A guide to choosing the perfect barbecue for your space and how you use it
Choosing the perfect barbecue is not as simple as it looks. With so many models, fuels and sizes on the market, it is easy to get lost and end up buying something that does not fit your terrace, your garden or the way you cook outdoors. In this guide we help you make the smartest decision, looking at the key factors that separate a barbecue you use every weekend from one that ends up in the storeroom.
First things first: measure and assess your space
Before you think about brands or features, you have to be honest about the space you have. A large barbecue on a small balcony is not just awkward; it can be downright dangerous. These are the most common situations:
A small balcony or terrace
If you have less than 10 m², the priority is compactness and safety. Small electric or bottled-gas barbecues are the most suitable. A portable barbecue you can put away when you are not using it is a good option. The Weber Q 1200N Barbecue with side tables is a perfect example: it takes up little room, folds away easily and performs surprisingly well for its size.
[product id="9789"]A medium-sized terrace or compact garden
With between 10 and 30 m² you have plenty of scope. You could go for a mid-range gas barbecue or a charcoal one on wheels so you can move it around. This is where models such as the Napoleon Freestyle 425 Barbecuecome into their own, combining versatility and power in a manageable format, ideal for anyone looking for a balance between performance and space.
[product id="12028"]A large garden or a big outdoor area
If you have space to spare, the choice widens considerably. You could consider a large-format barbecue, a complete outdoor kitchen or even a built-in barbecue set into a cooking island. Installations like these add enormous visual and practical value, turning your garden into a genuine space for entertaining.
How many people do you usually cook for?
How you actually use it largely defines the power and the grill size you need. Cooking for two on a quiet Sunday is not the same as putting on a barbecue for twelve friends.
- On your own or as a couple: Compact grills, with between 1.500 and 2.500 cm² of cooking surface.
- Families of 4 to 6: Aim for models with between 3.000 and 5.000 cm².
- Large groups or frequent occasions: You will need grills of more than 5.000 cm², possibly with side burners or separate cooking zones.
Gas, charcoal or electric: choose the fuel that suits you
The charcoal versus gas debate remains one of the most passionate among barbecue enthusiasts. Each option has real advantages, and the choice depends on your way of life as much as on your taste in food.
Gas barbecue: convenience and control
Gas barbecues light in seconds, reach the temperature you want within minutes and let you control the heat precisely. They are ideal for anyone who values practicality without giving up good results. The Genesis® E-415 Barbecue is a benchmark in this segment: a generous cooking surface, high-powered burners and a durability that makes it a long-term investment.
[product id="32117"]Charcoal barbecue: the authentic flavour
If, for you, a barbecue without the aroma of charcoal is not a real barbecue, this is your type. It takes longer to prepare and more cleaning, but the result on the plate is hard to match. For charcoal lovers who want versatility and build quality, the Genesis® S-335 GBS Barbecue offers exceptional performance with the GBS (Gourmet BBQ System), which lets you use extra accessories to widen what you can cook.
[product id="10173"]Electric barbecue: the answer for very limited spaces
In blocks of flats or areas where open flames are banned, electric is often the only workable option. They offer less power, but today's models have improved a great deal in results and ease of use.
What is a built-in barbecue and when does it make sense?
The built-in barbecues are designed to be set into a structure of masonry, granite, stainless steel or outdoor timber. They are the best-looking option and the one that adds most value to your garden, but they call for more careful planning of the installation.
If you are thinking of building a complete outdoor kitchen, it is worth looking at the modules available for built-in barbecues , which let you create bespoke layouts with sinks, storage and preparation areas. One product conceived for this kind of installation is the Napoleon 700 Series 32" Black Built-in Gas Barbecue, which offers professional power in a format designed specifically to be built into outdoor structures.
[product id="56077"]Before you settle on this option, bear in mind that the installation is permanent or semi-permanent and that it is wise to bring in a professional to guarantee safety, especially where natural gas is involved.
Materials: quality that shows over time
Not all barbecues age in the same way. The materials make an enormous difference to durability, ease of cleaning and resistance to the weather.
- Stainless steel: Strong, easy to clean and visually neutral. It is the standard in the mid to high range.
- Cast iron: Excellent at holding heat, but it needs looking after to prevent rust.
- Porcelain enamel: Very easy to clean and resistant to staining. Found on many quality grills.
- Enamelled steel: Inexpensive but less long-lasting if it is not looked after properly.
Whatever the barbecue is made of, protecting it when you are not using it is essential. A good cover considerably extends the life of your investment.
Other details that make a difference
Once you are clear about the type, the size and the fuel, there are a few extra features worth checking before you make the final decision:
- Built-in thermometer: Essential if you are going to use the lid for smoking or indirect cooking.
- Ash-clearing system: On charcoal models, it makes maintenance enormously easier.
- Side burner: Very handy for making sauces or side dishes while you cook on the main grill.
- Wheels and mobility: If you do not have a fixed spot for the barbecue, this is something you will be very glad of.
- Accessory compatibility: Pizza stones, woks, griddles... modular systems such as Weber's GBS open up many culinary possibilities.
One final piece of advice: think about your outdoor space as a whole
The barbecue is the centre of your outdoor space, but it is not the only element. If you are equipping or renovating your garden or terrace, we recommend thinking about the whole: the furniture, the lighting and the sun protection too. In fact, if you have not yet settled on a way of shading your barbecue area, our guide to choosing the perfect parasol can help you round off today's decision.
In short, the perfect barbecue does not exist in the abstract: it exists for you, in your space and in the way you enjoy it. With this guide you have the grounding to make an informed choice and to enjoy many years of good coals, good times and even better meals. Any questions? In our shop we will be delighted to help you find the model that fits you best.
