Summer 2025 is here and with it comes barbecue season.
If yours has seen better days, you might be looking for a BBQ upgrade, but with so many options sizzling on the market, how do you choose the right grill for your garden?
Weber Genesis EP-335W Gas Barbecue
High up on the wish list should be convenience, because if you’re getting together to watch one of this summer’s many sporting highlights – from Wimbledon to the FIFA Club World Cup – the last thing you want to be doing is watching the food when everyone else has their eyes on the big screen.
We’ve put a range of BBQs through their paces – from the convenience of gas and electric models to the unbeatable smoky flavour that comes with charcoal.
Whether you’re upgrading to a pro-grade barbecue or seeking a budget-friendly option, this guide will help you make an informed choice to transform your outdoor space into a dream outdoor kitchen.
How we tested
Our team conducted hands-on testing with a range of BBQs across various designs, sizes and price points.
All barbecues tested were either gas, charcoal or electric models, and we ensured the conditions we tested them in replicated real-life use.
We assessed each BBQ on criteria including delivery, assembly, build quality, cooking performance, features and functionality, and ease of cleaning.
Finally, we looked at the overall experience each barbie provided: how enjoyable it was to use, how practical it felt for regular use and whether it offered good value for money.
Best BBQs at a glance
Best BBQs of 2025
Masterbuilt Gravity Series 600 Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker
Masterbuilt Gravity Series 600 Digital
Charcoal Grill and Smoker, £786.99
- Pros: High build quality, impressive temperature regulation, gets up to heat quickly, cook is controllable from phone, achieves amazing smokey flavours
- Cons: Challenging assembly process, wide delivery window, not great for searing
- Rating: 4.5/5
This digital charcoal grill and smoker by Masterbuilt is an absolute dream: straightforward to use, quick to heat up and cooking results are consistently amazing.
Thanks to a digital interface, electric fan and gravity fed hopper, the entire cooking process is impressively hands-off.
It even has a dedicated app so you can control your cook remotely.
You simply load the hopper with your charcoal/wood mix, set a target temperature on the app or interface, light up, and you’re set; the fan automatically kicks in to quickly heat the barbecue to the desired temperature.
This BBQ uses indirect heat, so it’s not the best for searing, but it can be managed given its ability to handle super high temperatures in combination with included searing grills.
That said, this unit really shines when it’s used to smoke.
A BBQ brisket, tangy hot wings and spicy chorizo sausages were just a few of the dishes I smoked up on this barbecue throughout my weeks of testing, and each and every one was utterly delicious.
The one downside to this beast is that you will have to go through a pretty painstaking assembly process, but this is par for the course with big BBQs like this Masterbuilt.
What’s more, with 600 square inches of cooking space, you have ample room to cook a feast for either yourself or a party.
I am thrilled with my Masterbuilt Gravity Series 600 – if you’re looking to impress guests this summer, consider picking one up for yourself.
Reviewed by Maxim Hancock
Weber Genesis EP-335W Gas Barbecue
Weber Genesis EP-335W Gas Barbecue, £1,579
- Pros: Amazing build quality, lots of storage space, cooks quickly and efficiently, heats up fast, plenty of grilling room, internal temperature gauge
- Cons: Takes hours to build, parts come unlabeled
- Rating: 4.5/5
When it comes to quality BBQs, few companies are as well-known as Weber.
Having recently got my hands on one of their coveted Genesis EP-335W BBQs, it’s easy to see how this company lives up to its accolades.
Make no mistake about it – the construction of this particular barbecue was painstakingly long and difficult (four hours, to be precise).
But once it was built and my expletives were exhausted, I couldn’t help but marvel at my new creation.
Weighing in at 73kg, this beast has the grilling space to cater for a small army.
Gas-powered, this BBQ heats up to blistering temperatures within minutes, meaning you don’t have to wait around for it to be ready like its charcoal counterparts.
With the grill’s dedicated ‘Sear Zone’, I was able to cook burgers and sausages in a matter of minutes, all to a perfect standard (both in temperature and taste!).
To test its capabilities, I even cooked a whole piri-piri chicken using an indirect heat cooking method, leaving me delighted not only by the results but also by how well the Weber maintained its internal temperature.
Overall, I couldn’t be happier with my Weber grill, and it has undoubtedly lived up to expectations.
I just really wish I had paid someone to build it for me – read my in-depth Weber Genesis Gas BBQ review for an in-depth verdict.
Review by Jack Strong
Weber Lumin Electric Barbecue with Stand
Weber Lumin Electric Barbecue with Stand, £649
- Pros: Speedy and convenient to use, versatile, easy to assemble and transport
- Cons:
- Tricky to clean, limits location (need to be close to electric supply)
- Rating: 4/5
The Lumin Electric Barbecue impressed with its ability to cook a variety of food quickly with tasty results.
Although you’ll miss out on the BBQ-smokiness associated with charcoal cooking, the convenience and ease-of-use of this electric Weber offering is ideal for those with busy schedules.
What’s more, setting up this barbecue out of the box is a breeze, which makes it even more convenient for plug-and-play action.
Thanks it’s portable design, the Lumin Electric Barbecue would be ideal to take to friends’ or out camping, just bear in mind you will need access to an electric power supply.
My one complaint is that this BBQ is not the easiest to clean: the heating coil is fixed in place below the grill, so when fats and sauces drip down they’re hard to get off.
Overall, the Weber Lumin Electric Barbecue is one to pickup if you want to cook up an outdoor feast with no fuss or take your grilling on the road.
Review by Paul Prenderville
Blackstone 36in Griddle with Air Fryer
Blackstone 36in Griddle w/ Air Fryer
- Pros: Cooks food fast, has two air fryer draws, lots of grilling room, made from sturdy steel
- Cons: Needs two people to build, heavy, takes up a lot of space
- Rating: 4.5/5
Blackstone is famous for its flat-top griddles that promise restaurant-quality results right in your own garden.
When I got my hands on the Blackstone 36in griddle BBQ with air fryer, I couldn’t wait to fire it up and see if it was as good as everyone says.
Unboxing it was an adventure – picture me wrestling an 85kg box on my street like it was some sort of neighbourhood Olympics.
After what felt like a full-body workout, I finally had it assembled, and let me tell you, it looked like a beast – sturdy, sleek, and super powerful.
Seasoning the griddle was oddly satisfying, watching the surface darken as it heated up felt like a ritual, and I couldn’t wait to get started.
First up were burger and I was very impressed that the flat surface gave them the most gorgeous sear.
Juicy, medium-rare perfection in just 90 seconds per side.
When I moved on to sausages and chicken thighs, they cooked evenly without a hitch, and the aubergines? Golden, crispy, and delicious.
The real surprise was cooking onions directly on the griddle – no more cold, soggy onions from the kitchen.
Hot dogs with freshly caramelised onions were a game-changer and lapped up by the guests I was entertaining.
The air fryer had its moment too, tackling frozen chips, and while it wasn’t as fast as my Ninja Foodi, it still delivered.
Cleaning was a breeze, thanks to the grease system, leaving me more time to enjoy the food and the fun.
This griddle isn’t just a BBQ – it’s an experience, and I plan to use it a lot to fully test it’s capabilities.
To find out more, read my full Blackstone Griddle BBQ review.
Review by Zoe Nicol
Blackstone 22in Tabletop Griddle with Hood
Blackstone 22in Tabletop Griddle with Hood at BBQWorld, £299
- Pros: Versatile, easy assembly
- Cons: No gas regulator, grill must be seasoned
- Rating: 3/5
For anyone who’s spent time scrolling through TikTok or Instagram reels, chances are you’ve seen an American showcasing their culinary skills on a Blackstone grill.
This gas grill has amassed something of a cult following, with countless accounts dedicated to its versatility and performance.
So, when the opportunity arose to try the 22-inch Blackstone griddle, I jumped at the chance and thankfully the weather cooperated beautifully.
My first impressions were positive.
Everything arrived neatly packed in a sturdy, albeit heavy, box. Assembly was surprisingly straightforward: the top hood simply slid onto the grill, and once you’ve screwed in the four feet, you’re ready to go.
However, unlike some of the larger models in the Blackstone range, this one requires an outdoor table for setup similar to the way you’d set up a pizza oven.
That’s where the minor hiccups began.
For starters, UK models don’t come with a gas regulator.
They are pretty easy to pick up online or at most stores that sell gas barbecues, so that delayed things a little.
The regulator hose is a little hard to attach, but a top tip I found online was to soak it in hot water to make it more pliable.
Unlike conventional gas barbecues, the Blackstone isn’t a plug-and-play affair; there’s a bit of prep involved before you can start cooking.
The grill needs to be seasoned to prevent food from sticking – a process that involves washing the surface, heating it to maximum temperature, and applying thin layers of oil.
As the oil burns off, the grill takes on a blackened appearance, hence the name Blackstone.
Once you’ve navigated these initial steps, however, the grill is nothing short of phenomenal.
The large cooking surface, complete with two separate heat zones, allows you to cook just about anything.
I tested it with steaks and grilled vegetables, both of which turned out perfectly.
You can get smash burgers exactly like Five Guys and I even cooked up a batch of American pancakes to really test it out.
Overall, there’s a few little processes you have to go through before being able to use it but once you get there you’ll be breaking out the Blackstone to impress your friends at every opportunity.
Review by Joshua Fordham
Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect XL Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker
Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect XL Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker, £318.99
- Pros: Versatile, instant cooking, mess-free
- Cons: Need for electricity makes things tricky outside in wet conditions
- Rating: 4/5
When you’re asked to review something made by Shark/Ninja, you’d probably assume it’s a vacuum cleaner (got one of those) or a blending, juicing machine (got one of those too).
But a BBQ Grill and Smoker? Interesting…
Well, more fool me, because Shark/Ninja have created the ultimate all-in-one solution for all your outdoor cooking needs.
Want to grill burgers? Done. Sizzle sausages? Sorted. Fancy crispy chips, wedges, or chicken wings? This device does it all.
The grill plate and air fryer combo is a game-changer, providing more than just charred meat. And better yet, it’s instant cooking—no need to season a grill, mess with gas canisters, or wait for coals to heat. Just plug it into a UK 13 amp socket, and you’re ready to go.
Cleaning is easy too, thanks to its drip tray and disposable foil liners, making the process mess-free.
For BBQ enthusiasts, there’s an integrated thermometer probe tucked neatly in the front tray. Use it to grill steaks or slow cook briskets to perfection.
Then there’s the ‘Woodfire’ feature. Add wood pellets (two packs included), set it to ‘smoke,’ and enjoy a sweet smoky flavour, ideal for fish, veggies, or Sunday grilling sessions.
More adventurous chefs can use the ‘bake’ setting for crispy mac and cheese or a delicious fruit crumble.
It’s quite a large unit, so storage and manoeuvring can be tricky without the optional base with wheels. An outdoor cover is also sold separately.
The plug is bulky and may require an extension lead, which needs weather protection during rain—though the unit itself is weather-proof.
Despite these minor issues, the Woodfire Pro is a fantastic alternative to traditional gas or coal BBQs, especially for families seeking convenience and efficiency.
Review by Joe Moore
Napoleon Professional 22-inch Charcoal Kettle BBQ
Napoleon Professional 22-inch
Charcoal Kettle BBQ, £245.95 (Amazon)
- Pros: Lid with temperature gauge helps get BBQ to correct heat, high quality cast iron grill, wheels around easily
- Cons: Grill a bit difficult to clean, bottom vent a little stiff to operate
- Rating: 4/5
As someone who until recently lived in a flat without the outdoor space for a barbecue, I was really looking forward to getting my hands on this Napoleon model and taking it for a test grill.
Some assembly is required. The BBQ arrived in quite a heavy box and I was slightly concerned about the amount of work I was letting myself in for, but in fact it only took about an hour to put together and I would say if you’ve assembled IKEA furniture before you won’t have any problems.
The step up in quality compared to barbecues I’ve owned previously was clear, and in particular the cast iron grill looks really impressive and features side sections that can be lifted up to add more charcoal where needed.
Having got the charcoals going it’s recommended to shut the lid to speed up the process of getting the BBQ hot, keeping the vent on top open for airflow.
A handy temperature gauge shows when the BBQ has reached “searing heat”, perfect for grilling meats.
I cooked some lamb chops, chicken thighs and pork ribs and the grill gave them a nice char, cooking them through in no time.
I found that with fatty cuts of meat such as lamb chops these did spit a bit and cause a lot of smoke, however I could have avoided this by raising the grill higher up as there are three levels of distance from the coals.
The lowest level will give an intense sear to meats (as I found out) and the top level can be used more for slower cooking with the lid down, such as if you wanted to cook a whole chicken.
Having enjoyed our meal, one downside I found was that the grill was a bit tricky to clean, and the maintenance of seasoning the cast iron is an extra bit of effort compared to some other models.
Having said that it is worth putting the effort in to maintain a quality bit of kit, and once you’re done it easily wheels away for storage.
Review by Jamie Lewis
FAQs
Where can you buy gas for a BBQ?
You can buy gas for your BBQ from a variety of locations in the UK.
Major DIY retailers like B&Q, Wickes, and Homebase stock propane and butane gas bottles.
Ensure you check the regulator fitting on your BBQ to purchase the correct type of gas.
How do you light a charcoal BBQ?
The most popular and efficient is using a charcoal chimney starter.
Simply fill the chimney with charcoal briquettes or lumpwood charcoal, place firelighters (such as natural firelighters or paraffin wax cubes) underneath, and light them.
Once the top coals are covered in grey ash (usually after 15-20 minutes), carefully pour the lit charcoal into the base of your BBQ.
Alternatively, you can create a pyramid of charcoal, insert firelighters into the base, and light them.
How do you clean a BBQ grill?
Cleaning your BBQ grill regularly is essential for maintaining performance and hygiene.
After each use, while the grill is still warm, use a wire brush to scrub away any food residue.
For a more thorough clean, allow the grill to cool completely, then remove the grates and soak them in warm, soapy water.
Use a grill brush or scraper to remove stubborn debris.
Rinse thoroughly and dry before replacing the grates.
To prevent rust, lightly oil the grill after cleaning.
Regularly empty the ash catcher (for charcoal BBQs) and wipe down the exterior of the BBQ with a damp cloth.
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