Looking for a Weber alternative? You have more choice than you might think.
Weber remains one of the best-known barbecue brands in the UK, but it isn’t automatically the right option for every garden, cooking style or budget. Char-Broil, Outback, Napoleon, Broil King, Kamado Joe and CosmoGrill all offer credible alternatives, depending on whether you want better value, more cooking space, hybrid fuel options or specialist features.
The best Weber alternatives at a glance
| Best for | WhichBBQ recommendation | Why consider it? |
| Gas BBQ technology | Char-Broil | Strong gas range with infrared, hybrid and portable options |
| UK availability and value | Outback | Broad selection of 2–6 burner and hybrid BBQs |
| Premium gas cooking | Napoleon | High-quality construction and premium cooking features |
| Traditional gas grilling | Broil King | Powerful burners and a substantial, traditional build |
| Kamado cooking | Kamado Joe | Excellent heat retention and highly versatile charcoal cooking |
| Large BBQs on a budget | CosmoGrill | Generous cooking capacity at competitive prices |
What is the best alternative to a Weber BBQ?
For most people looking for a gas barbecue, Char-Broil and Outback are the strongest Weber alternatives.
Char-Broil is particularly compelling if you want infrared cooking, a gas-and-charcoal hybrid or a portable gas BBQ. Outback is a strong option for UK buyers who want a broad choice of sizes, accessible prices and readily available accessories.
For premium gas cooking, consider Napoleon or Broil King. If you want the versatility of a ceramic charcoal grill rather than a conventional kettle BBQ, Kamado Joe is the standout alternative.
The best choice depends on why you were considering Weber in the first place.
1. Char-Broil: the best alternative for gas BBQ technology
Char-Broil is one of Weber’s closest competitors and offers gas, charcoal, electric, portable and hybrid BBQs.
The brand is particularly known for its TRU-Infrared cooking system. Instead of relying entirely on hot air circulating around the food, the system uses an emitter plate to distribute heat across the cooking surface. This is designed to reduce flare-ups and provide more even heat.
Char-Broil is worth considering if you want:
- A gas BBQ with strong temperature control
- Reduced flare-ups
- Gas-to-charcoal flexibility
- Portable infrared cooking
- A choice of two, three or four-burner models
- Readily available replacement parts and accessories
Its Gas2Coal and hybrid options are especially useful for people who like the convenience of gas but don’t want to give up charcoal cooking completely.
WhichBBQ verdict: The best Weber alternative for buyers interested in cooking technology and fuel flexibility.
2. Outback: the best Weber alternative for value and UK availability
Outback has been a familiar name in the UK barbecue market for more than 30 years. Its range includes compact two-burner models, family-sized three and four-burner BBQs, larger six-burner grills and hybrid gas-and-charcoal models.
Outback BBQs frequently include practical features such as:
- Cast-iron cooking grills
- Side burners
- Warming racks
- Storage cabinets or trays
- Built-in thermometers
- Multi-surface cooking accessories
- Hybrid charcoal baskets on selected models
The range covers more price points than Weber’s premium gas selection, making Outback particularly attractive to families seeking useful features without moving into the highest price bracket.
WhichBBQ verdict: The strongest all-round Weber alternative for UK families seeking choice, value and familiar after-sales support.
See our guides to the best gas BBQs under £500 and best highly-rated gas BBQs for current recommendations.
3. Napoleon: the premium Weber alternative
Napoleon occupies a similar premium position to Weber and is a natural alternative if build quality and cooking performance matter more than finding the lowest price.
Depending on the model, Napoleon BBQs may offer:
- Stainless-steel burners and cooking grids
- High-temperature infrared sear zones
- Rotisserie compatibility
- Side burners
- Large cooking areas
- Premium cabinets and preparation space
Napoleon is unlikely to be the cheapest alternative, but it deserves consideration if you were already looking at one of Weber’s higher-end gas grills.
WhichBBQ verdict: A strong premium alternative for enthusiastic outdoor cooks who want powerful burners and high-end features.
4. Broil King: the traditional premium gas alternative
Broil King is another established North American barbecue manufacturer with a reputation for powerful gas grills and substantial construction.
The brand generally focuses on:
- Strong burner performance
- Heavy cooking grids
- Good heat retention
- Multi-burner cooking zones
- Rotisserie cooking
- Replaceable parts and accessories
Broil King BBQs can be heavier and more traditional in appearance than some Weber models, but that solid construction will appeal to buyers who want a grill that feels built for frequent use.
WhichBBQ verdict: Best for buyers who prioritise powerful, traditional gas grilling over lightweight portability.
5. Kamado Joe: the best alternative to a Weber charcoal BBQ
Kamado Joe isn’t a direct replacement for every Weber kettle, but it is one of the most compelling alternatives for serious charcoal cooking.
Its ceramic construction retains heat and moisture exceptionally well, enabling it to grill, roast, smoke and bake. With the right setup, a kamado can cook at low temperatures for several hours or reach the high heat needed for searing and pizza.
Kamado Joe is worth considering if you want:
- Excellent heat retention
- Low-and-slow smoking
- High-temperature searing
- Outdoor pizza cooking
- Precise airflow control
- A broad ecosystem of cooking accessories
The disadvantages are weight, price and a steeper learning curve than a conventional kettle BBQ.
WhichBBQ verdict: The best Weber alternative for committed charcoal cooks who want maximum versatility.
6. CosmoGrill: the value alternative for large cooking areas
CosmoGrill has become a popular option among buyers seeking a large cooking surface without paying premium-brand prices.
Its range has included substantial gas grills, charcoal BBQs and combination smoker-style models. The specifications can look extremely competitive for the price, although model availability, warranties and replacement-part support should be checked carefully before buying.
CosmoGrill is worth considering if your priorities are:
- A large cooking area
- Multiple burners
- Family entertaining
- Integrated storage and preparation space
- A lower initial purchase price
WhichBBQ verdict: A good-value alternative when size and capacity matter more than premium branding.
Weber vs the alternatives: what should you compare?
Don’t compare BBQs by brand name alone. Before buying, examine the following:
Cooking area
A larger number of burners doesn’t always mean a proportionately larger usable cooking surface. Check the actual cooking-grid dimensions and whether a warming rack is included.
Fuel type
Gas is quick and controllable. Charcoal provides a more traditional cooking experience. Hybrid BBQs offer flexibility but may involve compromises compared with dedicated gas or charcoal models.
Construction
Look at the materials used for the burners, cooking grids, firebox, hood and cabinet. Stainless steel, cast iron and porcelain-enamelled components each have different maintenance requirements.
Replacement parts
A cheaper barbecue can become poor value if burners, grills or ignition components cannot be replaced. Check the manufacturer’s parts availability and warranty before buying.
Features you will actually use
Side burners, rotisseries and interchangeable cooking surfaces can be useful, but they shouldn’t distract from cooking performance, capacity and build quality.
Total price
Include the cost of a cover, gas regulator, charcoal baskets, temperature probes and other accessories required for your preferred cooking style.
Is Weber still worth buying?
Yes. Weber remains a strong choice due to its recognised designs, extensive accessory range, availability of replacement parts and established reputation.
However, you may find better value or a feature set more suited to your needs elsewhere. Weber is not the only route to reliable outdoor cooking, particularly if you want infrared technology, a hybrid BBQ, a large cooking surface or a ceramic kamado.
Our final verdict
The best Weber alternative depends on what you want from your barbecue:
- Choose Char-Broil for infrared and hybrid cooking.
- Choose Outback for value, range and UK availability.
- Choose Napoleon for premium gas features.
- Choose Broil King for powerful traditional grilling.
- Choose Kamado Joe for versatile ceramic charcoal cooking.
- Choose CosmoGrill for generous capacity at a lower price.
Rather than choosing a brand first, begin with your fuel preference, available space, usual number of guests and budget. You can then compare the models that genuinely fit how you cook.
How we assess products: WhichBBQ compares product specifications, cooking capacity, features, current UK availability, value and retailer information. Where a product has not been physically tested by us, our recommendations are specification-led and we state this rather than implying hands-on testing.
