Barbecues

Barbecues and BBQ Grills for Outdoor Cooking

Whether you are planning a family barbecue, preparing food for a garden party or enjoying a weekend meal outdoors, choosing the right barbecue can make cooking more convenient. At Aosom UK, our barbecues collection includes Outsunny gas BBQs, charcoal grills, barbecue smokers, portable grills and outdoor cooking trolleys. With different sizes, fuel types and cooking features available, you can find equipment suited to a range of garden spaces and outdoor cooking preferences.

Gas barbecues offer convenient temperature adjustment, while charcoal barbecues appeal to those who enjoy cooking over hot coals. Portable models are useful when storage space and transport are important, and larger BBQ trolleys provide additional cooking and preparation space. Before buying, consider how often you plan to cook, the number of people you usually entertain, your available outdoor space and the maintenance each type requires.

Explore Different Types of Barbecues

Charcoal Barbecues for Traditional Outdoor Grilling

Charcoal barbecues use burning charcoal to generate heat beneath the cooking surface. They are a popular option for outdoor cooks who enjoy managing the coals and adjusting the cooking conditions manually. Our charcoal grills include barrel-style BBQs, kettle-inspired designs, height-adjustable charcoal grills and models with warming racks.

Selected Outsunny models feature adjustable charcoal trays, ventilation openings, removable ash collectors and built-in thermometers. These features can help with heat management and cleaning, although the available adjustments vary by model.

For occasional outdoor cooking or trips where barbecues are permitted, portable charcoal grills offer a more compact alternative to larger garden cooking stations. Compare the cooking grate dimensions, assembled weight and storage requirements before choosing.

Gas BBQs for Convenient Heat Control

Gas barbecues use compatible gas fuel to heat the cooking surface. They generally allow quicker adjustment of burner settings than charcoal models, making them convenient for households that barbecue regularly.

Our gas BBQs include compact two-burner grills, larger multi-burner cooking stations and selected gas plancha designs. Depending on the model, features may include side tables, storage cabinets, warming racks, thermometers and cast iron cooking grates.

A two-burner barbecue can be suitable for smaller outdoor cooking arrangements, while a larger four-burner or multi-burner model provides additional cooking zones. Check the actual grill dimensions, compatible gas supply and included accessories rather than choosing by burner count alone.

BBQ Grills with Smokers and Lids

Some charcoal barbecues combine traditional grilling with features designed to help manage heat and smoke. These may include enclosed cooking chambers, adjustable ventilation, thermometers and separate areas for fuel or food preparation.

If you are interested in BBQ grills with smokers, compare the cooking chamber, airflow controls and manufacturer's stated cooking functions. A barbecue with a lid is not automatically a dedicated smoker, and its suitability for indirect cooking depends on the specific design.

For longer cooking sessions, practical features such as accessible charcoal trays, temperature monitoring and adequate cooking space may be particularly useful.

Portable and Folding BBQ Grills

Portable barbecues are designed for situations where the size and weight of the equipment matter. This collection includes compact charcoal grills, tabletop designs and selected foldable models with carrying handles or removable components.

Our folding BBQ grills may be useful for households that do not want to leave a large barbecue permanently assembled. Compare the folded dimensions, frame stability and assembly requirements.

Portable barbecues still require an appropriate outdoor cooking location. Never use fuel-burning grills inside tents, garages, caravans or other enclosed spaces. When travelling, check whether barbecues are permitted at the intended location.

Barbecue Carts and Outdoor Preparation Tables

Outdoor cooking is often easier when there is a practical space for preparing food, storing utensils and keeping essential equipment close at hand. Our barbecue carts include selected mobile preparation tables, cabinets and shelving units.

Some BBQ trolleys feature stainless steel worktops, storage compartments and wheels for repositioning. These are preparation and storage accessories rather than complete cooking appliances unless explicitly described otherwise. Check the worktop dimensions, load capacity and material requirements before choosing a cart.

How to Choose the Right BBQ Grill

1. Gas vs Charcoal: Which Barbecue Is Better?

A gas barbecue is generally better for convenience and adjustable burner control, while a charcoal barbecue is better suited to those who prefer cooking over coals and managing the fire directly.

Gas models typically involve less ash disposal and allow burner settings to be adjusted during cooking. Charcoal models require more preparation and cooling time but offer a different cooking experience. Neither type is automatically better for every household. Choose according to your preferred fuel, cooking routine and maintenance requirements.

2. Choose the Right Cooking Area

The cooking surface is more important than the barbecue's overall width when estimating how much food can fit on the grill. Check the grate dimensions or stated cooking area, allowing space between ingredients for turning and handling food.

For occasional meals with a small household, small charcoal grills may provide sufficient cooking space without taking up most of the garden. For larger gatherings, consider a barbecue with a wider cooking surface and, where available, a separate warming rack.

Remember that cooking capacity depends on the size and type of food being prepared, not simply the number of guests.

3. Consider the Size of Your Garden or Patio

Measure the space where you plan to position the barbecue. Allow enough room for safe movement, opening the lid, accessing side shelves and working around the cooking area.

Compact models can be useful for smaller gardens, while large trolley barbecues require additional floor space. Keep barbecues well away from buildings, fences, overhanging branches and combustible materials, following the manufacturer's clearance instructions.

4. Compare Cooking Features and Materials

Different barbecue features serve different purposes. Adjustable charcoal trays change the distance between fuel and food, ventilation controls help manage combustion, and warming racks provide an additional area for suitable cooked items.

Steel, stainless steel and cast iron are used in different barbecue components. Cast iron cooking grates require care appropriate to their finish, while painted steel and stainless steel surfaces have different cleaning and maintenance requirements.

Check whether the model includes a thermometer, removable ash tray, grease collector or side preparation shelf. These features are useful only when they match your cooking preferences.

5. Think About Cleaning, Storage and Maintenance

Consider how the barbecue will be cleaned after cooking. Charcoal models require safe ash disposal once the fuel has completely cooled. Gas models may include grease trays or removable cooking grates that need regular cleaning.

For portable models, check the disassembly process and storage dimensions. For larger trolley designs, consider where the barbecue will stand when not in use and whether suitable protection is recommended by the manufacturer.

Choosing a Barbecue for Different Outdoor Activities

• Small gardens: Compact charcoal barbecues or suitably sized gas grills can provide a practical cooking setup without occupying excessive space.
• Family meals: Two-burner gas BBQs or medium-sized charcoal grills may suit regular outdoor cooking, depending on cooking surface area.
• Garden parties: Larger multi-burner gas BBQs or spacious charcoal trolley grills can offer additional cooking and preparation space.
• Camping and picnics: Compact portable barbecues may be convenient where their use is permitted and a suitable outdoor cooking area is available.
• Outdoor cooking enthusiasts: Charcoal grills with adjustable fuel trays, ventilation controls and thermometers offer additional options for managing cooking conditions.

Barbecue Safety and Care in the UK

Barbecues should always be operated outdoors in a suitable, well-ventilated location and according to the manufacturer's instructions. Never use a gas or charcoal barbecue indoors, inside a tent, beneath an awning or in a garage or other enclosed space. Burning fuel can produce dangerous carbon monoxide, including after the visible flames have gone out.

Position the barbecue on a stable, suitable surface away from combustible materials. Keep children and pets away from the cooking area, and never leave a lit barbecue unattended.

For gas BBQs, inspect the hose and connections as instructed and confirm that the gas supply is compatible with the appliance. For charcoal models, allow the coals and ash to cool completely before disposal. Clean cooking surfaces regularly and follow the manufacturer's storage and seasonal maintenance guidance.

Shop Barbecues and BBQ Grills at Aosom UK

Explore Outsunny barbecues at Aosom UK, including gas grills, charcoal BBQs, portable cooking equipment and outdoor preparation trolleys. Compare fuel types, cooking areas, materials and practical features to find a barbecue suited to your garden and cooking preferences.

Whether you prefer the convenience of gas cooking or the traditional experience of charcoal grilling, choosing suitable equipment starts with understanding your space, cooking habits and maintenance needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Barbecues

Which is better: a gas barbecue or a charcoal barbecue?

Gas barbecues are generally better for convenient heat adjustment and regular outdoor cooking. Charcoal barbecues suit people who prefer cooking over coals and managing the heat manually. The better choice depends on how often you barbecue, the cooking experience you prefer and how much cleaning and preparation you are comfortable with.

What size BBQ do I need for four people?

A compact gas or charcoal barbecue may be suitable for four people, but the cooking surface area is more important than the overall dimensions. Consider the size of the food you plan to cook, whether dishes will be prepared in batches and how much space you need for turning ingredients.

What is the difference between a BBQ grill and a smoker?

A BBQ grill is primarily designed for cooking food using heat from gas or charcoal. A smoker is designed to expose food to controlled heat and smoke, often over longer cooking periods. Some barbecues support both approaches, but their capabilities depend on the cooking chamber, airflow controls and manufacturer's specifications.

Are portable charcoal grills suitable for camping?

Portable charcoal grills can be suitable for camping locations where barbecues are explicitly permitted. They must be used outdoors on an appropriate surface and away from combustible materials. Never use a charcoal barbecue inside a tent, caravan, awning or other enclosed shelter because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

How many burners do I need on a gas BBQ?

Two burners may be sufficient for smaller cooking sessions, while additional burners can provide more cooking zones and flexibility. However, burner count alone does not determine capacity. Compare the actual cooking area, burner layout and features of each model before purchasing.

Are folding barbecues as practical as full-size BBQs?

Folding barbecues are useful when compact storage and transport are priorities. Full-size BBQs generally offer larger cooking surfaces and may include more preparation space. A folding model can be a practical option for occasional outdoor cooking, provided its assembled stability and cooking capacity meet your needs.

Can I use a barbecue on a balcony or covered patio?

Do not use a barbecue in an enclosed or inadequately ventilated space, or beneath an awning. For balconies and other shared residential areas, check building rules, fire safety restrictions and the manufacturer's clearance requirements. If a suitable, open and permitted cooking area is not available, a gas or charcoal barbecue should not be used there.

How should I clean and store my BBQ after use?

Allow the barbecue to cool completely and clean the cooking grates according to their material and finish. Remove cold ash from charcoal grills and empty grease collectors where applicable. Inspect accessible components for wear, and store or cover the appliance according to its instructions. Gas cylinders require appropriate storage and handling.