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

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;

Disposable BBQ’s

We’ve never been a big fan of disposable BBQ’s, especially after widescale moorland fires last year. Essentially the simplest form of BBQ, the disposable, is an aluminium tray filed with charcoal and covered with wire mesh. Although seemingly a good idea, they can be both flimsy and dangerous. It’s difficult to cook food properly, they are absolutely not environmentally friendly and take hundreds of years to decompose and they can be a potential fire hazard unless disposed of safely.

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!"

Plancha Grills

A new grill option, originating from Spain. Basically, consist of a thick metal sheet, ideally cast-iron, which allows even cooking, including delicate foods. Latest versions are gas driven. Our view;

Our view

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

Disposable BBQ’s

0/10, "Ditch the Disposable!"

Portable BBQ’s

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

Charcoal or Gas Tray Grills

6/10, “A good entry choice!"

Larger Tray or Kettle Grills

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

Barrel BBQs

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

Multi-burner Gas Grills

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

Drum or Egg Grills

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

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

Smokers

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

Plancha Grills

7/10, “Possibly more of a novelty, but does work well, especially if you like Tapas!"