BBQs

Even handed comparison: charcoal for flavour and searing, gas for speed and control

Want convenience, speed and easy control? Choose Gas

Want maximum smoky flavour and don’t mind extra effort? Choose Charcoal

Cook often for big groups midweek? Choose Gas

Love low‑and‑slow smoking and charred crusts? Choose Charcoal

Many UK households end up with both: a gas for regular use and a charcoal for weekend projects.

Gas BBQ: pros and cons

Pros

Fast start-up: Ready to cook in ~5–15 minutes; great for spontaneous dinners.

Easy temperature control: Turn knobs like a hob; ideal for beginners and consistent results.

Cleaner and lower emissions: Less smoke and fewer flare-up carcinogens than charcoal.

Better for frequent use: Simple to light, clean and switch off; good for burgers, sausages, chicken, veg.

Cons

Less smoky flavour: Even with smoke boxes/chips, it’s harder to match true charcoal smoke.

Lower peak radiant heat: Can struggle with deep crusts on large cuts vs. a hot charcoal bed.

Running costs & logistics: Need gas bottles or a natural gas line; refills/regulators add hassle.

Charcoal BBQ: pros and cons
Pros

Superior smoky, charred flavour: Drippings hitting coals create classic BBQ aroma and taste.

Higher radiant heat & heat retention: Better for searing steaks and low‑and‑slow smoking.

More cooking styles: Easy to set up direct/indirect zones, add wood chunks, control airflow for smoke.

Cons

Slower and more effort: 20–30+ minutes to get coals ready; requires attention to airflow and ash.

Messier clean-up: Ash disposal, soot, and more scrubbing of grates.

Less consistent for beginners: Temperature swings are common until you learn coal management.

The right size depends on how you like to cook and how many you usually feed. As a guide:

Small charcoal BBQs – Compact and portable, these are ideal for balconies, courtyards and intimate evenings. Expect to comfortably cook for 2–3 people at a time.

Medium charcoal BBQs – Classic kettles and family-sized grills with enough space for a relaxed meal. Perfect for everyday use and typically suited to 4–8 people.

Large charcoal BBQs – Generous cooking areas designed for bigger gatherings. With a little batch cooking, these can easily handle up to 15 people, making them a great choice for family events and summer celebrations.

Each style delivers that much-loved, authentic smoky flavour that turns a simple dinner into something special.

Choosing the right charcoal BBQ for your home
Think about your usual cooking style:

If you love quick midweek grills and easy clean-up, a medium-sized charcoal grill offers a great balance of capacity and convenience.

If you enjoy weekend entertaining, smoking larger cuts or cooking a variety of dishes at once, a large charcoal BBQ gives you the space and versatility you need.

All our charcoal BBQs are built with quality materials and thoughtful design, so you can focus on good food and great company.

If you let us know your garden size and typical guest numbers, we can help you choose the perfect charcoal BBQ and give a tailored estimate of how many people it will comfortably cater for.

While our outdoor living pieces are designed to be durable and weather-resistant, we don’t recommend leaving your BBQ outside uncovered all year round.

British weather can be unpredictable, and prolonged exposure to rain, frost and damp can affect the finish, metalwork and internal components over time. To keep your BBQ looking and performing at its best, we suggest:

Using a fitted, breathable BBQ cover when not in use, especially during the wetter months.

Storing your BBQ in a sheltered spot such as under a pergola, in a garage or shed during winter, if space allows.

Giving it a thorough clean and dry-down at the end of the season before covering or storing.

With a little care, your BBQ will stay in excellent condition, ready for many summers of outdoor cooking ahead.

Our BBQs are thoughtfully designed for style, durability and performance, but they do not come with a cover included.

To protect your investment and keep it looking its best through every season, we highly recommend adding a fitted BBQ cover at checkout. A good cover helps shield your grill from rain, dust and harsh weather, extending its life and minimising maintenance.

It’s the simplest way to ensure your BBQ is always ready for the next sunny day or surprise garden gathering.

Keeping your BBQ clean and well maintained is the best way to ensure great-tasting food and long-lasting performance. With a little regular care, your grill will stay in excellent condition, ready for many summers of outdoor cooking.

After every use
While the grates are still warm (but not scorching hot), give them a quick scrub with a sturdy grill brush or a crumpled ball of foil. This helps lift away food residue before it bakes on.

Once the coals have completely cooled, empty the ash from the base or ash catcher to promote good airflow and prevent build-up.

If your BBQ has a lid, wipe the exterior with a damp cloth to remove dust and grease.

A deeper clean, every few uses or at season start/end
Remove the cooking grates and soak them in warm, soapy water to loosen stubborn residue. For tougher build-up, try hot water with white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda, then scrub gently with a soft brush or non-abrasive pad.

Brush out the inside of the bowl and remove any remaining ash or debris. A mild dish soap with a soft scrubber works well on the interior walls.

Wipe down handles, side shelves and the outside with an antibacterial spray or mild detergent, then dry thoroughly.

Once clean and dry, lightly oil the grates with a little cooking oil on a paper towel to protect against rust and keep food from sticking.

Ongoing care tips
Store your BBQ under cover or use a fitted, breathable cover to protect it from rain and dust.

Check for rust spots occasionally; if you notice any, gently scrub the area with a stiff brush, rinse, dry and re-oil.

Before the first cook of the season, fire up the grill for 20–30 minutes to burn off any dust or residue, then brush the grates again.

With these simple steps, your BBQ will be ready for effortless entertaining whenever the weather invites you outside.

Our charcoal BBQs are designed for outdoor use on patios, terraces and lawns, but we do not recommend using them directly on a wooden deck.

Charcoal grills generate high radiant heat and can produce falling embers or hot ash, which may scorch or damage timber surfaces over time. To enjoy your BBQ safely on a deck, we suggest:

Placing the grill on a heat-resistant mat or paving slab beneath the BBQ to protect the wood from heat and spills.

Ensuring there is plenty of clear space around the grill so heat and smoke can disperse freely.

Keeping a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby as a precaution, and never leaving the BBQ unattended while in use.

With a little extra care, you can create a safe and stylish outdoor cooking area that works beautifully alongside your deck.

Our charcoal BBQs are designed to deliver authentic, smoky flavour with reliable performance, but they do require a little more time to heat up than gas alternatives.

As a guide, allow around 20–30 minutes for your charcoal to reach cooking temperature. This gives the coals time to ignite fully and settle into an even bed of glowing embers, which is ideal for consistent grilling.

For best results:

• Use quality charcoal and arrange it in a pyramid or chimney starter to help it catch quickly.
• Once the coals are covered in a light layer of ash, spread them evenly for direct heat, or push them to one side for indirect cooking.
• Preheat the grates for a few minutes before adding food to reduce sticking and improve sear marks.

With a little patience, your charcoal BBQ will be ready for delicious, flame-kissed results perfect for summer entertaining.

Our gas BBQs are designed for speed and convenience, making them perfect for spontaneous suppers and last-minute gatherings.

Most models will be ready to cook on in around 10–15 minutes. Simply turn on the gas, ignite the burners and close the lid to allow the grill to preheat. Once the grates are hot, you’re ready to start cooking.

For best results:

• Preheat with the lid down to help the grates reach an even temperature.
• Give the grates a quick brush before adding food to reduce sticking and improve sear marks.
• Use the side burners or warming racks (on selected models) to keep sides and sauces ready while you grill.

With minimal warm-up time, a gas BBQ makes it easy to enjoy delicious outdoor meals with very little fuss.