.

Our expert BBQ reviewer Helen, who tried this BBQ describes it as a ‘great buy’ and thinks that ‘it’ll suit just about anyone looking for a good quality charcoal barbecue from a brand with an excellent pedigree’. Highlights from Helen’s review include the various size options available with the Weber Original Kettle, and the excellent, no-faff cleaning system. While this BBQ loses half a star due to the fact that charcoal can be a bit trickier to handle than gas, it sits so high up in this list thanks to the fact it’s a star budget buy.

Our Weber Original Kettle BBQ review has the full details.

Best electric BBQ

We’ve been waxing lyrical about the Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker for some time now. Not only is it the most functional and versatile electric BBQ we’ve tried, it also has an air fryer function, so that you can cook up extras like chips in double quick time outdoors this summer.

The simple fact is every single appliance made by Ninja is user friendly, from the best Ninja air fryers to the sister product to this BBQ, the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Oven. After testing it, we think this electric BBQ is the easiest to set up and use that you’ll find, plug it in and use the control panel and you’re done.

All in all, the Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker has six functions, and after taking them for a spin, our reviewer was impressed by all of them, finding that using this BBQ cut down the time it took to cook meat massively. The smoker element, which allows you to burn pellets which add flavour to whatever is cooking, might sound gimmicky but actually goes a long way to add back in that smokey BBQ flavour we all know and love.

All of that teamed with the fact that it’s perfect for those who live in cities, or have more constricted outdoor space, means it’s a certified Ideal Home favourite.

Our Ninja Woodfire Outdoor BBQ & Smoker review has the full details.

Best affordable gas BBQ

Gas is the most convenient type of barbecue for most people, and this one that we tested from Char-Broil sits at a happy price point, plus it offers plenty of features for faff-free cooking. For the majority of us, this compact BBQ offers enough cooking space, and it’s ideal for small families. Especially if you (like us) don’t really have a spare £500+ to spend on a barbecue right now. Don’t forget that you can batch cook for when you’ve guests over, to save on spending a load on a larger barbecue you only really need a couple of times a year.

Boasting two foldout shelves for storage purposes, the All Star is a great little BBQ to own. It’s ready to cook after 10 minutes, and it has a temperature gauge on the hood. Whilst it does have a keep warm shelf, its rounded cooking area does get hottest in the middle so you can use the outer space to slowly cook foods without burning them, such as sausages. We managed to cook an entire chicken on this barbecue. It’s safe for us to say that whilst it might take a few uses to get the hang of cooking on this BBQ, it’s worth it once you do get the knack figured out.

Assembly is very frustrating and instructions are a pain (just use the app) but once it’s done initially, it’s done forever. The BBQ offers plenty of storage, including hooks for tools and two foldable shelves for your drink or whatever else to sit. It also has onboard storage for your gas canister, to hide it away. It sits on wheels for easy moving, too. Cleaning couldn’t be any easier as you need only fire up the heat for 10 minutes with the lid closed, then you can use the tool included, to scrape food residue off the BBQ ready for next use.

Our Char-Broil All Star gas barbecue review has the full details.

Best BBQ for design

The Everdure by Heston Blumenthal Force 2 Burner Gas BBQ has Heston’s approval, as well as ours, with a stunning performance and unbeatable design earning an easy five-star rating in our review.

It’s got lots of home chef-approved elements, such as the ultra-powerful independent burners, and the extra high hood for convection cooking that worked like a dream during our spatchcock chicken test. And when it comes to design, it’s safe to say that it was a case of love at first sight thanks to that signature orange (or blue) hood.

Design points that we absolutely love include the fact that the BBQ can be removed from the stand, making it portable for tabletop use, and all of the perfect finishing details, from the swish metal taps to the fold-down side table. The enamel-coated grates and rust-proof build materials also earned our favour, leaving us feeling that this was really an investment BBQ built to last.

It narrowly lost out on the top spot and the title of best BBQ due to the fact it’s only powered by two burners, which made some of our tests a little more restricted, despite an RRP of £749.00. But the benefits of the Everdure Force far outweigh any setbacks, with an unbelievably fast heat-up time (we managed to get it hot enough in around 4 minutes) and the ability to tackle pretty much any job. It offers super precise heat control thanks to its built-in temperature gauge. You could easily fit two medium chickens on there at one time, and the chicken we did cook, compared with a range of other gas BBQs, was the crispiest by far.

We can’t go without saying that this BBQ is a total breeze to build too, taking just one hour and five minutes to do in its entirety. Cleaning isn’t a drag either, meaning that you can more easily look after your outdoor investment. In short, if you’re looking for an uber-stylish, extremely competent BBQ, and you’ve got the money to spend, the Everdure Force is absolutely your best bet.

Our Everdure Force Gas BBQ review has the full details.

Best smart BBQ

Automation is everywhere, but did you know you can apply it to your BBQ now too? The Masterbuilt Autoignite Series 545 earned an easy 4.5 stars during our review process for making automation seem so seamless. Our reviewer found it was so simple to use (once she got the hang of the process and past the slightly arduous set-up), and that the wide range of cooking settings would be hugely appealing for any foodie.

Smart BBQs are on the rise, and the Masterbuilt is part of this new generation. The idea is that you can connect your phone to your BBQ and receive detailed instructions on which vent to open or close and which fuel to add where and when. For smoking or for long cooking sessions, our reviewer found the technology with this BBQ to be so impressive. She set tailored programs for cooking ribs, brisket, and pork shoulder, and then walked away from the BBQ, safe in the knowledge that the temperature would auto-adjust, adjusting the airflow if needed.

This is a charcoal BBQ, so you’ll get all the beautiful flavours of that type of cooking. Our reviewer also found it to be an efficient buy, with a few kilograms of charcoal lasting for a four to five-hour smoke. The downside is, as this has those smart elements, you’ll also need outdoor mains (or a long extension cable) to use this BBQ, as well as an enthusiastic and patient outlook when it comes to working with new tech.

Our Masterbuilt AutoIgnite Series 545 BBQ review has the full details.

Best egg BBQ

Make no mistake, we know that the Kamado Joe Classic Joe Grill Series II is a huge investment – it’s a purchase that even the biggest BBQ enthusiast wouldn’t make lightly. But for your money, you get a seriously impressive outdoor centrepiece – this is truly a BBQ that will steal the show at any gathering in your garden for years to come.

As well as being the most equipped charcoal BBQ out there, the Kamado Joe can also be used as a grill, smoker, and even an outdoor oven, so that all of your garden party needs are covered. Performance-wise, we were blown away by the Kamado Joe’s ability, with delicious chargrilled burgers and sausages. The smokey taste it created was second to none. Yes, it’s a little more labour-intensive to get going than a gas choice, but the results are so worth it, especially if you love the act of BBQing itself.

And it would be remiss to not mention the design here, which is easily the favourite to rival the other super stylish choice on this list, the Everdure Force. We’ll admit the Kamado Joe is heavy (at 104kg), but the Series II airlift design is a clever way to bring the bulk down, and the ceramic body really is a thing of wonder. It regulates and retains heat incredibly well, and we’d challenge anyone not to fall in love with the red exterior. Can you tell we’re big fans?

Our Kamado Joe Classic Joe Grill Series II review has the full details.

Best small egg BBQ

If you’re hoping to invest in a Kamado BBQ, then we can’t recommend the one from Tower anymore. We tested it and rated it 4.5-stars out of 5, and we think it’s a great buy for small to medium-size families, or if you want a BBQ that’s not going to take up too much of your patio space. This one is compact in size yet anything but in features. It’s ideal for all-size gardens, from balconies to large spaces and even a terrace.

Use this high-quality Kamado-style BBQ to sear, grill or bake anything from meat to fish and veggies. We think it’s great for anyone looking for a sturdy barbecue that will last a lifetime. Its heavy construction screams durability, whilst it sits on a table to use up less floor space. Though its cooking space isn’t the largest, you can use it to batch cook food as it retains heat incredibly well. It also boasts a built-in temperature gauge to make cooking easy. It can fit around 6 burgers and 6 sausages, cooking at the same time.

You can leave this BBQ outside year-round, and you might have to because it’s so heavy. It comes with a cloth cover though and it has handles. There’s also no denying that it doesn’t look great, and it comes in your choice of black or green. Cleaning it couldn’t be easier, thanks to its compact size grates.

Our Tower Kamado Maxi Charcoal BBQ review has the full details.

Best hybrid BBQ

If you’re hoping to spend your money on a hybrid BBQ for family cooking, but are on a strict(er) budget, then this one from Outback is your best bet. It’s definitely not one for small spaces, though, with a sizeable cooking area plus 2 side shelves and oodles of storage on offer. For less than £300 on most websites, this BBQ is a steal.

Cooking with charcoal or gas is easy on this barbecue. It has a keep warm rack to perfectly time your food, too, and on its hood sits a temperature gauge. We found that it took around 8 minutes to get to heat when using the gas function. Charcoal was slightly trickier but still took only 15 minutes. Overall, we found that cooking was fast and fuss-free on this BBQ.

Assembly time took around 3 hours but once up it’s a breeze to use. It sits on two wheels to make it easy to move and comes in two colours to spruce your space. Ideally, it needs to be placed in a well-sheltered location when in use and after use, it has to be moved away from the elements, otherwise, you can invest in a cover for it. Cleaning this BBQ is easy depending on what you’ve been cooking on it.

Our Outback Meteor 4-Burner Hybrid Gas & Charcoal BBQ review has the full details.

Best luxury BBQ

Just like the larger, more expensive version, the Big Green Egg MiniMax is an unbelievably stylish yet practical BBQ. Our very-hard-to-please reviewer Helen McCue awarded this BBQ five stars thanks to its ability to maintain a steady heat, and for its stellar cooking results.

It was pretty much impossible to fault this BBQ during at-home tests. The only reason it doesn’t top our list of the best BBQs is because its hefty price tag isn’t for everyone. This is why instead, it’s our best luxury option for those who can spend a little more.

For the price (£795.00), this BBQcan roast, bake, slow (and low) cook, grill, smoke and even pan cook food. In our tests, we found that by using the Big Green Egg air-flow tech, this BBQ got up to heat in just 12 minutes. It certainly retains heat well once lit (for up to 10 hours apparently!), and aced recipes including a whole chicken, steaks and veggies

It comes with a dome temperature gauge, and Helen found it easy to keep it within a few degrees of desired heat throughout cooking. It’s definitely one for barbecue enthusiasts, and if you only use your BBQ for cooking burgers and sausages a few times a year, then you’re not going to get the most use out of it. The idea is that you buy it once and it lasts forever, hence the price tag and that it can be used at all times of the year as it offers enough space to cook your entire Christmas turkey.

Once finished, the leftover fats and oils are cooked down by the heat of the egg meaning all that’s left is an easily swept away ash, leaving you ready to cook again the next time. It’s deep though so you may want to roll your sleeves up before diving into the ash pile.

Our Big Green Egg MiniMax BBQ review has the full details.

How we tested these barbecues

As per our testing protocol, we think that the best way to rate our products is to try them hands-on, which is why we have reviewed all of the BBQs in our guide, and we’re working on reviewing more.

When we test a BBQ we take into account the assembly process, how well it cooks both large and small cuts of meat and veggies, and the user experience from quality of build to durability. Also, we never forget the price tags of BBQs, as we know value for money is more important now than ever.

As part of our commitment to evaluating different BBQs to establish which one really is the best, we also tried out a range of grills during a testing excursion in the Somerset countryside. There we could compare first-hand the quality, build-time, and grilling capabilities of each BBQ, and rate them when it came to design elements too. Other BBQs in this list have been tested by our team in their homes, to get the experience that you would have if you purchased one of these grills for yourself.

Image 1 of 16

It’s worth us noting that some of the BBQs in this guide were tested in the last few years, meaning they’ve received years of use and have proven themselves to be very rust-resistant and long-lasting. Below you can find more information on who put this guide together.

FAQs

How to buy the best BBQ for you

The most major priority is price, so start out with a rough idea of what you want to spend. Once you know this, it’s easier to narrow down the rest and fit in what you need with what you can afford. Next up is fuel.

This subject is an area of debate. Some claim that charcoals offer the very best flavour, while others claim gas gives the same result. Then, to make it more complicated, there are gas barbecues that use gas flames to heat charcoals.

Essentially it boils down to this – if you’re cooking meat, it’s the juices hitting the coals which create a smoke which adds flavour to the meat. Lose the coals and you lose this extra flavour.

So if you want authentic flavour, coals can be the best way to cook. Then there are the smokers which take this idea to the next level and offer slow cooking which not only packs in the smokey flavour but also allows you to give the perfect tenderness to joints of meat.

The problem with gas and charcoal is that you need to buy the fuels, which can be a hassle. That’s where electric barbecues come in. They’re a great way ta grill without worrying about anything aside from plugging in the barbecue. Of course, many will argue this is akin to cooking indoors. But with a lid for trapping in flavour you’re still going to get a great experience.

How much should I spend on a BBQ?

This is the question that’s a tough one to nail down since the range of prices is so broad. You can spend very little on a portable barbecue, or you can stretch to a professional level beast with multiple functions and heat sources priced in the thousands.

Most people find somewhere in the middle suits. So spending just over a hundred or a few hundred will generally get you a barbecue fit for most purposes.

Take a look at fuel costs, too, as gas and coal varies. You’ll want to factor this in, especially if you’re planning to use the barbecue a lot.

What other key questions do I need to ask about BBQs?

Size is an issue for areas of limited space, so a smaller barbecue can often be easier for storage. That said, if you’re having parties with lots of people, a larger cooking area is always a welcome addition.

Splashing out a bit more on a cover is another factor to consider if you plan to keep your barbecue outside. Especially in countries where it’s cold and wet in the winter months, it’s a necessity if you can’t find an indoor storage location.

Invest in one of the best BBQs and reap the benefits all summer long. At least, as much as the Great British summer will allow!