Best Portable BBQs in the UK 2026
Portable BBQs are essential kit for UK camping trips, beach days, and festivals where you can't bring a full-size grill. The key considerations differ from garden BBQs: weight matters for carrying to a campsite or beach, and gas models need camping-compatible gas canisters (not the 13kg patio gas you'd use at home). This guide covers the best portable BBQs available in the UK, from disposable charcoal trays (still widely sold at UK supermarkets) to premium collapsible gas grills. Always check local rules — many UK beaches and National Trust properties prohibit BBQs in summer fire-risk periods.
What to Look For
- 1Check whether your camping destination allows BBQs — many UK campsites, National Trust properties, and beaches have banned them during dry periods.
- 2Gas portable BBQs use small screw-top camping canisters (isobutane/propane mix, e.g., Campingaz or Coleman) — not the same as garden LPG bottles.
- 3Disposable charcoal BBQ trays (Sainsbury's, Tesco) are the cheapest option but leave scorch marks and produce a lot of ash — always raise them off the ground.
- 4For beach use, look for BBQs with raised legs that keep heat away from sand — sand acts as insulation and can cause the base to overheat.
- 5Weight is critical for walking campers — gas portables can weigh under 1kg, whereas small charcoal kettle BBQs typically weigh 3–5kg.
- 6Collapsible design for compact storage in a car boot or rucksack matters more for portability than any feature on the cooking side.
Our Top Picks
Cadac Safari Chef 2 Portable Gas BBQ
Pros
- Folding design packs to a slim disc for car boot or bag
- Compatible with Campingaz and EN417 canisters widely sold in the UK
- 2.2kW output is serious cooking power for a portable
- Cast iron and non-stick cooking accessories available separately
Cons
- Cooking surface is smaller than full-size grills
- Accessories needed for optimum versatility
The top-rated portable gas BBQ for UK camping and festivals — compact, powerful, and uses widely available gas canisters.
Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal BBQ
Pros
- Porcelain-enamelled steel withstands the demands of UK outdoor use
- Folding legs double as a lid lock for safe transport
- Fits in most car boots or bicycle panniers when flat
- Weber quality: will outlast cheaper portable charcoal grills
Cons
- Charcoal grills require 20–30 minutes prep time
- Only practical for 2–4 people at the beach or campsite
The ultimate compact charcoal portable — Weber quality in a suitcase-style design with folding legs.
Campingaz Bistro 70 Folding Gas Grill
Pros
- Uses standard Campingaz cylinders found at Halfords, Go Outdoors, and camping shops
- Compact folding design
- Quick ignition and easy temperature control
- Under £60 at most UK outdoor retailers
Cons
- Lower heat output than the Cadac Safari Chef
- Build quality is noticeably lighter
Budget-friendly portable gas option using the same Campingaz cylinders available at every UK outdoor shop.
Weber Smokey Joe 37cm Charcoal BBQ
Pros
- Porcelain-enamelled bowl — same quality as full-size Weber kettles
- Handles up to 6 sausages or 4 burgers simultaneously
- Rust-resistant and durable enough for years of outdoor use
- Inexpensive relative to Weber's full-size range
Cons
- Too small for feeding more than 3–4 people at once
- Still needs charcoal prep time
Mini kettle BBQ that brings Weber reliability to picnics and small gardens — compact but genuinely capable.
Outwell Cazal L Gas Camping Grill
Pros
- Larger 32cm cooking diameter handles proper family meals
- Compact when folded with carrying case included
- Compatible with common screw-thread gas canisters
- Available at Go Outdoors, Blacks, and Amazon UK
Cons
- Heavier than the Cadac at 2.5kg
- Slightly higher price for the size
UK camping favourite with a larger cooking surface than most portables — good for family camping trips.
Honourable Mentions
Editor's Note
Cadac is extremely popular in UK camping circles — the South African brand's Safari Chef series uses a consistent gas fitting compatible with most UK camping canisters and produces excellent heat output for its size. Weber Go-Anywhere models are the preferred portable charcoal choice among serious UK outdoors enthusiasts. UK camping and bushcraft communities (UKCampsite.co.uk, r/UKCamping) consistently recommend raising any portable BBQ on a fireproof mat to protect grass.
Our Take
The Cadac Safari Chef 2 is the portable BBQ to buy for UK camping and festivals — it folds flat for easy transport, uses widely available Campingaz cylinders, and delivers serious cooking performance. For beach trips where you want minimal cleanup, the Weber Go-Anywhere charcoal is the compact option that still produces genuinely good food.