Beach barbeques are the perfect way to eat al fresco
6 of the best bargain BBQs
Nothing much beats a barbecue in the great outdoors when the sun’s out. But with so many to choose from – drum BBQ, portable BBQ, battery or charcoal – where do you start?
You might even be tempted to go for a super cheap BBQ in the form of a disposable one, but all that single-use plastic and non-recyclable foil is terribly wasteful.
So why not look for a bargain barbie that will serve you for years, instead? Here’s Good Homes pick of the best-value BBQs on the market. Perfect for al fresco eating without spending a fortune when the mercury tips…
1. Best for on-the-go
Do you want a BBQ that is great for at home, but also taking with you on summer adventures? If so, this is definitely the pick for you.
It’s perfect for BBQs in the garden, but also upgrading picnics, beach days and more.
The cube is easy to transport, and you can choose to purchase a picnic bag for carrying ease.
- Everdure Cube Portable Charcoal BBQ in Khaki, £149 from Direct Stoves – buy here
2. Best for flexibility
If you’re a lover of entertaining and looking for a BBQ that will keep up with the demand, this one is for you.
Choose charcoal or gas depending on the occasion, and with four different burners to choose from, there’s plenty of space to cook up a feast for many. The island also means there is worktop space to prep alongside the cooking, as well as space for dishing up!
The Grillstream Hubrid Gas/Charcoal BBQ also has a battery operated chicken rotisserie, so you can offer alternatives to the typical burger and hot dog combo.
Not just chicken either, with the hood coming down over the grill to create an actual oven – with a warming rack, too. There’s also a ceramic steak side burner on one side for searing meat and vegetables – so this summer’s BBQs really can have an upgrade.
The tech on this BBQ is also impressive for your guests, with a smart grill thermometer that you can control via app to get everything cooked to optimum, while colour changing LED light-up controls look chic too.
- Grillstream Island Hybrid Gas/Charcoal BBQ in stainless steel, £1,749 from Atkin and Thyme – buy here
3. Best budget friendly BBQ for the family
This budget barrel barbecue from B&M looks far more expensive than its £60 price tag and is the perfect choice for laid-back evenings in the garden for family dinners.
Made out of cast iron, it’s freestanding and charcoal fuelled, which with the drum shape means it’s easy to get an even heat distribution. There’s also a handy warming rack, so your food won’t get cold.
- Browse the BBQ range at B&M here
4. Most stylish BBQ
Take your outdoor cooking to the next level with this barrel BBQ. It features a classic drum design with an extra large 80 x 40.5cm grill so is therefore ideal for big gatherings.
It delivers on both style and functionality with optimal heat circulation for efficient, delicious results. The enamel-coated steel grill is rust-resistant, temperature-resilient and easy to clean.
The sturdy wheels and built-in handle mean you can roll the charcoal BBQ around with ease, so wherever in the garden you want to be grilling, you can be.
- XL Barrel BBQ, £94.99 from VonHaus – buy here
5. Best pocket friendly BBQ for parties
If you’re feeding a crowd, then look no further than Argos’ Deluxe Charcoal Rectangle Steel Party BBQ. Its name might be a mouthful, but at £80 it’s a cheap BBQ for its size.
If you’re hosting lots of people as it has a 23 x 92cm grill and holds a lot of food. The grill shelves are adjustable and can be moved around, dependent on how many coals you’re using, perfect if you get a few extra guests.
- Deluxe Trolley Charcoal BBQ, £80 – buy here
6. Best cheap BBQ for foodies
Stalwart barbecue kings Weber launched this style in the 1950s and it’s still going strong. This B&Q Black Charcoal Barbeque is a riff on the Weber classic and at £30 is a fraction of the price.
Easy to transport, it’s lightweight and comes with a lid, which helps with ventilation and temperature control when cooking.
Adding the lid for a minute at the end is also a great way to finish off a burger, making the cheese melt and all the elements ooze into each other.
- Black Charcoal BBQ, £30 – buy here