How do you barbecue safely?

Position your barbecue on a flat and stable surface that isn’t flammable. Place it at least one metre away from a combustible wall, caravan or tent. Always have a fire extinguisher or plenty of water nearby. Never leave a hot barbecue unattended. Remember that fire spreads quickly, especially when it is windy. Use an electric lighter instead of lighter fluid if you have a charcoal barbecue. If you use a gas barbecue, you must follow the rules for gas bottles and regularly check that there are no leaks from the bottle, valves or hoses. Store the gas bottle in a safe place. Never use a gas barbecue or charcoal barbecue indoors, or in places without good ventilation. Never place a disposable barbecue (preferably do not use disposable barbecues at all) directly on grass or other combustible material - the underside will become extremely hot.

How close to your house can you barbecue?

According to the Fire Protection Association, the barbecue must be at least 1 metre away from a flammable wall, caravan or tent. Ideally, you should have it significantly further away than that, especially if it's windy and it gives off sparks. Please have a fire extinguisher or plenty of water nearby.

Can you barbecue on your own property?

Yes, you can barbecue on your own plot. Make sure you stand on level ground where the barbecue is stable. Avoid standing too close to a building and ideally it shouldn’t smoke so much so that it disturbs the neighbours. You can even barbecue on your own plot when there’s a fire ban, but remember to have a fire extinguisher or plenty of water nearby due to the risk of fire.

Can you have a barbecue in the evening?

Yes, you can barbecue in the evening. Just bear in mind that poor lighting conditions increase the risk of injury when barbecuing. Make sure the place is well lit.

How do I best take care of my barbecue?

Scrape off any leftover food while the grill is hot (but be careful not to burn yourself). It's easier to do it then, than when everything has solidified on the barbecue. If you have a gas barbecue, you can close the lid and burn it thoroughly before turning off the gas and letting it cool. When the barbecue is cool, throw away any residue from charcoal and briquettes, dry it properly and clean the it. Moisture is the barbecue's nemesis. Make sure the barbecue is dry.

That's why you should choose a gas barbecue

If you barbecue a lot and often, the gas BBQ is the best option. With a gas BBQ, you can start barbecuing faster and it’s easier to get the right temperature. You don't have to bother with the cleaning up after the charcoal and briquettes (although gas BBQs are of course not maintenance-free). With a gas BBQ, it smokes less and if you choose a more advanced model, you sometimes get smart features such as built-in lighting, a practical instrument panel and pairing with your mobile phone.

This is why you should choose a charcoal BBQ

The classic charcoal BBQ is the default choice for many, and it works great in most cases. The price is normally significantly lower than on gas BBQs and you can find coal/briquettes basically everywhere. The charcoal BBQ is perfect when you don’t barbecue that often, you don't want a large gas BBQ standing in the garden, or don’t want to use gas. Top up with coal, use some lighter fluid or another ignition method and you're good to go! With a charcoal BBQ, it’s easier to change the position of BBQ, you don't have to think about the safety of gas bottles and you’ll get a traditional BBQ experience that many appreciate.

That's why you should choose an electric BBQ

The electric BBQ is perfect when you aren’t permitted to use a charcoal or gas BBQ, for example on the balcony or a small patio. With an electric BBQ, you avoid both coal and LPG, all that is required is a free power outlet. Also, you can barbecue basically anything with the right electric BBQ. In addition, you can use an electric BBQ indoors, which is not possible with either a charcoal or a gas BBQ.

Barbecues (BBQs)

HomeBarbecues (BBQs)Best Barbecues October 2026

Best Barbecues October 2026

Compare the top-ranked barbecues to find the right model for your patio, garden, or balcony. This independent comparison highlights key features, cooking capacity, and practical pros and cons across gas, electric, and charcoal models. Use these insights to choose the barbecue that best fits your grilling style and outdoor space.

Last updated: 1 October 2026

Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect XL OG901EU climbed 3 positions

Barbecues (BBQs): Top 5

1

Weber Spirit E-425

from £629.003 stores

from £629.00

3 stores

See prices and info

2

Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect XL OG901EU

from £375.0012 stores

from £375.00

12 stores

See prices and info

3

Weber Spirit E-310

from £489.004 stores

from £489.00

4 stores

See prices and info

4

Weber Spirit E-410

from £579.004 stores

from £579.00

4 stores

See prices and info

5

Weber Master-Touch GBS E-5750

from £229.004 stores

from £229.00

4 stores

See prices and info

Compare specifications

Weber Spirit E-425

The Weber Spirit E-425 is a four-burner gas barbecue built with durable enamel and aluminum materials. Its outdoor kitchen layout offers plenty of cooking area for large gatherings. It suits outdoor enthusiasts who want fast heat control and spacious preparation zones.

£645.00

In stock

Show all offers (1)

It suits families and entertainers who need a large cooking surface and multi-zone heat for preparing varied dishes simultaneously.

Pros

Four gas burners for zoned cooking
Durable enamel and aluminum body
Outdoor kitchen design format

Cons

Heavy unit weighing 46.5 kg
Requires ample outdoor space

Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect XL OG901EU

The Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect XL OG901EU is an electric table barbecue with built-in smoking capabilities. Powered by a 1,700 W heating element and ceramic griddle, it works without gas or charcoal canisters. Its compact size makes it a practical option for balconies and smaller patios.

£375.00

In stock

£375.00

In stock

£450.00

In stock

Show all offers (9)

Yes, its electric heating and tabletop design make it well-suited for balconies where open flame grills are restricted.

Pros

No gas or charcoal required
Integrated smoker function
Non-stick ceramic griddle surface
Compact build suitable for balconies

Cons

Requires a mains electrical socket
Smaller 45x31 cm cooking area

Weber Spirit E-310

The Weber Spirit E-310 is a classic three-burner gas barbecue mounted on a mobile trolley. It features a 60 by 45 cm cooking grate, an enamel and steel exterior, and a built-in lid thermometer. This setup provides dependable temperature control for regular backyard grilling.

£515.36

Incoming

£549.00

In stock

Show all offers (2)

Yes, its 60 by 45 cm grate and three distinct burners provide ample room to cook main dishes and sides at the same time.

Pros

Three burners for direct and indirect heat
Integrated lid thermometer
Sturdy trolley base with wheels

Cons

Fewer burners than E-410 model
Heavy trolley weighing 44.5 kg

Weber Spirit E-410

The Weber Spirit E-410 is a high-output four-burner gas barbecue with 8,210 W of total heating power. It features an extensive 86 by 45 cm grilling grate, dedicated side burner, and convenient side tables. It is designed for cooks who want maximum capacity and versatility on the patio.

£648.98

£645.00

In stock

£649.00

In stock

Show all offers (2)

The side burner lets you simmer sauces or fry side dishes outdoors without running back and forth to your indoor kitchen.

Pros

Generous 86x45 cm cooking surface
Side burner for cooking side dishes
Four powerful burners delivering 8,210 W
Fold-out side tables for meal prep

Cons

Heaviest model in range at 48 kg
Large footprint takes up patio space

Weber Master-Touch GBS E-5750

The Weber Master-Touch GBS E-5750 is a 57 cm kettle barbecue designed for traditional charcoal grilling and smoking. It comes equipped with a built-in lid thermometer, an enclosed ash catcher, and an aluminum and steel body. It offers authentic flame grilling in a relatively lightweight package.

£229.00

In stock

£309.99

In stock

Show all offers (2)

Yes, its adjustable air dampers, tight-fitting kettle lid, and integrated thermometer allow for effective low-and-slow smoking.

Pros

Classic charcoal flavor with smoking support
Generous 57 cm circular cooking area
Lightweight 17 kg kettle construction
Built-in lid thermometer

Cons

Leg assembly can feel wobbly
Removable center grate can dislodge

Compare specifications

	1 Weber Spirit E-425	2 Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect XL OG901EU	3 Weber Spirit E-310	4 Weber Spirit E-410	5 Weber Master-Touch GBS E-5750
Type of BBQ	Gas BBQ	Electrical BBQ	Gas BBQ	Gas BBQ	Charcoal BBQ
Design	Outdoor kitchen	Table grill	BBQ Trolley	BBQ Trolley	Kettle grill
Features	—	Thermometer, Non-Stick, Stand/Trolley (Included/ built-in), For smoking, Balcony	Thermometer, Stand/Trolley (Included/ built-in)	Thermometer, Side Burner, Heat surface/grid, Side tables, Stand/Trolley (Included/ built-in)	Thermometer, Stand/Trolley (Included/ built-in), For smoking

Questions and answers about BBQs

How we create the list

The ranking is updated monthly and is based on data we collect from our own platform. Products that rank highly are popular among our users while also maintaining high quality according to editorial expert assessments. Specifically, we weigh how many users follow the product via price alerts or lists, how it is rated by experts and users, as well as how much traffic it generates to stores and how well it is represented in retail. The texts on this page are AI-generated and created to give you a quick and clear overview. No products are paid placements – the ranking is driven solely by data.

Best Barbecues October 2026

Barbecues (BBQs): Top 5

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