BBQ Buying Guide: Gas vs Charcoal
Whether you’re new to alfresco dining or upgrading your setup, choosing the right BBQ starts with how, and how often, you plan to use it.
Getting started with outdoor cooking requires the right equipment, and when it comes to BBQs, one of the biggest decisions you can make is on whether you’d prefer a gas or charcoal appliance.
If you’ve been barbecuing for a long time, you might already have a preference, but there’s definite advantages to each kind.
Choosing between a gas or charcoal BBQ is one of the biggest decisions for any outdoor chef, and it all comes down to how you like to cook, how much time you have, and the kind of experience you want in your garden.
Choosing Your BBQ Fuel: Gas or Charcoal?
There are a few considerations you need to make when choosing between a gas or charcoal grill:
Do you value flavour or convenience more?
What size do you need?
How does it fit into your lifestyle?
Once you know the answer to these questions, you can choose your next BBQ with confidence.
Flavour vs convenience
The best thing about a good BBQ is the flavour, and the aroma of outdoor cooking is synonymous with the great British summertime.
If you’re looking for an appliance that will give you a traditional, smoky taste profile, then a charcoal BBQ is the way forward. With a little bit of patience and some know-how on the grill, you’ll wow your friends and family with unbeatable flavour.
On a charcoal BBQ, great flavour can be reached through popular features such as:
Adjustable air vents for temperature control
Kettle designs that act like convection ovens
Compatibility with smoking and indirect cooking.
Our top tip
Use different kinds of BBQ fuel to achieve different flavours: lumpwood charcoal, which works best on quick, high-heat cooking, or if you’re slow cooking your meal, briquettes suit a longer roast.
However, a charcoal BBQ requires more time to clean, with burnt charcoal collecting underneath the grill and sometimes discolouring or burning the rack.
Gas BBQs use propane or natural gas to cook your food, which means they heat up quickly and offer a precise temperature control. If you’re entertaining outside or often cook for the whole family – or simply want to extend your kitchen experience outside – then a gas BBQ might be for you.
When choosing a gas BBQ, be sure to look out for key features like:
Multiple burners for different heat zones – meaning you can cook various foods at different temperatures!
Built-in thermometers for more precise cooking
Side burners that you can use to create your own sauces or keep your sides warm
Porcelain-enamelled greats for better durability.
For those who have a busier lifestyle and want consistency in their outdoor cooking, a gas BBQ is the more convenient choice.
Your choice often comes down to whether you enjoy the ritual of cooking with fire or prefer fuss free grilling.
What size BBQ do you need?
The type of BBQ you choose can also come down to the space available. Do you have a large outdoor decking area, or a smaller patio? Also consider how many people you’re cooking for. A meal for two would need less space than if you’re regularly entertaining in your garden.
Smaller households might only need a two-burner gas BBQ, or a 47cm charcoal kettle.
Larger families and those who like to host would benefit from a three-six-burner gas BBQ, or a 57cm kettle for more space and flexibility.
Typically, gas grills tend to be larger and therefore take up more space, whereas charcoal BBQs are more portable and easier to move around.
Which BBQ fits best with your lifestyle?
Knowing how you see your BBQ fitting into your lifestyle can be key in the decision-making process.
Barbecuing goes beyond burgers and sausages – many models can now:
Roast joints
Bake bread
Cook pizzas
Handle your full Sunday roast
Some even double as smokers with the addition of wood chips or smoker boxes.
If you’re looking for a BBQ that can do more than just grill, then a gas BBQ is more likely to come with these additional features.
On the other hand, a charcoal BBQ allows you to experiment more with flavours and offer more versatility in your grilling techniques. They also often have higher temperature capabilities which makes them perfect for searing traditional barbecued foods.
How to maintain your BBQ
Your lifestyle will also dictate how much time you can offer to the upkeep of your barbecue.
For the most part, gas BBQs are relatively straightforward to clean and will need just a quick scrub after it’s cooled to remove any residue food, grease, or spills, is all that it’ll need.
A charcoal grill takes more maintenance, with ash needing emptying and disposing of after every use.
For both types, regular cleaning keeps your BBQ performing well and lasting longer. Always make sure you:
Burn off any residue after cooking
Brush the grates while they're warm
Empty ash once its cooled
Use a breathable, weather-resistant cover.
This is especially important with the unpredictable, British weather.
Where to put your BBQ
Chosing where to put your new BBQ can also contribute to deciding which model to take home.
For those who will get more regular use out of the BBQ, then having a dedicated area – ideally closer to the house with access to the kitchen – then a larger gas model with different options might suit your style better.
You can even choose BBQs with shelves and storage to create your own outdoor cooking area, equipped with everything you need.
If you use your BBQ more seasonally, then consider something more portable that doesn’t need to stand in the same place all year. An area that’s close to a storage shed or near your house is ideal, or if you are keeping your BBQ outside year-round, then we’d recommend investing in a waterproof cover to keep it rust-free.
Which is better, gas or charcoal BBQ?
Now you know the facts, knowing which BBQ to choose should be easier.
Why choose a gas BBQ?
Gas BBQs are all about speed and simplicity. With instant ignition and adjustable heat controls, you can be cooking in as little as 10–15 minutes. They’re perfect for:
Midweek meals
Hosting larger gatherings
Consistent, even cooking.
There’s no ash to deal with, and features like multiple burners, side burners and builtin thermometers make gas BBQs feel like a full outdoor kitchen.
Why choose a charcoal BBQ?
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Charcoal BBQs are loved for their authentic flavour and atmosphere. The crackle of the coals and smoky aroma create a true outdoor cooking experience. They suit people who:
Enjoy hands‑on cooking
Love deep, smoky flavours
Want versatility for roasting and smoking.
With air vent control and indirect cooking methods, charcoal BBQs can handle everything from steaks to slow cooked ribs.
Choosing the best BBQ for you
There isn’t a right or wrong answer when it comes to the right BBQ for you, it completely depends on your lifestyle.
Whether you prefer the ritual of charcoal or the ease of gas, the perfect BBQ turns your garden into an outdoor oasis, perfect for sharing great food and summer memories.
You can find our full range of BBQs online and in-store, but if you’re still stuck on which to get then our expert team in-store are always on hand to help.