Outdoor barbecues: types and 4 best sellers

Barbecuing is not just a cooking method: it is a real experience. The scent of the embers in the air, the laughter of friends and family, the light atmosphere and the comfort of an open space… whether it is an unplanned picnic, a garden party or a barbecue on the terrace, outdoor barbecues encapsulate the simple and authentic pleasure of being together, celebrating the warmth of the fire - just like the hearth of yesteryear - but also of human relationships.

Not to mention the difference between traditional cooking in a pot and cooking on a backyard barbecue. While home cooking, whether boiling or stewing, preserves the natural flavours of the ingredients, barbecuing gives an unmistakable smoky aroma, the result of direct contact with the fire and the smoke from the fat dripping onto the coals, creating more intense and rustic flavours. The consistency also changes: cooking in a pot, thanks to the humid environment, makes the meat soft and the vegetables tender, while the embers, with their lively heat - and a minimum of experience on the part of the chef - create a crunchy crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy. Embers burn fat and concentrate protein and flavour.

Well, now that your mouth is watering, it's the perfect time to show you all the types of barbecues available to you!

5 types of outdoor barbecues

Barbecues are not all the same: one of the main differences lies in the type of power supply, which not only influences the cooking method and the final flavour, but also practicality of use, cost and availability of materials.

Charcoal barbecues

Charcoal barbecues are the most classic and loved by grill purists: they give the typical smoky aroma and allow high temperatures to be reached, ideal for sealing meat. Charcoal, however, varies in cost and, above all, takes time to ignite and maintain a stable heat. Also, don't forget about cleaning the ash. The right choice for those who favour authentic flavour over the ‘quick and easy’.

Gas barbecues

Gas barbecues offer great convenience: they can be lit with a simple gesture and allow the temperature to be precisely regulated, without the mess of ash. The main fuel - gas, usually in LPG cylinders - is fairly inexpensive and easy to obtain, but the flavour is less intense than embers, unless wood chips or smokers are added. They are perfect for those who want to grill often, without wasting time in preparation.

Wood barbecues

Wood barbecues are the ‘wilder’ and more traditional option because the wood not only cooks, but also naturally flavours the food according to the variety used, such as oak, cherry or beech. However, wood can be expensive, especially aromatic wood, and it is not always easy to find or store if you do not have adequate space. In addition, it requires great care to manage the fire and lighting times are long. It is the ideal choice for those who like intense flavour and are not afraid to get their hands dirty.

Electric barbecues

They are all about convenience: an electric barbecue is switched on at the touch of a button, reaches temperature quickly and is perfect for small spaces, such as balconies or terraces, where fire and smoke might be forbidden. They do not require physical fuel, just an electrical outlet, so the ‘fuel’ is the least expensive. On the other hand, the flavour of food is less distinctive, lacking the smoky effect altogether. They are ideal for those looking for a practical and immediate solution.

Pellet barbecues

Pellet barbecues represent a good compromise between tradition and innovation: they use compressed wood pellets, which burn efficiently and produce a delicately aromatic smoke. Pellets are more expensive than coal and gas, but offer precise temperature control, often through digital systems. However, these barbecues require electricity to power the ventilation system, so they are not suitable for fully insulated rooms. They are perfect for those who want to experiment with different cooking techniques, from slow smoking to classic grilling.

The 4 most famous brands

Weber barbecues

Weber is the barbecue. In 1952, George Stephen, a Chicago welder, revolutionised the barbecue world by inventing the first sphere-shaped grill with a lid, inspired by sea buoys. The lid also enhances the flavours: by maintaining an even heat inside, it allows for optimal cooking quality. This success, a symbol of Uncle Sam's country, led to the birth of the Weber-Stephen brand and the marketing of the first sphere-shaped barbecue: the Original Kettle. With a presence in over 40 countries, today Weber continues to promote the barbecue culture, offering high quality products and constant innovation.

Campingaz barbecues

Three engineers, Gabriel Corlet, André Colomb and René Sillon, set off with their families on their first camping holiday in the summer of 1949. Noting the shortage of portable cooking equipment, and taking advantage of the obligatory holidays offered by employers in France, they introduce the first portable and refillable gas cylinder, bidon bleu. Campingaz thus became the first company in Europe to produce gas barbecues.

Napoleon barbecues

Also a historic company from the late 1970s, Napoleon stands out for its advanced grilling functions, engineered performance and cutting-edge design. It offers lines of gas, charcoal and infrared barbecues. In other words, an iconic company for true professionals!

La Marquier barbecues

In 1986, La Marquier produced the first vertical cooking barbecue for outdoor use. From observing village festivals, the company then developed a new cooking system: a simple cooker and a smooth metal plate that soon spread throughout France under the name of smooth plate. It thus confirmed itself as a pioneering company that still today continues to evolve the legacy of French know-how, faithful to its watchwords: conviviality, excellence and passion!

Top 4 best-selling barbecues

Here we are, looking forward to introducing you to the best-selling - but not only - garden barbecues! Here you will find the perfect solution for your outdoor space, but also for your terrace. Weber conquers the podium and becomes synonymous with quality.

1. Weber SPIRIT II E-320 GBS

The three-burner Spirit II E-320 boasts a spacious cooking area, a side burner for heating sauces, and is equipped with the Gourmet BBQ System cooking grill that lets you cook everything you've ever dreamed of. Equipped with powerful burners and iGrill compatibility it ensures perfect grilling every time… and you're ready for a big success!

2. Weber SPIRIT II E-210 GBS

Open the door to the world of grilling with the elegant Spirit II E-210 GBS gas barbecue. This two-burner barbecue is designed for small spaces and offers incredible features such as the powerful GS4 cooking system, iGrill compatibility and convenient side shelves for storing serving dishes. Welcome to the Weber family.

3. Weber SPIRIT PREMIUM SP-335 GBS

Spirit SP-335 eliminates the need for an ‘indoor kitchen’. This three-burner gas barbecue has everything you need to grill a full meal outdoors. Prepare a sauce or boil water on the side burner. Create an intense heat zone for a perfectly grilled steak with the sear station and toast buns or keep food warm on the grill while the main course finishes cooking.

4. Weber GENESIS E-335

Introducing the new Genesis E-335 gas barbecue from Weber, with which you can grill, bake bread and cakes and even sauté food. Compatibility with accessories from the WEBER CRAFTED Gourmet BBQ System range offers endless culinary possibilities.

All you have to do is choose your favourite barbecue and bring out the Master Chef in you. Treat your friends and family to a unique experience and enjoy the good weather! And if you really don't want to go wrong, don't hesitate to contact us.

Until next time!

Your Vieffetrade Team