# Best charcoal BBQs for UK gardens Source: https://charandsmoke.co.uk/best/best-charcoal-bbq-uk Publisher: Char and Smoke. Picks are based on what the Amazon listings state, not on hands-on testing. Method: https://charandsmoke.co.uk/how-we-pick A good charcoal BBQ is mostly about control. A lid and two sets of vents let you raise or lower the heat without moving the coals, and a lid is what turns a grill into an oven for chicken or a joint. Grill size decides how many people you can feed: a 57 cm kettle is the common family size and handles six to eight people. Ash handling matters more than people expect, because a kettle that is hard to empty soon gets left with wet ash in it over a British winter. Hinged grates help when you need to add coals on a long cook. This guide compares seven lidded charcoal grills, from classic kettles to a barrel grill and a two-grid cart BBQ, by grill size, weight, ash system and vents, using only the figures in each listing. ## Products ### 1. Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Barbecue 57 cm with Stand & Wheels Type: Kettle; Grill size: 57 cm, 2,342 cm²; Weight: 14.5 kg; Ash handling: One-Touch sweep into removable catcher; Vents: Lid and bowl dampers, lid thermometer The classic 57 cm Weber kettle with a 2,342 cm² grate for six to eight people, One-Touch cleaning, lid and bowl dampers and a lid thermometer. The default family charcoal grill. 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. ### 2. Weber Master-Touch GBS E-5750 BLK EU Type: Kettle; Grill size: 57 cm, 2,342 cm²; Weight: 18 kg; Ash handling: Not stated; Vents: Not stated A 57 cm Master-Touch with a folding Gourmet BBQ System grate, a solid steel charcoal grate and an enamelled kettle and lid. A step up for people who want inserts and easy refuelling. 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. ### 3. Weber Performer Premium GBS Charcoal Barbecue 57 cm 15401004 Barbecue – Charcoal, 126X72X102 cm, Black Type: Kettle on cart; Grill size: 57 cm; Weight: 48 kg; Ash handling: Extra large single-handle ash collector; Vents: Not stated A 57 cm GBS kettle set into a cart with a folding work table, an extra large ash collector and two char baskets. The most complete charcoal station in this guide. 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. ### 4. Napoleon NK18 Premium Charcoal Kettle Grill, Black, Porcelain-Enameled Lid Type: Kettle; Grill size: 44.5 cm, 240 sq in; Weight: 9.07 kg; Ash handling: Ash bucket, separate from lower vents; Vents: Hidden top vent, bottom air inlets, gauge A smaller 44.5 cm Napoleon kettle with hinged stainless grids, the Vortex heat system and vents hidden under the handle. It suits two to four people on a smaller patio. 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. ### 5. Oklahoma Joe's® Blackjack Kettle Charcoal Grill - 21302141 Type: Kettle on cart; Grill size: 21.5 in, 382 sq in; Weight: 29.5 kg; Ash handling: Removable porcelain-coated ash pan; Vents: 360° air intake, adjustable smokestack, gauge A heavy-duty kettle on a cart with a hinged lid, a 382 sq in grate, a side shelf and wagon wheels. Oklahoma Joe's states a two year warranty on all parts. 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. ### 6. George Foreman Large Charcoal BBQ in Black Outdoor Smoker Barbecue Portable BBQ with Lid Cover, Adjustable Grill and Integrated Temperature Gauge, for Home Garden Party Cooking, GFCSBBQL Type: Cart grill; Grill size: 2 grids, 21 x 30 cm each; Weight: 19.5 kg; Ash handling: Not stated; Vents: Not stated, temperature gauge A lidded cart BBQ with two cast iron grids, a 48 x 33 cm fire bowl, an adjustable charcoal tray, side tables and a cover. A straightforward pick for occasional family barbecues. 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. ### 7. Char-Broil Oklahoma Joe's Firecraft Series Barrel Charcoal Grill - 23302166 Type: Barrel with open firebox; Grill size: 2 round grates, 480 sq in; Weight: 17 kg; Ash handling: Full-size removable ash pan; Vents: Dampers on both sides A barrel grill with an open firebox and two round grates totalling 480 sq in. It doubles as a fire pit and a live-fire cooking station for people who like cooking over flames. 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. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.