When you’re new to outdoor cooking, choosing your first BBQ or smoker can feel overwhelming. There are dozens of options, strong opinions everywhere, and a lot of pressure to “buy the right thing” straight away.
The truth is much simpler.
Your first BBQ or smoker doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to help you learn the basics without getting in the way. This guide explains what actually matters when you’re starting out — and what you can safely ignore.
If you’re completely new to outdoor cooking, it helps to understand the basics before choosing any equipment. Our smoking meat for beginners (UK guide) explains how BBQ and smoking differ, what actually matters when starting out, and common beginner mistakes to avoid.
Start with how you want to cook
Before looking at models or prices, ask yourself one simple question:
Do I want to grill quickly, or cook slowly?
BBQ cooking
BBQ cooking is about higher heat and shorter cooks. It’s ideal for:
- Burgers
- Sausages
- Chicken pieces
- Quick meals
If this sounds like how you’ll cook most often, start with a BBQ.
Smoking
Smoking uses lower heat over longer periods. It’s suited to:
- Pork shoulder
- Ribs
- Brisket
- Low-and-slow cooking
If patience and longer cooks appeal to you, a smoker may be the better choice.
Many beginners eventually use both — but you don’t need to start there.
Common beginner mistake: buying too much, too soon
It’s tempting to buy the biggest or most feature-packed option available. For beginners, this often backfires.
More features mean:
- More to learn
- More to control
- More things to go wrong
A simple setup lets you focus on:
- Temperature control
- Fuel management
- Using a thermometer properly
Those skills matter far more than brand or price.
Charcoal, gas, or electric: what’s best for beginners?
Charcoal
Charcoal BBQs are popular and affordable. They teach you:
- Fire control
- Airflow management
- Heat zones
They require more attention, but they build skills quickly.
Gas
Gas BBQs are convenient and easy to start. They’re good for:
- Quick cooking
- Consistent heat
- Less setup time
They sacrifice some learning, but reduce frustration.
Electric
Electric smokers and BBQs are simple to use and very stable. They’re useful if:
- You want consistency over fire management
- You have limited outdoor space
- You prefer plug-and-play cooking
They don’t teach fire control, but they remove many beginner barriers.
There’s no wrong choice — only what suits your situation.
Whatever equipment you choose, food safety doesn’t change. Our safe internal temperatures for BBQ and smoked meat guide explains what temperatures matter.
Size matters more than you think
Beginners often buy equipment that’s too large.
A smaller BBQ or smoker:
- Heats more evenly
- Uses less fuel
- Is easier to control
- Cleans more quickly
You can always upgrade later once you know how you like to cook.
What features actually matter (and what don’t)
Worth having
- Adjustable vents or controls
- Solid construction
- Enough space for indirect cooking
- Compatibility with a thermometer
Not essential at the start
- Built-in thermometers
- Wi-Fi controls
- Multiple racks
- Side burners
These can come later — or never.
Budget guidance for UK beginners
You don’t need to spend a fortune.
As a rough guide:
- Entry-level BBQs: affordable and effective
- Basic smokers: enough to learn low-and-slow
- Thermometer: non-negotiable
If you invest in one thing early, make it a good digital thermometer.
Learning matters more than equipment
Your first BBQ or smoker is a learning tool.
It will:
- Teach you patience
- Help you understand temperature
- Show you what you enjoy cooking
Once you’ve cooked a few times, your next purchase will be informed by experience — not guesswork.
Where this fits in the Beginner Series
If you haven’t already, these guides will help first:
- Beginner’s Guide to BBQ & Smoking (UK)
- Safe Internal Temperatures for BBQ & Smoked Meat
- Your First BBQ or Smoker Cook: What to Expect
Together, they remove uncertainty before you spend money.
Final advice
Don’t rush.
Don’t overspend.
Don’t chase perfection.
Choose something simple, learn how it behaves, and enjoy the process. Outdoor cooking rewards patience far more than expensive gear.
This article is part of the Beginner’s Guide to BBQ & Smoking (UK)— a step-by-step series designed to help complete beginners build confidence with outdoor cooking.
Not sure what to read next?
Our Beginner’s Guide to BBQ & Smoking (UK) is designed for complete beginners. Follow it in order or jump to what you need — safety, first cooks, or choosing equipment.
