Barbecuing on charcoal is the best way to get that classic smoky flavour and bring the taste of summer to your garden parties and gatherings. Charcoal barbecues come in all manner of shapes and sizes, and many of them also have dual functionality making them a great addition to any outdoor kitchen.
We've rounded up some of the best charcoal barbecues available to make your choice easy. From tabletop grills to family sized ranges, there is a charcoal BBQ to suit every garden and chef.
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Best charcoal BBQ for 2024
Kamado Joe Classic Joe III
Best charcoal BBQ
If you're looking for the perfect addition to your outdoor kitchen, consider the Kamado Joe charcoal grill. Crafted with precision, its ceramic construction retains heat for perfectly cooked meat and veg.
The three-tier system allows for cooking food at different temperatures and has an insert that allows you to convert the BBQ into a smoker. The built-in thermometer allows for precise temperature control.
This would be the perfect choice for family gatherings and garden parties where you want to cook multiple dishes at the same time.
CyprusBBQ Cypriot Foukou Charcoal BBQ Set
Best for rotisserie cooking
This authentic Cypriot BBQ allows you to cook a huge range of rotisserie dishes and traditional Cypriot and Greek dishes. Handmade in Cyrpus, this charcoal BBQ is perfect for cooking kebabs, the ideal food for big garden parties and family gatherings.
This charcoal BBQ comes with 3 large skewers and 11 small ones, so you'll be ready to get cooking as soon as it arrives to bring a taste of the summer holidays back to the UK. It also comes with a gear box to turn the large skewers making for a low-maintenance BBQ experience.
Landmann Grand XXL Broiler BBQ
Best for summer garden parties
If you're looking for a BBQ to cater for big summer bashes, then this is the perfect grill for you. Featuring large grills for cooking as well as a warming plate to keep cooked food at the right temperature, this barbecue has everything to make summer catering a breeze.
John Lewis Portable Charcoal BBQ
Best portable BBQ
This portable BBQ from John Lewis would be perfect for smaller groups or people who also want to be able to take their BBQ to the beach or park*. The stylish grey design also makes this barbecue perfect for those who want a more aesthetic option.
Large enough to grill for up to four people, this barbecue is the perfect choice for efficient cooking for smaller groups.
*always check local restrictions before BBQing in public spaces.
Big Green Egg BBQ
Best for temperature control
The ceramic Big Green Egg charcoal barbecue combines age-old know-how and state-of-the-art technology to offer incredible strength, durability and heat insulation.
Ideal for friends and family barbecues, this large Big Green Egg creates powerful flavours, has excellent temperature control and moisture saturation for tender cooking. This bundle also includes a eucalyptus table, with wheels to easily move it about your outdoor space.
How to choose a charcoal BBQ
Size
It's important to consider the size of BBQ that you need. If you regularly cook for big groups of people then a large grill or a grilling range might be the best choice. On the other hand if you usually only cook for a handful of people you could save a lot of time and energy by only lighting a smaller charcoal BBQ.
Special features
Some of the barbecues on offer come with a range of tools and equipment. It's good to consider the kinds of things you like to grill and look at whether one of the BBQs on offer will be better suited to your needs.
Extra functions
Some of these barbecues double up as smokers or tandoori ovens; a whole range of other cooking methods can be achieved with some charcoal barbecues. It is worth considering this before buying and looking at one that will you'll get the most use out of.
Want to explore wood pellet and electric BBQs too? Here's our round-up of the best BBQs for al fresco dining.
