BBQ and Outdoor Heating Buying Guide
Getting set to sizzle with the latest BBQs or looking for ways to keep your guests warm as the sun goes down, here’s our guide to help you choose the right equipment for you..
What are the types of barbecue equipment?
Whether you want a charcoal, gas, dual fuel or electric BBQ, we’ve got all your outdoor grilling, roasting, baking and smoking needs covered.
Things to consider
Before you get the steaks and veggie burgers ready, there are a few things to think about to help you cook up a storm. Your choice of BBQ will depend on how many people you’re likely to be cooking for and the types of food you want to cook.
How many people will you be cooking for?
For up to 4 people, a 2-burner gas BBQ, small electric or charcoal BBQ, or a kettle BBQ are ideal. For up to 6 people you’ll need a 3-4-burner gas BBQ, medium-sized charcoal BBQ or best of all, a barrel BBQ. For larger parties, your best options are either a 6 burner gas BBQ with side burner or a large charcoal BBQ.
Charcoal
Charcoal is the traditional fuel used for barbecuing and grilling food and gives you a really authentic chargrilled taste.
You need to light your charcoal BBQ at least 45 minutes before you start cooking to make sure it reaches the right temperature. (when the charcoal turns white).
Charcoal fuelled barbecues generally cost less than gas powered ones, so they’re an affordable choice.
Shop charcoal barbecuesSafety hints and tips
You can only use BBQs outdoors and in a well ventilated area, making sure that you don’t position them near or under any combustible surface. Never move a BBQ once it’s lit and always keep children and pets well away from them.
Don’t use spirit or petrol for lighting your gas BBQ, only firelighters that comply with EN1860-3 are safe to use.
Gas
These can be lit instantly and heat up fast, so you can be cooking quickly. Gas gives you consistent heat with temperature control at your fingertips.
Multiple burners let you cook different foods at different temperatures and a side burner is great for cooking food like fried eggs and potatoes which you can’t cook on the main grill.
You’ll need to buy or hire a gas bottle to use your BBQ. Your user guide will show you whether you need to use Propane Gas (sold in red bottles) or Patio Gas (green bottles).
Shop gas barbecuesSafety hints and tips
You can only use BBQs outdoors and in a well-ventilated area, making sure that you don’t position them near or under any combustible surface.
Never move a BBQ once it’s lit and always keep children and pets well away from them. Always carefully inspect the hose for cuts, cracks or excessive wear before you use it. If the hose is damaged, you must replace it with a new one that’s suitable for use with Liquefied Petroleum Gas.
You need to make sure that the barbecue is completely cool before you put the covers on or storing it away.
Oil Drum & Dual Fuel BBQs
Keeping it simple with traditional charcoals or going for ultra-convenience with a gas and charcoal combination, we’ve got the perfect BBQ, whatever your budget.
Oil
Based on an authentic oil drum style, these great value BBQs are ideal for larger families and get togethers as there’s plenty of grilling space for kebabs, burgers, veggies and more
Shop oil barbecuesDual Fuel
Enjoy the best of both worlds with all the flavour of a traditional charcoal grill and all the convenience of cooking on gas. Our top of the range dual fuel BBQs are the ultimate in outdoor cooking.
Shop dual fuel barbecuesOutdoor heating
Get ready to extend those summer evenings in the great outdoors. We’ve lots of information to help you decide what type of heating will be perfect for your outside space plus helpful safety advice too.
Chimenea & Fire Pits
Perfect for any size garden and especially good for smaller back yards, patios or decking areas. They stay warm for hours after the fire has gone out - perfect for keeping warm well into the night. Choose a traditional cast-iron chimenea or a lighter, more portable clay model. Clay chimineas need to be kept dry, so it's a good idea to invest in a cover. Look out for a chimenea with a cooking grill if you want to heat and eat.
Shop chimeneas & fire pitsSafety hints and tips
You can only use chimeneas and fire pits outdoors and they need to be placed on a level fireproof surface for safety and stability. Choose your location carefully as chimeneas can be heavy and can crack when moved around often.
Build small fires when first using a chimenea or fire pit (they’ll withstand larger fires once they’re seasoned). If flames come out of the chimenea, your fire is too big. Keep water handy in case you need to put the fire out.
Use pre-cut chimenea wood such as Easy logs or cut larger logs down to size. Never use lighter fuel or any other type of flame enhancing material.
Electric outdoor heaters
These are the easiest way to heat your outdoor space - just plug in and switch on for instant heat.
Whilst they might not provide such a traditional look as chimeneas, they are incredibly convenient and you don’t have to worry about starting a fire from scratch.
Shop electric outdoor heatersSafety hints and tips
Always follow the manufacturer’s guide when using your electrical heater and treat it just like any other electrical appliance, keeping water well away from it. Never, ever, ever use an electric heater in the rain.
Replace bulbs when necessary/as required and always store your heater away or use a protective cover when it’s not in use.
Keep the cable that connects your heater to the power outlet safely tucked away to avoid any accidental trips and falls.
Gas outdoor heaters
Relatively quick to heat up and easy to use, most gas heaters come with a control knob so you can easily and quickly adjust the level of heat up or down to suit.
You need to buy your BP or calor gas separately to fuel your gas heater.
Shop gas outdoor heatersSafety hints and tips
Always follow the manufacturer’s guide when using your gas heater, and never use it indoors.
Carefully inspect the hose for cuts, cracks or excessive wear before each use.
Be careful to place your outdoor heater on level, firm ground and always switch off the gas supply when your heater is not in use.
Get Ready for Summer With BBQs at Very
Enjoy al fresco cooking on warm summer nights with one of our barbecues. In our collection, you'll find gas and coal BBQs alongside electric and charcoal models, all from well-known brands such as Tower, Weber and Char-Broil. We have petite designs that you can easily fold away (ideal for smaller gardens), as well as large, multi-burner options that'll take pride of place on your patio. For authentic, crispy pizzas every time, go for one of our innovative pizza ovens. These have practical carry handles as well as removable stone bases for easy cleaning.
How to Choose the Right BBQ Grill
If you like cooking up BBQ favourites for all the family, go for a four-burner barbecue grill from our selection. These models come with useful worktop and storage space built-in so you can do all of your prep while chatting to your guests. Love that complex smoky flavour? Choose one of our smokers, which use wood chips to achieve that classic taste - you can cook anything from juicy steaks to veggie skewers to perfection. You'll also find plenty of handy accessories in our range, including tongs and spatulas.
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