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Have you noticed how the humble backyard has turned into a culinary stage? Outdoor grilling in the UK has exploded in popularity, and it’s not just about burgers and sausages anymore. Grilling has become a lifestyle — a way to bring people together, experiment with flavors, and turn a sunny afternoon into a mini foodie festival. Whether you’ve got a tiny balcony or a sprawling garden, there’s a grill that fits your space, budget, and cooking ambitions.
Shopping for an outdoor grill can feel overwhelming: too many brands, too many types, and a forest of features. Luckily, a handful of UK retailers make it easy to browse and buy. Menkind and Nordic Nest are two names worth knowing — they bring quirky, niche and well-made options. Beyond them, established retailers like John Lewis, Argos, B&Q, Currys and specialist shops such as Robert Dyas and Lakeland offer wide ranges and helpful buying guides. Each store has a slightly different vibe: some focus on gadgets and novelty, others on durability and performance.
Menkind is a go-to if you love clever gadgets and compact grills. They stock fun, conversation-starting products — think the World’s Smallest BBQ and other portable units that are perfect for picnics, camping and tiny gardens. These grills are great for people who prioritise portability and novelty: they often fold up, weigh just a few pounds, and slip into a backpack like a trusty sidekick.
Nordic Nest brings Scandinavian sensibility to outdoor cooking: simple lines, durable materials, and thoughtful engineering. A standout is the Fiskars Norden Grill Chef 3-in-1 Grill Box, which has roughly a 12-inch diameter cooking area and transforms into a pan or griddle. It’s ideal for someone who wants multipurpose gear that looks good on the patio as well as performs on the heat.
John Lewis is a favourite for shoppers who want reliable brands, detailed product descriptions, and solid aftercare. You’ll find a broad selection from compact charcoal grills to mid-size gas units. They often stock well-known brands and sometimes include extended warranty options, which is reassuring if you plan to use your grill year-round.
Argos and Currys are great for quick buys and competitive prices. Argos tends to carry a wide range of entry to mid-level grills ideal for first-timers, while Currys can be a good place for electric and hybrid grills. Both stores offer click-and-collect options that make the whole process painless if you prefer inspecting a grill in person before committing.
If your shopping focuses on garden tools and accessories alongside the grill itself, B&Q and Robert Dyas stock everything from heavy-duty gas barbecues to replacement parts. Lakeland often focuses on accessories and clever add-ons — think bespoke grill baskets and reusable smoking chips. These retailers are handy if you also need covers, prep tables or installation accessories.
Choosing the right type of grill boils down to three things: flavour, convenience and space. Charcoal grills bring classic smoky flavours and high temperatures; gas grills offer speed and control; electric grills prioritise simplicity and suitability for balconies where open flames are restricted. Then there are kamados — egg-shaped ceramic grills that act as ovens, smokers and high-heat searers all in one. Which one suits you? Let’s break them down.
Charcoal grills are the pick for purists who chase that smoky crust and char. They usually deliver the highest searing temps — often over 700°F for quick sears — and are inexpensive in their simplest forms. On the downside, they require more time to light and a little patience to manage. For many, the flavour payoff is worth the ritual.
Gas grills are about immediate heat and precise control. Turn the knob, and you’re cooking in minutes. They’re ideal for family dinners and weekend hosting because they scale well and offer multiple burners for different zones. Expect BTU ratings that tell you how much power they can deliver, though surface design matters more than BTU numbers alone.
If you live in a flat with strict rules or limited outdoor space, electric grills are lifesavers. They plug into a standard outlet, produce less smoke, and are often compact enough to sit on a small balcony table. Performance has improved a lot over recent years; some electric griddles can hit high temps for a respectable sear.
Think of kamados as the Swiss Army knives of the grill world: ceramic bodies that retain heat like a Dutch oven, offering everything from low-and-slow smoking at 225°F to high-heat searing near 700°F. They’re heavy and usually take up more space, but their versatility and flavour retention make them a favourite for serious grillers.
Let’s zoom in on two notable items mentioned earlier, because they show the diversity of the market. Fiskars’ Norden Grill Chef 3-in-1 offers smart modularity: use it as a grill box, a griddle or even a small oven on a camping stove. With a roughly 12-inch cooking surface it’s ideal for two to three people and is built to last, with a robust steel design and easy-clean surface.
The World’s Smallest BBQ sold by Menkind is a novelty with practical uses. Designed for portability, it typically folds down to a footprint of around 8 by 6 inches and weighs just a couple of pounds, which makes it perfect for spontaneous park cookouts or beach days. Don’t expect to grill a whole shoulder of pork on it, but for quick skewers, toasted sandwiches and portable joy, it’s hard to beat.
Before you drop money on a grill, ask yourself a few practical questions: How many people do you usually cook for? Do you need something easily storable? Do you prioritise flavour or convenience? The answers guide you toward the right features: cooking area size, material and build quality, heat control options, and portability. Let’s unpack these.
Cooking area is usually measured in square inches. For a couple or small family, 200–400 square inches (about a 14–20 inch diameter circular surface) will often do the trick. If you plan frequent big gatherings, look for 500+ square inches so you can cook multiple items at once. Go too small and you'll be doing marathon batches instead of relaxed hosting.
Stainless steel resists rust and cleans easily, enamel-coated bodies look tidy and handle heat well, while cast iron grates offer the best sear but need seasoning and care. A mix of materials often gives the best balance: a stainless body for weather resistance and cast iron or porcelain-coated grates for cooking performance.
For versatility, grills with multiple burners or adjustable charcoal vents make it easier to create heat zones. This lets you sear on one side at high heat and slow-cook on the other at lower temperatures. If you like experimenting — roasts, pizzas, low-and-slow brisket — heat control is non-negotiable.
Do you want a grill you can carry to the park or something that lives on a patio table? Consider weight and folded dimensions. Portable grills of under 10 pounds and with folded sizes around 8–12 inches are easy to transport. Larger wheeled units are better for home use where mobility around the garden matters but portability is less crucial.
Not all grills are created equal, and your ideal pick depends on your lifestyle. A commuter with a small balcony needs different gear than someone hosting regular garden parties. Here’s a quick guide to match grills to situations, so you don’t end up with buyer’s remorse.
If you live in an apartment, an electric grill or a small, well-ventilated charcoal unit is a safe bet. Electric grills keep smoke low and are generally permitted on many balconies. A tabletop unit with a cooking surface under 200 square inches will save space and still deliver good results.
For feeding a crowd, a gas grill with multiple burners and at least 500 square inches of cooking area makes life easier. Look for side shelves, warming racks and built-in thermometers to streamline prep. These features turn a chaotic cooking session into a controlled performance.
For camping and festivals, you’ll want ultra-portable grills — think the World’s Smallest BBQ or compact travel models under 10 pounds. They often use small charcoal or gel fuels and fold down to a size that fits into a rucksack. Portability sometimes means sacrificing capacity, but it rewards you with freedom.
A clean grill is a happy grill. Regular maintenance extends the life of your unit and keeps food tasting its best. After each use, scrape the grates while they're warm, occasionally deep-clean grates with a steel brush, and check seals and burners on gas grills. If you live in a damp climate, store your grill under a cover and give it a seasonal inspection to prevent rust.
For stubborn residue, heat the grill to burn off food, then use a brush and a little oil. For cast iron, avoid soap and re-season with oil to prevent rust. On enamel or stainless surfaces, warm soapy water and a nylon brush usually do the trick. Empty ash from charcoal grills after they cool to avoid moisture traps and corrosion.
Safety is non-negotiable. Always place your grill on a stable, non-flammable surface at least a few feet from structures and plants. Keep a spray bottle for flare-ups and a fire extinguisher nearby for worst-case scenarios. For gas grills, check hoses and connections regularly, and never leave an active grill unattended. Simple precautions make outdoor cooking relaxing rather than risky.
Accessories aren’t just extra toys — they can raise your barbecue from everyday to exceptional. Quality tongs, long-handled spatulas, a good instant-read thermometer, a sturdy grill brush and a weatherproof cover will improve results and protect your investment. Consider a charcoal chimney starter to light coals quickly and evenly, and a smoker box for adding wood-chip flavours to gas grills.
An accurate thermometer helps avoid guesswork and undercooked meals. Grill baskets make delicate items like fish and vegetables easy to manage, and a rotisserie kit can turn your gas grill into a slow-roast powerhouse. These add-ons are often available at the retailers mentioned earlier and can be a surprisingly affordable way to expand what your grill can do.
Choosing the right outdoor grill in the UK is a balance of space, taste and lifestyle. Whether you’re drawn to Menkind fun, portable options like the World’s Smallest BBQ or Nordic Nest elegant Fiskars Norden Grill Chef 3-in-1, there are plenty of solid choices across John Lewis, Argos, Currys, B&Q and specialist retailers. Think about how you cook, where you’ll place your grill, and what flavors you want to chase — then pick the tool that helps you get there. Happy grilling!
| Outdoor Grills | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Fiskars Norden Grill Chef 3-i-1 Grill Box Ø30 Cm | £ 75,- |
