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 Charcoal BBQs August 2026

Best Charcoal BBQs August 2026

Finding the right charcoal BBQ can elevate your outdoor cooking. This guide compares the top models on the market, helping you weigh their features, pros, and cons. Our independent ranking makes it easier to find the perfect grill for your needs and budget.

Last updated: 14 August 2026

The list is unchanged since the last update.

Barbecues (BBQs): Top 5

1

Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 57cm

from £503.001 store

from £503.00

1 store

See prices and info

2

Weber Master-Touch GBS E-5750

from £229.004 stores

from £229.00

4 stores

See prices and info

3

Weber Master-Touch GBS Premium E-5770

from £319.002 stores

from £319.00

2 stores

See prices and info

4

Weber Performer Premium 57cm

from £559.001 store

from £559.00

1 store

See prices and info

5

Weber Summit Kamado E6 Charcoal Grill

from £1,249.003 stores

from £1,249.00

3 stores

See prices and info

Compare specifications

Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 57cm

The Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker is a dedicated smoker designed for low-and-slow cooking. It excels at maintaining stable, low temperatures for hours, thanks to its large water bowl that adds moisture and regulates heat. If you have the passion for smoking meats like ribs or brisket, this model delivers incredibly juicy and flavorful results.

£503.00

In stock

Show all offers (1)

Not really. The Smokey Mountain is designed for indirect heat and smoking over many hours. For quick, direct grilling, a kettle-style charcoal grill would be a better choice.

Pros

Excellent for low-and-slow smoking
Maintains stable temperatures for hours
Large 57 cm dual cooking grates
Built-in lid thermometer

Cons

Not suitable for quick, direct grilling
Cooking process is very time-consuming

Weber Master-Touch GBS E-5750

The Weber Master-Touch E-5750 is a classic 57 cm kettle grill with modern features like the Gourmet BBQ System grate and an enclosed ash catcher. It offers versatile cooking options, from direct searing to indirect smoking. However, some users report issues with the stability of the legs and the design of the removable center grate.

£229.00

In stock

£319.99

In stock

Show all offers (2)

Several users have pointed out that the leg construction feels unstable, making the grill wobbly. The design of the removable center grate, which can fall out when cleaning, is another common criticism.

Pros

Versatile Gourmet BBQ System (GBS) grate
Enclosed, easy-to-clean ash catcher
Good temperature control with lid vents
Convenient Tuck-Away lid holder

Cons

Legs can be wobbly and unstable
Center grate insert can fall out during cleaning
Considered pricey for its build quality

Weber Master-Touch GBS Premium E-5770

This premium kettle grill builds on the Master-Touch series with a convenient hinged lid, eliminating the need to place it on the ground. It also includes a charcoal ring and diffuser plate for easier smoking. However, many users report a significant design flaw with the hinge that causes the lid to not seal properly out of the box.

£319.00

In stock

Show all offers (1)

While the hinged lid is a convenient idea, numerous users report it prevents the grill from sealing properly, which is critical for temperature control. Given that a user-fix may be required, it might be hard to justify the extra cost.

Pros

Hinged lid for convenient opening
Includes charcoal ring for smoking
Gourmet BBQ System grate

Cons

Lid hinge can prevent a proper seal
May require modification to seal correctly
Reported issues with the bottom vent

Weber Performer Premium 57cm

The Weber Performer Premium integrates the classic 57 cm kettle grill into a sturdy trolley with a convenient side table. This setup provides ample workspace for food prep and keeps your tools handy. It's a great option for those who want a more complete and stable grilling station.

£559.00

In stock

Show all offers (1)

This grill is ideal for someone who has a dedicated patio space and wants the convenience of an integrated workstation. The side table and cart make it a more permanent and functional grilling setup than a standalone kettle.

Pros

Large built-in side table for prep
Stable trolley with wheels for mobility
Includes a convenient storage bin
Generous 57 cm cooking area

Cons

Very heavy and bulky
Reports of faulty parts during assembly
Requires significant storage space

Weber Summit Kamado E6 Charcoal Grill

The Weber Summit Kamado E6 is a premium, double-walled insulated steel grill designed for ultimate heat control and fuel efficiency. It functions like a traditional ceramic kamado, excelling at everything from high-temperature searing to all-day smoking. Its large 61 cm cooking area makes it a high-performance, all-in-one outdoor cooker.

The Summit Kamado's price reflects its advanced design as a double-walled, insulated steel kamado grill. This construction offers exceptional heat retention and fuel efficiency, allowing it to function as both a high-heat grill and a smoker.

Pros

Insulated design for superior heat retention
Excels at both high-heat and low-slow cooking
Extra-large 61 cm cooking surface
Durable double-walled steel construction

Cons

Extremely heavy and difficult to move
Positioned at a premium price point
Takes up a significant amount of space

Compare specifications

	1 Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 57cm	2 Weber Master-Touch GBS E-5750	3 Weber Master-Touch GBS Premium E-5770	4 Weber Performer Premium 57cm	5 Weber Summit Kamado E6 Charcoal Grill
Type of BBQ	Charcoal BBQ	Charcoal BBQ	Charcoal BBQ	Charcoal BBQ	Charcoal BBQ
Design	Barrel BBQ	Kettle grill	Kettle grill	Kettle grill	Kettle grill
Features	Thermometer, Stand/Trolley (Included/ built-in), For smoking	Thermometer, Stand/Trolley (Included/ built-in), For smoking	Thermometer, Side tables, Stand/Trolley (Included/ built-in), For smoking	Thermometer, Side tables, Cabinets / Boxes, 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 Charcoal BBQs August 2026

Barbecues (BBQs): Top 5

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