The Best BBQ Brands For A Sizzling Summer

When it comes to hosting the perfect garden gathering or creating mouth-watering meals for family and friends, a top-notch BBQ grill can make all the difference. Searches for barbecues have more than doubled over the last 3 months as people plan their outdoor events. Whether you’re a seasoned grilling expert or someone who enjoys it as a hobby, there are plenty of options to try that will work in your outdoor space. 

Wondering which barbeque brand is best? Here’s everything you need to know about the UK’s best BBQ brands to choose from.

 

Why choosing the right BBQ brand matters

Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 RSIB Gas Barbecue - £3,045

Choosing a high-quality BBQ can seriously improve your grilling experience. Whether it’s the time it takes to heat up, the materials it’s made from or the way it fits into your outdoor kitchen space, choosing the best BBQ brands makes a huge difference. A premium BBQ brand usually means a product built to last. It will be made with high-quality materials, like stainless or cast iron, to resist rust and wear. This means your grill stays in great condition for much longer than a standard one. Investing in a durable BBQ can even save you money in the long run, as you won't need to replace it frequently. Plus, sturdy construction means a safer grill, reducing the risk of accidents caused by faulty parts.

The best BBQ brands offer even heat distribution, precise temperature control and the ability to sear, smoke and slow cook to perfection. These features allow you to cook a wide variety of foods with consistent results every time. No undercooked or burnt food, as long as you’re keeping your eye on your grill. Top BBQ brands design their grills with intuitive controls, easy ignition systems and convenient cleaning features to save you time and effort. This means you can focus on cooking, entertaining and enjoying the experience. Features like side burners, warming racks, and storage space can add to the experience too.

Choosing a BBQ from a reputable brand means choosing quality, reliability and superior performance. It’s a decision that can seriously improve your outdoor cooking and event hosting.

 

3 best UK BBQ brands of 2024

Kamado Double Ear Cast Iron Plate - £89

Not all BBQ brands are created equally. There are a few top-tier brands that consistently deliver exceptional performance, great quality and innovative features that make barbecuing an absolute breeze.

As we look at the top BBQ brands of 2024, three names emerge as leaders: Napoleon, Kamado and Buschbeck. Available at Harbour Lifestyle, these brands are known for their quality and excellence in grilling. Need some ideas to upgrade your barbecue space? Everything you need to know to get the right barbecue is right here.

 

Napoleon BBQs

 

Napoleon Rogue SE 625 RSIB Gas Barbecue - £1,919

Napoleon BBQs are known for their premium gas BBQs. Founded in 1976, this Canadian brand has earned a stellar reputation as a grilling powerhouse for its commitment to quality and performance. They come with plenty of cooking accessories to complement your barbecue space too. If you’re short on space, the Napoleon NK22 Charcoal Kettle Grill is a great option to work with. If you have plenty of room and want to go all out on your barbecue area, the Napoleon Charcoal Professional Barbecue is a must-have.

Napoleon grills are equipped with advanced technology like the patented Jetfire ignition system, precise temperature control and plenty of versatile cooking options. Their BBQs cater to all skill levels, making it easy to get to grips with grilling, whatever your experience.

 

Kamado BBQs

Kamado BBQ 18" Ceramic Grill in Black - £699

Kamado BBQs are inspired by ancient Japanese cooking techniques and are celebrated for their ability to maintain consistent temperatures for long periods. They excel in both high-heat searing and low-and-slow smoking, making them a favourite among BBQ fans. 

Rated 5 stars on Trustpilot, customers praise Kamado for their quality products, great service and warranty. The Kamado Grill comes in 18 inch or 22 inch versions, so whatever size your garden you’ll find the right fit. Their thick ceramic walls provide excellent heat retention and fuel efficiency, ensuring deliciously cooked food with minimal effort. The Kamado brand is known for its quality, meaning its grills last a long time and handle all types of cooking perfectly.

 

Buschbeck BBQs

Buschbeck Carmen Masonry Barbecue With Side Table - £619.99

Buschbeck BBQs are renowned for their stylish and functional outdoor fireplaces and grills. Combining beautiful design with fantastic function, these grills are made from high-quality materials that last and look great in any outdoor space. Reviews on TrustPilot say that Buschbeck barbecues are built to last and look great, as well as being good for a variety of different cooking. The Buschbeck Wellington Masonry Barbecue is a great all-rounder for any garden.

A Buschbeck BBQ doubles as an outdoor fireplace, making it a multifunctional feature you can use even if you’re not planning on cooking. It’s perfect for any garden get-together. If you do want to cook, you can grill, bake and smoke with a Buschbeck. It’s a top choice for aesthetics and function.

 

Other notable BBQ brands

While Napoleon, Kamado and Buschbeck lead the pack, there are some other notable BBQ brands that deserve a mention. Companies like Weber, Traeger and Broil King also offer high-quality grills with plenty of features and reliable performance. These brands are all popular choices among grilling enthusiasts.

Weber is one of the most recognisable names in the BBQ world, known for its classic charcoal grills and versatile gas models. They’re celebrated for their durable construction, even heat distribution and ease of use. The Spirit and Genesis series are particularly popular.

Traeger pioneered the wood pellet grill, combining the convenience of electric ignition with the rich flavour of wood smoke. Traeger grills are highly praised for their ability to smoke, grill, bake, roast, braise and BBQ. The digital temperature control is a standout feature too.

Broil King offers a range of gas grills known for their high-quality materials and impressive cooking power. Features like dual-tube burners and Flav-R-Wave heat distribution technology set Broil King apart from other types of grills, but they’re not as well known as some other types of BBQ.

 

Best BBQ brands by type

 

Cooking Grid Expander for 21" & 22" Kamado Grills - £29

Finding the perfect BBQ grill depends on how you prefer to cook and the type of BBQ you like to use. Let’s take a look at the best BBQ brands by type, so you can find your new favourite.

 

Electric BBQs

 

Source - Pinterest

Electric BBQs are convenient and easy to use. You don’t need a separate gas or charcoal supply and they heat up quickly. You can control the temperature more consistently too, which can make cooking more straightforward. They also produce less smoke and are often more environmentally friendly than other types of grill

Napoleon is one of the best BBQ brands when it comes to high-quality electric grills and advanced technology. They offer convenience without sacrificing performance. With their electric ignition and temperature control, they make grilling simple and efficient. They’re great in small gardens or where you’re close to your house or neighbouring homes.

 

Charcoal BBQs

Napoleon NK22 Charcoal Kettle Grill - £245

Charcoal BBQs are popular because they’re seen as more traditional and add a unique, smoky flavour to food that many people prefer and associate with BBQ food. The high heat and open flame of a charcoal BBQ mean better searing and caramelisation. Many people believe the higher heat of a charcoal BBQ enhances their cooking.

Kamado grills are seen as the epitome of charcoal grilling. They offer superior heat retention and the ability to cook lots of different foods in many ways. They have thick ceramic walls for consistent temperatures, so whether you’re searing at high heat or cooking low and slow, you’ll get great results. Kamado grills also use less charcoal due to their excellent insulation.

 

Gas BBQs

Napoleon Prestige Pro 825 RSIB Gas Barbecue - £6,319

Gas BBQs are popular as you can control temperature easily and they ignite quickly. This makes them easy to use for all sorts of cooking styles. They heat up fast and provide consistent heat distribution, making them good for even cooking. They’re also cleaner than charcoal BBQs, with less smoke and mess.

What are the best BBQ brands for different budgets?

Napoleon Phantom TravelQ Pro 285X Portable Gas Barbecue - £639.99

Choosing the best BBQ brands depends on your cooking preference and your budget. Here are top recommendations for BBQ brands across different budget ranges, ensuring you find the right grill that balances your needs without breaking the bank.

 

Affordable BBQ options

Kamado BBQ 22" Ceramic Grill in Black - £849

 

The Napoleon TravelQ Pro 285 Portable Gas Barbecue is an affordable, portable barbecue. And it doesn’t mean compromising either - you can grill up to 20 burgers at once on this compact grill.

If you can spen a little more, then the Buschbeck Venedig Grill Bar Masonry Barbecue is less than £500. It looks fantastic in any type of garden, and doubles up as a patio heater as well has having four adjustable cooking heights and a heavy duty grill with plenty of space.

Mid-range BBQ options

Buschbeck San Remo Masonry Barbecue - £729.99

Weber is a trusted name when it comes to BBQs. They offer a wide range of mid-range gas, charcoal and electric grills that balance price with performance. They have great durability, innovative features like their GS4 Grilling System and offer consistent cooking.

Broil King is celebrated for grills that are equipped with features like Dual-Tube burners for even heat distribution and the Flav-R-Wave cooking system. These enhance flavour and protect burners from drippings, balancing affordability with great quality.

 

High-end BBQ options

Napoleon 700 Series 32" Built-in Gas Grill - £2,339

Napoleon offers fantastic grills that are known for their excellent construction and advanced grilling tech. With unique wavy-shaped cooking grids and their Jetfire ignition system, they’re popular for those looking for quality and innovation with a budget to match.

Another high-end BBQ brand is Kamado. Thanks to their superior construction, great cooking capabilities and advanced features, they’re known for their versatility. Made from ceramic and metal, they provide excellent heat retention, durability and precise temperature control.

 

What are the best BBQ brands for different lifestyles?

Buschbeck Bologna Masonry Barbecue - £725

 

Choosing the right BBQ grill also depends on your lifestyle and the size of your garden. Whether you’re grilling for a family, hosting large gatherings or cooking in a small space, there’s a BBQ that’s best suited to your needs. Here are the best BBQ brands for different lifestyles.

 

• Best BBQ brand for families: Weber is great for families as they’re reliable, easy to use and come in a variety of different sizes. They distribute heat evenly and they’re built to last, with gas and charcoal options available.
• Best BBQ brand for entertaining: Napoleon grills are perfect for entertaining large groups, as they have a large cooking capacity. They also have advanced features like rotisserie kits, multiple burners and side burners; all great if you’re cooking for a crowd.

• Best BBQ brand for small spaces: Kamado grills are compact yet powerful and high quality. This makes them ideal for small gardens or patios as they still retain heat and use fuel efficiently.
• Best BBQ brand for on-the-go grilling: Broil King has portable grills that are perfect for camping and picnics. They’re lightweight and easy to transport, while still being powerful and durable to cook and travel well.
• Best BBQ brand for urban living: Char-Broil's compact and stylish grills are perfect for those in the city with limited outdoor space. They’re small, neat and budget-friendly without sacrificing quality. Plus, they’re simple to set up.

 

Which barbecue brand is best?

 

Choosing the best BBQ brand ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. You know how often you barbecue and what you prefer when you’re getting your grill on.

If you want a high-end, feature-rich grill, Napoleon stands out for its innovation and performance. For those who prefer the traditional flavour and experience of charcoal grilling, go for Kamado. Buschbeck is the go-to for those looking to combine their BBQ space with an outdoor fireplace feature.

The experts at  Harbour Lifestyle have some tips for choosing the best BBQ brand for you: 

‘Selecting the best BBQ for your garden depends on how you plan to use it and the space you have available. Consider the types of meals you enjoy preparing, the number of people you typically cook for and how much room you have in your outdoor area.’

Ready to boost your outdoor cooking experience? Explore Harbour Lifestyle’s extensive range of top-quality BBQs, featuring top brands like Napoleon, Kamado and Buschbeck. 

 

FAQs

Which BBQ is easiest to clean?

Cleaning your BBQ grill can vary depending on the model and type of BBQ you have. Generally, electric and gas BBQs tend to be easier to clean compared to charcoal grills, which require more cleaning. Look for features like removable grease trays and non-stick grates.

 

Is Weber better than Napoleon?

Choosing between Weber and Napoleon depends on your specific preferences and needs as both brands are popular. They’re both known for their innovative technology, durability and reliability. Weber can be more expensive than Napoleon, however, so budget is something to think about.

 

Sources & method

• 111% increase in searches for “barbecue” in the last quarter - Google Trends (with Glimpse plugin)