As I’m writing this, we’re preparing for a heatwave. And I have no doubt it’ll come with all the classics: people complaining about the heat (that’s me – I’m sorry), electric fans selling out at record speed, and the smell of grilled meat being, well, everywhere.
In short: it’s high season for barbecue grills. (And fans – seriously, if you don’t have one, get one now.)
Up and down the country, people are getting them ready right as you read this. As we’re preparing to host family and friends, getting the barbecue ready is a key factor.
But for many, it’s about more than a simple but cheerful coal design. These days, barbecue grills pack a serious punch when it comes to functionality.
Whether you prefer cooking over gas or coal and need all the bells and whistles or are happy with the basic functions, there’s something out there for you.
Don’t believe me? Let’s have a look at some of the clever designs available, shall we?
The latest barbecue grills
This large barbecue grill from Vonhaus has enough space to prepare food for all the family. Featuring four main and one side burner, it also has a cast iron grill for ideal heat distribution. And a handy temperature gauge allows you to monitor the cooking process, for ideal results every time.
As far as barbecue grills go, Weber’s Master-Touch GBS E-5750 may look unassuming – but it has enough space to cook for 10. And not just that, because this grill comes with plenty of functionality. It features Weber’s triple-plated hinged gourmet barbecue system (GBS) as well as two char baskets, so you can prepare a variety of dishes. A low and slow vent gives you even more cooking options, while the new smoke setting gives you even more control over the heat. Plus, it has a bracket for Webers iGrill app-connected thermometer – so you get the best results every time.
Robust and stylish, the ceramic Kamado has a super-speedy heat-up time of only 15 minutes. Using coal as its fuel, the barbecue allows for precise temperature control. And it can do more than just grill meat: you can also use the Kamado for searing and baking. Plus, if you add wood chips to the charcoal, you can smoke meats, too. Thanks to its ceramic body, it’s got excellent heat retention which makes it ideal for cooking meat, fish, pizza and bread – plus you can even use it to bake a cake. Yes, really.
Who said barbecue grills can’t be super stylish? This Quan wood-fired design will prove them wrong. Consisting of a large fire pit surrounded by a tempered steel top plate, it allows you to cook teppanyaki style – but al fresco. Reaching temperatures of up to 400ºC, the top plate is ideal for preparing meat and fish, but also vegetables or even fruit. And once you’re done, simply sit back and relax around the fire pit – just keep enough extra wood handy.
Morsø’s Forno not only offers the basic gas grill functions, it also looks great with a minimalist design. It is ideal for preparing fish and meat, but not suitable for pizza as the heat cannot escape. Available in different sizes, the Forno barbecue is suitable for both small and big parties – just pick the one right for you. Plus, as it is a table top design, it doesn’t take up much floor area either.
Ideal for outdoor entertainers, the Hub barbecue can do everything – and then some. With space for up to 32 burgers or five chickens, it’s suitable for everything from basic cooking to more ambitious adventures and designed for large parties. It has a rotisserie, too, while built-in storage keeps all your essentials to hand. A fast flame ignition system has the barbecue ready within 10 minutes. Plus, removable, cool-to-the-touch chrome grills make reloading charcoal safe and easy.
Featured image: As far as barbecue grills go, the Back to Fire outdoor kitchen on feet is easily at the top of the style scale. Made from legally sourced and FSC-certified solid ipe or acacia wood with stainless steel, it was created by Egoe for Seanroyale. The Back to Fire comes with a large grill and a removable tablet you can place either on the left or right side. Priced around £2561.71 (€2990).
Want to read more summer features? Here’s our round-up of our favourite electric fans.