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 cheap BBQ for practicality
Kudos to Aldi, who were 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 Foldable BBQ (£9.99). This neat and cheap as chips BBQ is perfectly portable and folds down perfectly, whilst also being lightweight and having its own windbreaker. This means it’s ideal for beach BBQs!
- Foldable BBQ, £9.99 – buy here
2. Best for hot stuff
If you fancy getting a little bit playful with your al fresco dining, why not whip out the Corus Charcoal BBQ from Lime Lace. It’s durable, with high-quality enamel steel whilst also boasting an XL thermometer so you can easily monitor the temperature and ensure everything is grilled to perfection.
The ergonomic handles make it easy to manoeuvre, while the ash catcher and storage shelf will make the post-BBQ clean up a breeze.
It has give chrome-plated cooking grids and charcoal grids, so there is plenty of space to grill, boil, roast or cook pizzas alongside your usual BBQ food.
- Corus Charcoal BBQ from Lime Lace, £138 – 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, £99.99 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