Best hybrid BBQs under £500 to get grilling

Get the best of both worlds with a hybrid BBQ.

Best hybrid BBQs under £500

by Ellen Kinsey |
Updated on

Finding the best hybrid BBQs under £500 can be tricky, but we've shared where you can find the perfect model to take your outdoor cooking to the next level, even if you're working to a budget. As outdoor cooking becomes increasingly popular, many people turn to hybrid BBQs as a versatile and convenient way to cook up a storm. Combining the best of both worlds – gas and charcoal – hybrid BBQs have become one of the best BBQ grills for your garden. They offer the speed and convenience of a gas grill while still providing the authentic smoky flavour of charcoal BBQ.

Modern Gardens magazine writer Jill Morgan says, "You can also use the gas burners to quickly get charcoal or briquettes lit and up to temperature before cutting the gas to savour the delicious aroma and smoky flavours only given by traditional coals. Having these two fuel types within one unit also enables you to be really flexible with your outdoor cooking and adapt your methods depending on how much time you have available.

"Short on time on a weekday evening? Then cook with fast and easy-to-control gas. Want to impress guests with
a more authentic grilled flavour at the weekend? Opt for slower-burning charcoal, safe in the knowledge that you can boost the heat with the gas burners if needed, or if your hungry younger guests just can’t wait any longer."

Best hybrid BBQs under £500 at a glance:

• Best overall hybrid BBQ under £500: John Lewis Grillstream 4 Burner Hybrid Gas and Charcoal BBQ - View on John Lewis
• Best budget hybrid BBQ under £500: Argos Home 2 Burner Gas And Charcoal BBQ - View on Argos
• Best compact hybrid BBQ under £500: Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker - View on Ninja
Best premium hybrid BBQ: Outback Jupiter 4 Burner Hybrid Gas BBQ Grill - View on Appliance Direct

So, without further ado, let's dive in and explore the best hybrid BBQs on the market for those with a strict budget. However, we've also shared the best hybrid BBQs on Modern Gardens, irrespective of price.

Best hybrid BBQs under £500

Best overall hybrid BBQ under £500

The John Lewis 4-burner hybrid gas or charcoal barbecue is the ultimate garden must-have for larger gatherings. With the ability to cook for up to eight people, the four gas burners allow for even heat distribution, while the warming rack is perfect for timing your meals to perfection. The built-in thermometer and adjustable knobs give you full control over the heat, while the two side shelves provide ample space for your cooking essentials. The BBQ cabinet with double doors provides additional storage, and the four castor wheels make it easy to manoeuvre and store away after use. Plus, it's easy to keep clean with a brush (sold separately), so you can easily keep grilling all year long.

Customer review: "Great BBQ. Excellent build quality, sturdy materials and relatively easy to build. It is heavy if you need to go up and down any steps, but rather that than flimsy materials."

Pros

  • Best-seller (frequently sells out)
  • Four burners
  • Contains warming rack

Cons

  • Quite large and bulky

Best budget hybrid BBQ under £500

Argos Home 2 Burner Gas And Charcoal BBQ
Price: £198 (was £265)

www.argos.co.uk

This bestselling BBQ from Argos is a versatile barbecue that lets you cook with gas or charcoal. It has two gas burners and a charcoal tray, and it's made from durable steel with a powder-coated finish to protect it from the elements. It's perfect for family get-togethers and barbecues with friends. It also has a folding lid, so it's easy to store when not in use too.

Customer review: "Really good bbq, it takes a while to put together, but if instructions are followed correctly, it is quite easy. Strong material, and the duo gas and charcoal option is amazing."

Pros

  • Plenty of cooking space for a family get-together
  • Foldable lid for easy storage
  • Durable steel construction with powder-coated finish

Cons

  • Only suitable for propane gas: If you want to use butane, you'll need to purchase a separate regulator

Best compact hybrid BBQ under £500

Grill, smoke, and air fry all in one with the Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill and Smoker. This outdoor electric grill is perfect for any outdoor space, including gardens, patios, campsites, and balconies, thanks to its easy-to-use design with no need for charcoal, gas, or flames. It features Woodfire Technology with an integrated smoker box that burns natural wood pellets for authentic smoky flavours. It comes with a wood pellet starter pack, pellet scoop, crisper basket, and chef-created recipe guide to get you started. Plus, it's weather-resistant for year-round outdoor storage.

Customer review: "I have been stalking this product release for nearly a year after reading rave reviews from the USA and I am not disappointed. It will allow many people to expand their bbq repertoire to include smoking. A few sad purists will be sniffy about this (as already seen in fake review). Ignore them, it's brilliant. Yes I paid for it."

Pros

  • Popular new release
  • Portable
  • It can even be used indoors

Cons

  • Small, so not great for cooking for large groups

Best dual hood hybrid BBQ under £500

The Boss Grill Premium Dual Fuel BBQ is American in style and features two individually controlled burners. Not to mention, enough room for 35 burgers or 76 sausages! With superior build quality, we particularly love the dual hood design which means you can book with gas and charcoal, side by side. Use the handy side burner to prepare dishes and the height-adjustable charcoal tray to control the heat. This BBQ gives you versatile cooking options that are easy to operate and control.

Customer review: "Well constructed, easy to use, easy to move around, cooks well on both gas and coal side, adjustable coal height tray."

Pros

  • Quick delivery
  • Large cooking area
  • Robust build

Cons

  • Some found the assembly instructions to be quite weak, but fortunately Appliances Direct have the option to build for you

Best three burner hybrid BBQ under £500

Char-Broil Gas2Coal Hybrid Grill
Price: £438.87 (RRP £550)

www.appliancesdirect.co.uk

Grill enthusiasts will love the excellent value Char-Broil Gas2Coal Hybrid Grill. With its patented charcoal tray, this BBQ ensures uniform cooking, fewer flare-ups, and juicier food. Switching between gas and charcoal takes just three steps and under 60 seconds.

This all-in-one grill offers plenty of cooking space for your family and friends, with a convenient side shelf for plating up and storing your utensils. We love the side burner, perfect for quickly warming up sauces or cooking side dishes and vegetables. Plus, with a warming rack, you can keep your food toasty off the primary heat.

Customer review: "I'm not the most adept at using charcoal, I have a Webber kettle BBQ, but too much faff. I have used this mainly in charcoal mode. It is so easy, and if you get your timing or temperature wrong, then light it up again. None of these are easy to clean, but this is not bad. you can buy a number of accessories, which improve its versatility. I used to have the gas Infra-red, by the same brand, left out in the open, uncovered, and never had any issues in 4 years. This one will be looked after a lot better."

Pros

  • Easy to use and clean
  • Great value for the quality

Cons

  • Some reviews say cleaning isn't easy

Best premium hybrid BBQ

If you are looking for a hybrid BBQ that's perfect for smaller groups but still packs a punch, this Outback 4-burner grill is a great choice. It's a little over the £500 budget when not on deal, but this versatile grill is easy to assemble and maintains a consistent cooking temperature while looking sleek and modern.

Available in eye-catching red, green, and blue, this four-gas-burner grill includes a charcoal basket with hybrid briquettes and porcelain-coated cast-iron grates. With four separate temperature zones and a side burner for sauces, you can cook up a storm for your family and friends. And when it's time to feed the whole gang, this model can handle up to 24 burgers at once.

Customer review: "Nice big grill area. Perfect for family BBQ."

Pros

  • Comes with a pizza stone
  • Different colours available
  • Compact and efficient

Cons

  • Takes a while to put it together

Best value hybrid BBQ under £500

Char-Broil Gas2Coal 2.0 210 
Price: £314 (RRP £430)

www.appliancesdirect.co.uk

You get the best of both worlds with the Char-Broil Gas2Coal 2.0 210 - functionality and price. This unique hybrid comes in at just over £300 on deal and allows you to cook with both gas and charcoal, meaning you get the speed and ease of gas and the flavour of charcoal in one convenient grill.

A smaller version of the earlier 3-burner option, this one is more compact - great if you're after a BBQ to wheel around the garden or into storage at a moment's notice. It can convert from gas to charcoal in less than 60 seconds and the patented charcoal trays are made for uniform cooking.

Customer review: "Compact and very practical for 2-4 people. Very sturdy and well made."

Pros

  • Comes with wheels
  • More compact build - ideal for couples
  • Easy to switch between fuel types

Cons

  • This is a deal price, so not guaranteed to stay this low - nab at this price whilst it's available

How we chose the best hybrid BBQs

All of these hybrid BBQs for small gardens have been hand-selected by our team of Modern Gardens shopping experts. We carefully considered size, power, and functionality in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching hybrid BBQs 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.

What to consider when buying a hybrid BBQ under £500

When it comes to buying a hybrid BBQ, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the perfect model for your needs:

Price: Hybrid BBQs can range from budget-friendly options to high-end models, so it's good to set a budget before you start shopping. This article only covers hybrid BBQs around the £500 marker so even those working with a tighter budget can enjoy the benefits of a gas grill and charcoal in one.

Size: Consider the size of the cooking area and the overall size of the BBQ. If you have a small garden, look for more compact BBQs or ones that will fit into your space - we'd always recommend measuring up first.

Fuel type: While hybrid BBQs can use both gas and charcoal, some models may favour one fuel type over the other. Consider which fuel type you prefer, and ensure the BBQ can accommodate it.

Features: Many hybrid BBQs have additional features such as smoker boxes, rotisserie kits, and built-in thermometers. Consider which features are important to you and look for a model that includes them. If you're a keen cook, you might find these extra features usual but if you're a beginner to the barbecue scene, a simpler model might best suit your needs.

Brand: Look for reputable brands with good reviews and warranties to ensure your hybrid BBQ is built to last.

Woman sprinkling salt on freshly cooked steak

Hybrid BBQ FAQs

Are hybrid BBQs easy to use?

Many hybrid BBQs are designed to be user-friendly, with features such as easy-to-read temperature gauges and adjustable grates. Plus, with the option to use either gas or charcoal, you can choose the method that suits you best.

What are the benefits of a hybrid BBQ?

The main benefit of a hybrid BBQ is the ability to enjoy the best of both worlds – the convenience and speed of gas grilling and the authentic flavour of charcoal. Plus, many hybrid BBQs come with additional features, such as smoker boxes and rotisserie kits, making them incredibly versatile.

Where can I buy a hybrid BBQ?

You can find hybrid BBQs at many outdoor and garden retailers, as well as online marketplaces such as Amazon and eBay. Some popular brands include Char-Broil, Weber, and Outback. It's also worth keeping an eye out for the best BBQ deals that pop up throughout the year, especially off-season, where you can get a high-end, quality BBQ at a reduced price.

Grab a bargain with the best charcoal grills under £100

Best gas BBQs under £200 for seamless outdoor cooking

Best electric BBQ for balcony-safe entertaining

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Ellen Kinsey is a senior health and wellness product writer for Modern Gardens, specialising in sustainable living and health. She lives and breathes all things natural health, cooking and nature.

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