Charcoal BBQ

While a gas barbecue might be considered convenient and offers uniform heating and cooking, a charcoal BBQ offers a unique flavour that is difficult to replicate. The smoked flavour is what still attracts many buyers to turn down gas in favour of some of the best charcoal BBQs out there. Not all barbecues are created equal and as well as portable models, there are also huge models as well as those that combine gas and charcoal heating zones. Charcoal BBQ prices can also vary considerably with disposable grills costing less than £10, but only being suitable for a single use, and some built-in and freestanding units costing several thousand pounds. Generally, though, charcoal grills cost less than their gas counterparts.

Charcoal BBQ

Charcoal BBQ Reviews

More On Charcoal Barbecues

At BBQ World we have a large selection of charcoal barbecues including portable models as well as huge grills, and even built-in chimney styles. We stock grills from some of the best known manufacturers including Weber, Outback, and Broil King. If you're looking for something a little different then our selection of Cobb and Buschbeck barbecues are a great choice. We also have accessories like lighting chimneys, utensils, and the firelighters and BBQ charcoal that you need to get ready for cooking.

Portable Grills

One of the benefits of a charcoal BBQ over a gas barbecue is its portability. Portable gas barbecues are ideal for taking camping or on holiday, but they are also suitable for use when space is restricted or if you don't have the room to store a large barbecue. There is no gas bottle to have to carry, which means that the barbecues are lighter, and most models either come with wheels if they are on a stand, or with carry handles if they have no stand. Portable grills are not usually considered suitable for cooking for more than two or three people at a time.

Family And Party Barbecues

Small, portable barbecues may be suitable for two or three people, but you will need to move to a medium sized coal BBQ when cooking for a family. If you regularly throw parties or cook for larger groups of people then you will need a suitably large charcoal BBQ. Large barbecues can usually cook enough food for 6 to 8 people and may also include additional features like warming racks, folding side tables, hoods and thermometers.

Large Charcoal Barbecue Options

If you are interested in a large charcoal BBQ this typically means that you are able to choose more advanced and better equipped models, as well as those that are simply larger. Hood thermometers enable you to check the cooking temperature inside the barbecue before you start grilling. While gas barbecues are ready for cooking virtually straight away, you usually have to light a charcoal BBQ about 40 minutes before you want to start cooking. This gives enough time for the charcoal to burn down to glowing embers. The exact time may vary according to the amount of charcoal and even the type of charcoal or lumpwood that you use, but 40 minutes is a good, general guideline.

Oil Drum BBQ

The oil drum BBQ is the largest of the charcoal barbecue models. These are usually made from half an oil barrel, although the other half may be used as a lid. An oil drum charcoal BBQ will hold a lot of coal, which makes it suitable for cooking large amounts of food, and it can be used for hog roasts or for slow cooking large pieces of meat. However, the size of the oil drum BBQ means that it can be inconvenient too. It will take a lot of barbecue charcoal to fill, while poorly designed models may never really get hot enough to cook your food. Although gas barbecues are typically less expensive to run than gas barbecues, you should expect to have to invest a lot of money in buying coal to fill an oil drum barbecue.

Choosing The Best Charcoal BBQ

There is no simple answer as to which is the best charcoal BBQ; it depends on many factors including the number of people that you intend to cook for, as well as the additional features and benefits that you are looking for. While a portable Weber may be the best charcoal barbecue for some people, a built-in Buschbeck offers a more permanent and long-lasting solution. Consider whether you regularly cook for large groups, always try and choose a barbecue model that has a warming rack for the best grilling experience, and then choose the grill that has the features you want. At BBQ World we do stock a wide range of barbecues and grills so you can choose the best model for you.

Cobb Premier

There are many portable charcoal grill models available, but one of the most innovative is the Cobb barbecue. It was developed in Africa, to use corn husks as a fuel source. The Cobb Premier is extremely portable and extremely fuel efficient. A handful of charcoal can last for several hours, which not only means reduced cooking cost but it also means that you don't have to carry numerous bags of charcoal with you.

Weber Mastertouch BBQ

The Weber Mastertouch is a compact BBQ model. It has intelligent design features like a tuck away lid holder and a Gourmet BBQ System grate. The innovative grate allows you to remove the centre griddle section and replace it with a wok, sear grate, griddle, pizza stone, or a poultry roaster. The Weber Mastertouch also features a one-touch cleaning system, which makes it easier and more convenient to keep your charcoal grill in good condition so that it lasts longer.

BarrelQ

The BarrelQ is an upright oil barrel design. It includes a fire basket, grill, and a lid with cover. It can be used as a fire pit as well as a charcoal BBQ. It can be used in your garden or on the patio. It can even be taken camping, if you have room to transport it, and is ideal for parties because it looks great while also being an effective grilling model.

Charcoal BBQ Accessories

No matter how good the charcoal barbecue you choose, if you don't have the right cooking tools and accessories, your barbecuing experience will be diminished. Buy good quality utensils that last, ensure that you have the right type of barbecue charcoal, and, if you want to cook dishes more complex than the usual burgers and sausages, then you can buy additional accessories to further improve your grilling experience.

BBQ World Coal Barbecues

At BBQ World we have a large selection of grills and barbecues. Whether you want a gas or charcoal BBQ, whether you want a portable or large model, and whatever accessories you want in order to further enhance your grilling experience, we offer competitive prices on products from well known manufacturers. We can also help you choose the right products; either call in to Dawson's Department Store or give us a call and one of our team will be able to help you make the right decision for your barbecuing needs. If you know what you want, you can order securely on our website, enjoy free delivery on orders over �50, and you can have your barbecue delivered to your home in just a few days.