BBQ Buying Guide
The Great Summer BBQ – nothing beats it. Sizzling sausages in the sun is summer tradition that lives on through the generations. And with our gardens becoming the hottest party venues of the season, your barbecue becomes the star of the show.
From extra-large gas BBQs to feed a party of people to compact and portable charcoal options to take camping, we've got a barbecue to suit. We’re here to help you find the best model for cooking up a delicious feast, from tasty grilled burgers and sausages to scrumptious smoked fish.
Things to consider before buying a new BBQ
To make sure you choose the right barbecue for your space and needs, consider the following:
Where will you use it?
Your outdoor space will play a big role in choosing the right barbecue.
- Small spaces – If you’ve got a compact balcony, patio, or courtyard, a portable or folding barbecue is your best bet. Electric models are also great, as they produce minimal smoke and don’t require gas or charcoal.
- Medium to large gardens – With more space to play with, you can go for a bigger gas, charcoal, or hybrid barbecue. Look out for features like side burners, warming racks, and storage shelves. Some larger models come with wheels, so you can move them around easily.
Wherever you set up your barbecue, make sure it's on a stable, level surface to prevent tipping. Position it away from fences, sheds, or overhanging branches to avoid fire hazards, and always ensure there’s good ventilation - especially for charcoal barbecues and wood-fired grills, which produce more smoke.
How many people will you cook for?
The size of your barbecue will depend on how many hungry mouths you’re feeding:
- Up to four people – A small to medium barbecue (two to three burners or a compact charcoal grill) will do the job.
- Four to eight people – Look for a larger cooking surface, such as a four-burner gas model or a more spacious charcoal or hybrid grill.
- More than eight people – A six-burner gas barbecue, a large charcoal drum, or a hybrid model with extra cooking zones will help you keep up with demand.
If you love hosting but don’t want to be tied to the grill all evening, consider a barbecue with a warming rack to keep food hot while you finish cooking.
Storage and maintenance
Think about where your barbecue will live when it’s not in use. If it’s staying outside all year round, a weather-resistant cover will keep it protected. If you need to store it away, check the dimensions to make sure it fits in your shed or garage.
Types of barbecue
Barbecues are categorised based on the fuel they use and we offer three types – gas, charcoal and electric.
Gas barbecues
For complete control over the temperature, as well as the ease of being able to start cooking with one click, choose a gas barbecue. Unlike a charcoal option, they're ready to start cooking almost immediately. Gas barbecues have a generous cooking area making them ideal when cooking for larger groups and they’re easy to clean afterwards.
Our traditional gas barbecues:
- Cater for up to 16 people
- Offer fast and reliable ignition
- Have up to six burners
- Feature grills made from porcelain enamel, enamel-coated steel or cast iron, offering even heat distribution
- Are flat-packed and easy to assemble, though some may require a second pair of hands
- Are simple to store – most come with handles and wheels to make moving them into your garage or shed a breeze
Electric barbecues
Ideal for those with limited outdoor space or restrictions on open flames. Electric barbecues are compact, easy to use, and heat up quickly - just plug in and grill. Perfect for balconies, patios, and even camping with powered sites.
Benefits:
- Plug in and use
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- Minimal smoke production
Hybrid barbecues
Can’t choose between gas and charcoal? Hybrid barbecues give you the best of both worlds. Use gas for quick weekday meals, or light up the charcoal with the gas burners for that authentic smoky taste.
Benefits:
- Versatile cooking methods
- Convenient ignition for charcoal
- Enhanced flavour options
Wood pellet grills
For serious smokehouse flavour, wood pellet grills are the way to go. Just add wood pellets to the hopper, set your temperature, and let the grill do the rest - perfectly cooked food, every time.
Benefits:
- Consistent heat for even cooking
- Distinctive wood-smoked flavour
- Versatile cooking options
Pizza ovens
If pizza is your passion, why not make your own at home? Our range of pizza ovens lets you cook up restaurant-quality pizzas in your garden. From traditional wood-fired ovens to compact electric models, there’s something for every pizza lover.
Benefits:
- Cooks more than just pizza – think bread, pies, and more
- Portable options available
- Reaches high temperatures for crispy crusts
BBQ tools & accessories
To take your grilling game to the next level, don’t forget these essentials:
- Fuel & accessories – Stock up on charcoal, gas, firelighters, and lighters. Always store extra fuel safely, away from the lit barbecue.
- Cooking tools – Equip yourself with tongs, grill baskets, and thermometer forks for pro-level grilling.
- Cleaning tools – Keep your barbecue in top condition by cleaning it after every use with warm soapy water and a grill brush. A barbecue cleaner spray can help with stubborn residue. Check out our guide to cleaning a BBQ.
- Barbecue covers – Protect your grill from the elements with a durable, water-resistant cover.
At B&Q, we’re passionate about helping you make the most of your outdoor space. With our extensive range of barbecues and accessories, you’re sure to find everything you need to host the perfect alfresco gathering. Thinking of throwing a garden party? Check out these garden party ideas for tips on hosting the soirée of the summer!
Frequently Asked Questions
- What BBQ should I buy?
Choose a BBQ based on how you plan to use it. For quick, controllable cooking choose gas or electric, for smoky flavour choose charcoal or pellet, for camping choose a portable model. Match cooking area to guest numbers, check build quality, heat control, ignition type and ease of cleaning. Consider available garden space, storage, budget and any local restrictions on fuel or smoke before buying.
- What do I need to buy for a barbecue?
You need a barbecue, the correct fuel or gas supply, and basic cooking and safety accessories. Also buy suitable fuel such as charcoal or a propane/butane cylinder, a set of heatproof tongs and spatula, a grill brush and scraper, a meat thermometer, oven gloves or heat-resistant gloves, a firelighter or ignition method, and a sturdy cover or mat to protect surfaces. Consider cleaning supplies and extra grill racks or skewers depending on how you plan to cook.
- Is 40,000 BTU good for a barbecue?
Yes, 40,000 BTU is a good power level for many gas barbecues, providing plenty of heat for searing and cooking for medium to large groups. It’s best suited to grills with multiple burners and sufficient cooking area, as heat distribution and BTU per square inch affect performance. Consider the size of the cooking surface, insulation, and temperature control, rather than BTU alone, to ensure the barbecue meets your typical cooking needs.