Best BBQ brands for grill completists

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 Amazon UK
• 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.

Read our full review on the Weber Traveler Gas Barbecue.

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.

Read our full review of the Ninja Woodfire grill.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

Amazon

BBQ World

Appliances Direct

John Lewis

Argos

B&Q

Robert Dyas

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:

Bored of your barbecue? Different ways to cook alfresco

The best Weber BBQ for your grilling needs

Best Kamado grills to take BBQs to the next level

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.