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 September 2026

Best Barbecues September 2026

Finding the right barbecue depends on your preferred fuel type, cooking space, and how often you entertain outdoors. This independent guide highlights the top-rated models to help you compare gas, charcoal, and electric options. Explore key features, pros, and trade-offs to choose the best fit for your patio or balcony.

Last updated: 1 September 2026

Weber Spirit E-310 climbed 1 position
Weber Spirit E-410 dropped 1 position

Barbecues (BBQs): Top 5

1

Weber Spirit E-425

from £629.003 stores

from £629.00

3 stores

See prices and info

2

Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 57cm

from £503.001 store

from £503.00

1 store

See prices and info

3

Weber Spirit E-310

from £362.343 stores

from £362.34

3 stores

See prices and info

4

Weber Spirit E-410

from £579.004 stores

from £579.00

4 stores

See prices and info

5

Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect XL OG901EU

from £359.0013 stores

from £359.00

13 stores

See prices and info

Compare specifications

Weber Spirit E-425

The Weber Spirit E-425 is a full-sized gas barbecue built for outdoor entertaining. Its four main burners give you precise control across multiple temperature zones, while the durable enamel and aluminum housing retains heat effectively. It suits family dinners and larger weekend gatherings on spacious decks.

£645.00

In stock

Show all offers (1)

This gas grill is ideal for larger households and frequent hosts who need a spacious cooking area with multiple heat zones.

Pros

Four burners for flexible heat zones
Generous cooking surface
Durable enamel and aluminum body

Cons

Heavy build at 46.5 kg
Requires ample patio space

Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 57cm

The Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 57cm is a dedicated charcoal smoker designed for slow, low-temperature cooking. Its barrel shape and integrated water bowl help keep internal temperatures steady and meat juicy over long sessions. It is the go-to choice for authentic smoked ribs, brisket, and poultry.

£503.00

In stock

Show all offers (1)

No, this is a dedicated vertical smoker built for low-and-slow cooking over several hours rather than quick direct-heat grilling.

Pros

Dedicated design for slow smoking
Built-in lid thermometer
Spacious 57 cm cooking diameter
Lightweight for its size at 18 kg

Cons

Not designed for quick grilling
Requires charcoal management

Weber Spirit E-310

The Weber Spirit E-310 is a dependable gas barbecue offering balanced performance for everyday outdoor cooking. With three stainless steel burners and a 60 by 45 cm cooking grid, it handles direct and indirect heat with ease. Its enclosed trolley setup keeps your gas bottle organized and out of the way.

£439.20

£362.34

In stock

Show all offers (1)

Yes, the 60 by 45 cm cooking area and three burners comfortably fit food for four to six people.

Pros

Three independently controlled burners
Integrated lid thermometer
Sturdy trolley with storage frame
Generous 60 by 45 cm cooking grate

Cons

Lacks an auxiliary side burner
Substantial weight at 44.5 kg

Weber Spirit E-410

The Weber Spirit E-410 delivers expansive grilling space paired with a high-powered 8,210 W output. It comes equipped with four primary burners, handy side tables, and a dedicated side burner for sauces or sides. It represents a versatile solution for outdoor cooking enthusiasts who entertain frequently.

£645.00

In stock

£649.00

In stock

Show all offers (2)

The side burner lets you heat sauces, boil potatoes, or fry sides simultaneously without leaving the barbecue station.

Pros

High 8,210 W heating capacity
Wide 86 by 45 cm cooking grate
Includes dedicated side burner
Convenient side tables

Cons

Heaviest option in the lineup at 48 kg
Takes up considerable patio room

Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect XL OG901EU

The Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect XL OG901EU is an electric barbecue and outdoor smoker ideal for compact outdoor areas. Running on 1,700 W of electric power, it infuses real woodfire flavor using authentic wood pellets without requiring charcoal or gas tanks. Its non-stick griddle surface makes cleaning up quick and hassle-free.

£359.00

In stock

£407.99

£374.99

In stock

£377.28

In stock

Show all offers (10)

Yes, its electric heating element makes it suitable for balconies where open-flame gas or charcoal grills are restricted.

Pros

Compact size suited for balconies
Integrated smoking function
Easy-to-clean non-stick griddle
Built-in digital thermometer

Cons

Requires a nearby electrical outlet
Smaller 45 by 31 cm cooking area

Compare specifications

	1 Weber Spirit E-425	2 Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 57cm	3 Weber Spirit E-310	4 Weber Spirit E-410	5 Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect XL OG901EU
Type of BBQ	Gas BBQ	Charcoal BBQ	Gas BBQ	Gas BBQ	Electrical BBQ
Design	Outdoor kitchen	Barrel BBQ	BBQ Trolley	BBQ Trolley	Table grill
Features	—	Thermometer, Stand/Trolley (Included/ built-in), For smoking	Thermometer, Stand/Trolley (Included/ built-in)	Thermometer, Side Burner, Heat surface/grid, Side tables, Stand/Trolley (Included/ built-in)	Thermometer, Non-Stick, Stand/Trolley (Included/ built-in), For smoking, Balcony

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 September 2026

Barbecues (BBQs): Top 5

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