The Ultimate BBQ Buying Companion: Picking the Perfect Grill for Your Garden Gatherings

Summer’s sunshine invites us outdoors, and nothing says British summertime quite like the mouthwatering smell of food cooking over an open flame. Whether it’s burgers sizzling on the grill or skewers of vegetables caramelising to perfection, a barbecue brings people together. But with such a vast array of grills available, finding the right one can feel like a bit of a minefield. You’ll see charcoal lovers fiercely defending their smoky flavour, while gas BBQ advocates praise the speed and convenience. Then there are electric options, hybrids, and even outdoor kitchens—all competing for your patio space.

The key to getting it right is not just choosing a BBQ that cooks well, but one that suits you. Are you feeding a crowd or just your household? Do you have a big garden or a modest terrace? And what sort of cooking are you planning to do—simple burgers or slow-smoked brisket? There are barbecues for every kind of grill-master, but navigating the options takes a little guidance. Fortunately, you don’t need to go it alone.

Here’s a full guide to help you choose the perfect barbeque—whatever your needs or ambitions.

Getting to Grips with BBQ Fuel Types

Choosing the right fuel source is a solid place to start. Charcoal barbecues remain a top pick for flavour enthusiasts who love the aroma and taste of smoke-infused food. These models typically take longer to heat up and require a bit of patience and practice, but they reward you with that rustic, authentic flavour many consider unbeatable.

If you’re more interested in quick, reliable results, gas barbecues are incredibly popular. They ignite at the touch of a button, heat up fast and allow you to control the temperature with precision—ideal for grilling multiple items at once or cooking more delicate foods like fish.

Electric barbecues, while less traditional, are great for urban settings or smaller outdoor spaces where fire regulations might prevent the use of open flames. They’re also low maintenance and perfect for everyday use. Then there are combination grills that offer gas and charcoal functionality, letting you switch between speed and smokiness depending on your mood.

Think About Space and Cooking Capacity

One of the easiest ways to narrow down your options is by looking at your available space. There’s no point in buying a sprawling 6-burner outdoor kitchen if you’ve only got a tiny patio. Compact kettle grills or folding electric BBQs are brilliant for small balconies or terraces, while larger built-in gas units are perfect for entertaining in a spacious garden.

Also, consider how many people you’re regularly cooking for. If it’s just the family on a weekend, a two-burner or mid-sized charcoal BBQ may suffice. But if you’re the go-to host for summer parties, you’ll appreciate the extra room that a larger model provides.

Materials That Stand the Test of Time

Your barbecue lives outdoors—so durability is crucial. Stainless steel grills are an excellent choice, resisting rust and standing up well to British weather. Porcelain-coated cooking grates are another win, offering non-stick cooking and easy cleaning.

Pay attention to the thickness of the materials and the quality of the fittings. Lids should be solid and snug, legs should feel secure, and burners or trays should be well-constructed. A BBQ that feels flimsy in-store likely won’t last you many seasons. Well-built doesn’t always mean expensive, but it does mean value for money.

Must-Have Features for Better Cooking

Not all BBQs are created equal when it comes to features. Think about how you like to cook. Do you need a side burner for sauces or extras? Would a built-in thermometer help you perfect your steaks? How about a rotisserie for slow-cooked chicken?

Warming racks, multiple burners, storage shelves and integrated ignition systems can all add to your grilling experience. Look for a model that includes (or supports the addition of) these features if you want to get creative in your outdoor kitchen.

Keeping it Clean and Simple

Nobody wants to spend ages scrubbing after every cookout. Luckily, many modern grills are designed with maintenance in mind. Models with pull-out drip trays, grease channels, and easy-to-remove grates make life easier after the guests have gone.

Covers are also a must to keep your barbecue clean and protected from rain, birds and falling leaves. Investing in the right cleaning tools—like brushes and degreasers—can help prolong your grill’s life and keep it looking showroom-fresh.

Small Tools, Big Difference: BBQ Accessories

Accessories might seem like an afterthought, but they can make all the difference. A solid pair of tongs, a heatproof glove, a quality spatula, and a meat thermometer should be in every griller’s toolkit. More advanced cooks may enjoy smoker boxes, cast-iron skillets, and BBQ mats.

Dobbies offers a full range of BBQ accessories to pair with your grill, so whether you’re flipping burgers or experimenting with new recipes, you’ll find exactly what you need to elevate your cooking setup.

Green Grilling: Sustainable Choices

If you’re conscious about your environmental footprint, there are a few considerations to bear in mind. Lumpwood charcoal burns more cleanly than briquettes and is often sustainably sourced. Some newer BBQs have eco features that improve fuel efficiency and reduce waste.

Gas and electric models tend to be cleaner in terms of emissions, especially if your home is powered by green energy. Think about how your fuel choice aligns with your values and look for brands that offer responsible manufacturing and sourcing practices.

Finding the Best BBQ Without Blowing the Budget

Barbecues range wildly in price. While budget grills might be tempting, they often come with compromises—cheaper materials, limited cooking space, or fewer features. Investing in a mid-range or premium model might cost more upfront but can save you frustration and expense down the line.

Look for brands with good reputations, warranties, and customer support. The Dobbies BBQ department regularly features trusted names at competitive prices, so it’s worth checking what’s in stock both online and in-store.

Flexibility and Portability for On-the-Go Grilling

Love to take your BBQ with you on trips or to a friend’s garden? Portability is a game-changer. Look for compact, lightweight grills that fold up or pack away easily. Many small charcoal grills and electric barbecues are ideal for camping or picnics.

Wheeled models are also handy for wheeling in and out of a garage or storage area. Just make sure they’re stable and lockable when in use to keep things safe.

Add a Touch of Style to Your Patio

Today’s BBQs aren’t just about function—they’re design features too. Whether you want a sleek stainless steel look, a bold colour pop, or a rustic finish, there’s a grill that’ll match your garden vibe.

Some barbecues even come with matching furniture or outdoor kitchen components. If aesthetics matter to you, don’t settle for something that looks out of place—there’s no reason your BBQ can’t be both practical and good-looking.

Where to Buy with Confidence

Finally, where you buy your barbecue matters. Garden centres like Dobbies provide a great balance of choice, quality, and expertise. Whether you’re shopping in-store with advice from knowledgeable staff or browsing their website for delivery-friendly options, they’ve got something to suit everyone.

Choosing a barbecue doesn’t need to be a stressful experience. With a bit of planning and the right advice, it can actually be quite exciting—especially when you picture yourself grilling up something delicious in your garden with a cold drink in hand. Whether you want the raw charm of charcoal, the ease of gas, or the fuss-free convenience of electric, the best BBQ for you is the one that fits your lifestyle, space, and cooking habits.

Keep your priorities in mind: how often you’ll use it, who you’re cooking for, and what features will make your life easier. Durability, ease of use, and smart accessories are all worth investing in. And remember, you don’t have to trawl through endless retailers or deal with unknown brands — Dobbies is packed with carefully chosen grills and gear that have been selected with UK homes and gardens in mind.

So whether you’re planning family dinners on the decking, big weekend gatherings, or just fancy grilling a few halloumi skewers midweek, the perfect barbecue is out there. Find one that makes you excited to cook, and you’ll be using it all summer long—and probably well into autumn too.