Charcoal Barbecues

Which type of charcoal barbecue should you choose?

The right design depends on how you want to cook. A kettle BBQ combines a rounded cooking bowl with a lid, giving you options for grilling over the coals or arranging an indirect cooking area. Our range includes kettle models from Weber and Napoleon.

Barrel-style charcoal grills offer a different cooking layout and are worth comparing when you prefer a rectangular cooking surface. The range also includes Masterbuilt Gravity Series models, so there are alternatives to the traditional kettle format.

For ceramic charcoal cooking, explore our dedicated kamado grills. Comparing the different designs is more useful than choosing on appearance alone.

Why do the lid and air vents matter?

A lid changes the way you can use a charcoal barbecue. Alongside grilling directly over the coals, a suitable lidded model allows you to arrange the fuel to one side and cook food away from the strongest direct heat.

Air vents help regulate the fire by controlling airflow. Look at how easily they can be adjusted and whether the barbecue gives you convenient access to the charcoal during cooking.

These details matter when you plan to move beyond burgers and sausages to larger cuts, whole poultry or dishes that need a longer, gentler cook.

How much cooking space do you need?

Consider the whole meal rather than the number of people alone. Grilling vegetables alongside meat takes more room than cooking a single item in batches. An indirect setup also leaves part of the grate away from the coals, so not every centimetre will be used in the same way.

Compare the usable grate dimensions and the height beneath the lid. For a barbecue that is easier to move or store, browse our portable barbecues and check the weight and carrying arrangements of each model.

Which charcoal and lighting accessories should you use?

Choose fuel that is suitable for your barbecue. Explore our lumpwood charcoal and barbecue briquettes, then follow the appliance manufacturer’s recommendations.

The lighting method matters too. Our barbecue lighting accessories include firelighters and chimney starters. Select a method approved for your model rather than assuming every charcoal barbecue should be lit in the same way.

How do you look after a charcoal barbecue?

Allow the barbecue and ashes to cool fully before removing ash. Keep the air vents clear and clean the cooking grates using methods suitable for their material and coating.

Before storing the barbecue, make sure it is cool and dry, then protect it with a compatible barbecue cover. Easy access to the ash collector and removable parts is worth checking before you buy, especially when you expect to cook regularly.