Written by Sara D'Souza

7 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 the environment

Kudos to Aldi, who have been the first supermarket to ban the sale of disposable barbecues, a move which will remove a whopping figure of approximately 35 tonnes of single-use packaging. In its place they’ve brought in the rather brilliant Gardenline Portable BBQ (£49.99). This neat and rather cheap BBQ is battery powered and will take all of the stress out of lighting your barbie and keeping it going. It also comes with an integrated fan and stainless steel grill rack.

Gardenline Portable BBQ from Aldi

2. Best cheap BBQ for a bit of fun

If you fancy getting a little bit playful with your al fresco dining, why not whip out this easy-to-carry compact briefcase style barbecue (£49.95)? At 20 x 30cm this Annabel James Portable Barbeque errs on the diminutive size, so wouldn’t do for a big feast, but for a mini picnic, cute date or BBQ snack, it’s perfect. Note: always be mindful when using barbecues in public spaces – and check local guidelines – as they can be a fire hazard if not handled with care.

Outdoor eating ideas for your fun loving friends

Portable BBQ from Annabel James

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.

Drum BBQ from B&M

4. Best BBQ for the beach

Another brilliant portable, cheap BBQ is the Cleveley Bucket BBQ (currently £30 in the sale) from Garden Trading. The good-looking clever design is made from powder coated steel and has handles either side (made from Acacia) and comes in a chic colour; Ink. It’s a great choice to take down to the beach or park and upgrade your picnic. It works a treat at festivals too.

Cleveley Bucket BBQ from Garden Trading

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 £85 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 charcoal steel BBQ from Argos

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 Bubble Black Charcoal Barbeque is a riff on the Weber classic and at £24 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.

Bubble Black Charcoal BBQ from B&Q

7. Best bargain BBQ for style

If you’re looking for a cheap BBQ but don’t want to skimp on style, then this chic Barrel Charcoal BBQ (£54.99) from Wayfair could be the one for you. Its neat square design with a snazzy red lid is made from high temperature powder iron and comes with a stainless steel grill. Plus, the ventilation grill means the heat is easily adjustable. A chic little number, perfect for small gatherings.