Best deals on budget BBQs

It's time to flex those outdoor cooking skills and bust out your BBQ or outdoor grill as nicer weather is just around the corner. Entertaining in the garden is an affordable way of treating family and friends to a mouth-watering feast. For gardens big and small, the best budget BBQs are a sure fire way to create authentic smoky barbecue flavours without blowing the budget.

Black Friday deals on budget BBQs

We interrupt the regularly scheduled content to let you know that Black Friday is currently in full swing, and with it, a whole host of Black Friday deals on budget BBQs. Want a bargain? Below, are the best retailers with BBQ deals right now – plus, our favourite bundle picks. Or, keep scrolling to continue reading our buyer's guide.

Shop the best Black Friday BBQ cover deals: B&Q | Appliances Direct | Currys | Amazon UK | Landmann

39% off: Uten Portable Barbecue WAS £42.99, NOW £26.07

Save £96: CosmoGrill 4+1 Original Series Black Gas BBQ WAS £329.99, NOW £233.99

Save £90: Boss Grill Louisiana Portable SAVE £90 NOW 109.97

Less than half price: LANDMANN 61cm Dorado Charcoal BBQ WAS £259 NOW £125

A year or two ago we may have included disposable BBQs in a guide to budget barbecuing. But so many supermarkets and local councils have banned them that it looks like they're fast becoming a relic of pre-environmentally conscious times. An initial ban was due to disposable BBQs being a fire hazard during the extreme temperatures of summer 2022. In addition, they also give off carbon monoxide which is lethal if it's inhaled in an enclosed space.

Whether you are looking for a charcoal BBQ, gas or hybrid barbecue we've found budget options to suit your cooking needs. In addition, there are some superb table-top BBQs that provide a reusable alternative to the outmoded disposable BBQ. Finally, if you fancy getting creative and want to try out some recipes that utilise an outdoor smoker - we've got you covered too.

Best budget BBQ at a glance

• Best budget BBQ for the environment: Summit Alfresco Smokeless BBQ – View on Amazon UK
• Best budget hybrid BBQ: Premium Dual Fuel Charcoal and Gas Combi BBQ – View on Argos
• Best budget Kamado BBQ: Go Kamado Grill 13 inch – View on Amazon UK

Best budget BBQs

FAQs:

What's the alternative to disposable BBQs?

Ditch the disposable BBQs and invest in an excellent quality portable table-top BBQ instead.

Smaller portable BBQs used to be known as ‘instant’ low-cost disposable BBQs – you could just turn up, light up and then dispose of them after one use. They have proved to be terrible for the environment, scorch grass, pose a health threat and are ironically difficult to dispose of. This is why table-top BBQs have seen a rise in popularity.

What are the benefits of a gas BBQ over a charcoal BBQ?

The main benefit of a gas BBQ is that you can start cooking almost immediately, you just use an ignition switch and away you go. Factors like being easier to cook with and reducing the risk of burning your food are other plus points. However, if you want that true smoky BBQ flavour, charcoal may give you a more desirable outcome. If you want the best of both worlds, opt for a hybrid BBQ.

How do I choose a gas BBQ?

Are you looking for a gas BBQ that will cook up family feasts? Or do you want something small and compact? Think about how many people are in your household and the size of your garden to determine what size BBQ you should go for. The more burners a BBQ has, the larger it will be. They also allow you to cook more food at once. If you have a large household, or like having gatherings, then they could be useful.

Additionally, you’ll need to think about where you will store your BBQ in the colder months when not in use. Do you have a shed? A garage? If it’s a table-top BBQ you may even have somewhere inside the house to store it.

Can a gas BBQ catch fire?

Whenever you're using a gas BBQ, you should always ensure you have an extinguisher, gloves, and safety equipment with you. Without proper cleaning, grease can ignite a fire. If this does happen, immediately turn off your BBQ.

What to read next:

Best portable BBQ for cooking away from home

Best Kamado grills to take BBQs to the next level

Essential BBQ tools you need to become a grill master

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.