The right barbecue for you depends on usage frequency, budget, and available space. We explain the differences between the various models and offer guidance on which barbecue is right for you.
At 73 percent, the charcoal kettle barbecue is by far the top-selling barbecue appliance. It offers an authentic barbecue experience with fire, embers, Rauch and smoke. Once the charcoal has glowed thoroughly, which takes around 30 minutes, the classic kettle barbecue can be used for both direct and indirect grilling.
At twelve per cent, the gas barbecue ranks second in the list. Instead of burning coal and producing ash, it maintains a constant temperature that can be precisely controlled. Gas cylinders of various sizes are widely available, but they are bulky and require some practice to use. It is advisable to always keep a spare cylinder in stock.
- Precise temperature control
- Low emissions
- No flying sparks
- No smoke flavour
- High weight
Electric barbecues are just as popular as gas barbecues. Ridiculed by some barbecue professionals and labelled as ‘warmers’, they offer a smokeless, simple barbecue experience. The short preparation time and easy cleaning make them practical.
- Easy to clean
- No flame
- Also permitted on the balcony
- Requires a power connection
- Lacks barbecue flavours
Rauch Many a barbecue enthusiast dreams of owning a barbecue smoker. A draught system ensures that the smoke from the firebox, which is fuelled by coal or logs, reaches the cooking chamber and coats the food. Smokers are large, heavy barbecue appliances suitable for grilling, cooking and smoking. Grilled dishes with long cooking times, such as spare ribs and brisket, turn out particularly well in a smoker.
- Packed with flavour
- Easy to clean
- Also suitable for large grilled items
- Time-consuming
- Requires a large amount of space
- Requires regular maintenance and cleaning
Weighing up to 150 kilograms, these egg-shaped gourmet grills are considered the perfect BBQ grills. They are particularly robust and durable. They can be used not only for grilling, but also for cooking, smoking and baking. The strength of the ceramic barbecue is evident in time-intensive cooking methods: once heated up, it retains the heat for many hours. To make the most of all its features, additional barbecue accessories usually need to be purchased. With the right rack, the ceramic barbecue becomes a luxury outdoor kitchen.
- Retains heat for a very long time
- Durable
- Versatile
- High acquisition costs
- Mostly expensive accessories
- Heavy
