Top Charcoal Barbecues for beginners in 2025

As the sunny days of 2025 approach, it's time to set up for memorable backyard barbecues! There’s something truly special about gathering loved ones, enjoying delicious grilled food, and creating lasting memories. To make your grilling experience exceptional, it's crucial to select the right charcoal BBQ grill.

Below, you'll find the ten best charcoal barbecues available in 2025, highlighting their pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

1. Weber Performer Deluxe GBS Charcoal BBQ - £584

The Weber Performer Deluxe GBS is a favorite among BBQ enthusiasts. This grill combines a sturdy build with a versatile design, making it perfect for various cooking styles. It is great for beginners and for those who later want to upgrade to something as impressive as the Weber Summit Kamado E6 - a high performing, large, luxurious all-weather garden BBQ.

Pros:

• A built-in thermometer allows for temperature control, ensuring perfectly grilled meats.

• A generous cooking space of 57cm can accommodate about 12 burgers at once, perfect for larger gatherings.

• The Great Barbecue System (GBS) enables you to swap grates for different cooking methods, like griddle or pizza stone.

  
  

Cons:

• The most expensive that we looked at.

• The charcoal basket can be tricky to clean after grilling.

2. Uniflame Big American Grill - £139

Perfect for those who love to entertain, the Uniflame Big American Grill provides a substantial cooking area.

Pros:

• At an average price of £140, it’s budget-friendly and appealing to many families.

• Its large cooking surface can handle up to 15 burgers at a time, ideal for BBQ parties.

  
  

Cons:

• It lacks the advanced features that higher-end models offer, such as adjustable grates.

• Some users report that the materials may wear out over time, especially if used frequently.

Uniflame Big American Grill £139 available from George Home at Asda

3. Char-Griller Red Akorn Junior Kamado Charcoal BBQ - £199

For versatile outdoor cooking, the Char-Griller Red Akorn Junior Kamado Charcoal BBQ is a standout choice for new grillers.

Pros:

• Made from heavy-gauge powder coated Steel with thick Cast Iron cooking grates for maximum durability and heat retention.

• Perfect for both high heat grilling and low-and-slow cooking.

  
  

Cons:

• Weighing over 22kg, it’s not the most portable option.

• Initial assembly can be complicated.

• It will require some kind of permanent base to sit on.

4. Landmann 43.5cm Kettle Charcoal Barbecue - £49

The Landmann Kettle BBQ is an affordable charcoal grill that delivers great performance, making it ideal for small spaces at only 43.5cm wide. Its price? Just £49 and it is available on Amazon with next day delivery.

Pros:

• Its compact design means it fits well on small patios or balconies, perfect for city dwellers.

• Priced around £49, it offers great value while maintaining essential grilling capabilities.

  
  

Cons:

• With a limited cooking area of less than 50cm inches, it may not be suitable for larger families.

5. Jerez Folding Charcoal BBQ

This Jerez Folding Charcoal BBQ is a compact yet functional barbecue for an unbeatable flavour. It has a simple design featuring a deep pit for coal, a spacious grill measuring 51 x 47cm on top and a handy cover to keep the flavour in. The rack on the side is great for storing all your utensils, having them at hand as you cook. It is also easy to move around using the convenient wheels.

Pros:

• Easy to move around

• Cheap, so perfect for beginners.

• Sleek and stylish, we love the red colour.

  
  

Cons:

• Less secure base, so please take care when children are running around!

Gather Around for Grilling Fun

As warmer weather and sunny skies arrive, let’s take the opportunity to bring friends and family together for some grill time. From burgers to juicy ribs and grilled veggies, a charcoal BBQ can elevate any gathering into a festive occasion.

The experience of grilling fosters connection and laughter as you enjoy tasty food and share stories.

So, embrace the joy of small moments—like smiles shared over the grill or watching kids laugh while waiting for their favorite foods to finish. A weekend BBQ can create cherished memories that you and your family will treasure for years to come.

Image: Dobbies Garden Centres

The Final Word on Your Grill Choice

Choosing the best charcoal barbecue, whether for beginners or seasoned pros, can elevate your outdoor cooking experience. The variety of options ensures there is an ideal grill for every family setup.

Whether you decide on a powerful Weber Performer Deluxe or the budget-friendly Uniflame Big American Grill, each choice has its unique strengths to offer.

So, fire up the charcoal, invite your loved ones, and enjoy those sunny days spent together. As the smoke curls into the air and the delicious aroma fills your backyard, you'll know you've made the right choice for your grilling adventures in 2025.

Happy grilling!

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Our writers like to find the latest trends for the home and garden. We launched the award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2015 and the luxury property and interior decor blog www.alltheprettyhomes.com in 2024 to cover all your interior design, travel and lifestyle inspiration needs. Download our free bathroom renovation guide here.