This is an information page.
Charcoal Barbecues
What can I say about charcoal BBQs? They've been around since man first burnt his dinosaur burgers and have changed very little, except that they have become more stylish over the years. They often come with extra little features now like ovens, rotisseries and adjustable cooking heights. The most difficult thing with charcoal is getting the coals evenly lit in the first place. There's a great temptation to start cooking too soon before the coals are red hot, whilst they are still giving off a lot of smoke. Now if you like 
the taste of those black Winalot biscuits don't let me interfere with your inclinations. I personally use a chimney starter which gets all the coals burning together. You can get electric starters. These are like cattle branding implements but they get the charcoal burning within 15 minutes (similar to the chimneys). I'm talking with suppliers about these at present.
Gas Barbecues
These barbecues run on bottled gas. Either butane (traditionally for the home market and generally in a blue bottle) or propane (ex commercial market and generally in a red bottle). The difference between the two gases is that propane can operate at a lower air temperature than butane. So if you're like a caravaner who does it in the snow don't go for the usual butane as it will not flow. Propane also works under a slightly higher pressure (37mbar as opposed to butane's 28mbar) so bigger BBQs tend to use propane as it gets enough gas to all the burners. Propane also burns slightly hotter. 
NB not all BBQs come with a regulator, just to add to the confusion. It depends upon the manufacturer so read the details carefully to see if you need to get one separately.
Mains gas units are not generally available in the UK - even though they are widely available in the States and on the continent. Importers and manufacturers reckon there's no market! Saying that, there are a couple of importers that have bitten the bullet and bring them in. These tend to be further up the price range. The best are made totally from stainless steel and last a lifetime. If you don't fancy the price tag associated with a Rolls Royce though, be prepared for a price premium.
Some people are asking after built in gas BBQs. Have a look under our built-in section.
We've also been asked about supplying gas bottles. We don't do this as you need a licence to cart explosive products around the country. Find your local supplier by looking under 'bottled gas' in the Yellow Pages.
Electric Barbecues
Bear with us on this, as sourcing a range of quality stock is proving elusive! In the past when we have had requests for electric barbecues and sourced some, but most people didn't want that design! Be aware that choice is severely limited. But we do have a nice desktop grill at present.
I've spoken with major international manufacturers who although have a range of electric BBQs have never had a demand for them in Britain. Do you want to change their mind? E-mail us at help@theBBQ.co.uk if you do and we will pass on your request.
Portable barbecues
When we say 'portable' we realise that this is a relative term. If you have a Chinnook helicopter Chieftain tanks are portable. Our meaning is along the lines of the smaller beach/camping ones or the larger one's with collapsible legs.
Built In Barbecues
After ferreting around for the last few years we have now got a handle on what is available. We've now amassed quite a choice in built in barbecues. Both charcoal and gas. Some are designed to just sit on a flat surface and some are supported on special brackets. I've heard of some people even buying a trollied barbecue and throwing away the trolley. It's quite cost effective and does give you a bigger choice but negates the guarantee and manufacturer's safety instructions.
If you are after cooking grills and fire grates just to build in there is a very limited choice around. The ones that we sell, if their sizes don't fit your base, our best suggestion is to find a local metal worker and get him to make up one to your exact size and spec. Might not be as cheap as you hoped but will last you a good few years longer.
