A barbecue renaissance is sweeping across Britain, with outdoor cooking culture evolving far beyond the traditional burgers and sausages. From South African braai and Japanese konro grilling to South America’s asado, British barbecue enthusiasts are embracing global influences and sophisticated techniques.

The UK’s outdoor cooking scene has seen an incredible shift over the past five years. Outdoor cooking cultures from Australia, America, and other countries are now significantly influencing British practices, with social media connecting enthusiasts across the globe and spreading new techniques and flavours.

It’s no longer just burgers and bangers on the grill. While a singed chipolata might still be a barbecue staple, many home cooks are growing more adventurous—cooking spatchcocked chickens, butterflied lamb legs, whole fish, slow-cooked beef joints, and finally giving vegetables the attention they deserve.

For those just starting their barbecue journey, the classic Weber Kettle Grill (£133.19) remains a beginner-friendly option. Many professional chefs prefer manual barbecues using wood and charcoal for the ability to experiment with combinations that impart different kinds of smoky flavour. For those seeking convenience, Weber’s Spirit gas grill (£499) offers reliability and versatility for family feasts and friendly gatherings.

Serious barbecue enthusiasts often argue that gas grills can’t match the nuanced flavours achieved with charcoal and wood. Simple equipment like an Indian fire bowl (from £63.75) allows for grilling over hot coals with a smouldering log to enhance flavour, proving that effective barbecuing doesn’t always require expensive equipment.

For those wanting serious flexibility, consider a Kamado-style ceramic grill. These egg-shaped Japanese-inspired cookers excel at grilling, smoking, roasting and baking. They hold heat well, offer great temperature control, and provide versatility whether you’re grilling skewers, smoking fish, or baking flatbreads. While the Big Green Egg (£1,810) is considered top-of-the-line, Tower’s Kamado Maxi ceramic charcoal barbecue (£249.99) earned Which? Best Buy status for combining “style and substance” while offering multiple cooking methods at a fraction of the price.

Pizza ovens have also revolutionized outdoor cooking. The Ooni Koda 12 (£299) is praised as a game-changer for charring both savoury and sweet dishes.

For those with limited space or simpler needs, portable options abound. Wolf and Grizzly’s Campfire Trio barbecue (£89.95) folds to laptop size while delivering serious firepower, and the Heston Everdure Cube (£149) gets super-hot while remaining easy to handle and store.

Gas barbecues offer convenience and precise temperature control. Broil-King’s 310 BBQ (£379) earned top marks for its responsive burners and excellent heat distribution, while budget-conscious shoppers might consider Argos Home’s two-burner gas BBQ (£90), which delivers solid performance without breaking the bank.

Whichever style you choose, the days of predictable burnt offerings are behind us. Technological innovations mean you can now buy a charcoal grill that’s as easy to use as gas while still imparting better flavour to your food.

This summer, whether you’re experimenting with global grilling techniques or simply perfecting classic favourites, the outdoor cooking revolution is here, no burnt sausages required.