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 June 2026

Best barbecues June 2026

Finding the perfect barbecue for your summer gatherings can be a challenge. Whether you prefer gas, charcoal, or electric, our guide is here to help. We've compared the top models on the market so you can easily see their features, pros, and cons to choose the best fit for your needs.

Last updated: 23 June 2026

Barbecues (BBQs): Top 5

1

Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker OG701UK

from £259.9914 stores

from £259.99

14 stores

See prices and info

2

Argos Home Trolley Charcoal BBQ

from £120.001 store

from £120.00

1 store

See prices and info

3

Cadac Carri Chef 2 BBQ

from £184.991 store

from £184.99

1 store

See prices and info

4

Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect XL OG901EU

from £379.009 stores

from £379.00

9 stores

See prices and info

5

George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Grill

from £77.006 stores

from £77.00

6 stores

See prices and info

Compare specifications

Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker OG701UK

The Ninja Woodfire OG701UK is a versatile electric barbecue that also functions as a smoker. Its compact design is suitable for balconies, and it offers the unique ability to cook pizzas outdoors. With 2,400 watts of power, it provides strong heat for grilling.

£259.99

In stock

£259.99

In stock

£259.99

In stock

Show all offers (11)

Yes, its electric operation and 'Balcony' feature make it ideal for spaces where open flames from charcoal or gas grills are prohibited. The 2-metre cord means you'll need a nearby power source.

Pros

Functions as a grill and smoker
Powerful 2,400 W element
Compact size suitable for balconies
Can be used for cooking pizza
No gas or charcoal needed

Cons

Requires a power outlet
Relatively heavy at 14.8 kg
Cord length of 2 m may be restrictive

Argos Home Trolley Charcoal BBQ

The Argos Home Trolley BBQ is a classic choice for those who love the traditional experience and flavour of charcoal grilling. Its trolley design provides a stable base and makes it easier to move around the garden or patio. It offers a straightforward, no-frills barbecue experience.

£120.00

In stock

Show all offers (1)

This is ideal for purists who believe charcoal grilling provides the best flavour and enjoy the hands-on process of managing a fire. It's a great option for traditional backyard barbecues.

Pros

Authentic charcoal grilling flavour
Trolley design for mobility
Doesn't require electricity or gas

Cons

Requires charcoal and lighting time
Temperature control is less precise
Fewer features than other models

Cadac Carri Chef 2 BBQ

The Cadac Carri Chef 2 is a portable gas barbecue that offers convenience and control. It's relatively lightweight at 12 kg and includes a built-in thermometer for precise temperature monitoring. Its stand makes it a comfortable height for cooking, and it even has a feature for smoking.

Yes, gas models like the Carri Chef 2 offer a great compromise. They provide better temperature control and faster startup than charcoal, without being tied to a power outlet like an electric grill.

Pros

Convenient and controllable gas power
Built-in thermometer for heat control
Relatively lightweight at 12 kg
Includes a stand for comfortable use

Cons

Requires separate gas canisters
No non-stick surface mentioned

Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect XL OG901EU

The Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect XL is a large electric table grill with smart features. It includes a built-in thermometer and a non-stick cooking surface, and retains the Woodfire line's ability to smoke food using pellets. At 18 kg, it's a sturdy unit designed for serious patio or balcony grilling.

£379.00

In stock

£379.00

In stock

£449.00

£379.00

In stock

Show all offers (6)

The Pro Connect XL is larger and heavier, with a bigger cooking surface. It also includes a built-in thermometer but has slightly lower power at 1,700 W compared to the OG701UK's 2,400 W.

Pros

Large non-stick cooking surface (45x31 cm)
Combines grilling and smoking functions
Built-in thermometer for precision
Suitable for balcony use

Cons

Heavy at 18 kg, less portable
Lower power (1,700 W) than other electrics
Requires a nearby power outlet

George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Grill

The George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Grill is a highly versatile and lightweight option. It can be used on its stand outdoors or as a tabletop grill indoors, and its 6.5 kg weight makes it very easy to move. With 2,400 W of power and a non-stick surface, it heats up quickly and is easy to clean.

£77.00

In stock

£79.99

In stock

£119.00

In stock

Show all offers (6)

Yes, the grill is designed to be removed from its stand for indoor use. Its electric operation produces no flames or charcoal smoke, making it safe for use in the kitchen, though some cooking smells are expected.

Pros

Can be used both indoors and outdoors
Very lightweight and portable (6.5 kg)
Powerful 2,400 W heating element
Non-stick surface for easy cleaning
Includes stand and thermometer

Cons

Relies on electricity, limiting outdoor use
Lighter build might feel less sturdy

Compare specifications

	1 Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker OG701UK	2 Argos Home Trolley Charcoal BBQ	3 Cadac Carri Chef 2 BBQ	4 Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect XL OG901EU	5 George Foreman Indoor/Outdoor Grill
Type of BBQ	Electrical BBQ	Charcoal BBQ	Gas BBQ	Electrical BBQ	—
Design	Griddle pan	—	Griddle pan	Table grill	Kettle grill
Features	Handle, For smoking, Balcony, Pizza	—	Thermometer, Stand/Trolley (Included/ built-in), For smoking	Thermometer, Non-Stick, Stand/Trolley (Included/ built-in), For smoking, Balcony	Thermometer, Non-Stick, Handle, Stand/Trolley (Included/ built-in), For smoking, Balcony

Questions and answers about BBQs

How we built the list

The ranking is updated monthly and is based on data we collect from our own platform. Products that rank highly are popular with our users while also maintaining high quality according to editorial expert reviews. Specifically, we take into account how many users follow a product through 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 stores. No products are paid placements — the ranking is governed solely by data.

Best barbecues June 2026

Barbecues (BBQs): Top 5

1

2

3

4

5