Buying Guides
Buying a BBQ
Enjoy the summer weather and make the most of outdoor living with a barbecue.
This guide will help you choose the right one for your space, and offer tips on how to use, clean and store it safely. We also offer a pre-delivery assembly service for many of our barbecues - find out more.
Things to consider
How often are you using it?
If you:
Plan to use your barbecue regularly
Then consider investing a bit more in a model that will last you longer, and comes with a lengthier warranty.
If you:
Plan to use your barbecue occasionally
Then consider a cheaper portable barbecue because they’re:
- Ideal for smaller outdoor spaces
- Usually lightweight and easy to clean
How many are you cooking for?
Every barbecue has a cooking area which is measured in square centimetres (cm²). As a rough guide:
- Up to 4 people: you'll need a smaller cooking area (up to 1800cm²)
- Up to 6 people: a larger area of 2000cm² to 2500cm² is enough
- Up to 8 people: the largest gas barbecues (over 2500cm²) will be enough
Types of Barbecues
Gas barbecues
- Simple, push-button ignition provides an instant flame so you can start cooking in about 10 minutes
- Feature flavouriser bars above the burners, which heat up the same way as charcoal but can be regulated the same way as a cooker
- Easier to cook food more evenly, with less risk of burning
- Low maintenance, with minimal cleaning and no charcoal ash to dispose of
- On some models, multiple burners make it possible to cook at different temperatures – ideal if you're cooking different foods
- Other cooking options include side burners (useful for sauces or vegetables) and warming racks that are great for garlic bread, and keeping batches of grilled food warm
Gas for barbecues is usually propane (sometimes called "patio gas") and is supplied in a red cylinder. Please note, we don't sell gas bottles.
- When you first buy, it's usual to pay a deposit or hire charge for the cylinder as well as for the gas
- When it's empty, it can be exchanged for a full one, and you just pay for the gas
- Larger cylinders are also available; these are suitable for the bigger gas barbecues with three burners
All our gas barbecues are equipped with a regulator, which attaches from the hose to the gas bottle and regulates the gas pressure.
Charcoal barbecues
- Heat from glowing embers gives food a classic barbecued appearance
- On most models, adjust the heat by simply raising or lowering the grill
- Relatively easy to light and burns cleanly
- Some models feature a one-touch cleaning system and removable ash-catcher which makes cleaning up much easier
Pizza Ovens
- Cooks more than just pizza - it lets you bake bread, cook pies, heat meat and more
- Select from charcoal, gas powered or dual options
- Charcoal will enhance the flavour, gas can heat pizza in under a minute
- Portability lets you set up outdoors wherever you choose
Kamado BBQs
- Ideal for a host of cooking tasks, from grilling burgers to slow cooking ribs, smoking fish, roasting chicken or even baking bread
- Reaches cooking temperature within minutes
- Offers excellent temperature control and moisture saturation for tender cooking
- Will bring the flavour of fire cooking out of the restaurant and into your back garden
Smokers
- Smoker BBQs are specifically designed to give your food that perfect wood smoked flavour
- Available in different styles and fuel types, including offset smokers, bullet smokers, real wood pellet smokers and gas smokers
- Smokers allow you to control and maintain temperature, which is essential for great results when smoking on a bbq
Features to look out for
Grills
- Chrome plated: looks smart, but take care to clean thoroughly after use
- Stainless steel: easy to clean and maintain, and more durable than chrome-plated grills
- Cast iron: excellent heat source, as they hold the heat well. Wipe the grill with cooking oil before and after use to help prevent rust
- Porcelain-coated: easy to clean, and the coating stops rust. This type is found on top-of-the-range models. Some models are equipped with 'flavouriser' bars, which help create a smoky taste when hot juices and fats drop down from the grill
Lids and hoods
Kettle barbecue lids can act as windbreaks, as well as a roasting hood.
- When the lid is closed, it deflects the heat and smoke more evenly around the food
- Some hoods also incorporate a thermometer to check you're cooking the meat at the right temperature
- 3+ burner models are best for roasting as you can turn off the middle burner to avoid burning the meat before it's cooked through
- If you leave the lid or hood open, the barbecue will grill as normal
Griddles
A griddle is a solid metal plate to use with foods which might otherwise fall through the grill – like eggs for an all-day breakfast. Some models have this as well as a grill.
Cleaning & Storage
Charcoal
- Once cold, remove the grill rack and scrub off any residue with a wire brush
- Wash with a soapy scouring pad and dry
- Remove the cold ashes from the grate and brush it out
- Clean the rest of the barbecue with an oven cleaner to get rid of any accumulated grease and dirt
- Rinse thoroughly
Gas
- Always clean the rack, lid, drip trays and gas burners before putting away
- Turn on the gas and heat the flavouriser bars for a time and clean when just warm
- Before you put your barbecue away, wash the outside with hot soapy water, rinse and dry thoroughly
- We sell tailored covers for most of our barbecues which will prolong their life even when kept outdoors
Assembling & Positioning
- Assemble your barbecue as close as possible to where you'll use it
- Choose a level surface away from combustibles such as plants and fencing
- Always find a sheltered position if windy
- Check all the components are present, and take a look at the manufacturer's instructions
Our Installation Service
Need a hand? We can also pre-assemble your barbecue before we deliver it.