- BBQ stores in and around Leicester
- Types of BBQ — which one is right for you
- The best BBQ brands in 2026 — and what they cost
- Essential accessories and what to buy first
- Charcoal, fuel and wood chips — what to use and where to buy it
- Buying online — the best sites that deliver to Leicester
- Budget guide — what you get at every price point
- Tips for first-time BBQ buyers
The BBQ market in 2026 is bigger and more sophisticated than it has ever been — which makes it both more exciting and more confusing to navigate. A decade ago the choice was roughly: cheap charcoal kettle, mid-range gas, or expensive gas. Now there are ceramic kamados, pellet smokers with Bluetooth temperature control, flat-top griddles, pizza ovens that double as smokers, and portable grills that cost more than some people spend on a holiday. Leicester's retail landscape covers most of this range between the large DIY and home stores in the city and surrounding area — but knowing what each store actually stocks, and which brands are worth the money, saves significant time and potential regret. This guide covers all of it.
BBQ Stores In and Around Leicester — The Complete List
B&Q on Devonshire Road is Leicester's best single destination for BBQ equipment in a physical store. The garden section stocks a broad range of charcoal and gas BBQs from brands including Weber — B&Q is an authorised Weber stockist, which means you get access to the full Weber range including the Genesis gas grills, the Spirit series, and the classic Master-Touch kettle — alongside Landmann, CosmoGrill, and VonHaus products at more accessible price points.
The accessories range at B&Q is comprehensive: grill covers, BBQ tool sets, chimney starters, smoking chips, rotisseries, griddle plates, thermometers, and cleaning equipment. If you want to see a grill before you buy it rather than ordering online, B&Q is the best option in the city. Larger models are floor displayed and staff in the garden centre section can assist with product queries.
The Click & Collect service means you can order online and collect from the store the same day on many in-stock items — useful if you want to avoid delivery charges on large items. B&Q also offers a van hire service from the store for transporting larger BBQ units that won't fit in a standard car.
Address: 35 Devonshire Road, Leicester, LE4 0BG · Website: diy.com · Phone: Check diy.com for current number
Homebase on Putney Road — off Welford Road in the south of the city — is Leicester's other major home and garden store and stocks a solid mid-range BBQ selection alongside its broader garden furniture and outdoor living offering. The BBQ range at Homebase tends toward accessible mid-market products — gas grills in the £150–£400 range, charcoal kettles from budget options upward, and a growing selection of pizza ovens and outdoor cooking appliances that reflects the broader shift in how people are thinking about garden cooking.
Homebase has invested significantly in its garden centre operation, which now operates inside The Range at this location. The combined floor space means you can compare BBQs, garden furniture, outdoor lighting, and garden tools in a single visit — useful if you are setting up a whole outdoor space rather than just replacing a grill.
The Friday late opening until 9pm makes it one of the few Leicester stores where you can shop for outdoor cooking equipment after work on a Friday without rushing.
Address: 37 Putney Road (off Welford Road), Leicester, LE2 7TF · Website: homebase.co.uk
The Range has expanded significantly in the Leicester area and is now one of the most relevant stores for BBQ equipment at budget to mid-range price points. The outdoor cooking section stocks charcoal BBQs starting from under £40, instant-light disposable BBQ trays, basic smoker units from around £40, gas grills in the £80–£250 range, and a growing range of accessories including tool sets, BBQ covers, and fuel.
The Range is particularly strong for anyone buying their first BBQ or wanting a functional, affordable unit without the premium brand markup. It also carries seasonal BBQ-adjacent products — outdoor dining furniture, garden lighting, picnic equipment — that make it a useful single-stop for planning an outdoor summer setup.
Brands stocked include Char-Griller, CosmoGrill, and The Range's own-brand charcoal and gas products. Stock varies significantly by location and changes through the season — the best BBQ selection is available from April through to August, with reduced options outside this window.
Website: therange.co.uk
Screwfix is primarily a trade tools supplier rather than a BBQ destination — but it is worth mentioning for specific BBQ-related purchases that home stores don't stock well. Screwfix carries a range of propane and butane gas cylinders for gas BBQs, regulators, gas hoses, and connections — the kind of technical accessories that B&Q and Homebase only partially cover. If your gas BBQ needs a new regulator or a replacement hose and you don't want to wait for online delivery, Screwfix is the most reliable local source.
Screwfix also stocks industrial-grade cleaning products, stainless steel wire brushes, and heat-resistant gloves that are useful for BBQ maintenance even if they weren't specifically designed for it. Multiple branches across Leicester with early opening from 7am — check screwfix.com/stores for your nearest.
Find nearest branch: screwfix.com/stores
Similar to Screwfix, Toolstation is primarily a tool and building supply merchant that is useful for specific BBQ accessories rather than grills themselves. Gas cylinders, regulators, heat-resistant work gloves, stainless steel cleaning equipment, and some garden tool accessories are stocked. Sunday opening from 9am is an advantage over some competitors if you find yourself in need of a gas replacement on a Sunday morning.
Costco in Coventry — approximately 30 minutes from Leicester city centre — is worth specific mention for anyone considering a premium or mid-to-high-end BBQ purchase. Costco's BBQ range is exceptional value relative to RRP: Weber grills, Broil King, and other premium brands are regularly stocked at prices 15–30% below their standard retail equivalent. The warehouse also carries large bags of lumpwood charcoal, premium BBQ rubs and sauces in bulk, and accessories at trade-level pricing.
The catch is membership — Costco requires a paid membership card (currently £33.60 per year for an individual membership, or £74 for a business card). If you are buying a £400+ BBQ, the membership pays for itself against the saving on a single purchase. If you are buying a £60 kettle, it does not. Membership also covers access to the fuel station and the food court, which has its own devoted following across Leicestershire.
Address: Binley Road, Coventry, CV3 2SX · Website: costco.co.uk
Larger garden centres in the Leicestershire area often carry BBQ ranges that the DIY stores don't — including brands like Broil King, Napoleon, and sometimes Big Green Egg kamado grills. Birstall Garden Centre (north of Leicester) stocks a seasonal BBQ range with knowledgeable staff who can discuss the differences between models properly. Several independent garden centres in the county are authorised Weber dealers and can provide expert advice alongside the full Weber product range including accessories.
For the widest Weber specialist range within reasonable distance, Webbs of Wychbold near Droitwich (about 60 miles from Leicester but worth noting for Weber enthusiasts) is one of the few Weber World flagship stores in the UK — a full showroom with every Weber product on display and staff who have completed Weber's own training programme.
Types of BBQ — Which One Is Right for You
The single most common BBQ mistake is buying the wrong type of grill for how you actually cook. Here is the honest breakdown.
| Type | Best For | Pros | Cons | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charcoal Kettle | Weekend grilling, flavour-focused cooking | Best flavour, versatile, portable, relatively inexpensive | Takes 20–30 min to heat up, harder to control temperature | £30–£350 (Weber Master-Touch is the benchmark at ~£200) |
| Gas Grill | Weeknight cooking, convenience, large gatherings | Ready in 10 minutes, easy temperature control, consistent results | Less smoky flavour than charcoal, more expensive to buy and run | £100–£1,500+ (Weber Spirit from ~£400, Genesis from ~£700) |
| Ceramic Kamado | Serious cooks, year-round use, smoking and grilling | Exceptional heat retention, works as smoker and grill, lasts decades | Heavy, expensive, learning curve for temperature management | £400–£2,000+ (Big Green Egg, Kamado Joe, Monolith) |
| Pellet Grill / Smoker | Low-and-slow smoking, set-and-forget cooking | Precise temperature control, WiFi monitoring, consistent results | Needs electricity supply, pellet running costs, less char/sear capability | £400–£1,800+ (Traeger, Pit Boss, Weber SmokeFire) |
| Offset Smoker | Traditional BBQ smoking, brisket and pulled pork | Authentic smoke flavour, large capacity, Texas-style results | Requires skill and attention, long cook times, large footprint | £150–£2,000+ (Landmann, ProQ, custom builds) |
| Flat-top Griddle | Smash burgers, eggs, stir-fry, Asian cooking | Large flat cooking surface, extremely versatile, no flare-ups | No smoky flavour, requires seasoning, different technique | £150–£800+ (Blackstone, Pit Boss griddles) |
| Portable / Tabletop | Camping, beach, balconies, travel | Compact, lightweight, inexpensive | Limited cooking space, not for large gatherings | £20–£250 (Weber Go-Anywhere, Cobb, disposables) |
| Electric BBQ | Balconies, areas where open flame is restricted | No smoke, no gas, safe for balcony use, easy clean | No authentic BBQ flavour, weather-dependent access to socket | £80–£300 (George Foreman, Ninja Woodfire) |
- If you BBQ occasionally (once or twice a month in summer): A charcoal kettle is the right answer. The Weber Original Kettle (£130–£160) or the Master-Touch (£190–£220) will last decades and cook better food than most gas grills twice the price.
- If you BBQ frequently and value convenience: Gas is worth the extra money. A mid-range Weber Spirit or Broil King Signet will pay for itself in the time you save not waiting for charcoal.
- If you want to smoke as well as grill: A ceramic kamado is the most versatile option. Expensive to buy but essentially indestructible — people pass them down to their children.
- If you live in a flat or have a small balcony: Check your lease before buying anything — many flat leases prohibit open flame on balconies. An electric BBQ like the Ninja Woodfire is genuinely good and the only safe option in many situations.
- Don't buy a cheap gas BBQ. Budget gas grills corrode, warp, and stop working reliably within two or three seasons. The entry point for a gas BBQ that will actually last is around £200–£250. Below that, a charcoal kettle will serve you better.
The Best BBQ Brands in 2026 — and What They Cost
Weber — The Benchmark
Weber is the most consistently respected BBQ brand in the world and the benchmark against which everything else is measured. Founded in 1952 in Chicago by George Stephen — who cut a metal buoy in half to create the first kettle grill — Weber's products are notable for build quality that makes them generational investments rather than seasonal purchases.
- Weber Original Kettle 47cm — the foundational charcoal grill. Simple, effective, built to last. Around £130–£160. Available at B&Q Leicester and online.
- Weber Master-Touch 57cm — the upgraded kettle with the GBS (Gourmet BBQ System) grate that accepts accessories. Around £190–£230. The recommended starting point for anyone serious about charcoal cooking.
- Weber Spirit E-315 — three-burner gas grill, the most popular Weber gas model. Around £450–£500. A long-term investment that genuinely justifies its price.
- Weber Genesis E-325s — three-burner with side burner and sear station. Around £700–£800. The serious gas option for regular cooks.
- Weber Go-Anywhere — portable charcoal grill, compact enough to fit in a car boot. Around £60–£80. The best portable option on the market at this price point.
- Weber SmokeFire EX4 — pellet grill with WiFi control. Around £800–£1,000. Weber's answer to Traeger, with significantly improved searing capability over earlier models.
Weber products are stocked at B&Q Leicester, John Lewis (online and in-store at selected branches), and through the Weber UK website directly. The Weber site's dealer finder will show you the nearest specialist stockist to your Leicester postcode.
Broil King — The Underrated Alternative
Broil King is a Canadian brand that is significantly less well-known than Weber in the UK but is considered by many experienced grillers to be its equal at comparable price points — and superior in some areas, particularly gas grills where Broil King's heat distribution and searing capability are consistently praised.
- Broil King Baron 320 — three-burner gas grill, around £350–£400. Cast iron cooking grates, heavy-duty build, often considered better value than the equivalent Weber Spirit.
- Broil King Signet 320 — mid-range three-burner, around £450–£550. The model most often recommended by specialist dealers as the best all-round gas grill for UK gardens.
- Broil King Imperial 590 — five-burner premium gas grill, around £900–£1,100. For serious cooks who entertain large groups regularly.
- Broil King Keg 5000 — Broil King's take on the kamado, around £600–£750. More versatile in wind than some competitors due to design.
Kamado Joe — The Premium Ceramic Choice
The kamado category — ceramic egg-shaped grills that function as smokers, grills, pizza ovens, and roasters — is dominated by three main brands: Big Green Egg, Kamado Joe, and Monolith. Kamado Joe has become the most popular of these in the UK market in recent years due to its consistent innovation and competitive pricing relative to Big Green Egg.
- Kamado Joe Classic III — the standard model, 46cm diameter. Around £800–£1,000. The SlōRoller insert (included) allows genuine smoking results. A lifetime purchase.
- Kamado Joe Big Joe III — 61cm diameter, for larger gatherings. Around £1,500–£1,800. The choice for families who cook for eight or more.
- Kamado Joe Joe Jr — portable version, 33cm. Around £350–£400. Surprisingly capable for a kamado of this size.
- Big Green Egg Large — the original and still respected. Around £900–£1,100 for the egg alone (stand, accessories extra). Slightly less accessory innovation than Kamado Joe but equally reliable.
Budget Brands — What's Actually Worth Buying
Not every BBQ purchase needs to be a lifetime investment. At the budget end, the honest advice is to separate the categories: cheap charcoal kettles are generally fine for occasional use; cheap gas grills are generally a false economy.
- CosmoGrill — available at B&Q and Amazon. Charcoal smokers and grills in the £60–£200 range. Solid value for money at the lower end; the XL smoker model has consistently good reviews. Not a lifetime purchase but should last several seasons with care.
- Landmann — German brand available at B&Q. Mid-range charcoal and gas grills. Better quality than pure budget options; the charcoal BBQ range is particularly reasonable for the price.
- Outback — UK brand with a loyal following. Gas grills in the £150–£400 range. Good parts availability and customer service. A practical mid-market choice.
- George Foreman — electric grills and indoor/outdoor models. The Entertaining 5-Portion Grill (around £60–£80) is a reliable option for balcony use or limited outdoor space. Not a replacement for a proper outdoor BBQ but does the job for what it is.
- Avoid: Unbranded charcoal grills under £30 from marketplaces. They corrode fast, the grates warp, and the legs fail. A Weber Original Kettle at £130 will outlast three of them.
Essential Accessories — What to Buy First
- Chimney starter (charcoal users): The single most useful BBQ accessory you can buy. A chimney starter gets charcoal ready in 15–20 minutes without lighter fluid — which ruins flavour and is unnecessary. Weber and Bullseye make good ones; around £20–£35. Available at B&Q.
- Instant-read digital thermometer: The difference between properly cooked food and guessing. Thermapen Mk4 (around £70) is the professional choice. The ThermoPop (around £35) is the best budget option. Both available online; not stocked locally in specialist form, but Amazon delivers to Leicester next-day.
- Long-handled tongs: At least 40cm long. The cheap short ones that come in BBQ sets put your hands too close to the heat. A single pair of good long tongs (£12–£20) is worth more than a 20-piece cheap BBQ set.
- BBQ cover: If your BBQ lives outside, a proper fitted cover extends its life significantly. Weber covers are designed for specific models and worth buying over generic alternatives. Around £30–£60. B&Q stocks these.
- Cast iron grill brush or scraper: The bristle brushes that come with most budget BBQ sets leave wire bristles on the grill — a documented food safety hazard. A cast iron scraper or chain mail cleaning pad is safer and more effective. Around £15–£25.
- Smoking wood chunks: If you cook on charcoal, adding wood chunks transforms the result. Oak, cherry, hickory, and apple wood all work differently. Big K and Smokewood Shack produce good quality wood chunks available online and at some garden centres.
- Heat-resistant gloves: Proper BBQ gloves rated to 300°C+, not oven mitts. Around £20–£40. Available at Screwfix and Toolstation as well as online.
Charcoal, Fuel and Wood Chips — What to Use and Where to Buy It
Charcoal — Lumpwood vs Briquettes
The charcoal debate is real and the answer matters for cooking quality. Lumpwood charcoal — irregular chunks of actual charred hardwood — lights faster, burns hotter, and imparts more flavour but burns through more quickly. Briquettes — compressed charcoal powder formed into uniform blocks — burn longer, hold a steadier temperature, and are better for long low-and-slow cooks, but contain binders that can affect flavour at lower temperatures.
The choice depends on how you cook. For quick grilling (burgers, steaks, chicken pieces under 45 minutes), good lumpwood gives better results. For smoking or long indirect cooks (whole chicken, ribs, brisket), quality briquettes maintain the temperature more reliably.
| Retailer | Type | Brands | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B&Q Leicester | Lumpwood + briquettes | Big K, Weber, B&Q own-brand | £8–£20 per bag | Most reliable local source year-round. Weber briquettes excellent quality. |
| Homebase Leicester | Charcoal + firelighters | Big K, Homebase own | £6–£15 | Good seasonal stock. Stock reduces outside summer months. |
| The Range | Charcoal + instant-light | Varies by stock | £5–£12 | Cheapest option for basic charcoal. Quality varies by brand. |
| Costco Coventry | Lumpwood — bulk bags | Weber, Big K bulk | £20–£30 for large bags | Best value for regular users. Large bags (10kg+) significantly cheaper per-kg. |
| Amazon (next-day delivery) | All types including premium | Oxford Charcoal, Big K, Weber, Smokewood Shack | £10–£40 | Best selection for premium and specialist charcoal. Oxford Charcoal Company consistently praised by serious grillers. |
| Petrol stations (BP, Esso) | Instant-light bags | Various | £4–£8 | Emergency option only. Instant-light charcoal contains accelerants that taint food if not fully burned off first. |
- Buy in bulk in April. Charcoal prices increase and stock quality decreases as summer progresses. Buying a larger bag or two in early April, before the main BBQ season starts, gives you better choice and better prices.
- Never use instant-light charcoal for smoking. The lighter fluid compounds in instant-light products can persist in the smoke and taint food. Use natural lumpwood with a chimney starter instead.
- The Oxford Charcoal Company produces some of the best quality British lumpwood available — made from British hardwoods, sustainably produced, noticeably better burn quality than supermarket alternatives. Order online at oxfordcharcoal.co.uk — delivers to Leicester.
- Weber Briquettes (available at B&Q) are genuinely worth the premium over own-brand briquettes for long cooks — they burn longer, more consistently, and produce less ash.
Gas — Cylinders and Regulators
Gas BBQs typically run on either propane (red cylinders) or butane (blue cylinders). Most UK gas BBQs are designed for propane, which performs better in cold weather and is the standard for outdoor cooking. Make sure you have the correct regulator for your cylinder type.
- B&Q Leicester (Devonshire Road) — stocks Calor Gas cylinders (propane and butane) and the associated regulators. Exchange scheme available.
- Homebase Leicester (Putney Road) — Calor Gas cylinders available seasonally.
- Screwfix Leicester — regulators and gas hoses stocked year-round. Useful for replacement parts.
- Most petrol stations in Leicester and surrounding areas stock Calor Gas exchange cylinders — useful if you run out unexpectedly.
- Calor Gas website — calor.co.uk/where-to-buy has a full stockist finder for your Leicester postcode.
Buying Online — The Best Sites That Deliver to Leicester
For premium brands, specialist accessories, and anything not stocked locally, online is often the better option — and next-day delivery to Leicester postcodes is available from all the major retailers.
| Retailer | Best For | Delivery to LE postcodes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Wide range at all price points, accessories, charcoal | Next-day on most items (Prime) | Best for accessories, consumables and mid-range brands. Check sold-by for large items. |
| John Lewis | Weber, premium brands, excellent returns policy | Free delivery on orders over £50 | Best for Weber and Kamado Joe purchases. Two-year guarantee on most appliances. Click & Collect at Fosse Park John Lewis. |
| B&Q online | Weber, Landmann, full accessories range | Click & Collect at Leicester store | Same range as in-store plus extended online selection. Click & Collect avoids delivery charges. |
| BBQ World | Premium specialist: Big Green Egg, Kamado Joe, Weber, Napoleon | Yes — delivery charges apply on large items | UK's leading online BBQ specialist. Knowledgeable customer service team. Best for ceramic kamados and premium brands. |
| Argos | Budget to mid-range, fast in-store collection | Same-day collection at multiple Leicester locations | Good for last-minute purchases. Stock is available at Argos within Sainsbury's stores across Leicester. |
| Weber UK direct | Full Weber range, accessories, consumables | Free delivery on orders over £50 | Official Weber site. Seasonal offers. Also use dealer finder for nearest specialist stockist. |
Budget Guide — What You Get at Every Price Point
- Under £50: Disposable instant-light trays for picnics and camping. Small kettle grills that will last one to two seasons with care. The Range and Argos are the best sources at this level. Do not expect longevity.
- £50–£130: Entry-level charcoal kettles. The Weber Original Kettle 47cm sits at the top of this range and is significantly better than everything below it. At the lower end, CosmoGrill and Landmann offer functional options. Avoid gas at this price point — the build quality is not there.
- £130–£300: The sweet spot for charcoal. Weber Master-Touch 57cm sits here. Broil King kettle grills. Good quality offset smokers. For gas, the budget Outback and lower Landmann gas models begin here — functional but not premium.
- £300–£600: Entry-level to mid-range gas. Weber Spirit E-210 and E-315. Broil King Baron. Kamado Joe Joe Jr (ceramic). Higher-end charcoal smokers. The level at which gas BBQs become worth buying.
- £600–£1,200: Premium gas — Weber Genesis range, Broil King Signet/Imperial. Full-size ceramic kamados — Kamado Joe Classic III, Big Green Egg Large. Weber SmokeFire EX4 pellet grill. This is the level of investment that typically lasts a decade or more.
- £1,200+: Top-end ceramic — Kamado Joe Big Joe, premium Big Green Egg. Napoleon Prestige gas grills. Built-in outdoor kitchen components. Serious offset smokers. At this level you are buying equipment that professional caterers use and that your children may inherit.
Tips for First-Time BBQ Buyers
- Buy once, cry once. The most common BBQ regret is buying something cheap that needs replacing within two seasons. A Weber Original Kettle at £130–£160 will last fifteen years with basic maintenance. Three cheap kettles over the same period costs more and delivers worse results.
- See it before you buy it if you can. B&Q Leicester has floor models. Looking at a grill in person — checking the build quality, the hinge mechanism, the grate thickness — tells you things photographs don't. Go in before ordering online.
- Check your garden before choosing a size. A BBQ that's too large for your outdoor space is annoying every time you use it. Measure your available space and leave clearance from fences and walls (at least 60cm from any combustible surface is the general safety guidance).
- Don't overlook the lid. A BBQ with a lid is transformationally more versatile than one without — you can roast, smoke, and cook indirectly, not just grill over direct heat. Every Weber model has a lid. Many budget BBQs don't. This matters more than most people realise.
- Stainless steel grates corrode. Cast iron or porcelain-enamelled cast iron grates — which Weber and Broil King use on mid to high range models — sear food better, last longer, and are easier to maintain than thin stainless grates.
- Buy the chimney starter at the same time as the charcoal BBQ. Using one changes the experience completely — charcoal ready in 20 minutes, no lighter fluid, consistently lit coals every time. It's a £20–£35 addition that improves every subsequent session.
"The best BBQ is the one that suits how you actually cook — not how you imagine you might cook. Honest self-assessment before purchase saves a significant amount of money and garden space."
— LeicesterToday
- B&Q Leicester BBQ range: diy.com — BBQs
- Weber UK dealer finder: weber.com/GB/dealer-locator
- BBQ World (specialist online retailer): bbqworld.co.uk
- Calor Gas stockist finder: calor.co.uk/where-to-buy
- Oxford Charcoal Company (premium British charcoal, delivers to Leicester): oxfordcharcoal.co.uk
- John Lewis — Weber and Kamado Joe range (Click & Collect at Fosse Park): johnlewis.com/barbecues
