2026 UK BBQ innovations from two leading global outdoor grill brands

Char-Broil and Pit Boss, two innovative barbeque brands from leading US outdoor living specialists W C Bradley, are launching exciting additions to their UK BBQ ranges for this sizzling Summer season.

CHAR-BROIL NEW FOR 2026

The first hybrid electric2coal BBQ: Powerful, Versatile, Compact, ideal for smaller outdoor spaces

Hybrid BBQ grill leader Char-Broil launches the UK’s first hybrid electric/coal BBQ: Patio Bistro E2Coal. This compact and space saving grill helps urban dwellers get the most from smaller outdoor spaces.

Designed for modern city living where smaller gardens, courtyards and balconies are common, the versatile barbecue may be small in stature, but delivers outstanding, flavoursome results thanks to the Char-Broil’s renowned TRU-Infrared™ technology which evenly distributes heat whilst you cook, ensuring food stays up to 50% lip-smackingly juicier as a result.

Its innovative Hybrid Power Technology also lets you switch effortlessly between electric or traditional charcoal-fired cooking for maximum flavour flexibility.

Fast convenient E-power for maximum performance

Simply plug in and switch on the electric grill. Reaching 315°C within 20 minutes and a maximum temperature of 370°C, the compact electric grill heats up fast and delivers that authentic seared flavour every time. The electric power is perfect for fast, intense grilling sessions, so no long waiting times, just great ‘instant’ barbecue moments.

Electric to charcoal in just a few, simple steps

With the Patio Bistro E2Coal you can opt for quick electric grilling or choose a slower traditional charcoal cook, giving you the best of both worlds. Whichever you choose, it’s easy to transform your electric BBQ to a charcoal grill in just a few simple steps, and no tools are required. 

Simply place charcoal on the dedicated grate, reinsert the cooking grate at mark ‘C’, and you’re ready to light the charcoal easily using the electric heating element.

Barbecue juicier than ever with TRU-Infrared™ Technology

Char-Broil’s TRU-Infrared™ Technology is the key to achieving succulent barbecue foods. A specially designed stainless-steel grate distributes the heat evenly across the entire cooking surface minimising food residues dripping onto the heating elements that can create unwanted flare-ups that can burn, taint and dry out your barbecue food. The result of this efficient technology is barbecued food that's up to 50% juicier. Even better, this technology also helps reduce energy consumption.

You can also transform your Patio Bistro E2Coal BBQ into an electric griddle in seconds by purchasing the optional griddle plate (sold separately).

A removable warming rack keeps your food hot, toasts bread or provides an indirect cooking zone for more delicate dishes. Barbecue cooking is best done with the lid down to retain heat, reduce cooking times, and it also helps keep food hot on the warming rack away whilst you complete your meal. 

That’s why Char-Broil has integrated an easy-to-read analogue temperature gauge into the lid to help you monitor the perfect temperature at all times, ensuring tender, juicy results, every time you cook. 

With a helpful three-metre power cord, you have the freedom to reach indoor and outdoor sockets, and the two sturdy wheels and side handles make it easy to manoeuvre the BBQ to exactly where you need it.

Everything within reach

Like Dr Who’s Tardis, the Patio Bistro E2Coal has unbelievable storage capacity to keep everything organised in its built in storage space. The middle shelf includes a dedicated griddle storage rail, whilst a lower shelf offers space to store charcoal tools. Two integrated tool hooks keep everything you need always within reach.

Where to buy

Available from John Lewis, Argos, Next, B&Q and Amazon, the Char-Broil Patio Bistro E2Coal (RRP: £349.00) is the perfect electric and charcoal hybrid BBQ for city living. Powerful, durable and easy to use. Accessories include a durable cover (RRP: £39.95) and griddle (RRP: £39.95).

ALSO AVAILABLE for the smallest of homes and outdoor spaces

Patio Bistro E2Coal has a lightweight and portable electricity powered brother, the new Char-Broil Patio Bistro Cube E. Perfect for cooking for 2-3 people, the Cube E has a smaller 38.4cm stainless steel grate and has the same patented TRU-Infrared™ Technology to ensure smaller doesn’t mean less tasty. The evenly distributed heat across the entire grate, minimises unwanted flare-up and ensures that your barbecued food is up to 50% juicier. The efficient technology also helps reduce energy consumption.

Despite its compact size, the Patio Bistro Cube E is robust and impressively powerful. Switch on, keep the lid down, and watch the integrated analogue temperature gauge start to rise. You’re ready to cook in under 20 minutes at 280°C, reaching a maximum of 320°C to deliver that authentic seared flavour every time.

The Cube E design and three metre power cord mean it can stand squarely on the floor of your balcony, patio, or tabletop on your garden or outdoor dining table. Thanks to its compact design, it’s easy to store when not in use.

Where to buy

Available from John Lewis, Argos, Next, B&Q and Amazon, the Char-Broil Patio Bistro Cube E (RRP: £229.00) is the perfect electric BBQ for city living and balconies. Powerful, durable and easy to use, a durable cover (RRP: £24.95) is available to purchase separately.

PIT BOSS NEW FOR 2026, the Onyx Edition

A striking collection of advanced pellet smokers, grills and griddles.

Pit Boss®, a global leader in bold outdoor cooking innovation, is launching the Onyx range in the UK, a striking new collection of pellet smokers, grills and griddles designed to elevate outdoor cooking with powerful performance, modern styling, and unmatched versatility and value.

Featuring a sleek matte black finish, cutting-edge technology, and Pit Boss’ signature Bigger. Hotter. Heavier.® construction, the Onyx range delivers premium outdoor cooking without compromise. From industry-leading wood pellet grills with the patented flame broiler to charcoal barbecues and the highly innovative portable griddle, each Onyx Edition product is engineered to perform across a wide range of cooking styles and occasions. 

Every model is fuelled by quality materials, backed by Pit Boss’ best-in-class 5-year warranty, and built to be the centrepiece of any outdoor setup.

The Onyx range includes four standout products featuring bold design and reliable Pit Boss performance, and all available from UK BBQ specialists nationwide:

Pit Boss® Classic Onyx Edition - RRP £649: This wood pellet grill combines proven Pit Boss performance with advanced digital technology and a distinctive look - a versatile and dependable choice for everyday grilling.

Offering 4,769 cm² of cooking space and an 8.5 kg hopper (pellet) capacity, the Classic can handle everything from weeknight meals to weekend party entertaining. The advanced digital control board allows precise temperature control from 82 to 260 °C in 5-degree increments, while the Flame Broiler™ Lever enables direct flame searing at temperatures up to 535 °C. An inbuilt meat probe ensures results are just how you like them. Designed for true versatility, the Classic delivers Pit Boss’ 8-in-1 cooking capability, allowing users to smoke, bake, sear, grill, barbecue, braise, char-grill, and roast, all in one machine.

Pit Boss® Austin XL Onyx Edition wood pellet grill with precision controls – RRP £749 - takes everything fans love about this best-selling grill and elevates it with enhanced technology and bold new styling. With more than 6,503 cm² of cooking space, the Austin XL is built for cooks who love to host, effortlessly handling large gatherings or family feasts.

Equipped with an leading-edge electronic temperature setting controller, the Austin XL offers settings at low temperatures for ultimate control, allowing users to adapt to their environment or increase smoke density. Temperature control ranges from 82 to 260 °C in precise 5-degree increments, while the Flame Broiler™ Lever allows for direct flame searing up to 535 °C. Two meat probes ensure precise and delicious results, while the 8-in-1 cooking capability offers ultimate flexibility. All this power is housed in a sleek matte black design and backed by Pit Boss’ industry-leading 5-year warranty.

The Pit Boss® Lexington Charcoal Onyx Edition – RRP £299 – is an iconic barrel design charcoal grill with a sleek matte black finish accented with striking copper details.

With 3,503 cm² of cooking space, the Lexington Charcoal is built for classic, flavour-forward barbecue with modern convenience. The side-access charcoal tray makes refuelling easy, while thoughtful storage options keep tools and accessories close at hand. 

The Lexington delivers reliable performances every time and timeless charcoal flavour.

Pit Boss® Sierra Onyx Edition Griddle, RRP 649. Innovation meets versatility with this powerful, full-size gas griddle that can be turned into a portable griddle for cooking anywhere, anytime. The full size griddle can either be used on its stand as a full size BBQ grill or, thanks to the “Lift-Off” functionality, it easily converts into a tapletop plancha for camping or small urban set ups.

Featuring a proprietary non-stick ceramic-coated cooking surface, the Sierra delivers an unmatched, user-friendly griddle experience. This 3,458 cm² ceramic cooking surface is ready to use straight out of the box and requires minimal clean-up, needing only a gentle wipe after use. 

The ceramic coating also protects against scratches and rust, helping the griddle look better for longer. With three stainless steel burners and a range of smart accessories, it’s the most versatile griddle in the Pit Boss lineup.

https://www.charbroil.co.uk

https://uk.pitboss-grills.com

You can buy them at the following link: https://amzn.to/4aYPN0g

Get Fired Up for Father’s Day as MEATER carves 20% off its range of Smart Meat Thermometers

MEATER, the wizards behind the creation of the world’s first and best-selling smart meat thermometer, is serving up a sizzling 20% discount exclusively for this Father’s Day. 

If you Dad's a bit of a dab hand at the BBQ grill, please don’t miss the chance to give your Dad (or the Father figure in your life) a gift that really raises the steaks (Sorry. Dad joke, there!) with prices carved across MEATER’s popular wireless meat thermometer range.

For grill masters, BBQ kings, or the Sunday roast champions, gift the confidence to cook up meaty perfection. Dads can enjoy levelling up their cooking skills as they let MEATER take the guess work out of cooking awesome, succulent cuts of meat to wow friends and family.

Simply connect a MEATER to any smartphone or tablet and enjoy learning the estimated cooking times, meat being monitored whilst it is cooking, and alerts and notifications transmitted when meat is cooked to personal taste and importantly, safe to serve.

The free MEATER app has the perfect cook settings for a full repertoire of meat and fish, no matter which cooking method Dad chooses, and even includes the MEATER Master Class™ for when they might want some expert cooking method advice or meaty recipe ideas.

Make sure Dad’s next cook is un-grill-ievable. Shop the discount at MEATER and Amazon. Prices will start from just £63.20 between 30th May and 12th June.

MEATER SE: CUT TO £63 (SRP £79)

Cook to temperature - not time, for less, with the exclusive to Amazon MEATER SE.

MEATER Plus: CUT TO £79 (SRP £99).

MEATER’s best-selling probe with over 33,000 5/5 star user review on Amazon

MEATER Pro: CUT TO £103 (RRP £129).

MEATER’s latest probe featuring a longer wireless range, slimmer design, higher temperature tolerance for open flame cooking, and waterproof design to allow deep frying and sous vide.

MEATER Block: CUT TO £175 (SRP £219).

Perfect for the cook and BBQ enthusiast, the MEATER Block stores and charges up to four MEATER Plus probes ready to cook and monitor four delicious meats or fish simultaneously. Boasts Standalone Mode – so if you don’t have Wi-Fi, no problem! A touch control screen allows you to cook easily, with built-in speakers providing audible notifications.

MEATER Pro XL: CUT TO £263 (SRP £329).

The ultimate digital sous chef, the MEATER Pro XL features four MEATER Pro probes delivering cooking XLence for multiple meats or fish. Level up your dad’s smart kitchen gadget arsenal so he can cook to individual preferences and create a meat feast to be crowned the ultimate at-home chef.

https://www.meater.com/

Crafting Astonishing Flavours With Fire and Fervour at Millbrook Inn, South Pool, Devon

In the heart of South Devon, nestled in the charming village of South Pool, on a tidal creek not far from Salcombe, sits the Millbrook Inn, a cosy, traditional pub with a huge heart that has become synonymous with incredible food, thanks to the creative genius of its fire-wielding head chef, Iain Dawson.

Walking through the door you are hit with the delicious whiff of wood smoke infused with the smell of food that unfurls and envelops and that's what the Millbrook is all about, its a place where fire and flavour infuse while warmth and tradition pervade.

The Millbrook Inn has long been a bucket list destination, but recent changes have elevated it to something truly special. In 2021, the pub was acquired by the Owens family, owners of Fowlescombe Farm, a 500-acre organic farm nearby. 

This farm supplies all the slow-grown meat, vegetables, and herbs to the Millbrook Inn's kitchen, creating a farm-to-table experience. This year it has opened two stunning cottages Land and Sea, opposite the pub, giving people the wonderful opportunity to stay in the village and dine at the Millbrook.

Iain, 33, and originally from Canada, brings a flamboyant, bold approach to his cooking, quite distinct from his early days at Heston Blumenthal's Hind's Head in Bray. He embraces the unpredictability of cooking with fire, infusing tradition and simplicity into every dish, all whilst using ingredients sourced from the nearby Fowlescombe farm.

Iain's secret weapon is the Josper grill, renowned in the world of charcoal gastronomy, which he wields with the same mastery as his skills at butchery. The searing heat of the grill creates a caramelised crust on the meat, resulting in unique, unforgettable flavours. And then he adds his standout flair, elevating the dishes with handfuls of home grown herbs like oregano, thyme, basil and chives and adding vegetable sides, that could be a delicious meal in themselves. 

Iain's approach to cooking is deeply rooted in his desire to revive old culinary traditions, focusing on honest, uncomplicated food that respects the animal and the environment. His food philosophy draws inspiration from renowned Australian chef Lennox Hastie, renowned for his live fire and wood-fired cooking, and Dan Barber's influential book, "The Third Plate," which champions sustainability and responsible food practices.

At the Millbrook Inn, menus are dictated by the farm's offerings and whatever comes through the door, with leftover vegetables returned to the farm for composting. This commitment to sustainability and quality shines through in every dish.

This is a proper English pub, that's stood the test of time, where delicious food that's served with confidence is a shining beacon. Small in size, but huge in its reputation, not only is it in one of the most idyllic locations in the entire UK but its food is shouting loud beyond the patchwork fields, with wood fire at its heart.

And yet despite its burgeoning reputation, the Millbrook Inn will always remain true to its core as a place for locals, and anyone else who happens upon South Pool, to gather. As a new chapter opens for Millbrook Inn that promises to surpass its already cemented reputation, with stunning places to stay its new proposition,  this a place where astonishing food will always be its beating heart.

Iain's defining dish is Smoked pastrami-style short ribs, with spiced celeriac puree infused with blade mace, coriander, and thyme. This is served with a classic sauce chasseur and grilled sweetheart cabbage.

According to Iain, the preparation for this dish is a laborious process and he says you have to be fully invested in the process to truly enjoy making it but the effort is worth it. He believes you can taste the difference when a dish has been crafted with this love and dedication. 

https://millbrookinnsouthpool.co.uk

Masterbuilt Wants everyone ready for BBQ Season

As the summer temperature begins to rise, it's time to gather family members and friends, fire up the grill and indulge in the sizzling delights of barbecue season. Masterbuilt, which is a leading innovator in outdoor cooking, has a range of charcoal grills designed to make charcoal grilling as effortless and enjoyable as possible.

Barbecue enthusiasts appreciate the smoky flavour and authentic cooking experience that only charcoal barbecues can deliver - not gas. That's why Masterbuilt have integrated cutting-edge technology into their grills that are as simple to use as an oven at home, ensuring that every home-cook can achieve exceptional results with ease.

Here are some key features that set Masterbuilt's charcoal grills apart:

Ease of use: Masterbuilt's engineers have taken great care to simplify the grilling process. With a button to ignite the BBQ and a digital dial to control the heat, it's as simple and straightforward as an indoor oven and is ideal for beginners and seasoned grill masters.

Advanced technology: The Gravity Series has world first technology with an external gravity fed charcoal hopper. It holds up to eight hours of charcoal and it's simply a case of allowing gravity do all the work and constantly keep the fire topped up. And as the charcoal hoppers are external, you won't lose smoke and temperature every time you open up the barbecue lid. The digital dial is WiFi enabled, so you can control the heat of the fire from your phone.

Superior flavour: People opt for charcoal because it imparts a distinct smoky flavour to foods.

Durability and performance: Crafted with only high-quality materials and built to last, Masterbuilt's charcoal grills provide exceptional performance year on year. They are designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor cooking, ensuring a long-lasting investment in your culinary adventures.

Versitility: You can grill, smoke, sear and bake like you can with your inside oven. Whether you're chargrilling juicy steaks, succulent ribs or the best vegetables you've ever eaten, Masterbuilt grills are more than up to the task.

Masterbuilt Gravity Series – Comes in 3 sizes – 560, 800, 1500. From £649.

It really is the ultimate all-rounder. It's designed to make charcoal grilling as convenient as possible. A digital dial adjusts heat as you would on your oven in your house. Whack it up to full and takes 10 minutes to reach searing temperature. The GravityFed charcoal hopper holds over 12 hours of charcoal and gravity ensures you have constant fuel to the fire.

Masterbuilt Portable Grill from £279

NEW - Made for adventurers, this suitcase-sized grill comes with an easy to transport collapsible cart, for effortless grilling on the move. With a tough shell, it is durable enough to withstand expeditions and is designed to be hauled into the back of a car, wheeled across moors, carried across beaches and set up next to lakes and rivers. 

Like all Masterbuilt grills, it's designed for convenience. Simply light a fire lighter under your charcoal, then turn a dial to control a fan for a consistent temperature. The charcoal hopper can burn briquettes or lump wood for up to 4 hours from 130c - 260c.

NEW Masterbuilt Pizza Oven Attachment. From £179.

Simply slot this into your BBQ (works in any brand that is the right size) and it provides 360 degrees airflow and cooks your pizza in no time. A handy 'plug in and play' accessory so you can swap between BBQ and pizza parties easily.

Experience the joys of charcoal grilling this barbecue season with Masterbuilt's state-of-the-art charcoal grills. To learn more about Masterbuilt products and explore the full range of outdoor cooking solutions, please visit uk.masterbuilt.com

Why not try this recipe?

Claypot chicken

Once you've cooked this dish, you won't look back. It's ridiculously easy to make, yet packs in so much flavour due to the high quantities of the ingredients - don't skimp on any of them, especially that whole head of garlic - it all balances out perfectly.

Serves 4

1kg Chicken Thighs, skin on, bone in

2 tbsp Vegetable Oil

4 cloves Grated Garlic

150g Ginger, peeled and sliced

50ml Water

Marinade

1 head (approx. 10 cloves) Grated Garlic

2 Shallots, chopped

3 tbsp Vegetable Oil

4 tbsp Caster Sugar

120ml Fish Sauce

2 tbsp Ground Black Pepper

1 tsp Sea Salt

Method

In a large bowl, massage the marinade ingredients into the chicken thighs. Cover and leave in the fridge for an hour.

Put the vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed casserole pan on a high heat and add the crushed garlic and ginger. Toss until aromatic - it'll only need a few minutes.

Add the marinated chicken with all of the juices and cook for a further couple of minutes. Add the water. Cover with a lid and BBQ indirect in a low heat for about an hour. 

Remove the chicken from the sauce and place skin side down on a rack over the fire. Allow the skin to crisp up beautifully, before adding back to the residual sauce as a glaze. Delicious with sticky rice, chopped coriander and spring onions.

Good BBQing is on tap with the Kamado Joe app!

Kamado Joe, the innovator behind industry-leading kamado-style ceramic grills, has announced the addition of the Konnected Joe™ to their product line-up. 

A world first, this digitally connected ceramic grill combines all the benefits of traditional ceramic cooking with modern technology, offering a solution for easy fire-lighting and effortless temperature control. 

The Konnected Joe will be available for pre-order in the UK/EU for £1,999 (2,199 €) at select retailers from 15 April 2023 following a launch party hosted by Kamado Joe's director of culinary inspiration, chef Eric Gephart, at the Paris BBQ Expo 14-16th April. Orders will be fulfilled in June 2023.

The digital controls and convenient app-enabled features help grillers experience the benefits of ceramic grill cooking, while making the whole process a simple matter of pushing a button to ignite the fire and a dial to maintain the desired grill temperature. 

Global marketing manager Ben Forte says, “Kamado Joe has always been totally committed to delivering a superior grilling experience since the very start.

"Today, we're proud to introduce kamado style cooking to grillers of all skill levels with the Konnected Joe, giving them the confidence and flexibility to use digital controls.”

The all-new Konnected Joe offers: 

HASSLE-FREE CHARCOAL IGNITION – The Automatic Fire Starter™ ignition lights the charcoal with the push of a button, so your grill is ready to use in under 15 minutes.

ABILITY TO MAINTAIN CONSISTENT TEMPERATURES – The Kontrol System™ (consisting of the Kontrol Board™ digital display, Kontrol Fan™, and Kontrol Tower™ top vent) maintains total temperature control throughout each cook.

ULTIMATE VERSATILITY – Effortlessly achieve 95°C - 370°C for smoking, grilling, baking, roasting, and searing with the push of a button. Monitor up to three meat probes at once. 

UNMATCHED FLEXIBILITY WITH COOK MODES – The Automatic Cook Mode offers step-by-step instructions on the Kontrol Board™ digital display or use Classic Cook Mode and control your temperature manually for traditional kamado cooking. 

KAMADO JOE APP – Adjust and monitor your grill temperature, meat probes, and cook times from anywhere with the new Kamado Joe app.

STANDARD KAMADO JOE INNOVATION – The Konnected Joe also includes thoughtfully engineered features like a slide-out ash drawer for easy clean-up, Air Lift™ Hinge for reduced dome weight, and 2-Tier Divide & Conquer® for cooking flexibility.

To stay up to date on the latest innovation from Kamado Joe, visit www.kamadojoe.co.uk.

Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel announces Aiden Byrne to open third restaurant within their hotel

Macdonald Craxton Wood has announced that Aiden Byrne will be launching his third restaurant on July 29th 2011. Working in collaboration with Macdonald Hotels, Byrne is to take over the operation of the 120 seater restaurant at the 72 bedroom Craxton Wood Hotel on the Wirral, Merseyside, where he will showcase his cooking in a new 'British Grill' concept that will carry his name.

Byrne who currently operates the 3 AA Rosette Church Green Pub in Lymm, and The Collingwood in West Kirkby, confirmed his pleasure with the collaboration with Macdonald Hotels and the hotel in Chester.

Byrne also pointed out he will be looking to introduce the style of dishes already established in his other two establishments. “The 'Aiden Byrne British Grill' concept is going to pick up the breezy comfortable style of cooking that has thrived at The Church Green and The Collingwood,” said a spokesman.

Byrne explained: "It's a venue for everyone. We're looking to enrich the dining experience by blending traditional British cooking with a relaxing venue in tune with what the public want."

The 'Aiden Byrne British Grill' will begin trading as new refurbished restaurant on the site of the Craxton Wood hotels former dining room; The Garden Room. David Guile, CEO of Macdonald Hotels, is keen to confirm another headline chef to work alongside the Macdonald brand.

Byrne continued: "The food and beverage culture within the collection has been particularly strong in recent years. Bringing Aiden onboard allows us to diversify with unique skills we know our hotel guests will find memorable and ultimately enjoy."

Aiden Byrne, is very experienced and was previously head chef at the famed Dorchester has enjoyed a stellar career having enjoyed spells working alongside Tom Aikens, Paul Rankin and David Adlard.

His numerous TV appearances have enabled audiences to explore his dynamic cooking on shows like Master Chef, Saturday Kitchen plus the highly popular Great British Menu.

Macdonald Hotels won AA Hotel Group of the Year in 2007 and over the last 5 years has become a self-styled industry leader in the hotel dining market. In 2010 it boasted 40 AA Rosettes across its collection, nationwide.

Food and beverage director Alan Swinson said: "There are locations around the UK which lend themselves very well to joint ventures with top chefs. Delivering added value to our hotel guests is key to what we do."