What type of BBQ is best for you?
Outdoor cooking looks different for everyone; for some it’s a relaxed weekend lunch in the sunshine, and for others it’s all about hosting friends and experimenting with new flavours on the grill.
With many styles and types of BBQ now available to purchase, from gas models to traditional charcoal grills, and compact portable BBQs to high-heat pizza ovens, choosing the right is an important decision.
What BBQ should you buy?
Buying a BBQ for you doesn’t necessarily have to come down to trends or features – the main considerations should be how you like to cook, what space is available, and what experience you want to enjoy when cooking outside.
We’re here to help you break down the different kinds of BBQ and outdoor cooking appliances and decide which one you should buy for your outdoor space.
Which type of BBQ matches your cooking style?
The best starting point for choosing a BBQ, it’s worth thinking about how you’ll actually use it.
Do you want something quick and reliable that’s good for handling impromptu family dinners, or do you prefer slow outdoor cooking and want more time at the grill itself? Think about:
How often will you use your BBQ?
Do you mainly cook for yourself and your family, or larger groups?
Are you only interested in grilling, or do you want to smoke, roast, or even cook your own pizzas?
Would you like something portable or a more permanent fixture in your outdoor space?
Understanding what matters to you most makes choosing the right BBQ so much easier!
Gas BBQs for easy outdoor cooking
Gas BBQs are one of the more popular choices of appliance for anyone who wants something more straightforward in their garden.
They heat up quickly and maintain a steady chosen temperature, making them ideal for regular use. Instead of waiting for charcoal or wood to reach the right heat level, gas burners ignite instantly, allowing you to start cooking right away.
Why choose a gas BBQ?
Gas BBQs work particularly well for:
Quick meals and light lunches
Cooking for larger groups
Precise temperature control
Low-fuss cleaning.
Many models also come with features that make outdoor cooking more flexible, such as:
Independent cooking zones
Lid thermometers
Extended preparation shelves for sauces and side dishes
Warming racks
Built-in storage cupboards for all your accessories.
One of the main draws of a gas BBQ is the ability to adjust heat levels quickly – you can lower the temperature for delicate foods like vegetables or fish, whilst using the higher heat elsewhere for different proteins.
Is a gas BBQ right for you?
If you want to extend your kitchen area into your garden and use your BBQ regularly during the warmer months, then a gas BBQ is a practical option. Larger models do often need more space, so work best on patios, decking areas, and bigger gardens.
Portable BBQs for small spaces
You don’t have to have a big outdoor space to have a good BBQ set up. Portable BBQs are ideal for more compact gardens, balconies, camping trips, and outdoor adventures – without needing a permanent home in your garden.
Why choose a portable BBQ?
Portable BBQs are ideal for:
Smaller patios or balconies
Camping and caravanning
Picnics and beach trips
Easy storage during the colder months
More casual summertime cooking.
Portable gas BBQs are especially convenient for travel because they heat up quickly and are easier to transport, all whilst providing that traditional grilled flavour.
Is a portable BBQ right for you?
A portable BBQ has a smaller cooking surface, which is better for smaller households or more occasional use. However, if you want the flexibility to cook away from home, a portable BBQ is a great option.
Are pizza ovens worth it?
Pizza ovens have become more commonplace in gardens around the UK, and with good reason. They’re known for cooking crisp, stone-baked pizzas in minutes, but can also do so much more. Some models can also:
Bake flatbreads
Roast vegetables
Cook meat or fish
Bake desserts
Why choose a pizza oven?
Pizza ovens are ideal for:
Social outdoor cooking and garden entertaining
Fast, high-temperature cooking
Authentic, homemade pizzas
Expanding your outdoor cooking set up.
Many models of pizza oven reach higher temperatures than a traditional BBQ, hence why they’re able to create crisp bases and evenly cooked toppings fast.
Different fuel types can also change the flavour profile of your food:
Wood fired pizza ovens create a smokier flavour
Gas offers greater control and convenience
Multi-fuel options combine both approaches and give you more flexibility.
Is a pizza oven right for you?
Whilst a pizza oven won’t replace a BBQ completely, pizza ovens are perfect for those who want to entertain, experiment with outdoor cooking – or simply love a good pizza.
What size BBQ should you buy?
Once you know what kind of fuel type you’d like, the next thing to consider is what size is right for you.
A larger BBQ makes cooking for guests easier, and more compact ones work better for limited space. As a general guide:
Smaller households may prefer a compact model or portable BBQ.
Larger families may benefit from medium-sized appliances with built-in additional cooking space.
Frequent hosts or entertainers might prefer a larger, multi-burner gas BBQ with shelves and a dedicated preparation area.
It’s also important to consider storage, and if your BBQ stays outside year-round, make sure you use a protective, water-proof cover.
What BBQ accessories do you need?
Gas or charcoal, no BBQ is complete without all the essential accessories. A few, high-quality tools can make all the difference to your cooking experience and can unlock more cooking styles for you to experiment with.
They include:
Long‑handled tongs and turner
Wire cleaning brush
Digital meat thermometer
Chimney starter (for charcoal users)
Which BBQ is easiest to clean?
Cleaning is another major difference between BBQ types.
Gas BBQS are generally lower maintenance as there’s no ash to remove after cooking, many only require grates and drip trays to be cleaned regularly.
Charcoal BBQs require more upkeep, as ash will need to be safely emptied after each use.
Pizza ovens need clearing of crumbs once the appliance has cooled to prevent any build up.
Regular maintenance is essential for extending the life of your BBQ, and for staying safe whilst using it. Our tips for keeping your BBQ clean are:
Cleaning grills whilst they’re still warm
Removing any grease build-up regularly
Emptying the ash once fully cooled
Storing accessories somewhere dry
Using a weatherproof BBQ cover when it’s not in use.
Choosing the best BBQ for your garden
The best type of BBQ for you depends on how you want to cook outdoors, but the right set up can help turn your outdoor space into somewhere you’ll use all summer long, from relaxed family dinners to bigger gatherings with your friends.
You can explore our full range of BBQs, portable grills, and pizza ovens online and in-store – and if you’re still struggling to decide, our expert team are always on hand to help you choose.