Choosing a BBQ in Ireland isn’t as simple as it used to be.
It’s no longer just a choice between gas or charcoal. Today, you’ll see everything from hybrid BBQs to fully controlled outdoor cooking systems like the Ninja FlexFlame.
So which one is actually right for your home?
In this guide, we break down the main types of BBQ available in Ireland and help you decide what suits your cooking style, budget and setup.
Gas BBQs: Simple, Fast and Reliable
Gas BBQs are still the most popular option for many households in Ireland.
They heat up quickly, are easy to control, and are ideal for everyday cooking like burgers, sausages and chicken.
They’re also a great choice if you want something low maintenance that you can use at short notice, especially with unpredictable Irish weather.
Best for:
• Quick, no-fuss cooking
• Smaller households
• Occasional BBQ use
Charcoal BBQs: Traditional Flavour, More Effort
Charcoal BBQs are the traditional choice and are still popular for one main reason — flavour.
Cooking over charcoal produces a distinct smoky taste that many BBQ enthusiasts prefer. However, this comes with more time and effort. Charcoal BBQs take longer to heat up, require more attention during cooking, and can be less predictable, especially for beginners.
They’re best suited to people who enjoy the full BBQ experience and don’t mind spending extra time managing heat and airflow.
Best for:
• Traditional BBQ flavour
• Weekend or occasional use
• People who enjoy hands-on cooking
Hybrid BBQs: The Best of Gas and Charcoal
Hybrid BBQs have become increasingly popular because they offer a balance between convenience and traditional BBQ flavour.
They allow you to cook using gas for speed, or charcoal when you want that authentic smoky taste. Some models even let you use both at the same time.
A good example is the Outback Jupiter 4 Burner Hybrid BBQ, which gives you flexibility without needing multiple BBQs in your garden.
If you regularly BBQ and enjoy the process of cooking over flame and charcoal, a hybrid BBQ is a strong option.
Best for:
• People who enjoy traditional BBQ cooking
• Families cooking regularly outdoors
• Those who want flexibility without going fully high-tech
Ninja FlexFlame: A New Type of BBQ
The Ninja FlexFlame BBQ takes a completely different approach.
Rather than combining gas and charcoal, it uses:
• Gas for heat
• Wood pellets for smoke flavour
• Electric controls for precision
It also includes features like a built-in fan and digital temperature control, turning it into a fully controlled outdoor cooking system.
This allows you to do far more than traditional BBQ cooking, including roasting, baking, griddling and even pizza.
Key Differences: Which One Suits You?
The main difference comes down to how you like to cook.
Gas BBQs are all about simplicity, while charcoal BBQs focus on flavour and tradition.
Hybrid BBQs focus on traditional cooking with added flexibility.
The Ninja FlexFlame is designed for convenience, precision and versatility.
If you enjoy managing heat and cooking over charcoal, a hybrid BBQ will feel more natural.
If you prefer setting a temperature and letting the system do the work, the FlexFlame is a much easier experience.
Price vs Value
At first glance, a standard gas or hybrid BBQ will usually cost less than a system like the Ninja FlexFlame.
However, it’s important to consider what you’re getting.
With a hybrid BBQ, you’re mainly investing in grilling and traditional BBQ cooking.
With the Ninja FlexFlame, you’re effectively replacing multiple appliances — a grill, smoker, pizza oven and griddle — in one unit.
If you’re already considering a larger hybrid BBQ in the €700–€900 range, it’s worth comparing it to the FlexFlame, especially given the relatively small jump in price.
What Works Best in Irish Weather?
Irish weather can be unpredictable, so ease of use and consistency matter.
Gas BBQs are great for quick cooking between showers.
Hybrid BBQs require a bit more setup, especially when using charcoal.
The Ninja FlexFlame offers the most control, helping maintain steady temperatures even when conditions aren’t perfect.
For many households, this makes outdoor cooking more reliable throughout the year.
Final Verdict
There’s no single “best” BBQ — it depends on how you want to cook.
Gas BBQs are ideal for simplicity.
Hybrid BBQs are perfect if you enjoy traditional BBQ flavour and flexibility.
The Ninja FlexFlame is best suited to those who want a modern, all-in-one outdoor cooking system with minimal effort and maximum versatility.
Shop BBQs at Redmond Electric
Explore our full range of BBQs, including gas, hybrid and Ninja models, with fast delivery available across Ireland.