The best hybrid BBQ for ultimate summer cookouts 2024

The John Lewis Grillstream 6 Burner Hybrid Gas & Charcoal BBQ is perfect for catering to large groups, thanks to the six gas burners that can cook for up to 12 and the large 92.4 x 41.5cm grilling area. Each burner can be individually lit, so you don't need to worry about wasting gas for smaller soirees, and the side shelf can be converted into a side burner too.

Another top pick from John Lewis, this Hybrid BBQ garners a 5/5 star average rating. What did the reviews have to say? One customer called it a "brilliant piece of kit". Though sceptical about moving over to a dual-fuel BBQ, this review has big plans for summer and feels confident about this large-surface pick not letting them down. Customers love the flexibility, versatility and maximum space of this burner. It's far from a hassle to use.

Both reviews found this cleverly designed - a brilliant and versatile BBQ. A customer found that the instructions were good - but, the diagrams could have been a little clearer. Plus, they felt as if this BBQ really needs looking after and a proper clean after each use for longevity. So, be prepared to clean a fair amount. Another customer found that assembly was tricky, but has offered some tips in their review on the John Lewis site.

With the built-in thermometer, you can keep an eye on the cooking temperature, whether you're cooking with gas, charcoal, or both together. Not to mention there's a warming rack and plenty of storage beneath, and the Grillstream system will stream fat away to prevent flare-ups and make grilling that little bit healthier. It's ideal for a large family or cookouts.

The John Lewis Grillstream 4 Burner Hybrid Gas and Charcoal BBQ 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.

Customer reviews average out to 4.7/5 stars at John Lewis, which we think is quite impressive. So, what did they have to say about this hybrid BBQ under £500? One customer commented that is a great pick, coming with exceptional build, constructed from sturdy materials, making this a good quality option. Plus, it is relatively easy to build - ideal for those of us who aren't DIY enthusiasts. Another added that they scoured BBQ retailers and were pleased they chose this intuitive model.

However, the hybrid BBQ is a little heavy if it needs to be moved around your outdoor space. But, we hope it stays put and stands the test of time. Customers agree that though it is heavy, it comes with reliable, heavy-build materials for longevity. Another review drops their rating ever-so-slightly as the stainless steel panelling shows a little surface rust. To avoid any unsightly rusting, take advantage of a John Lewis BBQ Cover and try and store it inside, if you can.

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. It's a great piece of kit - and is under £500.

An ideal option for those who have fewer people to cook for but still want to have a hybrid, the Outback Jupiter 4 Burner Hybrid Gas BBQ Grill has been praised for being easy to assemble, retaining the required cooking temperature, and looking frankly outstanding. This striking four-gas-burner grill comes in three colours (red, green, and blue) and features a charcoal basket with hybrid briquettes and porcelain-coated cast-iron grates.

From 24 ratings and reviews at Appliances Direct, this Outback Gas BBQ Grill has averaged an impressive 4.5/5 stars. Customers agree that this pick ensures easy and efficient grilling, getting to the right temperature quickly - for speedy cookouts. One customer loves the pizza stone addition - providing extras for the price. Plus, they found it easy to clean. It looks smart, too - easy to clean with plenty of clever gadgets.

However, one customer says it would have been great to have coals supplied. Anther found the assembly challenging - taking a few hours as there are a lot of separate parts. Plus, the side tables get a little hot from the heat of the main grill and should be improved.

Cook simultaneously at four different temperatures and use the side burner for simmering sauces. And when you've got the whole family around, there's room to cook up to 24 burgers on this model! It's a unique multi-cook grill for pizza, wok-cooking and more.

This hybrid Boss Grill Georgia Dual Fuel - 3 Burner Gas and Charcoal BBQ Grill is one for the serious BBQ-er. Combining a gas and charcoal grill, this versatile BBQ provides plenty of delicious ways to grill a variety of meats and dishes. The gas grill and hot plate combination offer different cooking styles and capabilities. Meat and veggies no longer need to be cooked in the same area. The space is so large it can fit 30 burgers at once.

With a 4.2/5 star rating, this Boss Grill has lots of positive reviews at Appliances Direct, with most reviews agreeing that it's great value for money. One customer commented that the hybrid nature is very handy, making the BBQ very flexible for any type of cookout. Plus, it was assembled in a few hours between two people, a fairly manageable set-up. Another customer loved that it caters to those who love the speed of gas but the smokiness of charcoal - plus, it's easy to use and monitor with the thermostats. Any negatives?

Though the reviews are overwhelmingly positive, Appliances Direct offers customers to put in improvement points. Some customers found that the grill lid was a little flimsy, whereas another found that the paint could not withstand high heat when the BBQ lid was down. Another customer questioned the quality of the charcoal holders, warped from the heat.

Overall, this Boss Grill is a great pick for your hybrid BBQ - offering supreme innovation at a budget price. There is also a fold-out preparation area. Store your accessories, some plates and glasses in the double cupboard beneath the grill. Two integrated temperature gauges help you to keep an eye on internal cooking temperatures without losing heat by opening the lid. This Boss Grill pick is perfect for large cookouts, garden parties and much more.

A firm favourite out of the limited options available in the UK, this combination Char-Broil Gas2Coal Hybrid Grill can convert from gas to charcoal and vice versa in just three steps and under 60 seconds. This hybrid also has a patented charcoal tray to ensure uniform cooking, fewer flare-ups, and juicier food, and has enough space to cook for all your family and friends, plus a handy side shelf for plating up and hosting your cooking utensils.

Our review: "The Char-Broil Gas2Coal Hybrid Grill 4 Burner is a great piece of kit; it feels like a stay at The Ritz compared to my previous charcoal-only kettle BBQ. We use it for quick week-night and weekend cooking, as well as for hosting larger gatherings - it fared very well when cooking for 50 people during an all-day gathering using gas, delivering juicy, well-cooked food for minimal effort. Everything about it just works; it fires up quickly, burns evenly, is easy to clean and has plenty of storage space, plus a bottle opener to keep the all-important BBQ master hydrated. The side burner is a great addition and made cooking separate food for our vegetarian friends a breeze.

"You'll definitely need a few hours to put it together and there were a few head-scratching moments during assembly, but it didn't take long for us to figure out what needed to be done. It's sturdy, looks great and manoeuvres easily and quietly once assembled. The brakes on the wheels are also great for keeping it in place during cooking. I did manage to scratch the lid slightly when opening it too close to the wall (although it isn't noticeable), so it's worth bearing that in mind for assembly and storage."

Read our full Char-Broil Gas2Coal 2.0 Hybrid Grill review.

The Argos Home 2 Burner Gas and Charcoal BBQ is a dual-fuel BBQ that lets you cook with either gas or charcoal. Making it a versatile option for grilling, as you can enjoy the ease and speed of cooking with gas or the smoky flavour of cooking with charcoal. And, reviews?

John Lewis isn't the only retailer dipping their toes into hybrid BBQs. Argos Gas and Charcoal BBQ have an average rating of 4.6/5 stars, making it a really good BBQ, especially if you're on a budget. Many customers love that it's made from a strong material, easy to set up and that the option for either gas or is innovative, and easy to switch between the two.

As for negatives, some customers found it takes a little while to put together, however, if instructions are followed correctly, it can be quite easy. Another downside a customer faced was that some burger fat dripped through a vent hole, rather than the drain hole, and made marks on the patio. Remember to buy a separate regulator for butane gas bottles.

The barbecue has two burners, which provide plenty of cooking space for a variety of foods. It also has a side shelf for storing utensils and condiments and a warming rack for keeping cooked food warm. Budget-friendly and convenient in mind, but with premium features.

Slightly more than John Lewis' 6-burner hybrid BBQ, thanks to its dual hood, the Grillstream Dual Hood 5 Burner Hybrid Gas & Charcoal BBQ is a premium option that can cook for up to 10 people with the hybrid system allowing you to cook with charcoal alone for authentic, classic smoky-flavour barbecuing or with gas for better temperature control and instant, more convenient cooking.

A customer commented that they're very impressed by this model. They find this Dual Hybrid faultless - high praise - and easy to put together with very easy-to-follow instructions and excellent build quality. They add that it's the best of both worlds - with the flavours of charcoal and the speed of gas. Customers agree that this is a great investment and may last if looked after properly. So, invest in a cover and keep it indoors if you can.

With an impressive 4.7/5 stars on John Lewis, this BBQ comes with fabulous feedback from reviews. But, are there any negatives, anything that sticks out or could be improved? Let's find out. The only three-star review says though unique, this takes time to get used to - and just couldn't get the grill as hot as they'd liked. Though they loved the features and additions, they missed the unhealthy aspects of BBQ cooking and thought the assembly was a challenge despite being a competent DIYer - requiring two people to unpack it.

It also has plenty of features, such as a warming rack to keep food warm or for use as a secondary cooking area, handy side shelves, sliding drawers, a chopping board, and storage space underneath. If you want a BBQ challenge, this one is mighty - but will serve you well.

With a whole load of five-star reviews and a celebrity chef endorsement from none other than Gino DiCampo, the Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill and Smoker is constantly selling out for all the right reasons. While it's not 'hybrid' in the traditional sense, it's designed to allow users to enjoy authentic Woodfire flavours in any outdoor space using 100 per cent real wood-burning pellets whilst cooking on electricity.

Just plug it in, and it's ready to go, with no need for charcoal, gas or flames. There are seven functions under one lid: Grill, Smoke, Airfry, Roast, Bake, Reheat and Dehydrate, and the outdoor cooking possibilities are endless, making it a must-have item for summer cooking.

Our review: "I've always loved a gas BBQ, mainly because it just tastes different to what you can produce in your kitchen oven. It screams summer. However, charcoal is messy, hard to control, and weather-reliant. The Ninja Woodfire looks a little intimidating, but once you set it all up and turn it on, I was so shocked at how simple and effective it is to use. The first function I tried was to smoke a leg of lamb at Easter to really put it through its paces. You simply prepare your meat, add the pellets and press a button. Really, it's almost too easy to believe. Fast forward three hours and I've tucked into the softest and most flavoursome lamb I've ever had. I've since air-fried some chips, grilled a few burgers and even charred some vegetables for a Sunday dinner. The opportunities are endless."

Read our full Ninja Woodfire grill review for more about what we thought.