# Which BBQ should you buy?

Source: https://charandsmoke.co.uk/blog/which-bbq-to-buy
Published: 2026-10-12
Publisher: Char and Smoke

**In short:** Start with where you will cook and how often. On a balcony or in a flat, electric is often the only allowed option. For frequent, easy family cooking in a garden, a three-burner gas grill suits most people. For weekend cooking with more flavour, a 57 cm charcoal kettle. For smoked food and long cooks, a pellet grill or a charcoal smoker. For camping and caravans, a portable gas grill.

There are more types of barbecue than ever, and each suits a different person. Rather than start with brands, this guide walks through four questions: where you will cook, how often, which fuel you are happy to handle and what food you want to make. Each answer points to one of our buying guides, where the models are compared using their listed specifications.

## Question 1: where will you cook?

Space and rules narrow the choice faster than anything else. Many flat leases ban gas bottles and charcoal on balconies, so check before you buy. A small patio needs a compact footprint, while a large garden can take a full cart grill.

Measure the space with the lid open and leave clearance from fences, walls and anything that can burn, as your chosen grill's manual specifies.

| Where | Usual best fit | Guide |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Balcony or flat | Electric grill | Best electric BBQs for balconies |
| Small patio or courtyard | Compact gas or 47 to 57 cm kettle | Best small gas BBQs for a patio |
| Family garden | Three or four burner gas, or 57 cm kettle | Best gas BBQs for UK gardens |
| Large garden, big parties | Four to six burner gas | Large gas BBQs for family parties |
| Camping and caravans | Portable gas | Portable gas BBQs for camping |

Starting point by space

## Question 2: how often will you barbecue?

If you want to cook outdoors on weeknights as well as weekends, gas is the clear choice: it lights in seconds and is ready in about ten minutes. People who own gas grills tend to use them far more often for that reason. See [best gas BBQs for UK gardens](https://charandsmoke.co.uk/best/best-gas-bbq-uk).

If barbecuing is a weekend event that you enjoy as much as the food, charcoal adds ritual and flavour. A 57 cm kettle is the classic family size and takes up little space; see [best charcoal BBQs for UK gardens](https://charandsmoke.co.uk/best/best-charcoal-bbq-uk) and [Weber kettle models compared](https://charandsmoke.co.uk/best/weber-kettle-models-compared). Our [charcoal or gas](https://charandsmoke.co.uk/blog/charcoal-or-gas-bbq) comparison sets out the trade-offs.

## Question 3: which fuel are you happy with?

Each fuel has its own chores. Gas needs bottles, the right regulator and outdoor storage; see [what gas bottle you need](https://charandsmoke.co.uk/blog/what-gas-bottle-for-a-bbq). Charcoal needs dry storage for bags, lighting time and ash to empty. Pellets need dry storage too, plus a mains socket, because pellet grills run an auger, fan and controller. Electric needs only an outdoor socket.

If handling fuel puts you off, electric and gas are the easiest. If you enjoy fire, charcoal asks the most of you and, for many, the most rewarding.

## Question 4: what do you want to cook?

For burgers, sausages, kebabs and steaks, any good lidded grill works; gas and charcoal both sear well. For roasts and whole chickens, choose a grill with a lid tall enough and enough burners or space for indirect cooking.

For ribs, pulled pork and brisket, a smoker makes life easier. A pellet grill holds a set temperature on its own, while a charcoal bullet or offset smoker gives deeper smoke with more tending. Compare them in [best pellet grills for UK gardens](https://charandsmoke.co.uk/best/best-pellet-grill-uk) and [best charcoal smokers](https://charandsmoke.co.uk/best/best-charcoal-smokers). For smoke flavour on a balcony, the electric Ninja Woodfire range burns pellets for flavour; see [Ninja Woodfire models compared](https://charandsmoke.co.uk/best/ninja-woodfire-models-compared).

Kamado grills, the heavy ceramic eggs, do all of this in one cooker but are heavy and need patience to learn; our [kamado vs kettle](https://charandsmoke.co.uk/blog/kamado-vs-kettle-bbq) comparison explains the trade-off.

## Features worth paying for

Whatever type you choose, a few features make a real difference: a lid that closes well, a thermometer, heavy grates that hold heat (enamelled cast iron is common on good grills), easy ash or grease removal, and spare parts support in the UK. For gas, separately controlled burners for two-zone cooking. For charcoal, vents you can reach without lifting the lid and a hinged grate for adding coals.

Less important are extra burners you will rarely use, fancy finishes and very large warming racks. Buy for how you cook most weeks, not for the biggest party of the year.

Note: Whichever BBQ you choose, use it outdoors only, away from fences, sheds and overhanging branches, and follow the manual's clearances. Never use a charcoal, gas or pellet grill in a garage, tent or enclosed space.

[Start with the best gas BBQs](https://charandsmoke.co.uk/best/best-gas-bbq-uk)

## Frequently asked questions

**What is the best type of BBQ for beginners?** A gas grill with three burners and electronic ignition, because heat is easy to control. A 57 cm charcoal kettle is a good second choice for those who want charcoal.

**Is a bigger BBQ better?** Only if you regularly cook for more people. Bigger grills take longer to heat and need more space.

**Should I buy a gas BBQ with a side burner?** It is handy for sauces and beans if you would use it; it adds width to the grill.

**Can one BBQ grill and smoke?** Yes. A kettle with a two-zone set-up, a gas grill with a smoker box, a pellet grill or a kamado can all do both, with different amounts of effort.

## Buying guides on this topic

- https://charandsmoke.co.uk/best/best-gas-bbq-uk
- https://charandsmoke.co.uk/best/best-charcoal-bbq-uk
- https://charandsmoke.co.uk/best/best-pellet-grill-uk
- https://charandsmoke.co.uk/best/best-electric-bbq-for-a-balcony