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   ![The SLMan Guide To BBQs](https://media.slman.com/spJT9zuMx93LQX-AZhDjNkafgk8=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2020%2F07%2Fbbq-thumb.jpg?itok=Zicm-9aQ)

  

 

 



 

 

 [Life](/life) 

 



 /  06 July 2020  

#  The SLMan Guide To BBQs  


 Finally accepted the rusting hulk at the end of the garden isn’t fit for purpose? There’s still time to save BBQ season. Grill expert Richard Holden has told SLMan everything you need to know before purchasing – plus we’ve rounded up the best barbies on the market right now.  
 

 



 

 



 

 

 

 

## Richard Says…

  
**DO** go to a reputable BBQ specialist store and talk to the staff. They’re trained to know which type of grill will suit which type of household.  
  
**DO** consider how much you want to pay before you start searching. A good charcoal grill can cost between £300 and £500, while a larger gas grill or pellet grill can cost several thousand.  
  
**DON’T** buy a charcoal barbecue simply because everyone says it’s not a proper barbecue if it’s not charcoal. If you don’t like waiting for charcoal to heat up, go gas – you can start cooking within ten minutes of lighting.  
  
**DO** think about size. Get the biggest barbecue you can afford, even if it means saving up, because it will give you more versatility.  
  
**DON’T** discount a portable BBQ. They’re great for camping or going to the beach with, as well as for inner-city living where space is limited. Charcoal and gas models should be safe to put on the grass or a tabletop.  
  
**DON’T** forget the add-ons. For a charcoal kettle BBQ, a chimney starter is an absolute must. A griddle is great for cooking things like veg that would otherwise fall through the grill. For the more adventurous, look at a rotisserie. Also, invest in a good digital thermometer.  
  
**DO** your research online. Check out consumer reviews but also have a look at the brand’s website. Do they have lots of good information to help you get the most from your purchase?  
  
*For more information, check out [RichardHoldenBBQ.co.uk](https://www.richardholdenbbq.co.uk/)*

 

 

 

## Ready? Here’s the SLMan edit of the best BBQs out there…

 

 

 

 [ ![](https://media.slman.com/fBVK5ICUumm1xSXm5oyqsVi39aI=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2020%2F07%2Fgenesis-ii-weber-gass-bbq1.jpg?itok=88t2I4Xk)

 

 ](https://www.weber.com/GB/en/barbecues/gas-barbecues/genesis-ii-series/62001174.html) 

 

 

 

 

## The Gas BBQ: Weber Genesis II, £1,449

Weber is a leading brand, offering reliable, durable grills at reasonable prices. The stainless-steel Genesis II features four burners, two handy side tables, tool hooks, a warming grate and a large cooking grate to accommodate any type of dish.  
   
*Visit [Weber.com](https://www.weber.com/GB/en/barbecues/gas-barbecues/genesis-ii-series/62001174.html)*

 

 

 

 

 [ ![](https://media.slman.com/t66qwUPz-Ydh_2uSLBcH2p967zI=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2020%2F07%2Fpit-boss-pellet-bbq1.jpg?itok=oW9RGM6U)

 

 ](https://www.qubox.co.uk/pit-boss-440-deluxe-wood-pellet-smoker-grill/) 

 

 

 

 

## The Pellet BBQ: Pit Boss Deluxe Wood Pellet Smoker Grill, £549

Fuelled by electrically burned wood pellets, this Pit Boss model is great for those looking to master smoking. Control its temp using the hood thermometer and digital control board, then leave dishes to rest on the cooling rack.   
   
*Visit [QuBox.co.uk](https://www.qubox.co.uk/pit-boss-440-deluxe-wood-pellet-smoker-grill/)*

 

 

 

 [ ![](https://media.slman.com/XBSRJ9DXkYVOagiMQ9LXOh1HAzc=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2020%2F07%2Fweber-master-touch-charcoal-bbq1.jpg?itok=p4rhNXrU)

 

 ](https://www.weber.com/GB/en/barbecues/charcoal-barbecues/master-touch-series/14801004.html) 

 

 

 

 

## The Charcoal BBQ: Weber Master Touch, £329

A classic charcoal model, the Master Touch comes with a versatile cooking grate and a ‘smoke’ setting that makes it easy to achieve the cook you want. You’ll also appreciate the one-touch cleaning system, ash catcher, built-in thermometer and tool hooks.  
   
*Visit [Weber.com](https://www.weber.com/GB/en/barbecues/charcoal-barbecues/master-touch-series/14801004.html)*

 

 

 

 [ ![](https://media.slman.com/A97QzlNX1PxcFgiu8ly0lWHH9zg=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2020%2F07%2Fbig-green-egg1.jpg?itok=kG_TRWMQ)

 

 ](https://www.biggreenegg.co.uk/shop/big-green-eggs/minimax-big-green-egg-carrier) 

 

 

 

 

## The Innovative BBQ: Big Green Egg, from £685

Big Green Egg’s ceramic barbies are global bestsellers for good reason. They heat up in 12 minutes and a lid makes them weather proof. Available in three sizes, you’re covered for however many you’re cooking for.  
   
*Visit [BigGreenEgg.co.uk](https://www.biggreenegg.co.uk/shop/big-green-eggs/minimax-big-green-egg-carrier)*

 

 

 

 [ ![](https://media.slman.com/ejFADJSWRwhZvTWY5OHLNtDXMPA=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2020%2F07%2Flandmann-piccolino1.jpg?itok=IN0ZLDy4)

 

 ](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Landmann-Piccolino-31375-Portable-Charcoal/dp/B00630TF0M?th=1) 

 

 

 

 

## The Portable BBQ: Landmann Piccolino, £49.88

This miniature version of a standard charcoal model comes with a chrome-plated cooking grill and warming rack as well as rubberised clips and handle – making it easy to carry and compact enough to use on balconies.  
   
*Visit [Amazon.co.uk](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Landmann-Piccolino-31375-Portable-Charcoal/dp/B00630TF0M?th=1)*

 

 

 

 

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