Why Cheap Charcoal BBQs Are a Smart Buy
Charcoal barbecues remain one of the best budget BBQ choices for casual outdoor entertaining. Compared with gas and electric models, affordable garden grills powered by charcoal deliver an authentic smoky flavour without demanding a big investment or complex setup. For many people, the ritual of lighting the coals and managing the fire is part of the enjoyment, and it’s also an effective way to test how committed you are to grilling before spending more on premium equipment. Budget barbecues under 100 are typically compact enough to store easily yet still offer enough cooking space for couples, families or small gatherings, especially when you’re happy to cook in batches. When chosen carefully, cheap charcoal BBQs don’t have to sacrifice build quality, heat control or safety. Look for solid air vents, sensible footprints and user-friendly design to get maximum value from a modest spend.
Argos Home Charcoal Oil Drum: Best Budget Barrel BBQ
For value-driven shoppers seeking the best budget BBQ, the Argos Home charcoal oil drum barbecue stands out as a classic barrel design at a very accessible price, available from Argos at £50. Despite its low cost, it offers generous cooking space that comfortably caters for two and can be stretched to elements for four, making it ideal for relaxed weeknight grilling or simple weekend gatherings. Air vents in the bottom basin feed the coals with steady oxygen, supporting efficient burning and consistent heat. The barrel shape makes it easier to spread coals evenly and minimise cool spots that sometimes plague kettle-style grills. While there’s no integrated tool storage and some parts feel less robust, the overall heat coverage and cooking performance punch well above the price. If you’re exploring affordable garden grills for occasional entertaining, this straightforward barrel barbecue is a practical starting point.
VonHaus Barrel Charcoal BBQ: Best Basic All-Rounder
The VonHaus Barrel charcoal barbecue is a strong contender among cheap charcoal BBQs for cooks who want more space without losing simplicity. Available from Amazon at £69.99 and from VonHaus at £79.99, it has the archetypal barrel silhouette but backs it up with a notably large 73cm x 39cm grill. That surface area lets you cook for a crowd, keeping burgers, kebabs and vegetables moving without long waits. During testing, potato wedges developed defined charring, courgettes released cleanly from the grates and a whole spatchcock chicken cooked through in under half an hour, demonstrating both power and even heat. The build quality is reassuring for a budget barbecue, and the working height is comfortable for longer cooking sessions. Cleaning is a little awkward, as is common with barrel grills, and you’ll need your own utensils, but overall this is an affordable, capable all-rounder for regular summer use.
Lifestyle 22" Kettle and Bar-Be-Quick Tandoori Smoker: Bigger Capacity and Versatility
If you’re after budget barbecues under 100 with a bit more ambition, two models are worth a closer look. The Lifestyle 22" kettle charcoal barbecue, available from Robert Dyas at £41.99, offers a large cooking area plus two grills, allowing you to sear directly over high heat or move food higher for gentler cooking. Its adjustable twin air-vent system gives you meaningful control over temperature, while a removable ash catcher makes post-party cleanup easier. Some assembly instructions are vague and the handles feel basic, but once built it’s light, wheeled and easy to manoeuvre. For those curious about low-and-slow techniques, the Bar-Be-Quick Tandoori Smoker and Grill adds versatility with standard grill, smoker, ‘tandoori’ and fire-pit functions, available at £85 from Argos and £99.99 from Robert Dyas. You trade some build refinement and true tandoor authenticity, yet gain an affordable, portable way to explore different cooking styles.
How to Choose the Best Budget BBQ for Your Space and Habits
Selecting the best budget BBQ is about balancing ambition with realism. Begin by considering how many people you usually cook for and how often you plan to grill; if barbecues only appear once or twice a year, a compact, cheap charcoal BBQ makes more sense than a large, premium gas setup. Next, think about storage: charcoal bags, tools and covers all take space, so a neat footprint and good manoeuvrability are essential for smaller homes and shared gardens. Look for designs with effective air circulation from underneath, as coals laid on a flat, unventilated base rarely burn efficiently. Simple, logical assembly instructions, wheels and comfortable working height all make affordable garden grills more enjoyable to use. Finally, be wary of overly “cute” mini buckets or table-top novelties that can’t handle more than a couple of sausages; practical cooking area matters more than gimmicks when you’re feeding friends.