The best stone barbecues in the UK 2023

If, like almost 1 in 2 barbecue lovers, you like to cook outdoors, think big and treat yourself to a stone barbecue. Its cooking surface is enough for 10 people or more. Charcoal, gas, wood, this fixed barbecue will make you spend unforgettable afternoons with family or friends. In reconstituted stone, marble, brick or concrete, discover the best stone barbecues in 2020.

Jardin Déco Beja 1
9/10

Best value for money

Jardin Déco Beja

The best stone barbecue in 2021

The Beja by Jardin Deco is attractive because of its elegance, functionality and versatility. This stone barbecue uses charcoal, a fuel famous for the inimitable taste it gives to food.

See the price

The Beja is a barbecue made of reconstituted stone and brick. It runs on charcoal, a fuel renowned for the taste it gives to food. Equipped with a reversible worktop, the whole unit weighs only 646 kg. The other materials used are stainless steel (worktop, front under the fireplace) but also iron for the grill.

This fixed barbecue is 188 cm high, 152 cm long and 55 cm deep. The cooking surface measures 60 x 40 cm, enough for 8 to 10 guests. A chimney of 52 x 32 cm facilitates the evacuation of smoke. Note that the molten cement to assemble the different elements is not provided. But it is easy to find.

Ferraboli Venere 2
7/10

Best value for money

Ferraboli Venere

The best entry-level stone barbecue

While it doesn't match the taste of charcoal barbecues, the Ferraboli Venere can reach high temperatures in record time. The lava stones and cast iron grill ensure even and smooth cooking.

See price

Ferraboli has made a master stroke with the Venere. This magnificent gas and lava stone barbecue has 2 stainless steel burners of 18.8 kW. Mounted on a rot-proof wooden cart, it is designed for grilling on the terrace or in the garden. The cooking grid measures 40 x 36 cm. There is also a 40 x 26 cm plancha on the side.

Made in the Ferraboli factories in Italy, this gas barbecue is practical and elegant. The cooking elements used are made of 8 mm thick cast iron, which allows for excellent heat distribution. As for the lava stone, it helps maintain the high temperature for an even cooking of meat or fish.

Sunday New Jersey 3
8/10

A great choice

Sunday New Jersey

The most elegant stone barbecue

The Sunday New Jersey is made of ash gray marble with several reconstituted stone elements. The well-ventilated brazier and EasyFire ignition ensure quality cooking, whether with gas or charcoal.

See price

The Sunday New Jersey is made of marble grit. The assembly of the clean lines required not cement but a special high elasticity fixed barbecue glue. This beautiful barbecue with its clean lines works with gas or charcoal. It has 2 stainless steel cooking grills of 40 x 45 cm each, adjustable on several levels.

The EasyFire system and the aerated brazier ensure a quick lighting of the barbecue. A drawer under the brazier collects the ashes. In addition, this stationary barbecue has a large work table, a bench to sit on while waiting to cook and a black aluminized steel hood for smoke extraction. But it is more fragile than the other models in this comparison.

Jardin Déco Tavira 4
8/10

Very good

Jardin Déco Tavira

The best value for money

The Tavira is certainly not the best stone barbecue in terms of quality. But its ability to retain heat, its gas or charcoal operation and its price make it a very popular model.

See the price

The Tavira from Jardin Déco is a barbecue made of reconstituted stone and brick. Its price and its dual cooking mode (coal or gas) have earned it rave reviews from users. With its 60 x 38 cm grill and its many quality accessories, this appliance has enough cooking surface for 10 guests.

The firebricks are not just for aesthetics. They retain the heat, make the barbecue easier to light and offer great resistance to fire. The Tavira is also distinguished by the height and depth of the firebox, which prevents it from bending. Finally, the 690 kg of the set makes it easy to transport to the assembly site.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best stone barbecue

Any specific needs?

The best stone barbecue in 2021

The best entry-level stone barbecue

The most elegant stone barbecue

The best value for money

Your guide : Samuel

Rate this buying guide :
4.7/59 votes

By rating this buying guide, you are helping us to reward our best writers. Thank you!

Comparison table of the best stone barbecues

TOP OF THE TOP CHEAP EXCELLENT VERY GOOD
Jardin Déco Beja 5
9/10
Ferraboli Venere 6
7/10
Sunday New Jersey 7
8/10
Jardin Déco Tavira 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Jardin Déco Beja
Ferraboli Venere
Sunday New Jersey
Jardin Déco Tavira
The Beja by Jardin Deco is attractive because of its elegance, functionality and versatility. This stone barbecue uses charcoal, a fuel famous for the inimitable taste it gives to food.
While it doesn't match the taste of charcoal barbecues, the Ferraboli Venere can reach high temperatures in record time. The lava stones and cast iron grill ensure even and smooth cooking.
The Sunday New Jersey is made of ash gray marble with several reconstituted stone elements. The well-ventilated brazier and EasyFire ignition ensure quality cooking, whether with gas or charcoal.
The Tavira is certainly not the best stone barbecue in terms of quality. But its ability to retain heat, its gas or charcoal operation and its price make it a very popular model.
Great taste of charcoal cooking
The lava stone and cast iron plate ensure fast and even cooking
Elegant barbecue adapted to most gardens
Cooks with charcoal and gas: it's up to you to choose what suits you
Great sand color, no need to paint the grill
Fitted with a lid, which preserves the creaminess, temperature and taste of the dishes cooked
Very practical: large work surface, bench to sit on, ash tray, hood to evacuate smoke...
Very stable
Fits in any backyard
Barbecue can be disassociated from the wooden cart if necessary
Fires on gas or charcoal
Assembled with Tavira brick, a rare material that retains heat perfectly
Grill big enough to seat 8 or more guests
Wood is rot-proof, but also messy!
2 organic stainless steel grills with adjustable height
High enough and deep enough hearth, with dimensions 90 x 60 cm
Perfect for afternoons of grilling with family and friends
Not a fixed barbecue
High price even if the qualities are undeniable
Delivered in kit form like all fixed barbecues Therefore, you have to assemble the product

Help us improve this table:
Report an error, request the addition of a feature to the table, or suggest another product. Thank you for your kindness!

Buying guide - stone barbecue

Primary Item (H2)Sub Item 1 (H3)

Why can you trust us?

Why you can trust us
Our mission
How to support us
We do NOT accept any sponsored posts or advertising.

We spend thousands of hours each year studying the major specialized websites, analyzing products of hundreds of brands and reading user feedback to advise you on the best products.

Our mission is to simplify your purchasing decisions.

We are a product review company with a single mission: to simplify your buying decisions. Our research and testing helps millions of people every year find the best products for their personal needs and budget.

We are a small team of geeks and enthusiasts.

To support us you can: use our links to make your purchases (which often earns us a small commission), share our articles on social networks, or recommend our site on your blog. Thanks in advance for your support!

How to choose your stone barbecue

The stone barbecue is fixed. You don't have to take it out of the garage or garden shed every time you use it. In addition, it retains heat very well and offers a large cooking surface. According to our research, there are 5 criteria to keep in mind when making your choice.

#1 - Natural stone or reconstituted stone?

Natural stone is more weather resistant than reconstituted stone. But it is rare to find it on a fixed barbecue sold in kit. And it costs more than reconstituted stone. Lighter and more affordable than natural stone, lava stone is used for gas barbecues. Refractory, this material allows a homogeneous cooking.

#2 - The type of barbecue

The charcoal barbecue is the most widespread. Despite the smoke, it gives the meat that characteristic grilled taste. The wood barbecue requires a large fireplace, with the constraints that come with it. Finally, the gas barbecue uses burners for a fast and uniform cooking. You should know that many stone barbecues use 2 fuels of your choice.

#3 - The size of the barbecue and the grill

There are circular and rectangular cooking grills. The amount of grilled food prepared at one time depends on the size of the grill. On the other hand, we strongly advise against stone barbecues with too little space between the grill and the embers. The food will most likely end up charred. If the barbecue you are interested in is more than 1.5 m high and has a floor area of more than 2 m², apply for a building permit at the town hall. For a stone barbecue of smaller dimensions, a simple declaration of works to the competent authorities will suffice.

#4 - The price

You

could find an entry-level fixed barbecue in concrete at 150 euros, 300 euros for brick and 500 euros for stone. For a quality stone barbecue, count up to 1,500 euros in the middle of the range and more than 2,000 euros for the top of the range. Add to that the costs of assembly and use, gas being the most expensive.

#5 - Accessories

Some manufacturers do not provide the cooking grid. Make sure it is present and sturdy before buying. Accessories such as tongs, a spit, a bench, an ash tray or a worktop can also accompany the stone barbecue. But the more accessories, the more expensive it is.

How to use a stone barbecue?

The best stone barbecues 9

The stone barbecue, also called fixed barbecue, represents more than half of the barbecues built in the UK. Some rules must be respected concerning its use.

The installation

You have the choice between doing the installation yourself or hiring a professional. Before cementing the different parts to be assembled, inspect them carefully for defects and cracks. Use a spirit level to ensure a level surface. The stability of the stone barbecue depends on it.

Don't hesitate to build an outdoor kitchen to enhance your barbecue, especially in summer. If you consider such an expense unnecessary, you should still install a water access near the barbecue. The water point is essential for maintenance but also to prevent fire outbreaks.

Lighting

A cube or lighter fluid is enough to light logs or charcoal in the firebox of a barbecue. You can also use a fire pit or the good old paper/small wood/carbon recipe. However, this method requires technique and a longer lighting time.

For those looking for a foolproof technique, try the chimney ignition. Developed by a group of students, this is probably the best way to light a stationary wood or charcoal barbecue. Gas ignition is still the easiest. In any case, the flames must be well extinguished before putting the food on the grill.

Dismantling

If for any reason you have to dismantle your fixed barbecue, start by removing the chimney. To do this, gently loosen the part with a chisel. Next, disassemble the worktop, cooking grate and ash pan. Finish by removing the stones and bricks one by one.

Cleaning

No matter how expensive your stone barbecue is, it will not last without regular maintenance. Use a cleaning stone or a wire brush dipped in water mixed with baking soda and black soap. There is a simpler mixture, based on 1 L of vinegar at 14° for 3 L of hot water.

Start by removing ash and soot residue with a broom or chimney vacuum. Then scrub the stones with the hard brush soaked in the mixture and rinse. Lava stones are porous and should not be soaked in bleach or dishwashing liquid. Wash them while they are still warm with water and absorb the grease with a paper towel.

What to do if there are cracks?

Finding a crack in the surface of a stone barbecue is never a good sign. Excessive use of wood, improper hibernation or incorrect assembly are the main causes. But there is still hope as long as the crack does not turn into a real fracture or break.

Usually, the use of refractory mortar solves the problem. Start by cleaning the cracked surface. Prepare the mortar according to the instructions on the package and spread it with a trowel. Then let it dry for at least 48 hours. Last important point: do not work in rainy or sunny weather.

The alternatives to stone

Despite its inferior aesthetics, brick is more resistant to high temperatures and cracking. Cellular concrete is the least expensive solution. There are even ceramic barbecues, which are amazing for their ability to retain heat. Finally, you have steel. In this case, you either have small mobile barbecues or very expensive, custom-made fixed barbecues.

The different types of stone barbecues

Stone barbecues can be classified according to the fuel they use: charcoal, wood logs and gas. Note that there is no electric stone barbecue.

Charcoal barbecue

All barbecue enthusiasts will tell you that charcoal gives meat a smoky taste that cannot be found with other fuels, and even less so with an electric barbecue. However, cooking with charcoal produces smoke that is potentially carcinogenic. And foods cooked this way lose their nutritional value.

Advantages:

  • The most common type
  • Unmistakable taste and atmosphere
  • Charcoal leaves little residue, making it easy to clean the firebox and grate
  • A removable ash pan collects the ashes and grease

Disadvantages :

  • Releases potentially carcinogenic smoke
  • Not always easy to light
  • More messy than other types of barbecues

Who is it for?

If you value the taste of grilled food above all else, charcoal barbecuing is the type that will suit you best. With family or friends, it is also appreciated for its conviviality.

Wood-fired barbecue

The

barbecue running on wood logs also offers a unique taste to the food. Its use will however have to take into account the size of the fireplace while making sure never to exceed 3 kg of wood. In addition to the constant supervision of the cooking, this type of stone barbecue takes time to light and form embers.

Advantages:

  • Smoky taste very similar to charcoal
  • Gives a friendly atmosphere for family meals
  • Easy to find fuel: cut up pallets, wood from the garden...

Disadvantages :

  • It is necessary to have a large fireplace to accommodate the logs while taking into account the regulations in force
  • Never put more than 3 kg of wood in the fireplace
  • It takes time to light and form embers
  • It is necessary to constantly monitor the cooking process

Who is it for?

This type of stone barbecue is used more for family meals. The taste it offers to the food and its convivial side are its best assets. It is also the least expensive in terms of operating costs.

Gas barbecue

This

type of barbecue lights up quickly and allows for even cooking of food at adjustable temperatures. The risk of blackening the food remains low. In addition, cooking is easy to control, even if you are grilling for the first time. The main disadvantage is the cost of purchase and use.

Advantages :

  • Fast lighting
  • Even cooking of food and easy to control
  • Adjustable temperature and power of the burners
  • Lava stone retains heat for a long time

Disadvantages:

  • Cost to purchase and operate
  • Gas is a dangerous fuel
  • Requires regular maintenance of the burners

Who is it for?

If you are a beginner, don't want to get dirty or want to grill successfully every time, choose a gas stone barbecue. You can connect it to the city network or to a butane or propane tank.

The location

Whatever type of stone barbecue you choose, install it near your terrace but not attached to the house. The location should be clear, with no trees or shrubs nearby, and if possible opposite the wind direction.

Stone barbecue or cast iron oven?

Stone barbecue

With its high heat output, the stone barbecue is functional. It is durable because it is made of stone. This is why it retains heat better. Moreover, you can cook several dishes on it without adding more wood or coal. So, the biggest advantage of this type of barbecue is that you don't need a lot of knowledge to use it.

In addition, the cast iron barbecue allows you to cook healthy food. You don't need to use a lot of oil, the fat of the food itself is enough. As far as maintenance is concerned, this style of barbecue is easier to clean, because its models usually have non-stick surfaces. This also keeps bacteria away. On the other hand, the stone barbecue depends on the positioning of your garden in relation to the neighbourhood. This can be a real obstacle.

Cast iron oven

The cast iron oven remains the best alternative to the stone barbecue. It provides similar functionality. Best suited for baking breads and pizzas, the cast iron oven offers an exceptional taste and a perfect texture to your food. The taste of a bread baked with an oven has a large difference compared to the one baked in an electric oven.

Furthermore, it is versatile and contrary to popular belief, with a cast iron oven you can cook just about anything. However, the cooking time in a cast iron oven will be slower than that of a conventional home oven. It requires a longer preparation time of 1 hour or more. In addition, it is necessary to control its heat for successful cooking.

Verdict

To conclude, the choice between stone barbecue and cast iron oven will be made according to your needs. The cast iron oven is more profitable, because it offers an exceptional taste to your dishes. However, the stone barbecue is more practical and healthier, because it does not give off any harmful steam during the cooking process.

Why buy a stone barbecue?

It is very practical

The truth is that it is a much easier type of barbecue to use. It is simple to install and you don't need to have much knowledge to use it. This makes it very convenient compared to other types of barbecue.

It is more functional

It has been proven that volcanic stone is more functional and has sufficient heat power. It cooks everything faster and more evenly. It is therefore more functional than other types of barbecue. And because it keeps the heat better, it can be used several times. It can be said that the stone barbecue is also very economical.

You can use it in any space

The problem with some types of barbecues is that they are bounded. However, stone barbecues are very light and can easily be moved from one place to another. This is a great option for those who travel often, you can take it anywhere you want.

It is very healthy

Cooking in a barbecue of this style is healthier than cooking in the kitchen. With a stone barbecue, you don't need to use as much oil, because the food is cooked with its own fat and no harmful steam is released during the process. This makes it very economical.

It is very easy to clean

Some types of barbecues have a problem: the cleaning stain is very difficult to remove. With a stone barbecue, however, it is quite simple, because its surface is non-stick, you just need to wipe it with a sponge soaked in warm water with a little soap and you're done. It is therefore easy to maintain.

The best brands of stone barbecues

In our opinion, the best brands of stone barbecues in 2022 are :

Jardin Deco
Ferraboli
Sunday
Art du Jardin
Fermar.it

Especially known for its outdoor furniture and garden furniture, Jardin Deco of high quality kitchen. Among its stone barbecues, we can mention the Tavira, the Beja or the Cartaxo. Quality and affordability characterize the products of this brand.

Made in Italy is in the spotlight with this manufacturer of barbecues, spits and grills. Electric, charcoal or gas, its appliances meet all needs. Ferraboli is for those looking for an aesthetic, robust and practical lava stone barbecue.

Another brand from Italy, Sunday offers an ultra complete range of outdoor kitchens. This includes wood-fired ovens and fixed barbecues. Beautiful and efficient, this brand's appliances are openly geared towards the high-end segment.

Specialist in barbecues and pizza ovens, L'Art du Jardin is among the must-have outdoor kitchen brands. The brand is particularly known for its sleek, vintage Vulcano line. If you're looking for a good concrete oven around 500 euros, don't hesitate.

Decidedly, the Italians know their way around outdoor cooking. Apart from fixed barbecues and wood-fired ovens, Fermart.it offers garden furniture such as lounges, dining tables as well as shelves. Those looking to invest in a brick barbecue should look at Fermart.it Como

What is the price for a stone barbecue

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
200 £ to 1100 £
Mid-range
1100 £ to 2000 £
High-end
more than 2000 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Check with your local community before installing a stone barbecue.

Wooded areas prohibit the use and therefore the installation of the stone barbecue. If your city allows it, check the floor area or the footprint. Under 5 m², you will not need permission to build. Between 5 and 20 m², you will have to make a prior declaration to the city hall.

Preheat the lava stones 10 minutes before cooking.

If

you have a gas barbecue using lava stones, preheat them in the fireplace 10 min before starting the grilling. This way, the cooking will be faster and the barbecue will keep the heat better. Change the stones every 3 years to avoid losing cooking quality.

Remove the fat from the meat.

It

is well known that the deposit of animal fat on the embers generates flames, charring of food and a significant diffusion of smoke. To remedy this, simply remove the fat from the meat with a knife. Of course, some meats are better grilled with their fat on.

Arrange food intelligently.

Grease

the cooking grid with a brush to prevent food from sticking. Orient the pieces to be grilled in the same direction, diagonally to the grid lines. For meat, place the longest slices to be cooked in the center of the cooking surface. For fish, do not remove the skin. This way, the flesh will be less charred by the flames.

Provide a handful of salt if your barbecue does not have a lid.

Lidded barbecues are rotating heat, which ensures more moist cooking. However, most stone barbecues do not have a lid. To get the chewiness, use salt. Throw some on top of the brazier to dull the flames. Don't overdo it or you'll end up with overly salty meat!

FAQ

Which stone barbecue to choose?

According to our research, the best stone barbecue for most people is the Generic Beja. The Ferraboli Venere is an excellent choice if you are looking for a lava stone gas barbecue. The aesthetics and practicality of the Sunday New Jersey will appeal to many users. The Jardin Déco Tavira is probably the best value for money.

How to choose your stone barbecue?

First of all, determine whether you are looking for natural or reconstituted stone. The former is rare, the latter less robust. You should also consider the fuel. Do you need a coal, wood or gas barbecue? The size of the barbecue, the accessories and the price also have an impact on the choice.

What are the different types of stone barbecues?

Just like mobile barbecues, fixed barbecues come in 3 types: charcoal barbecues, wood barbecues and gas barbecues. Many stone barbecues work with 2 of these 3 fuels.

How much does a stone barbecue cost?

A stone barbecue costs at least 500 euros. The most interesting models sell for between 1,000 and 1,500 euros, or even more than 2,000 euros for top-of-the-range appliances. Finally, concrete barbecues are available from 150 euros.

What are the best brands of stone barbecues?

The brands Generic, Ferraboli, Sunday, Jardin Deco and Art du Jardin stand out for the quality of their stone barbecues.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. , lejardineur.net
  2. , maconnerie.bilp.fr
  3. , jardinage.mr-bricolage.fr
  4. , yourfire.com
  5. , systemed.fr
  6. , thebestbarbecues.com
  7. , popularmechanics.com
  8. , zhenweinyc.com
  9. , motherearthnews.com
  10. , workingdaddy.co.uk
  11. , leroymerlin.fr
  12. , manomano.fr
  13. , cdiscount.com
  14. , bricorama.fr
  15. , castorama.fr
  16. , amazon.co.uk
  17. , systemed.fr
  18. , futura-sciences.com
  19. , auchan.fr
  20. , archiexpo.fr
  21. , bfmtv.com
  22. , au-jardindeden.com
  23. , anima-jardin.fr
  24. , castorama.fr
  25. , maconnerie.bilp.fr
  26. , my-barbecue.com
  27. , rocdefrance.fr
  28. , cdiscount.com
  29. , lapierredantan.com
  30. , pinterest.fr
  31. , jardinoa.fr
See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Jardin Déco Beja 10
Jardin Déco Beja
Ferraboli Venere 11
Ferraboli Venere
Sunday New Jersey 12
Sunday New Jersey
Jardin Déco Tavira 13
Jardin Déco Tavira

Lecteurs

Every month we help more than 1 000 000 people buy better and smarter.

Copyright © 2022 - Made with by buyingbetter.co.uk

Your reviews and buying guides 0% advertising, 100% independent!