Fire up the grill! BBQ popularity soars across the UK amidst lockdown

The lockdown announcement confined many of us to our homes. It'll come as little surprise therefore, that many house-bound Brits are using the opportunity to get out into their gardens and honing their grilling skills. Barbecue popularity soared by 556% in the month following the announcement and is still on the up.

The thrill of the grill

While traditionally BBQ purchases peak as we enter summer, this is not set to be a typical year. UK shopper habits are changing and 2020 is shaping up to be the year of the BBQ, with a 35% year-on-year increase in interest compared to May 2019.

With the surge in popularity, prices across the board have also been on the rise. Since February, BBQ prices have grown by 8%, leading Brits to fork out up to an extra £76 for a shiny new grill. And with the easing of lockdown measures allowing people to visit each other again, it's likely this trend will continue in the foreseeable.

Price increases from 1st February till 7th June

• Weber Master-Touch GBS 57cm: £76 increase
• Char-Broil Performance 220S: £17.39 increase
• Landmann Kentucky Smoker: £10.14 increase  
• Embermann Modena: £50.04 increase 
• Outback Comet: £1.70 increase

Becoming a pit master without breaking the bank

Always shop around 

It's obvious but it really is the only way to be sure you're getting the best deal. The best prices aren't always the first that pop up on search engines. Take the leg work out of comparing by using a price comparison site. 

Check the history 

Online prices are updated constantly. Often retailers inflate prices to later drop them once the initial hype of a new product has died down. Don't take the first price given to you. PriceSpy provides the price history and prediction for certain products so you can evaluate the best time to buy to get the cheapest rate. 

Be smart on specs 

Know what you're looking for. Look at trusted review sites to get a clear idea of what you are getting from your money. Also, check the make and model of the products you are purchasing and read reviews. If you're keen to flip (veggie) burgers without breaking the bank, Outback has some user-friendly, cost-effective options. If you're looking for something a little more top-of-the-range, it's hard to look past what Weber has to offer.

Whether you're a BBQ novice or you're aiming for grill king, there are a wide range of options out there to suit your needs. Happy grilling!