But you need to be aware that, these days, barbecues come in all shapes and sizes. You might be a six-pack-and-chipolatas-with-ketchup sort of family or the type who lays on magnums of rose, Ottolenghi-inspired salads and legs of luscious lamb. You might swear by gas or refuse ever to turn your back on charcoal. Whatever your beliefs, we’ve rounded up the best sites for buying barbecues.

Big Green Egg


NASA-inspired ceramics and patented technology combine in this lifetime investment of a barbecue. A Big Green Egg tells the neighbours that your BBQs mean business. Fans claim it gives you the best-tasting meat, thanks to its versatility and temperature control. The site is as well designed as the product itself, oozing with information and recipes as well as barbecues and accessories.

John Lewis


When you are after something as long-lasting as a barbecue, you don’t want to get your fingers burned. It makes sense to head for trusty old John Lewis. With 77 brand- and big-name models on the site, including gas, charcoal and electric, you are sure to unearth the one for you. We find John Lewis customer reviews particularly helpful – and their five- or ten-year guarantees appeal, too.

Weber


Weber founder George Stephen Sr invented the original kettle BBQ out of a simple marine buoy in Chicago. The company has been merrily flogging the al fresco dream since 1952. His son, Jim, says: “My [late] father’s vision and dogged determination changed the landscape of outdoor entertaining, and Weber will continue to honour his legacy by developing and producing the best grills and accessories available for years to come.” Enough said.

Landmann


These are, arguably, the best-looking barbecues out there. From humble beginnings in Germany in 1966, this family-owned company has grown into one of Europe’s largest suppliers of premium barbecues and garden products. The site offers excellent customer care, a huge range of spare parts and handy instruction manuals for all of their barbecues.

BBQ world


An off-the-wall choice, perhaps, BBQ World is the specialist barbecue website for the family-run Lancashire department store, Dawsons. As highly regarded stockists of Weber and other premium brands, BBQ World offers great online deals and free delivery on orders over £50. The site has a great barbecue advice section, too.

June 2018