Barbecue or Plancha Grill: Which is Right for You?

As sunny weather arrives in the UK, Brits naturally think of delicious grilled food in the garden. Should you fire up the trusty barbecue grill you've used for years or upgrade to a fancy new plancha grill this summer?

These two heavyweights of outdoor cooking each have devoted fans. Let's compare gas and charcoal barbecues to plancha grills to help UK grillers like yourself determine the best option for your garden, patio, or balcony.

We'll explore the key differences, unique capabilities, usage considerations, and costs of both grills. By the end, you'll be able to decide whether a traditional British barbecue or continental-style plancha is the ideal way to cook feasts for family and friends this summer.

Key differences between barbecues and plancha grills

First, let’s take a look at how these two grill types differ in design and functionality:

Cooking surface

The traditional barbecue has a cooking surface of open grill grates, usually porcelain-coated steel or cast iron. The gaps between the grates allow heat, smoke and drippings to flow. On the other hand, planchas have a continuous flat plate surface made from materials like hardwearing stainless steel.

The flat surface may initially seem unusual if you're used to grilling over grates. But it actually provides some advantages that we’ll explore more below.

Heat distribution

On a three—or four-burner gas barbecue, heat radiates upwards from the burners below the grates. This creates hotter direct heat zones and cooler areas for indirect grilling. You can sear meats over the hot zones and then move to indirect heat to finish cooking.

With a plancha, heat is distributed evenly across the entire cooking surface. This makes planchas perfect for quickly cooking delicate ingredients like fish, scallops, prawns, and vegetables that need gentle, consistent heat. No more overcooked prawns or veggies!

Cooking methods

The quintessential British barbecue focuses on classic grilling and charring over direct heat. The intense heat from below sears and chars food, infusing that smoky flavour we love. You can also configure indirect heat zones by turning off certain burners.

On the other hand, a plancha offers outdoor chefs more cooking flexibility beyond grilling. The flat surface means you can fry eggs, sear steaks, sauté vegetables, cook paella, flash-fry fish, and more. You can also toss ingredients right on the plancha for stir-frying.

Ease of cleaning

After a proper British barbecue full of juicy burgers, steaks, and kebabs, your grill grates inevitably end up covered in drippings and residue. Proper cleaning requires breaking out the grill brush and having a good scrub.

In comparison, a plancha needs a simple wipe down or scrape with a spatula to clean the smooth cooking surface. The lack of nooks and crannies makes cleaning up much easier.

Cost comparison

When comparing costs, basic entry-level gas barbecues in the UK start around £150-£200, and high-end models can cost upwards of £1500 or more. Plancha grills range from around £200 for a portable, tabletop version to around £800-£900 for a top-of-the-line commercial plancha.

So, regarding upfront cost, basic gas barbecues are a more budget-friendly option. But planchas often provide better value, thanks to greater durability and easier maintenance.

Grilling performance

Now let’s compare how barbecues and planchas actually perform when grilling different types of food:

Meats

Classic British barbecue foods like sausages, burgers, steaks and kebabs excel on a traditional barbecue grill. The direct, intense heat sears the outside while keeping the inside moist. You can also infuse woody smoke flavour into meat on a charcoal barbecue.

Delicate foods

Where a plancha really shines is cooking foods that require more precise, gentle heat—like fish fillets, scallops, prawns, and thinly sliced vegetables. These delicate foods are prone to overcooking or burning on an uneven barbecue grill, but the plancha’s even heat distribution prevents this.

Versatility

While a trusty British barbecue does one job brilliantly, a plancha provides more cooking flexibility, empowering you to cook a variety of dishes. On the same plancha surface, you can sear a steak, fry mushrooms and tomatoes, sauté peppers and onions, cook paella, and more.

Temperature control

Gas and charcoal barbecues offer precise real-time heat control. You can adjust burner levels, move hot coals, raise/lower the grill grate height, and configure direct vs. indirect heat zones. Planchas don’t offer the same level of temperature tweakability.

Capacity

A full-size three- or four-burner gas barbecue provides at least 400-500 square inches of grilling space—enough cooking capacity for the whole family and friends. Compact planchas top around 300 square inches, limiting how much you can cook simultaneously. That being said, you can get larger planchas that provide ample room.

Ease of use

Here are some key points on everyday usage factors:

Heating time

It takes around 15-20 minutes for a gas barbecue – and even longer in some cases for charcoal – to fully preheat, compared to just 5-10 minutes for a plancha. This makes planchas more convenient for quick weeknight meals, allowing you to cook stress-free. But a good old barbecue will do the job just fine for larger weekend gatherings where time isn't an issue.

Learning curve

Mastering fundamental barbecue skills takes time. Managing the fire, heat zones, and smoking on a charcoal barbecue have a learning curve. Cooking on a plancha is much more intuitive and foolproof.

Maintenance

Maintaining a barbecue after each meal involves more time and labour to clean the grate, empty grease trays, clear ash, etc. Planchas need a scrape and wipe down, which makes upkeep much easier.

Safety

Gas and charcoal barbecues involve open flames, which always present some safety risks, especially with children or pets around. In contrast, plancha grills provide a worry-free cooking experience, ensuring your peace of mind.

Which is right for you?

Now that you know how barbecues and plancha grills compare, here are some tips for weighting up which is the better fit:

• Best for entertaining: A large gas barbecue is hard to beat when cooking for big gatherings of friends and family.
• Best for novices: Plancha grills provide foolproof grilling for beginners who want delicious results with minimal effort.
• Best for health: The non-stick plancha surface minimises unhealthy charring and smoke when cooking lean meats and veg.
• Best for authentic flavour: Nothing beats that delicious smoky barbecue flavour from real charcoal and wood chips or chunks.
• Best for budget: More affordable entry-level gas barbecues give you the most grilling for your pound.
• Best for small spaces: Planchas are space-saving and convenient for flat balconies and tiny patios where a large barbecue won’t fit.

Plancha grills we think you'll love

If you’ve decided a plancha grill is the perfect choice for you, here are our top recommendations:

PitBoss Ultimate 3 Burner Plancha Grill

The PitBoss Ultimate 3 Burner Plancha Grill takes outdoor cooking to new heights with unmatched power, portability, and innovation. Featuring a staggering 3,458 square cm cooking area, this grill can easily handle small family get-togethers or larger gatherings. Three top-quality stainless steel burners deliver an impressive 10.5kW heating power across the expansive ceramic cooking surface.

The proprietary ceramic coating is a game-changer, requiring no seasoning and only a simple wipe-down after cooking. Scratch and rust-resistant, it keeps the plancha looking pristine cookout after cookout. The ceramic surface also enables an unrivalled non-stick coating experience right out of the box.

One of the Ultimate Plancha's signature features is the innovative lift-off design. This allows the entire grill to be quickly detached and transported, bringing serious grilling capability wherever your adventures take you. At home, the sleek aesthetic design is an eye-catching centrepiece to your outdoor cooking space.

Everything about the Ultimate Plancha is crafted for convenience, from the folding side shelves with integrated tool hooks to the removable grease trays for easy cleaning. Suppose you're looking for a premium grilling experience that achieves restaurant-quality results at home. In that case, the PitBoss Ultimate 3 Burner Plancha Grill is for you. 

Grillstream Smashgrill 4-Burner Plancha Grill

For outdoor chefs seeking maximum versatility, the Grillstream Smashgrill 4-Burner Plancha Grill is ideal. This innovative grill features a spacious 91cm x 44cm cooking surface, providing ample room to cook everything from full English breakfasts to traditional barbecue fare.

This grill's defining design element is its large flat plate. This allows you to sear, sauté, grill, and fry all on the same surface. The four U-shaped burners ensure even heating across the entire plate, so your food cooks consistently no matter where it's placed. With 14kW of cooking power, it easily delivers the intense heat needed to sear steaks or flash fry seafood.

Thoughtful extras make using this plancha grill a breeze. The integrated Piezo ignition lights the burners instantly, while the removable fat collection cup prevents messy clean-ups. You'll also appreciate the double storage shelf and gas bottle storage compartment, which keep all your grilling tools and accessories organised.

Whether you're hosting a small dinner party or a large family gathering, the Grillstream Smashgrill 4-Burner Plancha Grill won't disappoint. Its versatility transforms outdoor cooking into a simple, efficient experience. So grill up gourmet meals, fry breakfast, or sear juicy steaks with confidence and consistency on this innovative plancha grill.

Char-Griller Flat Iron Premium 4 Burner Gas Griddle

The Char-Griller Flat Iron Premium 4 Burner Gas Griddle is the ultimate outdoor cooking appliance for entertaining groups large and small. With 775 square inches of spacious cooking area across four independent burners, you can grill up a mouthwatering feast for the whole party on one versatile surface.

Each burner outputs 12,500 BTUs for a combined 50,000 BTUs of searing cooking power. The ceramic-coated steel cooking surface beautifully retains heat and prevents food from sticking. Zone cooking has never been easier with four adjustable burners to customise heat levels. An integrated ignition system lights the griddle fast. At the same time, the convenient slide-out grease tray keeps clean-up hassle-free.

Everything about the Flat Iron Premium 4 Burner is designed for effortless outdoor cooking and entertaining. The two foldable side shelves offer ample prep space, and a bottom shelf provides extra storage for grilling tools. When closed, the hinged lid keeps food piping hot and protects the griddle when stored in the sleek cart below.

Whether hosting a weekend BBQ or flipping pancakes for a weekday breakfast, the Char-Griller Flat Iron Premium 4 Burner Gas Griddle delivers maximum versatility and power to handle it all. Its quality construction and convenient features make it a griddle built to last.

Our top barbecue picks

Is a traditional gas or charcoal barbecue more up your street? We think you’ll love these options:

PitBoss Memphis Ultimate Gas and Charcoal Combo Grill with Smoker

The PitBoss Memphis Ultimate takes outdoor cooking versatility to extraordinary new heights. This innovative 3-in-1 combo unit integrates a powerful 36,000 BTU gas grill, adjustable charcoal grill, and electric smoker into one must-have appliance.

With nearly 12,000 square cm of total cooking space, the possibilities are endless. Sear juicy steaks on the spacious gas side, use the adjustable charcoal grate for actual open-flame grilling, or load up the electric smoker with wood chips to infuse everything with a tempting smoky flavour. The smoker even connects to the gas and charcoal sides via adjustable vents, allowing you to offset smoke between all three cooking zones.

Everything about the Memphis Ultimate is built for grilling convenience, from the ample side prep shelves to the porcelain-coated cast iron grates that distribute and retain heat perfectly. The dual cabinet-style drawers offer ample storage, while the locking castors make moving this heavyweight grill a breeze.

Whether smoking brisket low and slow or firing up charcoal for a weekend barbecue, the PitBoss Memphis Ultimate puts every essential grilling method at your fingertips. If you’re a devoted outdoor cooking enthusiast, this combo grill is sure to become the crown jewel of your back garden.

Outback Jupiter 4 Burner Hybrid Stainless Steel BBQ with Chopping Board

The Outback Jupiter 4 Burner Hybrid Barbecue combines the best gas and charcoal cooking into one sleek, versatile unit. At its core is an innovative hybrid design that allows you to switch between four high-powered gas burners or an included charcoal basket compatible with Outback coconut shell briquettes. Enjoy authentic smoky flavour with the convenience of gas ignition.

Cooking possibilities expand even further with the Jupiter's interchangeable Multi-Cooking Surface (MCS) system. Swap the standard grill for configurations like a pizza stone, griddle, or paella pan to take your culinary skills to new heights. Durable porcelain-coated cast iron ensures efficient heating and hassle-free clean-up.

Thoughtful details make prepping and cooking effortless. An integrated wooden chopping board provides ample workspace, while a side burner offers extra room for pots and pans. A professional-grade thermometer enables precise temperature control for perfect results every time.

With striking stainless-steel construction housing an array of professional features, the Outback Jupiter Hybrid BBQ will be the stylish centrepiece of your outdoor kitchen. Whether grilling steaks on gas, smoking brisket with charcoal, or baking pizzas on the MCS, this barbecue offers unlimited possibilities.

Grillstream Gourmet 4 Burner Gas Barbecue

The Grillstream Gourmet 4 Burner Gas Barbecue takes outdoor cooking to new levels of innovation and convenience. With premium stainless-steel construction and a sleek modern aesthetic, this barbecue is built to impress. But it's the array of advanced features that make the Gourmet 4 Burner truly stand out.

Technology enhances every aspect of use, from the Smart Grill app-controlled thermometer that allows you to monitor temperatures from your phone to the ceramic steak side burner that sears steaks flawlessly. Convenient extras like built-in tool hooks, a removable fat collecting cup, and lockable castors add thoughtful design.

Everything about the Gourmet 4 Burner is crafted for the ultimate grilling experience. The double-skinned hood maintains heat while the viewing window and thermometer let you monitor cooking progress without compromising temperature. LED control knobs stylishly illuminate for visibility and flair.

With jet flame ignition delivering quick, reliable startups and durable cast aluminium end caps providing structural integrity, this barbecue is made to last. Whether hosting a laidback gathering or an upscale dinner party, the Grillstream Gourmet 4 Burner combines performance, innovation, and style for next-level grilling. Make a statement in your garden with the barbecue built to handle any cooking task in luxury.

The satisfaction of grilling outdoors

Now that you know how barbecues and planchas compare, we hope you feel well-informed about choosing the right outdoor cooking appliance to make sizzling meals this summer. Whichever you decide is right, embrace the joy of gathering friends and family around a smoky grill. Throw on some juicy British sausages and burgers, corn on the cob and veggies, and enjoy the laughs and memories of a great British barbecue or plancha cookout!

You can browse our extensive selection of outdoor cooking appliances, including gas barbecues, charcoal barbecues, plancha grills and more here.

Remember—we offer free delivery to the UK mainland, no-hassle 14-day returns, and a range of credit options to help you spread the cost.

Our team is available to help if you have any questions. Email us at [email protected] or call us at 0161 376 4191.