No British summer is complete without that BBQ. The moment the sun appears from behind our seemingly perpetual cloud cover we flock to our parks and gardens to scorch our food (and often ourselves in the process). It isn’t the summer until you come home from an afternoon on the lawn with lobster skin, mild sunstroke and a belly full of charred meat.
Obviously, which BBQ you choose can greatly influence the success of your summer, and it isn’t an easy decision. The market is saturated with charcoal, gas, pods, trays, grills, wheeled models and a dozen other twists on the classic BBQ, all protesting their virtues as they clamour for that hot-spot in the limelight on your back lawn.
Last June, The Telegraph published a list of their top 5 tried-and-tested summer BBQs. Working from this and a few other sources (meticulously, deliciously tested by their researchers, of course) we have compiled our own shortlist of must-have BBQs with which to make the most of the impending sun. (In line with time-honoured British traditions, we have decided to stick to charcoal burners, for truly smoky authenticity.)
5. JOHN LEWIS DELUXE KETTLE CHARCOAL BARBECUE
John Lewis’s luxury charcoal BBQ represents a strong marriage between quality and cost. This deluxe model boasts a porcelain enamel bowl and lid, and a glass reinforced handle for longevity.
It is also equipped with wheels for ease of transportation, an ash catcher, storage shelf, aluminium vent and a steel cooking grate, making it one of the more versatile all-rounders.
Key Features:
- Wheels
- Cleaning Technology
- Porcelain enamel body, plated steel cooking grate
- 2106cm sq.Cooking Surface
- Cool Touch Handle
- H93.5 x W53.5 x D62cm
- Drip Tray
- Manufacturer’s Guarantee – 2 years
4. JAMIE OLIVER CLASSIC BBQ
One from the celebrity chief of British tukka, this BBQ is designed by Jamie himself with his trademark fun cooking styles in mind.
This high-quality model strikes a happy medium between serious and casual cooking, taking the traditional BBQ experience and turning it into something at once fun and clever. Features include curved grill trays to stop food falling through to the coals and adjustable ventilation to get the perfect airflow. It’s simple, practical, adaptable and easy to use.
Key Features:
- Designed by Jamie
- Easy Read Jamie Oliver Thermometer
- 2 X Feature Wheels
- Detachable Expander ring acts to expand height and aid convection cooking as well as acting as a windbreak
- Stainless steel upper and lower vents for maximum control of heat intensity
- Detachable ash catcher
- Bottom shelf with condiment/bottle storage facility
- Front condiment/bottle shelves
- 78 cm x 65 cm x 116 cm
- Cooking area 53.5 cm
Find it here.
3. LARGE FIRE BOWL
What this BBQ lacks in sophistication it makes up for with rustic style. It might not be the most adept piece of BBQing equipment available on the market but it serves its purpose with primitive intent, stripping back the fancy modern features paraded by other models in favour or base elegance.
Simple to use, the Fire Bowl makes a striking garden centrepiece, bringing a taste of the wild to your garden.
Key Features:
- 100% steel
- height 33.5 x diameter 61cm
- The fire bowl is for outdoor use only and should be positioned on a non-flammable surface (not wooden decking!), away from any flammable objects. Remember not to leave it unattended while it has a fire or any fuel inside.
2. WEBER MASTERTOUCH® CHARCOAL BARBECUE WITH GOURMET GRILLS
Weber have long been recognised as industry-leading manufacturers of household BBQs, and this magnificent specimen is a sure-fire testament to their expertise.
At £259 it is a costly investment but you are getting what you have paid for with iconic design, quality engineering, and high specification features that will take your barbecuing experience to the next level.
Another great all-rounder, this barbecue features a One Touch cleaning system, heavy-duty plated steel cooking grate and a large cooking area. The lid and bowl are made of porcelain enamel and the locking lid features built-in thermometer and glass-reinforced nylon handle.
The Master touch is also fitted with crack proof all weather wheels and comes with a lid holder.
Key Features:
- Wheels
- One Touch cleaning system
- Porcelain enamel body, plated steel cooking grate
- 2552cm sq.Cooking Surface
- Cool Touch Handle
- H109 x W63 x D74cm
- Grill Dimensions – Dia.57cm
- Manufacturer’s Guarantee
- Limited 10 year warranty
Find it here.
1. WEBER SMOKEY JOE PREMIUM CHARCOAL BARBECUE
This was The Telegraph’s no. 1 choice and we have to agree with them. It might be less visually impressive than Weber’s MasterTouch model but the Smokey Joe still represents the best value for money out of Weber’s models.
At £69.99, it is also almost a quarter of the price, without sacrificing any of the quality for which Britain’s leading outdoor cooking manufacturers are renowned.
The Smokey Joe channels the original iconic BBQ silhouette that we all know and love. Large enough to feed the family but small enough to pack in the car, this portable charcoal kettle barbecue is truly versatile, making it ideal for day trips, picnics, camping and holidays – whatever the weather.
So if you’re looking for a cost-effective, high quality BBQ to take with you anywhere on your travels, grab this one and go!
Key Features:
- Porcelain-coated steel enamel bowl and lid, triple nickel plated cooking grate.
- 1075cm sq.Cooking Surface
- Cool Touch Handle
- H43 x Dia.37cm
- Manufacturer’s Guarantee – 10 year limited warranty
Our summers are fleeting, and it is a rare day that we can spend an afternoon in the sun with our friends and family. Everything has a cost these days, but there really is no way of putting a price tag on good times with your loved ones. So if you find yourself lucky enough to enjoy a sunny Sunday in your back garden with your better half and the children, don’t waste it on an inferior BBQ.
Take our advice and make some memories from crispy sausages, hot dog buns and British beef.
To talk to Multifold Doors about how we can help you make the most of your garden with our Bi-Folding Doors this summer, contact us today.
