Best Charcoal BBQs in the UK 2026
Charcoal BBQ cooking is experiencing a resurgence in UK gardens, driven by the unique smoky flavour and growing enthusiasm for low-and-slow smoking. Unlike gas, charcoal requires more skill but rewards patience with superior crust on steaks and bark on brisket. The UK charcoal BBQ market ranges from basic £50 kettle grills to £1,200 ceramic kamados. This guide covers the best models available at John Lewis, Amazon UK, and BBQ specialty retailers, all meeting UKCA safety standards for garden use.
What to Look For
- 1Kettle BBQs (round, domed lid) are the most versatile — use for direct grilling, indirect cooking, and basic smoking with added wood chips.
- 2Kamado grills (ceramic egg-shaped) hold temperature for hours with minimal charcoal — ideal for smoking brisket or pork shoulder over 8+ hours.
- 3Barrel smokers offer large cooking capacity but require more charcoal management — better for enthusiasts than beginners.
- 4UK-sourced lumpwood charcoal burns hotter and cleaner than briquettes — look for FSC-certified UK oak charcoal from brands like Big K or Logs Direct.
- 5A charcoal chimney starter removes the need for lighter fluid and gets coals ready in 15 minutes — essential kit for any charcoal BBQ owner.
- 6For UK weather: a good-quality cover is crucial; kamado grills survive the British winter outdoors, but cheaper kettle grills should be stored in a shed or garage.
Our Top Picks
Weber Original Kettle Premium 57cm Charcoal BBQ
Pros
- Industry-standard 57cm bowl fits a whole chicken or rack of ribs
- One-Touch ash cleaning system — simple and effective
- Hinged cooking grate for easy charcoal topping
- Available at John Lewis and B&Q with 10-year warranty
Cons
- No built-in thermometer on base model
- Learning curve for temperature management vs gas
The definitive UK charcoal BBQ — handles direct grilling, indirect roasting, and basic smoking with equal ability.
Kamado Joe Classic III Ceramic Charcoal Grill
Pros
- Ceramic construction holds temperature within 5°C for hours
- Divide & Conquer grill system enables multi-zone cooking
- Air-Lift hinge compensates for the lid's 30kg weight
- Lifetime warranty on ceramic components
Cons
- £1,000+ investment is significant
- Very heavy — plan its permanent position before buying
The ultimate upgrade for serious UK charcoal enthusiasts — exceptional heat retention for smoking and high-heat searing.
Weber Master-Touch 57cm Charcoal BBQ
Pros
- GBS (Gourmet BBQ System) grate accepts wok, griddle, and skillet inserts
- Tuck-Away lid holder keeps the lid accessible while cooking
- Better ash management than the Original Kettle
- Available in multiple colours from John Lewis
Cons
- £50–£80 more than the Original Kettle for incremental upgrades
- GBS inserts sold separately add to the cost
The Original Kettle's grown-up sibling — adds a hinged lid, GBS cooking grate, and better vent system.
Big Green Egg Large Ceramic Grill
Pros
- Exceptional build quality with lifetime warranty on ceramics
- UK dealer network with setup service available
- Massive UK/European fan community for support and recipes
- Handles everything from pizza to brisket at any temperature
Cons
- More expensive than equivalent Kamado Joe models
- Accessories cost extra — a full setup can run to £1,500+
The original kamado — timeless quality and an enormous UK community for recipes and technique advice.
ProQ Excel 20 Elite Charcoal Smoker
Pros
- Designed and assembled in the UK by a BBQ-specialist brand
- Stainless steel water pan controls temperature for long smokes
- 3 tiers of grate space for large smoking capacity
- Insulated walls handle cold UK evenings without fuel waste
Cons
- Specialist smoker — less versatile than a kettle grill
- Takes practice to master the water pan system
UK-designed bullet smoker that outperforms American alternatives at the same price point — built for British conditions.
Honourable Mentions
Editor's Note
The Weber Kettle is so well-regarded in UK BBQ circles that it's the unofficial benchmark against which every other charcoal BBQ is judged. UK charcoal BBQ communities (r/BBQ, r/smoking, UK Smoking Meats Facebook groups) consistently recommend it as the entry point before graduating to a kamado. UKCA certification applies to gas appliances primarily; for charcoal BBQs, look for CE marking on any electrical ignition systems and sturdy construction indicating BSEN standards compliance.
Our Take
Start with the Weber Original Kettle 57cm (£150–£200) — it does everything from searing steaks to indirect roasting and basic smoking. If you catch the BBQ bug and want to smoke brisket overnight, the Kamado Joe Classic III is the upgrade to make. Don't waste money on budget barrel smokers — they're inefficient in UK temperatures.