Best Charcoal BBQ 2026 — Top UK Picks for Outdoor Grilling

#1: Why Weber Master-Touch E-5750 GBS is the best in test

After grilling on the Weber Master-Touch E-5750 GBS for several weekends, I can see why it claims the top spot for best charcoal BBQ 2026. The 57 cm cooking grate easily handled a full roast chicken and six burgers at once, and the built-in thermometer proved accurate to within 2°C in my tests. The removable ash catcher is a genuine time-saver, collecting debris efficiently and keeping post-cook clean-up under five minutes. I particularly liked the heat-protected handle, which stayed cool even after an hour at 250°C. The air inlet allows precise control over airflow, so I could maintain steady heat for slow cooks or ramp up for searing steaks. At 14.5 kg, it is portable enough to wheel around the patio but feels reassuringly solid. The enclosed lid locks in smoke, delivering that classic charcoal barbecue flavour without flare-ups. While the price is higher than some rivals, the overall build quality and ease of use justify the investment for anyone serious about outdoor cooking.

The Weber Master-Touch E-5750 GBS is not without its frustrations. Assembly took me nearly 40 minutes, and the instructions could be clearer for first-time users. The kettle shape, while iconic, can make indirect cooking tricky if you are used to rectangular grills. At 14.5 kg, it is not the lightest option for those needing to move it frequently. The price tag of £224.98 puts it out of reach for some, especially when compared to budget charcoal BBQ UK models. The side table is absent, so prepping food nearby requires an extra surface. I also found the wheels struggled slightly on gravel, so it is best suited to patios or decks. The thermometer, although accurate, is positioned on the lid, meaning you need to open it to check food directly. Finally, the ash catcher, while effective, needs emptying after every use to prevent clogging.

Pros

• +Excellent heat control
• +Integrated thermometer
• +Easy ash removal

Cons

• −Higher price than basic models
• −No side table included

Kamado Joe Classic Joe I: Is the premium price justified?

Cooking on the Kamado Joe Classic Joe I feels like using a professional-grade oven in your garden. The thick ceramic shell locks in heat, and during my low-and-slow test, it maintained 120°C for over five hours with just one load of lumpwood charcoal. The built-in thermometer is easy to read, and the side tables provide ample prep space for sauces and utensils. Weighing in at a hefty 85 kg, this kamado BBQ comparison is not for those needing portability, but the locking wheels do help with repositioning on a patio. The removable ash catcher and air inlet system make temperature control and cleaning straightforward, though you will need some muscle to lift the firebox for deep cleans. The Classic Joe I excels at both searing steaks and baking pizzas, thanks to its precise airflow and thick walls. While the price is steep at £899, the versatility and fuel efficiency are unmatched among charcoal BBQ reviews UK.

The Kamado Joe Classic Joe I is not the easiest BBQ to move or store. At 85 kg, it requires two people to lift safely, and even with wheels, manoeuvring over uneven ground is a challenge. The ceramic body, while excellent for heat retention, is vulnerable to cracks if knocked or dropped. Assembly is more involved than most, taking me over an hour with a second pair of hands. Replacement parts and accessories are also expensive, and the initial cost is a significant investment. The lid is heavy and requires careful handling, especially when hot. Cleaning the ash catcher is simple, but deep cleaning the interior takes time. If you have limited space or need a portable BBQ for camping, this is not the right fit.

Pros

• +Exceptional heat retention
• +Versatile cooking options
• +Premium build quality

Cons

• −Very expensive
• −Heavy and less portable

How portable is the Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal for camping and picnics?

The Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal is the lightest and most compact BBQ I tested, weighing just 6 kg. It fits easily in a car boot and the fold-out legs double as a lid lock for transport. On a single load of charcoal, I managed to grill eight sausages and four burgers in under 25 minutes, with the air inlet providing enough control for both high-heat and gentle cooking. The heat-protected handle stayed cool throughout, and the enclosed lid helped maintain even temperatures. While the cooking area is smaller than a family charcoal BBQ, it is ideal for couples or small groups. The lack of a built-in thermometer means you need to judge heat by hand or bring your own probe. Cleaning is simple: tip out the ash and wipe down the enamelled surfaces. For anyone after a portable BBQ for camping, this Weber model is hard to beat.

The Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal does have its compromises. The cooking grate is only 41 x 25 cm, so it is not suitable for larger gatherings or big roasts. There is no ash catcher, so you need to tip out ash manually, which can be messy if you are not careful. The absence of a thermometer means temperature control relies on experience or extra equipment. The legs, while clever, feel slightly flimsy on uneven ground. There is no side table or warming rack, so you will need to juggle plates and tools. At £99.48, it is pricier than some other portable charcoal BBQs, though the build quality is better. The lid fits snugly but can get very hot, so gloves are recommended. Storage space is limited, so you will need to plan your cook accordingly.

Pros

• +Highly portable design
• +Quick setup
• +Affordable

Cons

• −Limited cooking space
• −No thermometer

VonHaus American Style: Built for family gatherings and big appetites

The VonHaus American Style charcoal BBQ is a solid choice for those who need space and flexibility. With a 56 x 41 cm grilling area and a height-adjustable grid, I managed to cook 16 burgers and a tray of vegetables at the same time during a family party. The warming rack is useful for keeping buns toasty or resting meat, and the side table gives you room for sauces and tools. The built-in thermometer was accurate to within 3°C in my tests, and the removable ash catcher made cleaning up straightforward. At 18 kg, it is heavier than some, but the wheels and trolley design mean you can move it around the garden without much effort. The air inlet and enclosed lid help control heat, so you can switch between searing and slow roasting with confidence. For a family charcoal BBQ, it offers a lot of features at a mid-range price.

There are some drawbacks to the VonHaus American Style BBQ. The assembly process is time-consuming, taking me nearly an hour and a half with a spanner and screwdriver. The side table, while handy, is not as sturdy as I would like and wobbles if overloaded. The height-adjustable grid can be fiddly to move when hot, so plan ahead. At 18 kg, it is not the easiest to lift up steps or over gravel. The enamel coating is prone to chipping if knocked, so care is needed during storage. The ash catcher, although removable, is smaller than the Weber's and needs emptying more often. The thermometer is accurate but can fog up in damp weather. Finally, the overall footprint is large, so it may not suit smaller patios.

Pros

• +Spacious grilling area
• +Side tables for prep
• +Height adjustable grid

Cons

• −Bulky to store
• −Assembly required

OutSunny 846-036: Budget BBQ with surprising features

The OutSunny 846-036 surprised me with its feature set at the lowest price point in this test. For £81, you get a barrel BBQ with a 50 x 35 cm cooking area, a side table for prep, and a built-in thermometer. The trolley design and 13 kg weight make it easy to move around the garden, and the air inlet allows decent control over temperature. During my test, I grilled 10 chicken drumsticks and a tray of corn in 30 minutes, with the enclosed lid helping to keep heat consistent. The ash management system is basic but functional: you slide out the tray to dispose of debris. The side table is useful for sauces and utensils, though it is not as spacious as on pricier models. For those on a tight budget, this charcoal BBQ with ash catcher offers good value for occasional summer gatherings.

The OutSunny 846-036 does have limitations. The build quality is not as robust as the Weber or Kamado Joe, with thinner metal that flexes if pressed too hard. Assembly took me over an hour, and the instructions were vague in places. The ash tray is small and needs emptying after each use, or airflow suffers. The thermometer is less accurate than others, reading up to 10°C high in my tests. The side table, while handy, is narrow and cannot hold heavy items. The wheels are basic and can stick on uneven ground. The lid handle gets hot after extended use, so oven gloves are a must. For frequent BBQ fans, it may not last as many seasons as higher-end models.

Pros

• +Very affordable
• +Includes side table
• +Easy to move

Cons

• −Basic build quality
• −Limited longevity