Choosing the best BBQ

From charcoal to gas barbecues, here's all the advice and top tips on finding the best barbecue for you.

A group of people enjoying a barbecue on a patio with Char-Broil 2 Burner Gas and Charcoal BBQ next to them.

As barbecue season draws closer, it’s time to get your grilling setup just right. Whether you prefer authentic charcoal or an easy gas barbecue, we've pulled together all you need to know to become king of the grill.

What size BBQ do I need?

2-4 people (1800cm2 cooking area)

6 people (2000cm2 cooking area)

8 people (2500cm2 cooking area)

Argos Home Kettle Charcoal BBQ with Pizza Oven.

Things to consider...

Every BBQ will grill slightly differently depending on its size, features and fuel. Which one is best for you can depend on multiple factors:

How often are you BBQing?
How many are you cooking for?
How much storage space do you have?
How do you like your food cooked?

We’ve grilled our specialists and gathered the best bits of each type of BBQ, to help you answer these questions.

Charcoal vs gas BBQs

Classic charcoal BBQ

If you want a more authentic BBQ experience, then charcoal is for you. From lighting the coals to stocking the fire, you’ll achieve that unique BBQ flavour.

Charcoal will take more time to heat up (30-40 mins), as the embers need to be piping hot. Cooking will also take a little longer as the temperature can fluctuate depending on the position of your coals. But by taking your time, you’ll lock in more of that succulent, delicious flavour.

Argos Home Deluxe 3 burner with side burner gas BBQ.

Flexible gas BBQ

Although seen as a more expensive choice, gas BBQs are a convenient and flexible cooking option, and ideal for novices.

Simply hook your BBQ up to a gas canister (propane or butane are most suitable), press the ignition button and start cooking. You can control the heat more evenly with a gas BBQ, and with most models boasting multiple burners, you can easily alternate your cooking temperatures – giving you a more even cook.

Alt text: A woman using a Char-Broil Evolve Electric BBQ placed outdoors on a patio.

Hassle-free electric BBQ

Smart, savvy and super quick. Electric barbecues come with ultimate precision and control.

Powered by electricity, electric BBQs are quick to heat up, smoke-free and perfect for those looking for a hassle-free set up. They allow more control than the charcoal or gas BBQs with features such as variable temperature control via app, auto-clean function, digital display and sometimes even multiple cooking modes.

Shop by brand

Our top BBQs

Must-have BBQ accessories

Shop BBQ accessories

Useful utensils

Poke it, flip it, cut it. Have all your cooking equipment close to hand for easy grilling.

Effective covers

BBQ covers are great when you’re short on space – especially when summer showers make a surprise visit.

Light it up

Classic charcoal, barbeque briquettes or easy fire logs. Pick up essential fuel to get your BBQ going.

Sizzling reviews

Make the most of your BBQ

Argos Home 4 burner with side burner gas BBQ.

The best BBQ features

Up your grillin' game

Get the most out of alfresco cooking and look for our favourite features:

Wheels – easily manoeuvre yourself to cook in the sun.
Warming rack – keep food warm whilst you cook the rest.
Ash collection tray – this will save you cleaning time later.
Adjustable grill – have more control over your cooking by moving food to or from the heat.
Shelves – ideal spots to hold dishes, trays, condiments and beverages for the chef.
Loading door – safely and easily reload your charcoal BBQ with a handy door.
Hoods and chimneys – keep food warm with a hood, whilst chimneys will disperse excess smoke.
Fireboxes – an extra chamber for fuel such as wood for infusing your food with extra smokey succulence.

BBQ top tips

Sun's out, (burger) buns out

Check for any dietary requirements as you may need separate tools or dishes.
Add your food once the flames have died down to avoid scorched edges.
Marinade any meat the night before to save time and get the best flavours.
Line your BBQ with a bit of foil for a quicker clean-up.
Wait until your BBQ is cool before cleaning. Most grills are dishwasher safe or you can use a wire brush. Oven cleaner is ideal for the rest of your BBQ.
Clean your utensils too so they’ll last longer.
Dive into side dishes – corn on the cob, coleslaw, potato salad…we could go on!
Set the mood with a top garden party playlist.

BBQ recipes

A top angle view of chicken kebabs on BBQ skewers along with bell peppers and other vegetables.

Get started...

Chef it up. From kebabs to corn cobs and more, find plenty of recipes to spice up your BBQ party. We've got something for everyone.

Have you thought about…

Portable BBQs

Who doesn't love a BBQ on-the-go? Partying, camping or holidaying, a compact barbecue is your partner for the next outing. It's easy to store so you can use it for backyard summer parties as well.

A pizza being cooked in an Argos Home table top pizza oven.

Pizza ovens

Expand your repertoire beyond BBQs and burgers. Make the best of warm weather and get togethers with fresh, delicious pizzas straight out of the oven.