So what’s the best type
of grill to choose?

So, what’s the best type of grill?

There are many, many different types and styles of BBQ grills, as well as prices and of course it all depends on what you want to and how proficient a BBQ’er you, so what’s the easiest way to choose;

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the 29th National BBQ Week & the website; Thanks!

Disposable BBQ’s

We were never a big fan of disposable BBQ’s, especially after continuing moorland and countryside fires and many horrific burn accidents to people and animals and luckily, as a result of the National BBQ Week campaign to Ditch the Disposable, they’ve largely disappeared from all responsible retailers! The simplest form of BBQ, an aluminium tray filed with charcoal and covered with wire mesh. They are both flimsy, dangerous. and difficult to cook food properly on, they’re also absolutely not environmentally friendly

Our view

0/10, "Ditch the Disposable!"

Portable BBQ’s

Much more environmentally friendly. Mainly bucket or round style charcoal grills, costing as little as £10, they may have a limited life, but are much better than disposables and can be safely cooked on and moved.

Our view

7/10, "A good choice for BBQ'ing away from home!"

Charcoal or Gas Tray Grills

The most basic form of BBQ, these grills consist of a ‘tin tray on legs’ with a separate, detachable hood or not, no cooking height variation and powered either by a single gas burner or charcoal.

Our view

6/10, “A good entry choice!"

Larger Tray or Kettle Grills

The majority of charcoal and gas grills fall into this category. Most will have adjustable grill heights with gas grills being 2 or 3 burners and some will have a ‘hinged’ hood. We say go for the hooded versions.

Our view

7/10, “If you're moving up in the Barbi world, a good choice!"

Barrel BBQs

Originally based on a ‘halved’ oil drum, these Barrel BBQs are only available in charcoal format and are great for large scale grilling, or if you want to remain true to ethos of pure BBQ, although they equally need more management.

Our view

9/10, “A perfect choice if you know what you’re doing, BBQ-wise”

Multi-burner Gas Grills

Great for grill management, offering maximum control and many will come with a separate griddle and gas hob, all will have hinged lids or hoods. The minimum number of burners is 3, the maximum 6-8!

Our view

9/10, “A great, but expensive choice allowing maximum flexibility & control!"

Drum or Egg Grills

Although slightly odd-looking, these drums or egg-shaped BBQs are now becoming more popular and come in either charcoal or gas variants and can be used as a grill, BBQ or smoker.

Our view

7/10, “Reasonably forgiving, allows more flexibility, so if you want to be different A great, but expensive choice allowing lots of flexibility & control!"

Dual-fuel Grills

Still relatively rare, a new type of BBQ is the dual-fuel grill which combines the best of both gas and charcoal in one grill. Our view is good, but arguably, not really necessary, and expensive;

Our view

5/10, “Reasonably expensive and ensure you get a grill with equal cooking space but does allow increased & control!"

Smokers

A relatively new phenomenon, part of the Lo&Slo trend and becoming very popular, ‘smokers’ are now available in many outlets and on-line. Using a separate indirect heat source, these allow a slower and different style of BBQ. We say;

Our view

8/10, “A great, although time-consuming way to enjoy real BBQ!"

Griddle or Plancha

A new option, originating from Spain and the USA. Basically, consisting of a thick metal sheet, ideally cast-iron, which supposedly allows a wider range of foods to be cooked. Latest versions are gas driven. Our view;

Our view

5/10, “Although a greater variety of food can, theoretically, be cooked on a griddle, most multi-burner grills, include a griddle plate anyway! Griddles also do not really deliver the classic BBQ taste, experience or BBQ appearance!"

So what’s the best type of grill to choose?