Outdoor Barbecues & Grills Price Comparison 2026
Compare 179 outdoor barbecues & grills from Weber, Kamado Bono, Ninja and more — find the best price across top UK retailers today.
Few things divide British garden owners quite like the great BBQ debate: gas versus charcoal. Our data tells an interesting story — with 179 products spanning from 35 £ to 883 £, this category covers everything from a no-frills barrel grill you can chuck in the car boot to a ceramic Kamado that costs more than some garden furniture sets. The average spend sits around 289 £, which suggests most buyers aren't going budget — they're investing.
Weber and Char-Broil dominate the mid-to-upper end of the market, as you'd expect, but it's worth noting that Tower has quietly become one of the most-stocked brands in the UK, with a range that stretches from portable two-burner gas units to full cooking stations pushing 16,500W. George Foreman, meanwhile, punches well above its weight at the accessible end — their tabletop models are consistently among the most-compared products on the site. At the other extreme, Kamado Bono's ceramic egg-shaped grills represent a serious commitment: prices well over 362 £, but the heat retention and temperature control these offer is genuinely in a different league to standard steel construction.
One thing we notice when analysing this market: electric grills are often overlooked, yet they're arguably the most practical option for flat-dwellers or anyone with a small patio where gas cylinders are awkward to store. The Ninja OG901UK is a case in point — it's one of the pricier tabletop models, but it's also one of the most-compared, which tells you there's real demand for that convenience. If you're shopping around Black Friday or the January sales, gas and electric models tend to see the sharpest discounts; charcoal and Kamado prices are more stable year-round. For accessories to complete your setup, our Outdoor Barbecue & Grill Accessories section is worth a look, and if you're building out your outdoor space more broadly, the Outdoor & Patio Furniture and Outdoor Heating & Cooling categories round things out nicely.
Prices across retailers vary more than you might expect on identical models — we've seen gaps of 20–30% on the same Weber or Campingaz unit between Currys, Amazon and specialist BBQ retailers. That's exactly the kind of spread where comparing before you buy makes a real difference.
How to Choose the Right Outdoor Barbecue or Grill
With fuel types, cooking surface sizes, BTU ratings and build materials all in play, picking the right BBQ can feel overwhelming. The good news: once you know which of these factors actually matters for your situation, the choice narrows quickly. Here's what our analysis of the market actually tells us.
Fuel type: gas, charcoal or electric?
Gas (LPG/propane) is the most popular choice in the UK for good reason — it lights instantly, reaches temperature in under 10 minutes, and gives you precise control over heat zones. It's the practical choice for weeknight grilling. Charcoal takes longer to set up and requires more skill to manage temperature via dampers, but delivers that authentic smoky flavour that gas simply can't replicate. If you're serious about BBQ as a cooking method rather than just a social occasion, charcoal is worth the extra effort. Electric is the pragmatic option: no gas cylinders, no ash disposal, often allowed on balconies where open flames are prohibited. Models like the Ninja OG901UK prove electric doesn't mean compromise — but you do lose the smoke element entirely unless you add a smoke box.
Cooking surface area relative to your group size
This is the spec most buyers underestimate. A compact tabletop grill (under 2,000 cm²) is fine for two to three people but becomes a bottleneck the moment you're feeding a family. Medium grills (2,000–4,000 cm²) cover most households comfortably. Go large (over 4,000 cm²) only if you regularly host groups of eight or more — otherwise you're paying to heat unused grate space. One practical tip: check whether the stated cooking area includes warming racks, which don't count as primary grilling surface.
Heat output and cold-weather performance
BTU ratings on gas grills and wattage on electric models tell you how quickly the grill reaches temperature and how well it holds heat in cold or windy conditions — which matters in the UK more than in sunnier climates. For a standard two-to-three burner gas grill, look for at least 10,000–12,000 BTU total output. The Tower T978502 at 16,500W is at the high end of electric output and reflects what you need for serious outdoor cooking. Ceramic Kamado grills sidestep this issue entirely: their thick walls retain heat so efficiently that ambient temperature barely affects performance.
Build quality and weather resistance
A BBQ left outside year-round in the British climate needs to cope with rain, frost and UV exposure. Painted steel is the most common material at lower price points — it works, but expect surface rust within two to three seasons without a cover. Stainless steel and powder-coated aluminium hold up significantly better. Ceramic (Kamado) is essentially impervious to weather. Whatever you buy, factor in whether a cover is included or available — it extends the lifespan of any grill considerably. Brands like Weber typically offer 2–5 year warranties; budget models often cap at one year.
Portability: fixed station or flexible use?
If your garden layout is settled and you have a dedicated patio area, a wheeled cart or barrel grill on a fixed base makes sense. But if you want to take the BBQ camping, to the beach or to a friend's garden, a tabletop or portable two-burner model is far more practical. The Tower Tourer is a good example of a portable gas unit that doesn't sacrifice too much cooking capacity. Kamado grills, despite being on wheeled carts, are heavy ceramic structures — they're not truly portable, and shouldn't be treated as such.
Temperature control for different cooking styles
If you only ever grill burgers and sausages over direct heat, basic temperature control is fine. But if you want to smoke brisket low-and-slow, roast a whole chicken indirectly, or sear a steak properly, you need genuine temperature range and control. Multi-zone gas burners let you create hot and cool areas simultaneously. Kamado grills with adjustable dampers can hold a steady 110°C for hours or spike to 350°C+ for pizza. A built-in thermometer gauge on the lid is a small feature that makes a big practical difference — without one, you're guessing.
- Entry-level picks (From 35 £ to 120 £) : Compact barrel charcoal grills and basic tabletop models dominate this bracket. Brands like Relaxdays and Batavia appear here — functional for occasional use, but build quality is modest and warranties are typically limited to one year. Fine for a student house or a one-off garden party; less suitable as a long-term investment.
- The sweet spot (From 120 £ to 200 £) : This is where the market gets genuinely interesting. George Foreman tabletop gas grills, Tower portable two-burner units and entry-level Beliani charcoal carts all sit here. You get decent cooking surface area, better construction and more fuel options. Our pick for most buyers who grill a few times a month.
- Serious grilling territory (From 200 £ to 362 £) : Mid-range Weber, Campingaz and Char-Broil gas grills, plus Tower's larger cooking stations, occupy this range. Expect multiple independent burners, proper grease management systems, porcelain-coated grates and meaningful warranties. The Ninja OG901UK electric grill also lands here — a premium choice for those who want electric without compromise.
- Premium and Kamado (Over 362 £) : Above this threshold, you're largely looking at Kamado Bono ceramic grills, high-spec Char-Broil and Weber flagship models, and Ninja's top-tier electric units. The Kamado Bono Media at £799 is the standout — ceramic construction, exceptional heat retention, and a cooking versatility that genuinely justifies the price for committed BBQ enthusiasts. Not for casual weekend grillers.
Top products
- George Foreman 22460 outdoor barbecue/grill Tabletop Black (George Foreman) : The most-compared entry in this category for good reason — it's compact, affordable and genuinely practical for small households. Don't expect it to feed a crowd, but as a tabletop grill for two to three people it's hard to beat at this price.
- Tower T978500 outdoor barbecue/grill Cooking station Gas Black 9500 W (Tower) : A solid mid-range gas cooking station with enough output for family grilling. Tower's build quality has improved noticeably in recent years, though it still trails Weber on long-term durability. Good value if you compare prices across retailers before buying.
- Tower Tourer Two Burner Portable Gas BBQ Barbecue Cooking station Black (Tower) : The standout portable gas option in this catalogue. Lightweight enough to take camping or to a friend's garden, with two independent burners for basic heat zoning. Ideal for those who want gas convenience without committing to a fixed station.
- Ninja OG901UK outdoor barbecue/grill Tabletop Electric Black, Blue 1700 W (Ninja) : The best electric BBQ in this selection — 1,700W is enough to sear properly, and the build quality is premium. Pricey for a tabletop model, but it's the right choice for balcony users or anyone who wants year-round grilling without gas cylinders. Overkill if you have a garden and no restrictions on fuel type.
- Kamado Bono Media Ceramic Grill 20″ Kamado barbecue/grill Cart Charcoal (fuel) Red (Kamado Bono) : The most capable grill in this entire catalogue. Ceramic construction, exceptional heat retention and a temperature range that covers everything from low-and-slow smoking to high-heat searing. At this price point it's a serious commitment — but for dedicated BBQ enthusiasts, nothing else in this range comes close.
Related categories
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a gas BBQ and a charcoal BBQ in terms of flavour?
Gas grills produce clean, consistent heat but no smoke — the flavour comes purely from the food and any marinades. Charcoal grills generate smoke as fat drips onto hot coals, which infuses food with that distinctive smoky taste most people associate with traditional BBQ. If flavour is your priority, charcoal wins. If convenience and speed matter more, gas is the practical choice. Some hybrid models let you add a smoke box to a gas grill as a compromise.
Are electric BBQs actually worth buying, or are they a poor substitute?
Electric BBQs are a genuine option — not a compromise — for specific situations. If you live in a flat with a balcony where open flames are prohibited, or you want to grill year-round without managing gas cylinders, electric makes real sense. Models like the Ninja OG901UK deliver high enough wattage (1,700W) to sear properly. The honest limitation: you won't get smoky flavour without a separate smoke box, and performance in very cold or windy conditions can be less consistent than gas.
What size BBQ do I need for a family of four?
For a family of four, a medium cooking surface of 2,000–3,000 cm² is typically sufficient. This allows you to cook eight to ten portions simultaneously without overcrowding the grate, which is important for even cooking and avoiding flare-ups. A two-to-three burner gas grill or a mid-size barrel charcoal grill in the 120 £ to 200 £ range will cover most family grilling sessions comfortably.
How long does a gas cylinder last on a typical BBQ?
A standard 13kg LPG propane cylinder lasts roughly 15–25 hours of cooking time on a medium-output gas grill, depending on burner usage and heat settings. For a family that grills once or twice a week in summer, that's typically four to six weeks per cylinder. Always keep a spare — running out mid-cook is a common and avoidable frustration. Smaller 5kg cylinders are more portable but need replacing more frequently.
Is a Kamado grill actually worth the price premium?
For dedicated BBQ enthusiasts who cook regularly, yes — a Kamado is worth the investment. The ceramic construction retains heat so efficiently that fuel consumption is dramatically lower than steel grills, and the temperature range (from 100°C for low-and-slow smoking to 350°C+ for pizza) is unmatched by any gas or standard charcoal grill. The Kamado Bono Minimo at 362 £ is the entry point; the Media model at nearly double that is for serious users. If you grill twice a summer, it's overkill.
What are the most common mistakes people make when buying a BBQ?
The most common mistake is underestimating cooking surface area — buyers choose a compact model to save money or space, then find it inadequate the first time they host guests. A close second is ignoring build quality: a cheap painted-steel grill left uncovered through a British winter will rust within two seasons. Also watch out for inflated BTU figures on budget gas grills — a high headline number means nothing if the burners are poorly distributed or the lid doesn't seal properly. Always check whether a cover is included or budgeted for separately.
Which BBQ brands offer the best warranty in 2026?
Weber consistently leads on warranty terms, offering up to 10 years on porcelain-coated parts and 5 years on burners on their premium models — well above the category norm. Char-Broil typically offers 2–5 years depending on the model. Budget brands including VidaXL and Relaxdays generally provide just one year. Kamado Bono offers solid coverage on their ceramic shells. If longevity matters to you, the warranty terms are a reliable proxy for overall build quality confidence.