Best charcoal BBQs for UK gardens

In its favour

• A 2,342 cm² grate cooks for six to eight people, according to Weber.
• The One-Touch system sweeps ash into a removable catcher for quick emptying.
• Lid and bowl dampers control heat without lifting the lid; a thermometer shows the result.

Good to know

• The plated steel cooking grate is not hinged, so adding coals mid-cook is fiddly.
• There is no side table, so you need somewhere nearby for plates and tongs.

In its favour

• The folding grate opens so you can add charcoal or wood during longer cooks.
• The Gourmet BBQ System centre takes Weber inserts such as a pizza stone or wok.
• A folding side table is listed, giving a little prep space beside the bowl.

Good to know

• The listing is brief and does not describe the ash system or vents.
• Heavier than the Original Kettle at 18 kg for the same 57 cm grill.

In its favour

• A folding work table gives proper prep space, unlike a standalone kettle.
• An extra large ash collector is emptied with a single handle, says Weber.
• Two char baskets make it easy to switch between direct and indirect set-ups.

Good to know

• At 48 kg and 126 cm wide it takes far more room than a plain kettle.
• The listing does not give the cooking area in cm², so rely on the 57 cm size.

In its favour

• Hinged stainless steel grids let you add charcoal, wood or water pans easily.
• Top vents are hidden under the Stay Cool handle, protecting them from gusts and rain.
• Bottom air inlets work separately from the ash bucket for finer control.

Good to know

• A 44.5 cm grid is smaller than a 57 cm kettle and suits fewer people.
• Light at 9.07 kg, so it is more easily knocked by children or pets.

In its favour

• A hinged lid stays attached, so there is nowhere awkward to put it down.
• A 360° air intake and smokestack give control for both high heat and low and slow.
• The listing states a two year warranty on all parts.

Good to know

• At 29.5 kg it is much heavier than a standard kettle.
• The 382 sq in grate is a little smaller than a 57 cm Weber kettle.

In its favour

• Two separate cast iron grids make it easy to cook meat and vegetables apart.
• An adjustable charcoal tray lets you raise or lower the coals to control heat.
• A cover and a one year guarantee are included, per the listing.

Good to know

• The listing does not describe vents or ash removal.
• The two grids total less area than a 57 cm kettle.

In its favour

• The open firebox gives 360° access to tend the fire without disturbing the food.
• Two round grates with twist-lock handles adjust in height over the coals.
• A full-size removable ash pan and two modular side shelves are included.

Good to know

• There is no closed lid listed, so it is not a roasting or smoking grill like a kettle.
• Open flames need extra care near fences, sheds and children.