Joybuy Insights

Barbecue and Grill: How to Choose the Right Appliance for Cooking Outdoors or at Home

A barbecue and grill appliance lets you cook steaks, vegetables, burgers, paninis and kebabs. But not all models are created equal, and some purchases can quickly disappoint. High power alone doesn't guarantee even cooking, a non-stick coating can prove fiddly to maintain, and a portable barbecue may lack stability once set up.

Before comparing offers, it's worth knowing the most common pitfalls and the criteria that really matter for how you'll use it in the UK.

Common Pitfalls Before You Buy

1. Confusing Power with Performance

A very powerful electric grill heats up quickly, but that doesn't tell you everything about its performance. Heat distribution, contact with the plates and the ability to adjust the temperature precisely all play a vital role. For a family, the cooking surface area will often be more important than the wattage on the box.

2. Underestimating the Cleaning

Deep grooves, fixed plates and hard-to-reach nooks easily trap grease and residue. An appliance that's easy to take apart or has a drip tray can save you a lot of scrubbing. Always check which parts are removable and whether they're dishwasher-safe, if the product listing specifies this.

3. Overlooking Stability and Safety

A charcoal barbecue or a grill set on a wobbly stand increases the risk of it shifting or tipping over. For outdoor use, check the overall stability, the sturdiness of the handles, the ventilation and the space available around the appliance. Accessories like a barbecue grill grate, a rotisserie cage or a basket must be properly positioned before you add the food.

Key Criteria to Check Before Choosing

Surface Area and Size

For two people or occasional use, a compact appliance can be perfectly adequate. The 22.5 × 14 cm plates on the ochama 800 W multifunction grill are fine for single portions and small dishes. On the other hand, a surface of 28 × 22 cm lets you cook more food at once.

A portable barbecue is handy for a picnic or a terrace, but remember to check its dimensions when unfolded. For folding models, like some Huacan appliances, the weight, the storage size and the stability are worth comparing carefully. This information can vary from one product listing to another.

Type of Cooking

  • A contact grill heats both sides at once. It's particularly good for steaks, croque-monsieur and paninis.
  • An electric plancha offers an open surface, ideal for vegetables, delicate foods and small pieces that might fall through the bars.
  • A charcoal barbecue gives that distinctive smoky flavour, but it requires more preparation, ventilation and supervision.
  • A multifunction grill with interchangeable plates can replace several appliances, provided you have enough space to store its accessories.

Materials and Cleaning

A non-stick coating makes it easier to release food, but you'll need to use non-metal utensils if the instructions recommend it. To clean a metal grill grate or basket, wait until it has cooled completely, then use warm water, a mild detergent and a non-abrasive brush.

Removable parts make cleaning much simpler. The Braun MultiGrill 9 Pro, for instance, states that its plates and drip tray are dishwasher-safe. However, you should always confirm this in the manual supplied with the appliance.

Our Selection Based on Your Usage Profile

Recommended for: Beginners on a Budget
ochama Multifunction Contact Grill 800W

ochama Multifunction Contact Grill 800 W

Why this suits this profile: Its compact size fits easily on a small worktop and is ideal for last-minute meals. It combines a grill, a panini maker and a sandwich press in one appliance.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Heating on both sides means you don't have to keep turning the food over. The non-stick surface is also designed to make cleaning easier, as long as you follow the care instructions.

Main advantage and key features

800 W power, 22.5 × 14 cm plates and a size suited to everyday cooking.

Recommended for: Premium Enthusiasts
BRAUN MultiGrill 9 Pro CG9160

BRAUN MultiGrill 9 Pro CG9160

Why this suits this profile: Its different positions and separate controls are ideal for households that want to cook a variety of foods with a single appliance.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The two independent thermostats let you tailor the cooking to each food, rather than applying the same setting to everything. The drip tray also helps keep grease splatters off your worktop.

Main advantage and key features

2,200 W power, three cooking positions, temperature probe and SEAR function rated up to 265 °C.

Recommended for: Specific Uses and Heavy Users
Cuisinart GR5E 6-in-1 Multifunction Grill

Cuisinart GR5E 6-in-1

Why this suits this profile: This appliance lets you switch between contact grill, plancha, reversible plates, panini maker and waffle iron without cluttering your kitchen with extra gadgets.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The interchangeable plates let you adapt the surface to the type of recipe, rather than cooking everything with the same set-up.

Main advantage and key features

Six functions claimed, adjustable temperature, floating hinge and removable plates that are dishwasher-safe.

Accessories and Foods to Have Ready

A barbecue grill grate or a metal basket is handy for vegetables, small pieces and delicate foods. The Alpina BBQ Rack is described as a stable metal surface, compatible with most standard-sized charcoal or gas barbecues. Place it on a preheated grill, then clean it only after it has cooled completely.

To vary your meals, you can prepare evenly cut vegetables, burger buns, paninis or frozen items suitable for grilling. Zulekha lamb and chicken kebabs are sold in a 900 g bag and must be kept frozen at –18 °C or below before cooking. Uogashi Japanese eel, available in a 208 g portion, can be reheated in the microwave, steamed or grilled, according to the instructions on the packaging. Always check the ingredients list, allergens and preparation method stated on the product.

Looking for more options?

We've put together a complete, real-time updated selection of products that meet these demanding criteria and European safety standards.

Frequently Asked Questions About Barbecues and Grills

Which appliance should I choose for a flat without outdoor space?

An electric grill, a contact grill or an electric plancha will generally be more suitable for indoor use, provided you follow the manual, the ventilation instructions and the usage rules. A charcoal barbecue should only be used in an authorised outdoor location with plenty of ventilation.

How much does it cost to run an electric grill?

The cost depends on the appliance's power, the heating time and your electricity tariff. To estimate it, multiply the power in kilowatts by the usage time in hours, then by the price per kilowatt-hour on your contract. A 2,000 W appliance used for 30 minutes consumes roughly 1 kWh, not accounting for any holding temperature phase.

How can I extend the life of a barbecue or grill?

Clean the appliance after each use, avoid metal utensils on non-stick surfaces and store accessories only when they are completely dry. For an outdoor grill, check regularly for rust, warping or loose parts. Never use a damaged component and always let hot surfaces cool completely before handling them.