Shopping Guides 5 Of The Best Barbecues

Date Published:

18/08/2008

Heat Table Top barbecue by InGarden

The Clever One

What’s so great about it? This is a neat idea – all the sociability, portability and cuteness of a compact barbecue yet with the instant gratification of gas.

You can pop it in the middle of the table (and let everyone turn their own damn kebabs) and it lights at the flick of the integrated ignition.

It comes with a lid that doubles as a wind shield and the smart, modern design is by Henrik Pedersen. Genius.

The science: H130mm x W590mm x D290mm; gas
In other words: Proves that size isn’t everything.
Heat Table Top barbecue, £220, InGarden

Grill Tech Space 800 by RawGarden

The Adaptable One

What’s so great about it? We are liking the way that this is a compact little barbecue, yet doesn’t skimp on useful features. For example, it has handy chopping boards at the sides that double as trays for your odds and ends, an ash collector, a ventilation system and a series of quality adjustable grills that can accommodate all your barbecuing and even stir-frying needs. And best of all, when you’re stuffed to the gills, you can whip off the grills and use it as a stylish fire pit.

The science: H830mm x D800mm; charcoal
In other words: Let’s hope it can wash up as well.
Grill Tech Space 800, £200, Raw Garden

Dancook 1501 by John Lewis

The Cool One

What’s so great about it? Those Danes know a thing or two about great design, and even the humble barbecue becomes a thing of beauty under their hand. A gorgeous combination of stainless steel, aluminium, stone side table surface and FSC-certified teak, it’s also got a well-designed, quick-cooking grill. The detachable liner catches grease and ash for easy binning, and the hood allows you to roast al fresco, too.

The science: H1030mm x W1000mm x D670mm; charcoal
In other words: When summer is over, can we have this inside, please?
Dancook 1501, £341, John Lewis

Red bucket barbecue by Homebase

The Bargain One

What’s so great about it? Can you imagine anything nicer than sitting on a beach in the evening with a couple of mackerel sizzling on this jolly bucket? Clearly it is pretty much as basic as a barbecue can get, and you won’t be feeding a crowd, but it’s cheap, cheerful and very cute. It comes with wire feet and handle, plus a removable grill, and is also available in green.

The science: D265mm x H270mm; charcoal
In other words: Cute as a button and costs buttons, too.
Bucket barbecue, £10, Homebase

Professional 6-burner by Outback

The Professional One

What’s so great about it? This polished beast is about as far from an impromptu pile of coals in a tin bucket as you can get. Costing more than many people might expect to shell out on an actual indoors cooker, it is for really, really serious barbecuers. But if you cook outside a lot, this has everything you could dream of – the capacity to feed several families, battery-operated rotisserie, three stainless steel cooking grills, a side burner for frying off some onions or warming up custard ... and enough swank to impress the entire street.

The science: H1510mm x W1230mm x D628mm; gas
In other words: Just don’t leave it out in the rain.
Professional 6-burner, £800, Outback