Kamado grill: 'Kamado' comes from the Japanese for the wood or charcoal-fired earthen vessels used as an oven but now is a general term for ceramic grills. Our burning desire for eating outdoors is raising questions around deforestation and where the charcoal is from. Despite being able to reach temperatures of 370°C internally, the heatproof handles stayed cool and the exterior never became dangerously hot. This hefty piece of kit takes some getting used to, but once you're familiar with the temperature control and various mechanisms, you're away.

The smallest of the Big Green Eggs, this charcoal BBQ is a luxury pick that excels at cooking for smaller groups, and would be ideal for a couple, family, or small gathering. It comes in three attractive colours – stone, graphite and orange – and includes an integrated food storage tray, preparation board, and cool-touch handles on either side.Never use petrol, chemicals or firelighters intended for coal fires to light your barbecue and never ever use in a ceramic grill. Ease of use: We asked whether each model is intuitive to use and suitable for people with varying BBQ experience.

Despite its compact size, we were able to cook decent-sized portions on this model – and our vegetable skewers tasted pleasant even though there was uneven charring.The barbecue function is excellent – it comes up to temperature in 20 minutes and produced some of the best food of all we tasted. With a durable, powder-coated steel frame with wheels for easy movement, this unit is not only convenient but provides everything you need to get the job done (bar the food of course! To compile our tried-and-tested picks of the best charcoal barbecues, we looked at those suitable for four or more people.

Set-up is a relatively simple affair, though we found some of the diagrams in the manual were confusing. Crafted in a stylish round shape with three sturdy metal legs, this modern black fire pit features a timeless lattice design around the edge of the fire pit. Portability: If you're hoping to take your grill on the go, look for a model that's lightweight and easy to transport. It offers enough grilling space for two to four people, ideal if you’re a family looking to make the most of the good weather, or a couple who like to entertain for a small gathering.

There are few things better than a BBQ with friends and family, and with lots of charcoal and gas-fueled BBQs in this collection, you can cook whatever way you like. Enjoy memorable moments with people you love when you gather around a cosy firepit whatever the season. The brand is obviously confident about the longevity of its product, covering its bowl and lid with a 10-year warranty, and guaranteeing its other parts for between two and five years. We were able to keep cooked ingredients warm around the edges of the grill whilst others cooked in the centre, without them becoming overdone. A unit is included for transforming it into a smoker, great for adding flavour and character to mains like meat.

Building it is a two-person job and the ceramic interior panels are hefty sections to piece together.Compared to other charcoal barbecues on the market, Argos' basic barrel barbecue offers excellent value for money. It also wasn’t overly clear where the coals should be placed; the coal rack has large gaps between the grates and sits very close to the grilling rack. Component parts felt a bit flimsy and construction was a flat-pack affair involving lots of fiddly screws. A great way to keep family and guests satisfied, you'll be able to grill delicious delights whenever you want them.