A Guide to Outdoor Cooking Trends in 2025
A BBQ is more than just a way to cook food—it brings people together, makes meals more enjoyable, and adds something special to any outdoor space. With new designs and features, the best BBQs in 2025 are more versatile, efficient, and easy to use.
Whether you're looking for a traditional grill, a griddle BBQ, or a compact, portable model, this guide will help you choose the best BBQ for your needs.
Why BBQs Are Changing in 2025
Outdoor cooking is evolving, with BBQs becoming more than just grills. In 2025, BBQs focus on:
✅ Even cooking – Better heat distribution ensures food is cooked properly.
✅ More cooking options – Griddle BBQs let you cook more than just meat.
✅ Easy cleaning – New designs make maintenance simple.
✅ Portable and space-saving models – Perfect for small gardens, patios, or camping trips.
✅ Eco-friendly options – More BBQs use fuel-efficient burners to reduce waste.
Types of BBQs in 2025
There are many different types of BBQs available. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular options:
1. Charcoal BBQs
- Traditional BBQs that use charcoal briquettes or lump wood.
- Known for their smoky flavour, but take longer to heat up.
- Require more cleaning compared to gas or griddle BBQs.
- Best for those who enjoy the classic BBQ experience.
2. Gas BBQs
- Heat up quickly and offer easy temperature control.
- More convenient than charcoal, with less smoke and mess.
- Can be expensive to run depending on gas usage.
- Best for people who BBQ often and want quick, reliable cooking.
3. Griddle BBQs (Flat-Top BBQs)
- Feature a flat cooking surface, making them one of the biggest BBQ trends in 2025.
- Even heat distribution, no flare-ups, and more cooking options.
- Can be used for meat, vegetables, eggs, pancakes, stir-fry, and more.
- Best for those who want versatility and easy maintenance.
4. Portable BBQs
- Small, lightweight models designed for camping, picnics, or small patios.
- Can be charcoal, gas, or griddle-based.
- Best for people who need a BBQ they can move easily.
5. Smart BBQs
- Feature digital controls, built-in thermometers, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
- Allow you to monitor cooking from your phone.
- Best for BBQ lovers who want precision cooking.
Why Griddle BBQs Are a Top Choice in 2025
One of the biggest BBQ trends in 2025 is the shift towards griddle BBQs. These BBQs have a flat cooking surface, which allows for even heat distribution and more cooking options.
Advantages of Griddle BBQs:
✅ Cooks Different Foods – You can cook steaks, eggs, pancakes, stir-fry, and burgers all on the same surface.
✅ No Flare-Ups – Unlike traditional grills, there’s no open flame, reducing the risk of burning food.
✅ Easy to Clean – A flat surface is simple to wipe down compared to traditional BBQ grates.
✅ Larger Cooking Surface – Perfect for cooking multiple items at once.
✅ Better Heat Control – The temperature is easier to manage for more consistent cooking.
Exterio’s Griddle BBQ Range
Exterio offers some of the best griddle BBQs in 2025, including:
🔥 Griddle Plus 28in 2 Drawer Air Fryer Griddle – A high-quality griddle BBQ with an integrated air fryer for added cooking flexibility.
🔥 Original 36in Griddle w/Hood & Front Shelf – Ideal for large gatherings, with plenty of cooking space.
🔥 28in Griddle Cooking Station – Europe – A compact option, great for smaller gardens or patios.
These BBQs offer top performance, durability, and a better cooking experience.
Best BBQs in 2025: Top Picks
1. Best for Large Gatherings: 36in Griddle with Air Fryer
🔥 Why It’s Good: Large cooking surface, even heat, and includes an air fryer.
📌 Best For: People who host BBQ parties or cook for large families.
2. Best for Versatility: 28in Griddle Cooking Station
🔥 Why It’s Good: Compact but powerful, with plenty of cooking space.
📌 Best For: Smaller outdoor spaces but big cooking needs.
3. Best for Portability: 17in Tabletop Griddle (Europe)
🔥 Why It’s Good: Small and lightweight, ideal for travelling.
📌 Best For: Camping, small patios, or balconies.
4. Best High-End BBQ: The Blenheim Modular Outdoor Kitchen
🔥 Why It’s Good: A full outdoor kitchen experience with multiple cooking zones.
📌 Best For: People looking to build an outdoor cooking area.
How to Get the Most from Your BBQ
Here are some simple tips to make your BBQ cooking better:
✅ Preheat the BBQ – Always heat the BBQ before cooking to ensure even cooking.
✅ Use the Right Cooking Oil – Oils with high smoke points, like vegetable or avocado oil, prevent sticking.
✅ Clean After Use – A scraper and scrub pad make cleaning quick and easy.
✅ Try Different Cooking Styles – Experiment with grilling, stir-frying, and even breakfast cooking.
BBQs for Different Needs
If you are new to BBQ cooking, you might want a simple gas or charcoal BBQ to start with.
If you cook often, a griddle BBQ is a great choice because it’s versatile, easy to clean, and cooks evenly.
If you travel a lot, portable BBQs let you take outdoor cooking anywhere.
For those who want a luxury setup, a modular outdoor kitchen BBQ offers multiple burners, storage, and prep space.
Why 2025 is the Year for Better BBQs
BBQs in 2025 are all about better design, more cooking options, and easy maintenance. Griddle BBQs are leading the way, offering a better alternative to traditional grills.
If you’re looking for the best BBQ in 2025, consider:
🔥 A griddle BBQ for even heat and no flare-ups.
🔥 A smart BBQ for easy temperature control.
🔥 A portable BBQ if you need something lightweight and easy to store.
At Exterio, we offer some of the best BBQs available in the UK. Check out our BBQ range to find the right one for your outdoor space.
Conclusion
Choosing the best BBQ in 2025 depends on what you need. Griddle BBQs are a top choice because they cook evenly, are easy to clean, and can cook more than just meat.
For high-quality BBQs, visit Exterio and explore our latest models. To see customer reviews, check out our Google My Business and Trustpilot pages.