The best BBQ brands are as synonymous with Barbies as the flame-grilled Whopper. In fact, brands such as Char-Broil and Weber have historical importance as the originators of the first cast iron charcoal grill and kettle BBQ respectively. If you're looking for the best BBQ it is definitely worth doing some research into what type of grill is going to best suit your needs and which brand has all the accessories and customer support to turn you into a bonafide pitmaster.
Hankering for beer can chicken or T-bone steaks with buttery corn on the cob? Only a BBQ can create caramelised crusts and grill marks. Similarly, spare ribs in a hickory sauce and marinated pork belly get an authentic smoked flavour from low and slow grilling. An oven just can't do these meats justice like a charcoal BBQ can. Thanks to innovators like George Stephen Snr. we are not limited to an oil drum on bricks for our cookouts. BBQ brands have moved with the times and we can now enjoy weatherproof and hybrid models. Some new-fangled grills can even be controlled by an app.
Best BBQ brands at a glance:
• Best BBQ brand: Weber Traveler Gas Barbecue – View on Weber
• Best electric BBQ: Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill and Smoker – View on Ninja
• Best Kamado BBQ: Kamado Joe – Classic III – View on Appliances Direct
Brands tend to have a unique selling point. For example, Kamado Joe and The Big Green Egg specialise in ceramic Kamado ovens. Similarly, as you'd expect from Everdure by Heston Blumenthal, his range of charcoal and gas BBQs have precision, innovation and technology as part of the user experience. For BBQ completists, you may well form an obsession with Weber BBQ accessories, where there's everything from protective mitts, thermometers, disposable trays, grill brushes, grill pans, tongs, spatulas and chimney starters.
Finally, there is a price point to consider. Brands such as Tower and Ninja offer budget and mid-range BBQ options. Okay, it will never be a Kalamazoo, but you can still jerk your chicken kebabs without the bells and whistles. Whether you're looking for an outdoor oven that's great for low and slow, or you're looking to do some serious direct grilling, discover the best BBQ brands and their sizzling bits of kit.
Best BBQ brands
Weber
George Stephen Snr. invented the kettle BBQ and in 1952 created the brand Weber. Weber is an American brand and it's also the number one BBQ brand in the world. From the original charcoal model, to electric, portable, gas and wood pellet grills, there is a BBQ to suit everyone. Weber is a favourite with Modern Gardens writers Adam Binnie and Chris Williams who have tried and tested several Weber BBQs and accessories. Whether you're grilling hot dogs and burgers or lobster tails and seared scallops, discover a huge range of Weber BBQs and accessories at a range of price points.
Best BBQ brand
Weber www.weber.com
Perfect for cheeseburgers and herby chicken thighs – this BBQ allows you to grill quickly and with ease. The Weber Traveler Gas Barbecue is a large yet portable grill. It comes with a robust collapsible stand that makes it easier to transport. As you'd expect with Weber, you get a high-spec gas BBQ with quality grill plates. The Traveler is fuelled by a screw-in butane or propane gas canister.
Our review: "If you own an estate car or family SUV or a campervan then you should seriously consider the Traveler, because it’s a brilliant travel kitchen capable of being your home barbecue as well. It also works quite nicely if you're just after a gas barbecue you can fold down and pack away neatly in the shed or garage."
Read our full Weber Traveler review
Pros
- Smooth system for folding away
- Powerful burner
- Sturdy and well-made
- Large cooking area
Cons
- Quite big for a travel BBQ
Ninja
Ninja makes premium kitchen appliances. Originating in the USA, Ninja's now a globally recognised brand and the world's third-largest small domestic appliance brand. Innovation and quality are at the core of Ninja products.
Best electric BBQ
Ninja ninjakitchen.co.uk
Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill and Smoker is the must-have BBQ this summer. It's an electric BBQ with an integrated smoker box. It's a compact electric BBQ that can be transformed into a smoker, air fryer, and electric grill. It's portable and can cook in the rain. Designed to allow users to enjoy authentic Woodfire flavours in any outdoor space using 100 per cent real wood-burning pellets, this innovative table top BBQ simply needs to be plugged in and is ready to go, with no need for charcoal, gas or flames.
Our review: "Not only is this appliance a game changer if you only have a balcony or tiny patio, but it offers easy, mess-free outdoor cooking no matter where you plan to cook – you just need access to power. Unlike hybrid BBQs or a small tabletop electric BBQ, this isn’t just a BBQ/grill alternative; it offers multiple cooking functions. It can air fry, bake, roast, and it’s a smoker, too.
"I love the clever Smoker function, which features the self-igniting smoke box where you put the pellets is just like cooking over a wood or charcoal fire - without the danger and the mess. If you're a fan of smoked meats and cook them often like me, I really do think it is worth splashing the cash on this appliance."
Read our full Ninja Woodfire Electric Grill review
Pros
- Minimal setup
- Sturdy and robust
- Integrated smoker box burns natural wood pellets for real smoky flavours
- Portable enough for camping
- Weather-resistant - can cook in the rain
Cons
- Doesn't come with cover - have to buy it separately
Kamado Joe
Based on the design of an Asian-style grill that replicates wood oven cooking, Kamado Joe is known for its distinctive red ceramic BBQ oven. With one foot in ancient cooking techniques and the other in 21st Century tech, the Konnected Joe app allows you to monitor the temperature of the meat with a probe. Kamado Joe has a range of ovens, fuel and BBQ accessories so you can enjoy the complete Kamado experience.
Best Kamado BBQ
Appliances Direct/Kamado Joewww.appliancesdirect.co.uk
The Kamado Joe – Classic III is a grill with all the frills, this classic egg-style BBQ is set on a heavy-duty rolling cart on swivel castors and flanked with heatproof side shelves. The latest hyperbolic smoke chamber imbues food with delicious flavour, while the three-tier cooking system comes with game-changing catering-grade stainless-steel and ceramic half-moon deflector plates.
Customer review: "Superb flavour into your BBQ food. Great build quality. You need to learn how to cook on it as it is different but there's plenty of good you tube tutorials out there."
Pros
- Versatile and well-built
- Fun to use
- Dishwasher proof accessories
Cons
- Take safety precautions as it's a bulky piece of kit that reaches soaring temperatures
Big Green Egg
The Big Green Egg was hatched in Atlanta, Georgia in the 1970s by Ed Fisher. He imported Japanese Kamado ovens and sold grilled chicken wings outside his games arcade. Finding importing complex, Fisher designed and built his own Kamado BBQ: the Big Green Egg. It's actually made from NASA-grade ceramics, so it has incredible heat and weather resistance. Also, it comes with a lifetime guarantee. Enjoy versatility with eight ways of cooking, including grilling, roasting, baking, pan cooking, low and slow, and smoking.
Best small Kamado BBQ
John Lewis/Big Green Eggwww.johnlewis.com
Besides its undeniable good looks and robust nature, this compact Minimax Big Green Egg can go from 0°C to 300°C in just 10 minutes. The Kamado oven can also cook for 80+ hours using a single bag of charcoal and, weighing just 35kg, it can be moved around your garden with ease. You can fit a whole chicken in there well-insulated and the exterior doesn't get as hot as traditional BBQs.
Customer review: "Superb oven, BBQ, grill and cooker to name but a few of the things you are able to do with this brilliant bit of kit. It is well built and easy to set up too. With the help of a few you tube videos have been making full use of this. It isn't cheap but it is definitely an investment and can see this lasting a long time."
Pros
- Not just a BBQ
- Well made and an investment piece
Cons
- None
Char-Broil
Char-Broil is America's oldest grill brand, established 1948. Based in Columbus, Georgia, Char-Broil has produced innovative BBQ products that are now sold all around the world. From the first cast iron charcoal grill to utilising infrared in their latest models, discover a huge range of all types of BBQ and accessories. From hybrid grills, digital smokers and the TRU-Infrared™ cooking technology that results in 50 per cent juicer meat. In addition, Char-Broil's UK website has some smokin' authentic recipes and comprehensive how-to guides.
Best gas BBQ for durability
Wayfair/Char-Broilwww.wayfair.co.uk
The Char-Broil 310B 3-Burner Gas BBQ is built to last. This is a great family-size BBQ that has ample surfaces to prepare lots of food. It has three gas burners and a push-button ignition so it's super easy to use and the temperature can be controlled for steady direct grilling. Cook burgers, steak, chicken, fish fillet and cut vegetables on the durable cast iron grate which creates authentic grill marks. Furthermore, the porcelain-coated grease pan is a doddle to clean and it's on wheels so the BBQ can be moved. Shelves provide storage for gas canisters and the handle is cool to touch. A real winner for summer cookouts.
Customer review: "Great BBQ, good sized grill but like the other reviews it was pretty challenging to put together. We ended up using a few videos from YouTube to help. But once assembled, looks really smart and great BBQ."
Pros
- Robust
- Ideal for family BBQs
- Easy to use
Cons
- Takes time and two people to assemble
Outback
Outback was originally a family business, established in 1979, with the aim to make outdoor entertaining possible all year round. The brand prides itself on its quality and innovative British-designed BBQs, firepits, patio heaters and outdoor accessories. Recently, its range of hybrid BBQs have put the fun into versatile al fresco meals. Price range varies widely, from the Signature II Hybrid BBQ retailing at £2000+ to the Comet Charcoal Kettle BBQ currently retailing at just over £100.
Best BBQ for al fresco dining
John Lewis/Outbackwww.johnlewis.com
With a fantastic-sized grilling area to cook for the whole family, it's surprising how easy this Outback Omega 250 2-Burner Gas BBQ is to set up and use as a result. It supposedly only takes 45 minutes to get up and running with two people. A Piezo ignition system, which quickly lights up and the burner knob control makes for an effortless experience.
Customer review: "We bought this to replace our 20-year-old Outback BBQ where the burner unit had finally rusted out. This one has a better stainless steel burner unit which shouldn't rust at all."
Pros
- Easy to assemble and robust
- Fast and simple ignition
- Transportable and convenient
Cons
- The gas connector was tricky to fit
Everdure by Heston Blumenthal
Everdure is a trusted brand with over 30 years experience in Australia. They collaborated with Michelin Star Chef Heston Blumenthal in 2016 to create an innovative range of charcoal and gas BBQs, and a range of knives and accessories. All of the products are made in Australia. Their BBQs have received several international design awards.
Best BBQ for precision
BBQ World/Everdurewww.bbqworld.co.uk
The Everdure by Heston Blumenthal FORCE 2 Burner Gas BBQ boasts a large cooking area which can accommodate two large chickens. The die-cast aluminium body has a UV-resistant surface so it's durable and weatherproof. With an easy flame ignition and fast heat up, this BBQ is ready to cook in less than five minutes – how's that for instant sizzle?
It has a high hood which makes it easier to roast larger cuts of meat or poultry. Also, we love the stylish design and the zesty orange colour.
Customer review: "The BBQ itself is a dream. Looks great. Well put together and although there's quite a bit to do to get it setup the instructions are clear and straight forward and the only tool required is a screwdriver. The BBQ works fantastically well and is easy to clean and maintain. Highly recommended."
Pros
- Beautifully designed
- Rapid heat-up
- Controlled grilling
Cons
- Cover is sold separately
Boss
For sliders and pulled pork tacos... made in the UK, choose a Boss BBQ. Boss is a British brand that makes BBQs that are built to last. Their range encompasses gas, charcoal, dual fuel and electric BBQs. Their gas models have heavy-duty burners for powerful flame and all the BBQs are made from durable stainless steel. Choose Boss for honest-to-goodness barbecuing whatever the weather.
Best small BBQ
Appliances Direct/Boss Grillwww.appliancesdirect.co.uk
This portable gas grill from Boss has won tonnes of awards for quality BBQ on the go. Solidly built, the whole thing folds down easily – making it perfect for picnic and camping and there's still loads of grilling space. The Boss Grill Deluxe Portable – 2 Burner Gas BBQ also has a built-in thermometer and push-button ignition – so no coal or matches are needed.
Customer review: "It’s big enough to cook for a good sized group of people whereas having looked at other portables they had simply too small a grill area, this is very reasonably sized. It heats evenly, cooks well and in my opinion looks really nice as far as gas barbecues go. Other than the wheels it feels really solid for a portable gas barbeque."
Pros
- Easy to store and move around
- Still a good size despite it being compact and portable
Cons
- Assembly can be a little tricky
Tower
Tower is a British brand that's synonymous with domestic appliances and cookware. Tower has been manufacturing kitchen essentials for over 100 years. Their range of BBQs encompasses all price points. Expect to pay £1,000 for their top-end Stealth Pro Six Burner BBQ inc. While their straight-forward electric BBQ is around £50. Additionally, they have a great range of affordable BBQ accessories.
Best smoker grill
Ebay/Towerwww.ebay.co.uk
For a beginner's smoker, we'd recommend this smoke grill from Tower. The Tower T978505 Smoker Grill XL features both a charcoal and smoker BBQ, so you can heat up various succulent meats and vegetables to perfection. Cater for six to eight people and everyone will be full and satisfied. Plus, the temperature gauge lets you monitor and take control of the heat, ensuring your meat is grilled accurately with the perfect consistency.
Customer review: "I bought this as a Christmas present for my partner. Easy to assemble looks great and smoked food delicious."
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Temperature gauge
- Large capacity grill
Cons
- Sub-par build quality
How we chose the best BBQ brands
All of these best BBQ brands have been hand-selected by our team of Modern Gardens shopping experts. We carefully considered quality, features and customer experience in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching the best BBQ brands to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.
Where possible, we also test and share the latest and best products you should know about. And with help from Modern Gardens Magazine, Garden News and Garden Answers, we share expert gardening knowledge to help you get the most from your product.
FAQs
Where can I buy these BBQ brands?
These big brand BBQ names are available in your favourite online and high street stores. Here's some handy links to the best BBQ deals to get your sizzle on:
How do I light a gas BBQ?
The benefit of a gas BBQ is that it's fast and simple. First, make sure the lid is up. Turn on the gas valve. You'll hear the gas hissing. Next, turn the burners to the lighting symbol and press the automatic ignition. Put the lid down and leave the BBQ to get hot before you start cooking.
For more information about lighting a BBQ and BBQ fuel read our guide on how to light a BBQ.
How do I clean a gas BBQ?
There'll be some scraping and scrubbing to do so set aside a morning to clean your gas BBQ. You'll need a bucket of hot water, a cleaning solution, a metal scrapper, wire wool and some cloths.
Heat the grill for 5-10 minutes to burn off food particles. Then scrape the grill grates to loosen the burnt on grease. When cool, remove the grates and scape all the debris in the BBQ interior. Apply the same cleaning method to charcoal and gas models. You can use stiff nylon brushes to loosen tough burnt bits. Just be sure to brush carefully around gas burner holes as you don't want to trap dirt in them.
Grates will need a soak in hot soapy water and the inside of the BBQ can also be washed once all the loose debris is removed. Dry excess moisture with a cloth and allow the BBQ to dry before reassembling all the parts.
Want to know more? Read our comprehensive guide on how to clean your BBQ which covers electric, charcoal, gas, Kamado, kettle and hybrid models.
What to read next:
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Natalie Knowles is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Modern Gardens, specialising in garden trends. When she's not flexing her mow-how, Natalie is a successful artist and illustrator.