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Charcoal BBQs for Authentic Flavour

From classic kettle grills to kamado-style ceramic cookers, explore our range of charcoal barbecues built for smoking, searing, and slow cooking. Expert advice and showroom demos available in Berkshire.

Charcoal BBQs

Charcoal BBQs - Authentic Flame-Grilled Flavour

Charcoal BBQs provide that authentic flame-grilled taste that BBQ enthusiasts love. Perfect for cooking a variety of food to perfection, charcoal BBQs deliver unmatched smoky flavour, high-heat searing, and the traditional grilling experience outdoor cooking is famous for.

We stock premium charcoal BBQ brands including Big Green Egg, Weber, Napoleon Grills, and Outback. Choose from ceramic kamado grills, classic kettle BBQs, portable models, or barrel smokers. All designed to deliver exceptional flavour and performance for authentic outdoor cooking.

Weber Premium Smokey Joe Charcoal BBQ - Black Weber
Weber Premium Smokey Joe Charcoal BBQ - Black Save 10% Save %
£92.99
£92.99 - £92.99
£92.99
£83.69
£83.69 - £83.69
£83.69

Weber Premium Smokey Joe Charcoal BBQ - Black

Weber
Low stock

Weber Smokey Joe Premium BBQWeber original iconic kettle barbecue in miniature! Large enough to feed the family but small enough to pack in the car...

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£92.99
£92.99 - £92.99
£92.99
£83.69
£83.69 - £83.69
£83.69
Save 10% Save %

Why Choose a Charcoal BBQ?

Charcoal BBQs deliver authentic flame-grilled flavour that gas BBQs simply cannot replicate. The combination of burning charcoal and dripping fats creates that distinctive smoky taste BBQ enthusiasts love. Charcoal BBQs also reach higher temperatures than gas (up to 400°C+), perfect for searing steaks with a perfect crust whilst keeping interiors juicy and tender.

Charcoal BBQ Key Benefits

Authentic Smoky Flavour: Charcoal creates genuine smoky flavour that defines traditional BBQ. The smoke from burning charcoal and dripping juices infuses food with rich, complex taste impossible to achieve with gas.

High-Heat Searing: Charcoal BBQs reach temperatures of 400°C+ for restaurant-quality searing. Perfect for steaks, burgers, and chops with beautiful char marks and caramelised crusts.

Versatile Cooking: Grill directly over coals for searing, or use indirect heat for smoking and roasting. Charcoal BBQs handle everything from quick-grilled vegetables to 12-hour smoked brisket.

Traditional Experience: The ritual of lighting charcoal, managing fire, and cooking over live flames is part of the authentic BBQ experience many enthusiasts cherish.

Portable Options: Many charcoal BBQs are lightweight and portable, perfect for camping, beaches, parks, or tailgating without needing gas bottles.

Types of Charcoal BBQs

Kamado Grills: Ceramic BBQs like Big Green Egg with thick walls that retain heat and moisture exceptionally well. Kamados can grill, smoke, roast, and bake at temperatures from 75°C to 400°C+. Incredibly fuel-efficient and versatile - the ultimate charcoal BBQ for serious cooks.

Kettle BBQs: Classic dome-shaped charcoal grills like Weber Kettle. Versatile, affordable, and perfect for direct and indirect cooking. The iconic design that made charcoal grilling popular worldwide.

Barrel Smokers: Horizontal barrel-shaped BBQs designed for low-and-slow smoking. Large cooking capacity with separate firebox for extended smoking sessions.

Portable Charcoal BBQs: Compact, lightweight models perfect for camping, caravanning, balconies, or small spaces. Easy to transport and store.

Charcoal Types Explained

Lump Charcoal: Natural hardwood charcoal that burns hotter, cleaner, and produces less ash than briquettes. Lights faster, reaches higher temperatures, and provides authentic wood-fired flavour. Essential for kamado grills like Big Green Egg. Premium choice for serious grilling.

Charcoal Briquettes: Compressed charcoal that burns longer and more consistently than lump charcoal. Good for extended cooking sessions and maintaining steady temperatures. More affordable but produces more ash.

Binchotan (White Charcoal): Premium Japanese oak charcoal that burns extremely hot (up to 1000°C), clean, and long-lasting. Used in specialist Japanese grills like Kasai Konro for yakitori and robata cooking.

Premium Charcoal BBQ Brands

Big Green Egg: The world's leading ceramic kamado grill. Thick ceramic walls provide exceptional heat retention and moisture control for grilling, smoking, roasting, and baking. Available in six sizes from portable MiniMax to professional 2XL. Lifetime warranty on ceramic components. The ultimate charcoal BBQ for versatility and performance.

Weber: The iconic American brand that popularised kettle grilling. Weber charcoal BBQs feature the classic dome design, porcelain-enamelled bowls, and innovative features like hinged cooking grates and one-touch cleaning systems. From compact Smokey Joe to premium Master-Touch and Summit Kamado ranges.

Napoleon Grills: Canadian-built quality with innovative charcoal BBQ designs. Napoleon offers kettle-style charcoal grills and charcoal models with unique features like adjustable charcoal trays and hinged cooking grids for easy fuel access.

Outback: Excellent value charcoal BBQs offering solid performance at accessible price points. Perfect for families and first-time charcoal BBQ buyers seeking quality without premium pricing.

Shop Charcoal BBQ Products

Buy Charcoal BBQs Online with UK Delivery

Shop our complete range of charcoal BBQs online with free UK delivery on selected models. Browse Big Green Egg, Weber, Napoleon, and Outback charcoal BBQs with detailed specifications, features, buying guides, and customer reviews. Compare kamado grills, kettle BBQs, and portable models to find the perfect charcoal BBQ for your needs. As authorised dealers for Big Green Egg, Weber, and Napoleon, we stock genuine products with full manufacturer warranties and UK support.

Local to Berkshire? Visit our showroom at Oaktree Garden Centre to see our complete range of charcoal BBQs on display. Our specialists can demonstrate features, explain differences between kamado grills and kettle BBQs, and help you choose the right size and model for your cooking style. We can also advise on charcoal types, lighting techniques, temperature control, and accessories. Convenient for customers in Bracknell, Ascot, Wokingham, Windsor, Maidenhead, Reading, and surrounding areas.

All charcoal BBQs come with manufacturer warranties and comprehensive assembly instructions. Shop online for convenient nationwide delivery, or visit our Berkshire showroom for expert advice and hands-on demonstrations.

Frequently Asked Questions*

What is a charcoal BBQ and how does it work?
A charcoal BBQ uses charcoal (lump charcoal or briquettes) as fuel, which burns to create heat and smoke for grilling. Light the charcoal, wait 20-30 minutes for it to ash over and reach cooking temperature, then grill over direct or indirect heat. Charcoal BBQs provide authentic smoky flavour and high temperatures perfect for searing steaks, smoking ribs, and traditional outdoor cooking.
What are the benefits of a charcoal BBQ over gas?
Charcoal BBQs provide authentic smoky flavour that gas cannot replicate, reach higher temperatures for better searing (up to 400°C+), and offer the traditional grilling experience enthusiasts love. Charcoal is also more portable and doesn't require gas bottles. Whilst charcoal takes longer to heat (30-45 minutes vs 10-15 for gas), many cooks prefer the superior flavour and versatility.
Charcoal BBQ vs Gas BBQ - which should I choose?
Charcoal BBQs are best for authentic smoky flavour, high-heat searing, and traditional grilling - perfect for weekend cooking and BBQ enthusiasts. Gas BBQs offer convenience, speed, and precise temperature control - ideal for weeknight dinners. Charcoal reaches higher temperatures and provides better flavour, whilst gas offers instant ignition and easier cleanup. Choose charcoal for flavour and tradition, gas for convenience and speed.
Which charcoal BBQ brands do you stock?
We stock premium charcoal BBQ brands including Big Green Egg (ceramic kamado grills with lifetime warranties), Weber (iconic kettle BBQs and premium models), Napoleon Grills (charcoal grills and kettle models), and Outback (excellent value options). Each brand offers different features, from portable kettles to professional kamado grills.
What is a kamado grill?
A kamado grill is a ceramic charcoal BBQ (like Big Green Egg) with thick ceramic walls that provide exceptional heat retention and moisture control. Kamados can grill, smoke, roast, and bake at temperatures from 75°C to 400°C+. The ceramic construction makes them incredibly fuel-efficient and versatile - you can smoke brisket for 12 hours or sear steaks at high heat.
What type of charcoal should I use?
Lump charcoal (natural hardwood) burns hotter, cleaner, and produces less ash than briquettes. It's ideal for high-heat grilling and kamado cooking. Briquettes burn longer and more consistently, making them good for extended cooking sessions. For premium results, use quality lump charcoal. For kamado grills like Big Green Egg, always use lump charcoal - never briquettes.
How do I light a charcoal BBQ?
Use a charcoal chimney starter for best results. Fill the chimney with charcoal, place crumpled newspaper or fire starters underneath, and light. After 15-20 minutes, the charcoal will be ashed over and ready. Pour into your BBQ and arrange for direct or indirect cooking. Never use lighter fluid - it affects flavour and is unsafe.
How do I control temperature on a charcoal BBQ?
Control temperature through air vents. More air (open vents) increases temperature, less air (closed vents) decreases it. For kamado grills, use the top and bottom vents to dial in precise temperatures. Arrange charcoal for direct heat (coals directly under food) or indirect heat (coals to the side). Add or remove charcoal to adjust heat levels.
What size charcoal BBQ do I need?
Choose based on cooking area and typical serving size. Portable kettles (37-47cm) suit 2-4 people, medium kettles (57cm) suit 4-6 people, and large models (67cm+) suit 8+ people. Kamado grills like Big Green Egg come in sizes from MiniMax (portable) to 2XL (professional capacity). Consider how many people you typically cook for.
How do I clean and maintain my charcoal BBQ?
After cooking, let ash cool completely, then remove and dispose of it. Clean grates with a wire brush whilst warm. For kamado grills, the ceramic is self-cleaning at high temperatures. Empty ash regularly to maintain airflow. Store in a dry location or use a cover to protect from UK weather. Clean exterior with warm soapy water.
Can charcoal BBQs be used in all weather?
Yes, charcoal BBQs work in all UK weather conditions. Kamado grills like Big Green Egg are particularly weather-resistant due to ceramic construction. Wind can affect temperature control, so position your BBQ in a sheltered spot. Rain won't damage quality charcoal BBQs, but always use a cover when not in use to protect metal components and extend lifespan.
Can I buy charcoal BBQs online with UK delivery?
Yes, shop our complete range of charcoal BBQs online with free UK delivery on selected models. Browse Big Green Egg, Weber, Napoleon, and Outback charcoal BBQs with detailed specifications, features, and buying guides. For local customers in Berkshire, Bracknell, Ascot, Wokingham, Windsor, Maidenhead, and Reading, we also offer showroom collection and local delivery.
Where can I see charcoal BBQs in person?
Visit our Berkshire showroom at Oaktree Garden Centre to see our complete range of charcoal BBQs on display. Our specialists can demonstrate features, explain differences between kamado grills and kettle BBQs, and help you choose the right size and model for your needs. We can also advise on charcoal types, accessories, and lighting techniques. Convenient for customers in Bracknell, Ascot, Wokingham, Windsor, Maidenhead, Reading, and surrounding areas.

*These FAQs provide general guidance. Always follow the specific product manual and manufacturer instructions for safety, assembly, and operation. Manufacturer guidelines take precedence.

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