Garden BBQ's

Enjoy Outdoor Cooking at Home

A garden BBQ gives you a simple way to cook and eat outside when the weather is on your side. It can make everyday meals feel more relaxed and turn weekends, birthdays, bank holidays and summer evenings into more memorable occasions.

For small households, a compact BBQ may be enough for burgers, sausages, chicken, vegetables and quick grilled meals. For larger families or regular entertaining, a bigger cooking area can make it easier to prepare several portions at once.

In the UK, a good BBQ setup should be practical as well as enjoyable. Think about storage, cleaning, weather protection and safe positioning before you buy.

How to Choose a Garden BBQ

Start by thinking about how many people you usually cook for. A small BBQ may suit couples, compact gardens and occasional use, while a larger BBQ is better for families, guests and longer cooking sessions.

Key decision factors include cooking area, fuel type, size, weight, storage space, temperature control, ease of cleaning, setup time, build quality, mobility, safety features and where the BBQ will be placed in your garden.

You should also consider how much attention you want to give the cooking process. Some BBQs are quick and simple to use, while others suit people who enjoy managing heat, smoke and cooking zones more carefully.

Charcoal BBQs vs Gas BBQs

Charcoal BBQs are popular with people who enjoy the traditional barbecue experience. They offer a hands-on cooking style and can create that familiar smoky outdoor flavour, depending on the fuel and cooking method.

Gas BBQs are usually quicker to light and easier to control. They can be useful for regular outdoor meals, family cooking and people who want more predictable heat without waiting for charcoal to become ready.

The trade-off is flavour and atmosphere versus convenience. Charcoal gives a more classic BBQ feel, while gas can make outdoor cooking quicker and easier to manage.

Portable BBQs vs Larger Garden BBQs

Portable BBQs are ideal for smaller gardens, patios, balconies where permitted, camping trips and occasional use. They are easier to store and move, but they usually have a smaller cooking area.

Larger garden BBQs provide more space for cooking several items at once. They are better for families, parties and people who host often, but they need more garden space and can take longer to clean.

The right choice depends on how you use your garden. If you only cook for two or three people, compact may be enough. If you often host guests, extra cooking space can make the whole process smoother.

BBQs for Small Gardens and Patios

A small garden does not mean you cannot enjoy a BBQ. Compact grills, tabletop BBQs and slimline designs can work well where space is limited, provided they are used safely and on a suitable surface.

For patios and decking areas, stability and heat safety are especially important. Keep the BBQ away from fences, sheds, furniture, plants, children, pets and anything flammable.

Choose a BBQ that fits the space without blocking doors, walkways or seating areas. You still need room to cook safely, move around and serve food comfortably.

BBQs for Family Gatherings and Parties

If you regularly host family and friends, choose a BBQ with enough cooking area for several portions at once. This helps avoid cooking in endless small batches while everyone waits.

Side shelves, warming racks, storage space, wheels, lids and temperature gauges can all be useful for larger gatherings, depending on the model. A lid can also give you more cooking flexibility than open grilling alone.

Think about the full setup, not just the BBQ itself. You may also need tables, serving trays, lighting, seating, shade, food storage and cleaning supplies to make outdoor entertaining easier.

Useful BBQ Features to Look For

A good garden BBQ should be stable, practical and suited to the way you cook. Useful features may include a lid, adjustable vents, warming rack, side shelves, ash tray, grease tray, thermometer, wheels, storage hooks and easy-clean cooking grates.

If you plan to move the BBQ around, check the wheels and handles. If it will stay outside, check whether a suitable cover is available and follow the product guidance for weather care.

Before buying, compare dimensions, cooking surface, fuel type, assembly requirements, cleaning access and storage needs. A BBQ should fit your garden routine, not become awkward to use or maintain.

BBQ Fuel and Cooking Style

Different BBQs use different fuel types, and this affects how they cook. Charcoal BBQs need lighting time and heat management, but they offer a traditional outdoor cooking experience.

Gas BBQs need compatible gas bottles and safe connection, but they can be quicker to start and easier to control. Electric BBQs may suit some spaces where gas or charcoal is not practical, provided suitable outdoor power is available and the product is used correctly.

Always check which fuel your BBQ is designed to use. Using the wrong fuel or accessories can damage the BBQ and create safety risks.

Using Garden BBQs Safely

Garden BBQs should only be used outdoors in a well-ventilated area. Never use a BBQ inside a house, shed, garage, tent, awning, enclosed gazebo or any enclosed space. BBQs can create fire risks and dangerous carbon monoxide.

Place your BBQ on a stable, heat-safe surface away from fences, sheds, trees, dry grass, garden furniture, children, pets and anything flammable. Keep the cooking area clear and never leave a lit BBQ unattended.

Allow the BBQ to cool fully before moving, cleaning, covering or storing it. Dispose of ash, charcoal, grease and fuel waste safely according to the product guidance.

Cleaning and Looking After Your BBQ

Cleaning your BBQ after use helps keep it more pleasant and easier to cook on next time. Let it cool fully, then remove ash, food residue and grease according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Cooking grates, drip trays, ash pans and burners may all need different care depending on the BBQ type. Regular checks can also help you spot damage, rust, blocked parts or worn components before the next cook.

If your BBQ is stored outside, use a suitable cover where recommended and keep it protected from heavy rain, dirt and winter weather as far as practical.

Garden BBQ Accessories to Consider

The right accessories can make outdoor cooking much easier. Tongs, spatulas, grill brushes, heat-resistant gloves, skewers, meat thermometers, serving trays, covers, cleaning tools and food storage containers can all be useful.

For entertaining, consider outdoor tableware, cool boxes, drinks tubs, lighting and extra seating. For charcoal BBQs, you may also want suitable fire lighting products and safe fuel storage.

Accessories should make cooking safer and more organised, not clutter the space. Choose items you will actually use and store them together so they are easy to find.

Shop Garden BBQs Online

Browse our garden BBQs range to find practical outdoor cooking options for patios, gardens, family gatherings, BBQ parties and summer entertaining. Compare charcoal BBQs, gas BBQs, portable BBQs, larger grills and useful accessories to choose a BBQ that suits your space and cooking style.

Garden BBQs FAQs

What type of garden BBQ should I buy?

Choose based on your garden size, group size and cooking style. Charcoal BBQs suit a traditional barbecue feel, gas BBQs are usually quicker to control, and compact BBQs are useful for smaller spaces.

Are charcoal BBQs better than gas BBQs?

Charcoal BBQs offer a more traditional cooking experience, while gas BBQs are usually quicker and easier to control. The better choice depends on whether you prefer flavour and atmosphere or convenience.

What size BBQ do I need for a family?

For family use, choose a BBQ with enough cooking space for several portions at once. A larger cooking area is useful if you regularly cook for children, guests or mixed meals.

Can I use a BBQ on a patio?

You can use many BBQs on a patio if the surface is stable, heat-safe and well ventilated. Keep the BBQ away from fences, furniture, plants, doors, windows and anything flammable.

Can I use a BBQ on decking?

Only use a BBQ on decking if the product guidance and setup allow safe use. Heat, sparks and grease can create risks, so use a stable, suitable surface and keep the BBQ away from flammable materials.

Can I use a BBQ under a gazebo?

You should not use a BBQ under a gazebo unless the product guidance and shelter setup specifically allow safe use. Heat, smoke and carbon monoxide risks can be serious in covered or enclosed spaces.

What BBQ is best for small gardens?

For small gardens, choose a compact BBQ that is stable, easy to store and suitable for the number of people you cook for. Make sure there is enough safe space around it when in use.

How do I clean a garden BBQ?

Let the BBQ cool fully, then remove ash, grease and food residue according to the product instructions. Clean grates, trays and cooking surfaces as recommended before storing or covering.

Do I need a BBQ cover?

A BBQ cover is useful if your BBQ stays outside between uses. It can help protect against rain, dirt, leaves and general weather exposure where the product guidance recommends covering.

What accessories do I need for a BBQ?

Useful BBQ accessories include tongs, spatulas, heat-resistant gloves, grill brushes, skewers, food thermometers, serving trays, cleaning tools and a suitable cover.

How do I store a BBQ in winter?

Clean the BBQ fully, let it dry, cover it where suitable and store it in a sheltered, dry place if possible. Follow the product guidance for gas bottles, charcoal, burners and outdoor storage.

How do I BBQ safely in the garden?

Use the BBQ outdoors only, place it on a stable surface, keep it away from flammable items, supervise it while lit and let it cool fully before moving or cleaning. Keep children and pets away from the cooking area.

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