Best BBQs in Ireland: How to Choose the Right Charcoal, Electric or Griddle BBQ

How to Choose the Right Charcoal, Electric or Griddle BBQ 

If you are shopping the BBQ range at Expert.ie, the strongest choice usually comes down to how you actually like to cook outdoors. Some homes still want the classic charcoal route for that more traditional barbecue feel. Others want a plug-in electric model that is quicker to get going and easier to manage. And for plenty of shoppers, a flat-top griddle now makes just as much sense as a more traditional grill, especially burgers, breakfast, mixed family meals and bigger summer get-togethers. 

The Expert Electrical range showcases across three clear routes: charcoal models from Landmann, Ferraboli and Tramontina, electric outdoor cooking from Ninja, and large-format Blackstone griddles for shoppers who want more cooking space and more flexibility. That makes BBQ's much easier to shop because you can start with the type of outdoor cooking you actually want to do, rather than getting lost in a long list of product names. 

For most homes, the clearest all-round recommendation is the Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ & Smoker. It gives you the easier plug-in route, real woodfire flavour, seven cooking functions and much less setup than a more traditional charcoal barbecue. If you want a classic charcoal option, start with Landmann Kettle BBQ 41.5cm. If you want a portable charcoal model for weekends away or smaller spaces, look first at Landmann Piccolino. And if you want a bigger flat-top cooking route for feeding a crowd, Blackstone 36" Griddle with Hardcover is the standout step-up. 

How to choose the right BBQ 

Choose your cooking style first. Charcoal suits shoppers who want a more traditional barbecue feel and classic smokyflavour. Electric suits shoppers who want quicker setup, easier control and less fuss. A griddle suits homes that want more flat-top cooking space for mixed foods, breakfast-style cooking and larger batches. 

Match the size to the way youactually cook. If you mostly cook for two to four people, a smaller kettle, portable charcoal model or compact electric BBQ can be enough. If you regularly host, a larger Ninja or Blackstone route makes more sense. 

Think about where the BBQ will be used. Some models suit a fixed garden setup, while others are far easier to move around or bring away for weekends and holidays.

Decide whether you want classic grill-bar cooking or a flat-top plate. A griddle is brilliant for burgers, pancakes, eggs,onions and mixed menus. A more traditional BBQ suits shoppers who mainly want the familiar barbecue route. 

Do not overlook cleanup and day-to-day effort. Charcoal givesa great experience, but electric and griddle-led models can be much easier to live with when quick weekday cooking matters too. 

Best overall BBQ for most homes 

Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ & Smoker | OG701UK

is the strongest overall recommendation in the current live range because it solves the biggest hesitation many people have around buying a BBQ: hassle. It plugs in, it is ready faster than charcoal, and it still brings real smoky flavour through Ninja’s Woodfire setup. With seven cooking functions and weather-resistant outdoor use, it is a very easy model to recommend to shoppers who want one product that will actually get used. 

Best charcoal BBQ for classic grilling 

Landmann Kettle BBQ 41.5cm | 11316

is the clearest classic charcoal route for shoppers who want that more traditional barbecue setup. The 41.5cm chrome-plated grill gives you practical cooking space, the kettle layout feels familiar, and the included charcoal dividers give you more flexibility for indirect cooking. It is a strong fit for homes that still want a proper charcoal barbecue without overcomplicating the category. 

Best value charcoal BBQ 

Ferraboli Famiglia Charcoal Grill BBQ | FAMIGLIA 

is a strong value-led charcoal choice because it keeps the route simple, practical and family-friendly. Its rectangular shape, three-position grill and front ash tray make it easier to live with than a very basic bargain buy, while still staying firmly in the accessible end of the category. 

Best portable BBQ 

Landmann 31382 Piccolino Charcoal BBQ

is the best portable recommendation in the live range. It is designed for smaller cookouts, easy to transport thanks to the clipped lid, and gives you a stainless-steel cooking grill, warming rack and included tongs in one neat package. If you want a BBQ for the beach, the park, holidays, or a smaller patio, this is one of the most useful routes to start with. 

Best premium electric BBQ 

Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect XL Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker | OG901UK 

is the premium electric step-up. It is the model to prioritise when the shopper wants easier outdoor cooking but does not want to give up features. The built-in probe, seven functions, larger grill size and Pro Connect app make it a stronger route for bigger family meals and more regular outdoor use. 

Best outdoor griddle for entertaining

Blackstone 36" Griddle with Hardcover | 257-2149EU 

is the clearest entertaining-led option in the current range. The huge flat-top surface and four independent burners make it much better suited to feeding a crowd, whether that means smash burgers, breakfast batches or mixed foods cooked at different temperatures. For shoppers who want their outdoor cooking setup to do more than a standard barbecue, it is one of the best long-term upgrades on the page. 

Best tabletop griddle for smaller spaces

Blackstone 22" Tabletop Griddle w/ Hood | 257-2144EU 

is a smart route when you want the griddle experience without committing to a larger wheeled station. It is portable, easy to clean and gives you two independently controlled heat zones, which makes it a very useful option for smaller gardens, holiday use, and more flexible outdoor cooking. 

Charcoal vs electric vs griddle 

For most shoppers, this is the comparison that matters most. Start with the cooking style, then narrow downsize and features. 

FAQ 

What type of BBQ is best for most homes?

For a lot of homes, an electric BBQ is now the easiest all-round answer because it is quicker to use and easier to manage. If the traditional barbecue experience matters more, a charcoal model still makes perfect sense. 

Should I buy charcoal or electric? 

Choose charcoal when flavour and the classic barbecue feel matter most. Choose electric when you want a simpler setup, easier control and a BBQ you are more likely to use regularly. 

Are Blackstone griddles the same as a normal BBQ? 

Not really. A griddle uses a flat cooking plate instead of a traditional grill. That makes it especially good for burgers, breakfast foods, onions, pancakes and bigger mixed menus. 

What size BBQ do I need?

Smaller households can usually buy comfortably in the compact kettle, portable or smaller electric routes. If you regularly host, you will appreciate more cooking width and a larger cooking surface. 

Is a portable BBQ worth it? 

Yes, if you want flexibility. Portable models are especially useful for smaller gardens, holidays, park days and homes that do not want a permanent larger setup. 

Are electric BBQs good enough for proper outdoor cooking? 

Yes. The live Ninja range is a strong example of why electric BBQs have become much more appealing, especially when shoppers want easier outdoor cooking with real flavour and more than one function. 

What should I compare first when buying a BBQ? 

Start with cooking style, then look at cooking size, where the unit will be used, and how much setup and cleaning you are happy with. 

What is the easiest BBQ to live with? 

An electric BBQ is usually the easiest route because it is quicker to get going and does not involve the same charcoal setup and ash handling afterwards. 

Conclusion

If you want the safest recommendation for most homes, start with Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ & Smoker. If you want classic charcoal cooking, start with Landmann Kettle BBQ 41.5cm. If portability matters most, go straight to Landmann Piccolino. And if you want a bigger entertaining-led setup, Blackstone 36" Griddle with Hardcover is the clearest step-up. That is what makes the current live Expert.ie BBQ category useful: it gives you distinct routes for very different shoppers instead of pushing everyone towards the same answer. 

Ready to Shop? Browse BBQs at Expert.ie and shortlist the charcoal, electric or griddle model that best fits the way you like to cook outdoors.