Garden centre highlights latest BBQ innovation and entertaining trends ahead of National BBQ Week 2026

Dobbies Garden Centres is marking the 30th annual National BBQ Week, running from Monday 25 May to Sunday 31 May 2026, with an expanded range of barbecues, outdoor cooking solutions and accessories designed to suit every style of outdoor entertaining.

With more customers embracing outdoor cooking, Dobbies’ latest BBQ offering focuses on functionality, versatility and performance. From compact, portable options to statement grills for hosting, the range has been curated to help customers make the most of the warmer months.

Speaking about the annual event, Nigel Press, Seasonal Buyer at Dobbies, says: “National BBQ Week continues to grow in popularity each year, and for 2026 we’re seeing more customers embrace outdoor cooking as a way to bring people together.

It’s no longer just about the food, it’s about spending time together in the garden, creating a relaxed, social experience that can be enjoyed throughout the season.”

Here are Nigel’s top picks for customers looking to grill up a storm this National BBQ Week.

Gas BBQs

Nigel notes that Gas BBQs remain a go-to for customers looking for convenience and control. He says: “Gas BBQs are quick to heat up and easy to use, making them ideal for everyday cooking and more spontaneous outdoor meals. Look for good quality brands like Sahara and Ninja that offer gas options at different price points.”

Sahara Storm 2 Burner Gas BBQ, £299.99; Sahara S350 3 Burner Gas BBQ, £399.99; Sahara Arke 3 Burner, £599.99; Ninja FlexFlame Outdoor Cooking System £1199.99

Charcoal BBQs

Charcoal BBQs continue to appeal to those seeking a more traditional BBQ experience, delivering the distinctive smoky flavour that many associate with outdoor cooking, alongside a more hands-on approach.

“For those looking to take charcoal cooking further, we’re offering a premium range of ceramic BBQs, exclusive to Dobbies in the UK. The Grill Guru collection includes compact tabletop, large and extra-large models, with prices ranging from £549.99 to £1,499.99

“Designed with triple-insulated ceramic, these BBQs retain heat exceptionally well while using a small amount of charcoal, making them highly efficient for both quick grilling and low-and-slow cooking. Their versatility allows them to be used as a pizza oven, Dutch oven or rotisserie, offering multiple cooking styles in one. As the number one ceramic BBQ brand in the Netherlands, Grill Guru combines performance with durability, backed by a 20-year warranty,” explains Nigel.

Hybrid BBQs

Hybrid BBQs offer added flexibility by combining gas and charcoal or woodfire pellets. Nigel adds “Models such as Grillstream Carbon allow customers to enjoy the ease of gas while introducing charcoal for enhanced flavour, making them a versatile choice for different occasions.”

Grillstream Carbon 3-burner gas barbecue, £475.99; Ninja Woodfire Electric Pro Connect XL BBQ Grill & Smoker, £449.99

Kettle BBQs

“Dobbies’ own-brand range has been improved for 2026 and includes an 18-inch model at £49.99 and a 22-inch version at £89.99, complete with a hinged lid, built-in thermometer, ash collection bucket and practical working height,” says Nigel.

 “Kettle BBQs continue to be a popular choice, especially for those starting out. They’re versatile, reliable and offer excellent value, making them a great introduction to outdoor cooking,” Nigel added.

Dobbies 18” kettle charcoal barbeque, £49.99; Dobbies 22" kettle charcoal barbecue, £89.99; Weber Charcoal Mastertouch barbeque, £334.99

 Flat-top grills and griddles

Flat-top grills are becoming increasingly popular, offering a different approach to outdoor cooking. New for the season, Blackstone introduces a flat hot plate design with multiple functionalities, including air fryer features and a warming drawer, priced at £999.99.

These grills make it easy to cook a wide variety of dishes, from breakfasts to smash-style burgers, expanding what customers can achieve outdoors.

“We’re seeing real excitement around new formats in outdoor cooking. Flat-top grills open up much more flexibility and allow customers to get creative with what they cook outside,” Nigel said.

Blackstone 36 inch griddle with rails and side shelf, £649.99

Pizza ovens

Pizza ovens continue to grow in popularity, offering a fun and sociable way to cook outdoors. The Gozney Arc Lite, retailing at £349.99, provides a more accessible, design-led option, delivering strong performance while maintaining a stylish aesthetic.

Tabletop gas pizza ovens also offer a compact and convenient solution for smaller spaces or more flexible cooking setups.

Gozney Tread Pizza Oven Stand, £199.99; Gozney Arc Lite, £349.99; Gozney Arc 16 inch Pizza Oven, £799.99

Portable and compact BBQs

Compact and portable options are ideal for customers with smaller outdoor spaces or those looking for flexibility. From tabletop models to smaller-format grills, these designs make outdoor cooking more accessible without compromising on performance.

Grillstream Portable SmashGrill gas barbecue, £299.99; Blackstone 22inch Table Top Griddle £299.99

Social and 360 BBQs

Outdoor cooking is increasingly centred around shared experiences, with social-style BBQs designed to allow people to gather around and cook together. Models such as the Sahara 360-style BBQ feature removable lids, integrated shelving and space for multiple users, creating a more interactive way to entertain.

Sahara Arke 3 Burner £599.99; Sahara X450, £624.99

BBQ tools and accessories

To complement the BBQ range, Dobbies has expanded its selection of tools and accessories.

Nigel explains: “Choosing the right tools and accessories to match your BBQ can make a real difference to both ease of use and cooking results.

“Alongside our expanded premium ranges which are designed to work seamlessly with the new technology, we’ve also strengthened our Dobbies own-brand tools to provide a more accessible option for customers, offering great functionality and value without compromising on quality.

“Accessory kits, including griddle and breakfast kits, are also available to help customers get the most from their outdoor cooking setup.”

Gozney balance placement peel 12” £69.99; Grillstream SmashGrill Spatula Set, £19.99; Sahara 3 Piece BBQ Tool Set £39.99

Choosing the right BBQ

“When choosing a BBQ, it’s worth thinking about how many people you’ll be cooking for, how often you’ll use it, the space you have available and your cooking style,” Nigel says. “If you can stretch your budget slightly, it can become a real focal point in the garden, something that not only performs well but also adds to the overall outdoor space.”

Outdoor heating and extending the season

To help customers make the most of their outdoor space beyond the height of summer, Dobbies has introduced a range of outdoor heating solutions. The Hella heater collection, new to the UK, includes models such as the Luna Classic, Luna Classic Plus and Luna Elite, starting from £129.99, offering accessible options for cooler evenings.

Outback Lunar Pellet Patio Heater 1.29m Stainless Steel, £129.99; Outback Lunar Classic Pellet Patio Heater 1.72m Black Steel, £249.99, Lunar Elite Pellet Heater, £499.99

With options ranging from entry-level models to premium statement pieces, Dobbies’ BBQ range ensures there is something to suit every garden and budget, helping customers create memorable moments outdoors throughout the season.

BBQ ranges are available in Dobbies stores across the UK and online from spring 2026: www.dobbies.com.