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Outdoor cooking buying guide
If you love to get the grill fired up at the slightest hint of sunshine, you'll want to make sure you've got all the best kit to whip up some great grub.
Get to know
Whether it’s a deep dive into an exciting new feature or some nifty tips that’ll make your life easier, check out our videos that’ll help you get the most out of your kitchen appliance.
What's your type?
Size?
Top tip
If you’re trying to host a legendary garden get-together, it’s no use being tied to the grill all evening. Pick up a barbecue with a warming rack to keep food hot once you’ve finished cooking. That way, you can relax, mingle, and actually enjoy the party too.
Features
Grills
This is where the mealtime magic begins. Made from either cast iron or stainless steel, your grill is where you’ll be cooking all your food. As a rule, cast iron gives you more even cooking, but stainless steel is usually easier to clean.
Lids
Popping a lid on your barbecue creates an enclosed space, meaning the heat can surround your food so everything’s evenly cooked.
Side burners
Side burners are perfect for whipping up some quick side dishes, or for plating up for guests with dietary requirements.
Griddles
Griddles give you a smooth, flat surface to cook up foods that would fall through the grill. Think veggies, pancakes, or eggs. Breakfast in the back garden anyone?
Electric pizza ovens
But what are they?
Forget the name, these handy appliances cook way more than pizza, letting you get creative with everything from flatbreads to roasted veggies. No need to be a pro pizza maker either, they’re designed to have easy-to-use controls, so you’ll have no trouble prepping a nice slice of Neapolitan. Plus, since they’re small and lightweight, you can set them up almost anywhere – from the garden table to a weekend camping setup.
Top tip
Have a look what’s included with your pizza oven, some come with handy extras like baking trays and pizza peelers that’ll make dishing up a delicious dinner that much easier.
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Coolers
Whether it’s keeping your drinks icy cold or food safely chilled, these handy appliances are perfect for days out, BBQs, or camping trips.
Cocktail and drinks makers
Drinks makers are about more than just slushies on a hot day. You can make frozen cocktails to get the party going or frappés without having to head to your local coffee spot. Pick up one with a larger tank and you’ll be able to make enough servings for all your mates too.
Icecream makers
Ready to whip up your own frozen treats at home? These clever little appliances let you serve up classic vanilla, chocolate, or whatever wild flavour you can dream up – no shop run required.
- What type of BBQ is best for beginners?
A gas barbecue is a really easy option for beginners since it lights instantly, heats evenly, and you don’t even have to faff around with charcoal.
- Are electric pizza ovens as good as wood‑fired ones?
As they use different cooking methods, you'll get different results. Electric pizza ovens are great options for beginners since they don’t need you to have any pro fire-tending skills. Wood-fired pizza ovens, on the other hand, give you that unmistakable smoky flavour, but you’ll need a little more know-how to plate up your pepperoni slices.
- What features should I look for in an electric pizza oven?
You’ll want to look for a model that can hit 400 to 450°C for proper bubbly crust. Fast preheat times, good insulation, and extras like a viewing window or timer are nice bonuses too.
- How long does it take to cook a pizza in an electric pizza oven?
Most electric pizza ovens can cook a pizza anywhere from 90 seconds to 5 minutes, depending on how hot they can get. A model that reaches 450°C can plate up a Neapolitan-style pizza in under 2 minutes.
- Can a BBQ be left outside all year?
You can leave a barbecue outside all year, but you’ll want to keep it in good nick with a cover. Rain, frost, and even sun exposure can cause rust or wear, so keeping it under shelter is always a good shout.
- How much maintenance do outdoor cookers need?
Outdoor cookers don’t need a lot of upkeep, but a little care here and there goes a long way. Give it a quick clean after each use and a deeper scrub every few weeks to keep yours in great shape.
- Can I use an electric pizza oven or BBQ on a balcony?
Since they don’t produce open flames, you can usually use electric pizza ovens on balconies. But with barbecues, it really depends on the rules where you live. Gas and charcoal are sometimes banned in flats because of potential fire risk – it’ s best to double check this with your building management or landlord first. And even if they are allowed, you'll always need to be extra careful where open flames are concerned.
- Are electric pizza ovens energy‑efficient?
Yes – because they heat up fast and finish cooking in a few minutes, they’re pretty energy efficient overall. Especially when compared to a full-sized kitchen oven for the same job.
- Are built‑in thermometers accurate?
They’re pretty helpful as a rough guide for the temperature inside the grill. But for a really precise reading of your food temperature, a digital probe is the way to go.
