What to Choose for Outdoor Cooking This Year
With summer 2025 fast approaching, many people are already planning for garden parties, weekend grilling, and evening meals outdoors. Whether you're replacing an old model or buying your first one, finding the best BBQs for summer 2025 will help you enjoy the warmer months to the fullest.
What to Look for in a BBQ for Summer 2025
Before diving into the best models, it’s important to know what features matter most for a BBQ that works well in British gardens. Here are a few things to consider:
1. Size of Cooking Surface
- For couples or small families, a compact BBQ is fine.
- If you plan to entertain guests often, go for a larger surface with multiple burners.
2. Fuel Type
- Gas BBQs heat up quickly and offer more control.
- Charcoal BBQs give food a smoky flavour but take longer to heat.
- Electric BBQs are good for smaller outdoor areas or flats with restrictions.
3. Build Quality
- Choose stainless steel or coated metal for durability.
- Look for good ventilation and sturdy cooking grates.
4. Ease of Cleaning
- Removable grease trays and non-stick surfaces help make cleaning easier.
5. Portability
- Foldable legs or wheels help if you need to move or store your BBQ.
Best BBQs for Summer 2025: Our Top Picks
Now, let’s take a look at the best BBQs summer 2025 has to offer. These options suit a range of needs and budgets, including traditional and modern preferences.
1. Blackstone 36in Griddle with Hood & Front Shelf
✅ Fuel: Gas
✅ Best For: Large families or garden parties
This large gas griddle gives you plenty of cooking space and great temperature control. It’s perfect for cooking meat, vegetables, eggs, and even pancakes. The flat griddle surface heats evenly, and the built-in hood helps with heat retention.
Why it stands out: You can cook multiple foods at once without worrying about flare-ups or uneven heat.
2. Blackstone 28in Griddle Cooking Station – Europe Model
✅ Fuel: Gas
✅ Best For: Medium-sized patios
A solid all-rounder, this 28-inch model is big enough for a family BBQ but compact enough to fit in most garden spaces. It heats up fast, is easy to clean, and comes with shelves for prep work.
Why it stands out: Ideal mix of size, performance, and storage features.
3. Blackstone 17in Tabletop Griddle
✅ Fuel: Gas
✅ Best For: Compact spaces or camping
This portable griddle is ideal for balconies, small gardens, or trips away. Despite its size, it has good heat output and is simple to use.
Why it stands out: Lightweight and compact while still giving solid cooking power.
4. Blackstone 36in Griddle with Air Fryer Drawers
✅ Fuel: Gas
✅ Best For: Versatility
Combining a large griddle surface with built-in air fryer drawers, this model lets you cook nearly anything outdoors. You can grill burgers while air-frying chips at the same time.
Why it stands out: Offers a complete outdoor kitchen setup in one unit.
Other Features to Look for in Summer BBQs
To get the most from your BBQ in 2025, consider these optional extras:
- Side Burners – For sauces or vegetables
- Lid with Thermometer – For slow roasting
- Built-in Shelving – For prep and storage
- Accessories – A good BBQ scraper, tool kit, or breakfast set can improve your cooking experience
At Exterio, you can also find useful tools such as the GRIDDLE Essentials Toolkit (5 Piece) and a Heavy Duty Scraper with Scrub Pad, both ideal for maintaining your griddle in top condition.
Tips for BBQ Cooking This Summer
- Preheat your BBQ – Give it 5–10 minutes before adding food.
- Use zones – Cook meat on high heat and veggies on lower heat if possible.
- Avoid pressing meat – You’ll lose the juices.
- Let it rest – Allow cooked meat to sit for a few minutes before serving.
- Clean regularly – A clean BBQ performs better and lasts longer.
Where to Buy the Best BBQs for Summer 2025
You can find all the BBQ models mentioned above at trusted retailers. To browse and buy from a UK-based supplier, visit Exterio. We offer:
- Blackstone Griddles
- Exterio Griddle BBQs
- BBQ accessories
- Outdoor dining sets to complete your garden space
To read what other customers think about us, check out Google My Business or Trustpilot for up-to-date reviews.
Further Reading
Interested in learning more about BBQs and outdoor setups? Check out:
- Blackstone Griddle BBQs UK – Explore more on why Blackstone is a top pick.
- Griddle BBQs UK – Learn about the benefits of griddle-style cooking for outdoor meals.
Conclusion
Choosing the best BBQs for summer 2025 comes down to how you cook, how often you entertain, and what features matter most to you. Whether it’s a compact tabletop BBQ or a full-size outdoor cooking station, there’s a model that will suit your garden and lifestyle.