10 Best Charcoal BBQs in the UK 2023 | Weber, George Foreman and More

This charcoal kettle model from Weber is an uncomplicated barbecue for when you just want to get your grill on! It has all of the basic features you could want: a porcelain enamelled bowl and lid for heat insulation, and a very spacious cooking area.

It also has its own ash catcher installed, which makes for easy clean-up post barbecue, and the lid has an insulated handle, so you can use it without fear of accidentally scorching yourself. A fantastic all-rounder that sails to our top spot!

Looking for a barrel barbecue that won't break the bank? This is surely the choice for you! In the classic barrel style, this spacious grill and smoking cylinder will maximise your cooking area.

Plus, the barbecue includes folding shelves for you to prepare items to grill, and there is plenty of storage space underneath the smoking cylinder (which can also double as an ash collection drum) for you to keep any other barbecuing essentials. There's even a set of grilling utensils and an apron and oven mitt included. 

This barbecue is designed for portability, much like the CUBE, but we would argue that it has some key advantages over its stylish counterpart. It even has a ten year guarantee! 

For example, this small barbecue has a triple-plated cooking grate, and a porcelain enamelled lid and bowl, so you can cook with direct and indirect heat. Moreover, it is raised on metal legs to protect the cooking surface, and has a glass reinforced handle so you can easily carry it to the park, beach, or even to a festival. 

Certainly a unique choice in our list, this model can convert to a pizza oven with an included aluminium ring. It is a good size for a family, so you can be sure to keep everyone happy and fed with a variety of dishes!

It also includes an ash pan for easy clean up, and has a great accessory storage area towards the base of the product to store your utensils. Moreover, the thermally insulated lid will enable considerable control over cooking heat. This model is slightly heavier than its similarly-sized counterparts, so it's nice and sturdy and perfect for keeping at home. 

Ideal for a family barbecue, this George Foreman Kettle BBQ is as reliable as you'd expect, with its chrome-plated grill and grease collection tray. It may not be designed for larger barbecues, but it certainly fits the bill for a trustworthy grill that can cook up 5 portions of food. 

Moreover, the lid comes with an integrated thermostat and handy adjustable vents, so that you can ensure you have optimum control over your cooking. 

Plus, the ceramic interior means that whilst the inside is exceptional at retaining heat, the outside will remain comparatively cool so it isn't hazardous. Though weighty on its own, there are wheels if you need to transport it. A lifetime guarantee seals the deal! 

This George Forman BBQ is a perfect basic barrel barbecue. Made of robust, power-treated steel, you can reach high cooking temperatures in a short space of time.

As well as a large surface area capable of grilling up ten portions, it has a chrome-coated warming rack so you can keep food warm until serving. Plus, there are heat controlling vents on the lid to ensure you're cooking your burgers just as you like them!

An unusual BBQ shape, this is essentially an upright barrel, but with similar dimensions to a kettle barbecue. It is actually fully adaptable, and offers two levels for cooking that can be used separately.

Further, it comes with a temperature gauge, and its lid includes adjustable vents for achieving the perfect temperature. Although it has the two levels for cooking, we would recommend keeping in mind that it does have quite a limited cooking area, so it's best for household-sized rather than large gatherings. 

This KCT BBQ Smoker is a great choice if you are an enthusiastic cook after big flavours, as it has its own integrated upright smoker that allows you to smoke your food independently of grilling it. 

It also contains the mainstay features of a barrel barbecue, such as a large grilling area, adjustable vents for temperature control, and some extra work space. We would perhaps only recommend this barbecue for those after something a little more specialist, as if you are not too keen on a bulkier model you may find the upright smoker a bit too cumbersome. 

Our first portable pick of barbecues, the CUBE is an adorable choice if you want to barbecue when you're out and about. It has a bright, stylish design, and plenty of integrated accessories such as the bamboo preparation board and food storage tray.

However, we would note that although this is a great choice for occasional barbecues on the go, it may not be a good long-term investment as it is limiting in terms of cooking choices; you cannot close the lid to cook, and you'll definitely require a flat surface to set it on as it does not have long-reaching legs.