What is an American BBQ and Should You Buy One?

Bigger grills. Bolder flavours. More to play with.

An American BBQ isn’t just a bigger grill; it’s a premium cooking tool with more space, laser-like precision, and endless culinary possibilities. Picture brisket smoked low and slow until it falls apart at the lightest touch, steaks seared exactly the way you like them, and veggies charring over steady heat – all on one setup that never feels crowded.

More home cooks across the UK are making the switch, drawn by the control, versatility, and sheer joy that an American BBQ brings to the table. Here’s what sets them apart, and how to tell if one deserves pride of place in your garden.

It’s not just their ample size (although that’s a massive plus); American BBQs grant you complete control over temperature, flavour, and cooking style. While a traditional grill can turn out decent burgers, American BBQs elevate your capabilities – think authentic low-and-slow smoking, high-temperature searing, and indirect roasting.

What else sets American BBQs apart?

• Expansive Cooking Areas – Spread out steaks, veggies, and sides, eliminating the need for juggling different timings and crowded grill plates.
• Multi-Zone Temperature Control – Adjustable racks and multiple burners allow simultaneous searing on high heat and slow roasting on gentle warmth.
• Built-in Thermometers – No guesswork; keep a precise eye on internal temperatures at a glance.
• Easy Smoking Capabilities – Every VonHaus American BBQ is engineered to smoke ribs, brisket, or fish with minimal fuss and maximum flavour.
• Durable, Weatherproof Build – Crafted from robust materials to retain heat, resist rust, and reliably perform through every season.

Take the XXL American BBQ, for example. Its generous grilling surface, height-adjustable charcoal tray, precise thermometer, and rugged construction equip you for every grilling session, from intimate dinners to large summer gatherings. And once you've tasted the difference, there really is no going back!

American BBQs are brilliant, but we’ll be honest – they’re not for everyone. Essentially, if you want a grill that does more than just turn out the occasional sausage, an American BBQ could be your perfect match.

It’s worth the upgrade if:

• You cook regularly for family and friends and need the space to do it properly.
• You want to master more than basic grilling – think smoking brisket, slow-cooking ribs, or indirect roasting.
• You appreciate premium build quality – premium materials, better heat retention, longer lifespan, and a free 2-year warranty for peace of mind.
• You’ve got the space – American BBQs aren’t shy. They need plenty of room, ideally on a patio, deck, or spacious corner of the garden.

Still weighing it up?

If you want the hallmarks of an American grill without committing to a full-size model, our Compact American Style Charcoal BBQ strikes the perfect balance. You get the adjustable charcoal tray, built-in thermometer, and heavy-duty construction – all in a package that fits neatly onto smaller patios, decks, or balconies.

American BBQs bring bold flavours and real versatility to your outdoor cooking, but before you click add to basket, there are a few things worth considering.

As we’ve already mentioned, American BBQs aren’t built for squeezing onto a balcony or a tiny patio. They’re serious pieces of kit, made for bigger spaces where you can cook, move, and serve comfortably. Think patios, decking, or a flat garden area where you have room to breathe.

That said, you don't need a full outdoor kitchen to get the American BBQ experience.
If space is at a premium, the Compact American Style Charcoal BBQ offers all the essentials – adjustable charcoal tray, built-in thermometer, and heavy-duty construction – without taking over your garden.

The fuel you choose shapes everything about your BBQ experience, from the flavour on your plate to how quickly you’re ready to cook.

• Charcoal BBQs (like our XL and Compact American Grills) deliver that deep, smoky flavour you can’t replicate with other options. Granted, lighting charcoal takes a bit more patience (read how to do it in our guide to Lighting a BBQ), but the reward – rich, layered flavours – is always worth the wait.
• Gas BBQs offer fast, fuss-free cooking. They’re ready at the push of a button, making them ideal for midweek dinners and spontaneous get-togethers.
• Dual Fuel BBQs combine the speed of gas with the authenticity of charcoal, enabling you to switch between methods (though they tend to be bigger and heavier).

Our American BBQs use pure charcoal, because if you want that smoky flavour where every bite tastes like summer, there really is no substitute.

Precision is critical when you’re cooking over flames, and this is where American BBQs really shine. Here are some of the features you’ll get with yours:

• Adjustable charcoal trays – Fine-tune the heat, shifting from slow roasting to direct searing without breaking your stride.
• Built-in thermometers – Monitor temperatures accurately and avoid second-guessing your steaks.
• Easy-access doors – Reload charcoal without losing precious heat or disrupting your cooking.
• Removable ash pans – Clear out residue quickly to keep air flowing and flavour clean.

The right setup doesn’t just make grilling easier – it makes delicious food inevitable.

American BBQs are built to last, but they do ask for a bit of TLC in return. Here’s how to protect your investment:

• Cover it properly – A weatherproof cover shields your grill from rain, frost, and grime between grilling sessions.
• Clean it regularly – Grease, soot, and ash build up faster than you think. Regular cleaning preserves performance, prevents corrosion, and keeps flavours pure. Need a blueprint for BBQ care? Here’s our Guide to Cleaning Any Type of BBQ.

Like all our products, VonHaus American BBQs include a free 2-year warranty, giving you total peace of mind.

American BBQs often carry a higher price tag than standard grills, but what you get in return isn’t just size, it’s substance. Larger cooking surfaces, sturdier construction, and built-in features like adjustable trays and integrated thermometers. This culminates in a grill that cooks better, lasts longer, and a represents a real multi-year investment (with the right maintenance, of course).

At VonHaus, we've ensured our American-style BBQs deliver serious value without the inflated price. Take our XXL American Style Charcoal BBQ Grill: a generous grilling surface, adjustable charcoal tray for precise heat control, and heavy-duty build quality – all for under £240. It’s the kind of setup that rivals pricier brands without draining your summer budget.

If you're still unsure, here's a quick checklist to help you decide:

• You regularly cook for family, friends, or larger groups.
• You want more than burgers – you’re ready to explore slow cooking, smoking, or indirect grilling.
• You’ve got enough garden, patio, or decking space to grill comfortably.
• You value premium build quality, cooking versatility, and long-term performance over quick wins.

If you’re nodding along, an American BBQ should top your summer wish list.

Ultimately, choosing the right BBQ depends on how you cook and who you cook for. 

If you love feeding a crowd, experimenting with smoking techniques, or just want a grill that gives you more to work with, an American BBQ delivers in every way that counts. But if you’re working with a smaller patio or tend to keep things casual, there’s no shame in choosing something smaller (like our Compact American BBQ, built with big features in a smaller footprint).

At the end of the day, the best BBQ is the one that earns its spot in your routine, not just because it looks the part, but because you want to use it, again and again.

Ready to level up your cooking setup? Explore the full VonHaus American BBQ range and start sending out those invites today!