The end of summer does at least offer an opportunity to upgrade your BBQ at a competitive price. Here are our picks to look for in the end-of-season sales.
That original Kettle is a staple of family gardens worldwide, with even professional chefs declaring a soft spot for its unflashy competence. Accessibly priced, easy to move and with that crucial lid for controlled, slower cooking, the Weber won’t let you down or break the bank. Need something small and portable? The 5.5kg Smokey Joe model is your friend. weber.com
The very best barbecue results depend on maintaining a precise, steady temperature. That means a ceramic model and, if you’re a professional or serious foodie, it almost certainly means a Big Green Egg. Justify the cost by using this versatile beast for everything from roast chicken to pizza or baking. biggreenegg.com
Hot on the heels of the Big Green Egg is its ceramic rival the red-hued Kamado Joe. In fact, apart from colour there’s very little to separate the two, both in terms of high performance and price to match. The Kamado does offer a few more cooking features and key accessories such as a deflector plate are included as standard. kamadojoe.com
For large parties and events, the classic “oil drum” barbecue is a popular choice. But not all drums are created equal. Be wary of thin steel that falls apart quickly and makes temperature control challenging. Drumbecue is a highly rated specialist in this field, whose sturdy, detailed design is perfect for those seeking both quality and quantity. drumbecue.co.uk
A new name on the scene and one for design geeks. 2021 saw pizza oven maker Gozney take on the wider wood-fired cooking scene by launching the Dome. Already brandishing international plaudits from design awards Red Dot and Time magazine, the Dome wows for style, functionality and versatility. There’s even, whisper it, a dual fuel gas option. gozney.com
