Our Top Recommendations for Barbecues in 2026

By Joybuy

Updated August 2026

5 Min Read

As the days grow longer and warmer, thoughts inevitably turn to enjoying the garden. A quality barbecue is the centrepiece of any great outdoor gathering, but choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. With so many types, sizes and fuel sources available, it’s easy to get lost in the details.

This guide is designed to cut through the clutter. We will walk you through the key considerations for selecting a new garden barbecue, from understanding the differences between fuel types to identifying the features that truly matter. Our goal is to provide clear, practical information to help you find an outdoor grill that suits your space, cooking style and entertaining needs.

Key Considerations Before You Buy

Making the right choice comes down to how you plan to use your barbecue. Here are a few points to consider that will help narrow down your options.

Fuel Type: The Great Debate

The most significant decision is the fuel source, as it impacts flavour, convenience and the overall cooking experience.

Charcoal BBQ: For many, the smoky, authentic flavour produced by a charcoal BBQ is non-negotiable. These models require more time to heat up and a more hands-on approach to temperature management, but they reward the user with that classic chargrilled taste. They are ideal for those who enjoy the ritual of grilling and want to experiment with techniques like an American style BBQ smoker.
Gas BBQ: If convenience and speed are your priorities, a gas BBQ is an excellent choice. They ignite instantly, heat up quickly and offer precise temperature control with simple dials. Models often come with added features like a BBQ with side burner, perfect for preparing sauces or side dishes without leaving the garden.
Dual Fuel BBQ: Can’t decide? A dual fuel BBQ or hybrid BBQ, offers the best of both worlds. These versatile units combine gas and charcoal cooking areas, giving you the rapid heat of gas for a quick weeknight meal and the rich flavour of charcoal for a weekend feast, all in one appliance.

Size and Cooking Surface

Consider how many people you typically cook for. A small grill is fine for a couple or small family, but if you host larger gatherings, you will need a more substantial cooking area. Look for a durable cooking surface, such as a cast iron grill BBQ. Cast iron is renowned for its excellent heat retention and distribution, ensuring even cooking and creating those desirable sear marks.

Our Top Recommendations for Barbecues in 2026

Based on features, build and user-centric design, here are some standout options for your consideration this year.

Vonhaus XL American BBQ with Smoker

Why It Stands Out This model is built for the charcoal purist who craves authentic flavour. Its standout feature is the ability to function as both a traditional grill and an American style BBQ smoker. The design incorporates features specifically for heat management, giving you a high degree of control over the cooking process, from high-heat searing to low-and-slow smoking.

Pros

Precise Heat Management: An adjustable-height charcoal tray and tailored air vents provide excellent control over temperature and smoke.
Integrated Smoker: The offset smoker box allows you to infuse food with deep, smoky flavours by adding woodchips.
Practical Design: Features like folding side shelves, utensil hooks and a slide-out ash tray for easy cleaning make the grilling process smooth and organised.
On-Lid Temperature Gauge: Monitor internal heat without lifting the lid, preserving a consistent cooking environment.

Who is it for? This is for the grilling enthusiast who loves the hands-on experience and authentic taste of charcoal. It’s perfect for anyone wanting to master everything from perfectly seared steaks to tender, slow-smoked brisket.

Vonhaus Dual Fuel BBQ

Why It Stands Out This hybrid BBQ directly solves the "gas or charcoal?" dilemma by providing both. Its 2-in-1 design offers ultimate flexibility, allowing you to fire up the gas burners for a quick and easy meal or light the charcoal for a more traditional barbecue experience. You can even use both sides simultaneously to cater to different tastes and cooking requirements.

Pros

Ultimate Versatility: The dual fuel BBQ system combines the speed of gas with the flavour of charcoal in one unit.
Independent Cooking Zones: Grill with gas and charcoal at the same time, each with its own lid and controls.
Durable Cooking Grills: The enamel-coated cast iron grill BBQ surfaces ensure excellent heat retention and are easy to clean.
Convenient Features: Equipped with warming racks, a foldable side table and a lower storage shelf to keep your cooking station organised.

Who is it for? Ideal for the versatile host who wants it all. If you appreciate the convenience of a gas BBQ for spontaneous dinners but refuse to give up the classic flavour of charcoal for weekend gatherings, this is the perfect solution.

Vonhaus 4+1 Burner Gas BBQ

Why It Stands Out This gas BBQ is designed for effortless entertaining on a larger scale. With four main burners and an additional side burner, it provides a large, versatile cooking area and the ability to prepare an entire meal outdoors. Its focus is on convenience, control and capacity, making it a powerful centrepiece for any garden party.

Pros

Large Cooking Capacity: Four independently controlled main burners offer plenty of space to cook for a crowd.
Integrated Side Burner: The BBQ with side burner is perfect for simmering sauces, sautéing vegetables or keeping side dishes warm.
Effortless Operation: Features instant ignition, simple control dials and an on-lid temperature gauge for precise cooking.
Ample Storage & Mobility: A large storage cupboard keeps your gas bottle and accessories tidy, while two wheels allow for easy movement and storage.

Who is it for? This is an excellent choice for those who frequently host larger groups and value speed, convenience and control. If your idea of a perfect barbecue involves cooking multiple dishes at once with minimal fuss, this outdoor grill is built for you.

Looking for Something Different?

If these specific models aren't quite what you're looking for or if you'd like to see a wider range of options including portable models and different sizes, we invite you to browse our complete collection.

Explore our full outdoor cooker range

Frequently Asked Questions About Barbecues

What is the main difference between a gas and a charcoal BBQ? The primary difference is fuel and function. A gas BBQ uses propane for instant heat and precise temperature control, offering great convenience. A charcoal BBQ uses briquettes or lump wood, which takes longer to heat but imparts a distinct smoky flavour to the food that many people prefer.

Is a dual fuel BBQ worth it? A dual fuel BBQ is worth considering if you enjoy both the convenience of gas and the flavour of charcoal. It eliminates the need to choose between the two or own separate grills. This flexibility is ideal for households that barbecue frequently, using gas for quick meals and charcoal for special occasions.

How do I clean a cast iron grill on a BBQ? To clean a cast iron grill, first burn off any excess food residue by heating the barbecue on high for 10-15 minutes. Once it has cooled down slightly but is still warm, use a quality grill brush to scrape away any remaining debris. Finally, wipe a thin layer of cooking oil over the grates to season them and prevent rust.