There are few better ways to spend a sunny day than outside enjoying a barbecue – and with warmer weather finally here, you might well be thinking about finding yourself a new grill.
The good news is that even if you’re on a tight budget, there are still ways to get your sizzle on this summer without breaking the bank. We’ve put together this list of 10 of the best low cost barbecues, with a mix of larger models for your garden and more portable ones for outdoor excursions.
Bear in mind that the prices listed were correct at the time of writing.
The best barbecues for under £100
Weber Compact Kettle Charcoal Barbecue
This kettle barbecue from Weber topped BBC Good Food’s list for the best overall budget barbecue. It’s not too big, meaning it won’t take up too much space if your garden is on the small side. Weber barbecues also come with a 10-year warranty on their individual components, so you can get parts replaced if something goes wrong.
Pros: Compact and rust-proof, with a long warranty and over 3,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.
Cons: It’s a bit more expensive than many of the other items on this list.
Holland Plastics Bar-Be-Quick Smoker and Grill
This cylindrical model is by far the most flexible item on this list – it can grill, smoke, roast and even steam your food. It can also keep a consistent temperature for up to three hours, making it ideal for slow cooks.
Pros: Easy to build, multi-purpose, and comes with kebab skewers.
Cons: Not especially sturdy, and can be fiddly to put together.
Argos Home Drum Charcoal BBQ
One of Argos’ most competitive offerings is this drum barbecue, which packs an impressive size for its price, and is suitable for gatherings of up to 10 people. It comes with a warming rack, an ash catcher, and several key barbecuing utensils (tongs, a fork and a spatula).
Pros: Large but lightweight, and over 6,000 five-star reviews on Argos’ website.
Cons: Can be difficult to clean, with some reviewers claiming it has flimsy components.
Summit Alfresco Smokeless BBQ
This model is extremely portable, thanks to its compact size and convenient carry case. It’s a small grill that doesn’t use much charcoal and produces minimal smoke, and remains cool on the sides and underneath even while in use. However, its minimal charcoal use means that it doesn’t stay hot for very long, so it’s better for a single meal than a long afternoon of grilling.
Pros: No smoke makes it better for the environment than a disposable barbecue. Remains cool relatively quickly due to its small size, helping reduce the risk of burns. Claims to use 85% less charcoal than most other models.
Cons: On the smaller side, so only really suitable for a maximum of two or three people, and the charcoal lasts less than an hour.
Weber Smokey Joe Charcoal Grill Barbeque
Another Weber product, the Smokey Joe is a portable charcoal grill that makes an ideal companion for excursions and comes in a variety of colours. It’s another one that falls on the smaller side, so it’s best suited to groups of two or three.
Pros: Conveniently-sized with a 10 year warranty.
Cons: Limited space for grilling, plus some reviewers have complained that the finish on the lid is cracked.
The best barbecues for under £50
Outsunny Charcoal BBQ Grill Trolley
A model on wheels that lets you adjust the height on both the barbecue and grill pan. It comes with plenty of shelving space too, including some on the side for condiments.
Pros: Easy to move and adjust for comfort of use.
Cons: Some reviewers called it tricky to put together, saying the instructions were not clear.
BillyOh Table Top Portable Gas BBQ
This light and compact model is simple to set up, making it ideal for camping trips, though you’ll need your own regulator and hose to connect it to a gas source.
Pros: Easy to set up and use, and one of the cheapest models on our list.
Cons: Doesn’t come with the full kit, and some reviewers felt it didn’t cook everything evenly.
Direct Designs Notebook Folding Grill
This cleverly-designed barbecue can be folded up when not in use, meaning it’s really easy to store away. Reviewers have said they can fit as many as 10 burgers on at the same time – impressive for something so portable.
Pros: Large grilling space despite being the cheapest product on this list, while still being portable and easy to store.
Cons: Some reviewers have mentioned metal warping after repeated use, and there’s no carrier bag.
Argos Home Kettle Charcoal BBQ
With just shy of 2,000 five-star reviews on the Argos website, this kettle barbecue has won praise for being easy to assemble and get going. Its size makes it ideal for up to six people.
Pros: Decent size for a fantastic price.
Cons: Some reviews say they received flimsy parts that needed replacing.
Outsunny Portable Stainless Steel Charcoal BBQ
This barbecue’s foldable legs and handles on either side make it another highly portable option that can be packed away with ease. It’s big enough to feed the family, and is made from rust-resistant stainless steel.
Pros: Stainless steel means that it won’t get rusty.
Cons: Fairly short with no height adjustment, so you might have to bend or sit if you’re taller.
Finally…
If you’re ready to get grilling but are in need of some inspiration, check out our articles 8 sizzling barbecue recipe ideas and 5 side dishes to go with your next barbecue for some ideas.
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