Which BBQ to Choose? Top Picks for the Perfect Grill

With the sun's return, we're all overcome with a single desire: grilling outdoors. Whether on a patio, in a garden, or even on a balcony, the barbecue is the ultimate social centrepiece. But with the overwhelming number of models available, how do you navigate the options? Charcoal for authentic flavour, gas for speed, or electric for urban convenience?

Our mission at the editorial desk: to help you make sense of it all. This guide is designed to give you concrete, objective advice—free of marketing jargon—to help you find the perfect barbecue for your space and your needs.

How to Choose the Right Barbecue

Before diving into our top picks, let's review the essential criteria that will guide your choice.

1. Fuel Type: Charcoal, Gas, or Electric?

This is the starting point. It all comes down to your priorities and lifestyle.

• The charcoal barbecue: The go-to for purists, for whom that authentic smoky flavour is non-negotiable. It requires a bit of patience to light and a certain knack for managing the coals, but that ritual is all part of its charm.
• The gas barbecue: The champion of speed and simplicity. With instant ignition and precise temperature control via adjustable burners, it's the perfect partner for impromptu cookouts and weeknight meals.
• The electric grill or plancha: The ultimate solution for apartment balconies and patios, where open flames are often prohibited by building regulations. It's smokeless, heats up quickly, and cleans up in a flash.

2. Cooking Surface: How Many Guests?

The number of people you're cooking for is obviously a key factor. The cooking surface area, measured in cm?, is the best indicator. For a family of 4 to 6, aim for a surface of 1,500 to 2,000 cm?. If you're the type to invite the whole neighbourhood, a large-capacity barbecue over 2,500 cm? is a must.

3. Materials and Mobility: An Investment That Lasts

The longevity of your outdoor barbecue directly depends on the quality of its materials. Stainless steel (inox) is the champion for rust resistance and ease of maintenance. Enamelled steel is also an excellent, very durable alternative. On the practical side, a barbecue on wheels is a game-changer for moving it around and storing it away after the feast. Don't underestimate the utility of side shelves and storage space—they're essential for keeping dishes, utensils, and spices within arm's reach.

Our Recommended Barbecue Picks

We've selected three models that excel in their respective categories, from large family banquets to impromptu grilling on the balcony.

The Traditionalist: Neka Azur 55 cm Charcoal Barbecue

Why we love it: It combines a generous cooking surface with thoughtful details. Its steel frame mounted on a trolley makes it as stable as it is easy to manoeuvre. The smart choice for charcoal barbecue lovers who don't want to sacrifice user-friendliness.

Key features:

• Feeds a crowd: Its 53 x 38 cm grill can cater for up to 12 guests.
• Precise cooking: The adjustable 3-level grill lets you manage cooking intensity by moving it closer to the coals.
• Smart design: Equipped with 2 wheels, a side shelf, and a storage platform, everything is within reach.
• Sturdy: Its 4-legged steel frame guarantees rock-solid stability.

Who is it for? For families and groups of friends with a garden or a large patio, and for whom barbecuing is, above all, a flavourful ritual.

The Urban All-Rounder: Black+Decker 2200 W Electric Grill

Why we love it: This is the Swiss Army knife of grilling. Its 2200 W of power ensures it heats up in no time to perfectly sear meats. Its key feature: a 180° hinge that transforms it into an XXL plancha, effectively doubling the cooking surface.

Key features:

• Serious power: Its 2200 W deliver intense, evenly distributed heat.
• 2-in-1 design: Its 180° opening offers a plancha mode, while its adjustable lid adapts to the thickness of your paninis or cuts of beef.
• Simple and effective: Adjustable thermostat, cool-touch handle, and a removable drip tray.
• Easy to clean: Its non-stick coating (PFOA-free) wipes clean with a sponge and allows for healthier cooking.

Who is it for? The perfect appliance for city dwellers with a balcony, or for anyone who wants a quick, smokeless, and ultra-easy-to-clean grilling solution for both indoor and outdoor use.

The Effortless Performer: Landmann Rexon PTS 3.0 Gas Barbecue

Why we love it: This one is for grilling enthusiasts who demand performance and precision without the hassle of charcoal. With its 3 stainless steel burners and its PTS heat distribution system, it guarantees a perfectly even cook across the entire grill. Its enclosed cabinet cleverly conceals the gas tank and provides welcome storage for accessories.

Key features:

• Controlled power: 3 independent burners (3 x 3.7 kW) with piezo ignition for total control.
• Perfect cooking: The PTS (Power Transmission System) technology eliminates hot spots for a uniform cook.
• Fully equipped: Double-walled lid with a built-in thermometer, enamelled steel grates, and even a side burner for sauces or side dishes.
• Easy to move: Mounted on 4 casters (2 of which are locking) to move and stabilise it effortlessly.

Who is it for? For fans of large gatherings (up to 12 people) who want to combine the performance of a true outdoor kitchen with the simplicity of gas.

Can't Find Your Perfect Match?

Our selection covers three user profiles, but the world of grilling is endless. From integrated planchas to more compact or, conversely, XXL models... To explore all the possibilities, feel free to browse our complete collection.

? See Our Entire Barbecue & Grill Selection

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How do I easily clean my barbecue? For the grate, the easiest method is pyrolysis: let it heat up on high after cooking, then scrub with a wire brush. Alternatively, a good brushing while the grate is still warm works wonders. For the firebox and frame, wait for them to cool down completely. Empty the ash catcher or grease tray, then clean with a sponge and a mild degreaser. Rinse and dry thoroughly to prevent rust.

2. Am I allowed to use a barbecue on a balcony? It all depends on your building's or homeowners' association's rules. As a general rule, charcoal and gas barbecues are prohibited for safety (fire risk) and nuisance (smoke, odours) reasons. The electric grill is almost always permitted because it produces no flames or smoke. The best practice: always check your building's regulations before you buy!

3. So, Gas or Charcoal: The Final Showdown? There's no absolute winner; it all depends on what you're looking for.

• Choose charcoal if that smoky taste is sacred to you and if the preparation ritual is an integral part of the enjoyment.
• Opt for gas if you want speed, simplicity, and precise temperature control for hassle-free grilling, one cookout after another.