Rating of the best barbecues for summer cottages and hikes for 2024

If there is a barbecue in the yard of the house, then the owners can quickly and easily cook meat, fish or vegetables for themselves. It is no less relevant at the summer cottage, where it is used to cook lunch during seasonal work. When a brazier is purchased for the purpose of using it permanently, future buyers should carefully consider their choice. The model must be strong enough and of high quality, then the iron does not deform from high temperatures, and the structure will last a long time.

Which to choose

The look of the classic barbecue is known to everyone. Usually it is a box made of material that is resistant to high temperatures. To prevent the lower layers of coals from extinguishing, oxygen must be supplied to them. Shelves are made at the optimal height on which you can put skewers or a wire rack. Among all the variety, it is possible to combine into several types of solutions of a barbecue structure.

Portable or stationary

Before buying, you should decide in what conditions it will be located and used. When a structure is used permanently, it is important to pay attention to the reliability of materials and ease of use. Portable barbecues, first of all, should be light enough and take up little space. Such options are usually placed in the trunk of a car or in a hiking backpack, and are assembled on the spot.

Portable

For the manufacture of a portable structure, sheets with a thickness of 1-2 mm are usually taken, which are fastened together with a corner. The size of the box itself does not exceed 250x600 mm, it is installed on low legs. May include a barbecue grill or a set of skewers. Since the box is small, in one approach no more than 7-8 ready-made portions can be obtained. From the point of view of the nature of the design, portable models are divided into folding and collapsible barbecues.

Collapsible

Collapsible models are several predominantly flat parts that are folded into a box using pins.

It is advisable to use such a grill on various trips. You can lend it to your neighbor or friend. If there is no stationary option at the summer cottage yet, you can buy a cheaper collapsible brazier for a while and use it for now.

Folding

Folding structures are ready-made models that are transformers. They have 2 positions: traveling and working. Assembly and disassembly takes place in several movements, which is very convenient and does not waste much time.

Foldable is best for busy people who don't have time for long assembly. Often they are bought by retirees to use in the country, or by young active people.

Steel or cast iron

The most suitable budget materials from which barbecues are made are steel and cast iron.Steel is better in terms of manufacturability. It is easier to cut, weld and stamp. Very beautiful and complex designs are obtained from it. Even thin walls are highly durable, so hiking options are made of steel.

However, structural steel is sensitive to high temperatures, while refractory materials will cost 2 or 3 times more. Steel can be damaged by corrosion. Sheets up to 5 mm thick serve regularly for 10-15 years of infrequent use. At the end of this period, deformations and burnouts begin to appear on them.

The service life of a steel barbecue can be extended by applying heat-resistant paint or electroplating, as some manufacturers do.

Cast iron, unlike steel, retains heat much longer. This material can withstand a huge number of heating and cooling cycles. Corrosion affects products to a lesser extent. To weld or process this material, you need to have special technologies, so such work is rarely done.

The main disadvantage of cast iron is its fragility. Because of this, the walls of the box and other parts are made more massive. In frosty weather, due to rapid heating, cracks may appear on the cast iron, so you need to monitor the temperature. Cast iron models are not as sleek as steel ones, but they last longer.

Dimensions

Buyers should choose their size based on how many servings of grilled meat they want to cook at a time. Its depth should correspond to the length of the skewers, usually it is 20-30 cm.The optimal distance for the meat to cook evenly and not burn is from 10 to 15 cm.The width varies from 40 to 80 cm.The height of the box should be 15-20 cm.

For the manufacture of portable structures for the walls of the box, steel up to 1.5 mm thick is taken. For stationary varieties, the wall thickness must be at least 3 mm. The optimal height of the legs should be such that the skewers or grill are at the level of the person's waist. In portable structures, it is difficult to ensure this rule, since this will immediately affect the size of the folded barbecue.

Holes are made on the bottom of the walls for oxygen to flow to the coals. For the purpose of regulating it, dampers are sometimes made. In double bottom constructions, heating is faster and the heat stays longer. A removable lid will help make the process of preparing meat faster.

Rating of the best barbecues for 2024

This rating will make it possible to determine the choice of the best barbecue for a summer residence in 2024. There are goods for different tastes and financial possibilities.

Collapsible

Forester BQ-910

The most common is a collapsible medium-sized barbecue made of sheet steel. Installed on 4 supports. The main distinguishing feature is the double walls, which are supported by stiffeners. This function speeds up the combustion process, which gives an economical consumption and further maintains the operating temperature in the interior of the frypot. The components include a grate, an ash pan, which is regulated by an air supply damper. The food to be baked is placed on two hinged stainless steel racks.

This improved model is ideal for summer cottages, as well as for outdoor trips. It is quite affordable in price and will never let you down as a mobile barbecue. The effective surface area is designed for 4-6 ready-made portions.

• quality in the manufacturing process, all details organically complement each other;
• good size range for a small company;
• economical fuel consumption;
• improved design;
• thickened double walls;
• air intake adjustment.

• assembly and disassembly are difficult;
• during operation, the metal loses its geometry;
• within a short period of time the grate burns out.

BOYSCOUT 61239

Collapsible brazier consists of a rectangular brazier with slots for installing skewers. Fits on trapezoidal footpegs that are fairly stable. You can place accessories using the small metal grill shelf. All additional cooking accessories are not included.

Affordable brazier is universal for all occasions. You can cook a shish kebab for 4-6 people at a time. It is quite convenient for use in a country house, you can just have it in your garage for outdoor trips.

• simplicity and maximum reliability of the design;
• ease of assembly;
• durable steel;
• affordability.

• the walls are quite thin and there is no regulation of the air supply, so the coals instantly burn out and do not keep heat.

Kukmara No. 14

The high step assembly has a fairly long brazier that is in two parts. One of them performs the function of burning wood with the subsequent formation of coal. The equipment includes a perforated grate and a retractable ash pan. The rest of the space contains hot coals for cooking. Thanks to this design, there is a continuous process of baking the desired products; if necessary, the required amount of fuel can be added to the working area.

There are small holes on the side walls, into which air can easily enter. Stiffening ribs do not allow the product to deform during high temperature conditions. Thanks to the handles, the movement is quite convenient.

The affordable product allows you to prepare a wide variety of food, as there is no need to take a break to reheat an additional batch of charcoal. The model is ideal for large companies.

• excellent value for money;
• good product height;
• during the cooking process, coals are added without removing the already formed ash;
• complete reliability.

• the stability of the legs unfinished by the manufacturer;
• can be moved by two or more people.

Grillkoff max

The small-sized product consists of a set. This includes a heavyweight tote bag and six skewers. All components are made of stainless steel. All fasteners are manually fixed with screw nuts. The side parts are wavy, there are openings for air intake.

Affordable and convenient model. Designed for a company of 3-4 people. Has no problems in cleaning, does not rust and retains its original shape and appearance for a long time. The set includes skewers.

• fairly low cost;
• improved design;
• service life is not limited;
• the presence of skewers.

• over time, the bag will need to be replaced;
• Threaded connections are not to everyone's liking, since on a long hike, the thread can become clogged with small debris.

Amet 1s726

One of the simplest designs. The set includes a canvas bag. There are air holes and skewers in the side parts. The legs are made of a corner rather sturdy.

The whole structure is fixed with hooks using the clutch method. Skewers for this model are purchased additionally.
The price side justifies the purchase. In frequent cases, this model is used in hikes. Average service life is several years.

• lowest cost;
• assembly does not take much time;
• Sturdily sewn carrying bag.

• weak fastening;
• small size.

Steel

Steel products are in demand for a garden or summer cottage. Models are made using the simplest welding. Sometimes manufacturers decorate them with simple decor. Such products have a fairly low price, but they are of excellent quality. Install on terraces or directly in the garden.It should be remembered that such products are prone to rust, so they should be removed under a canopy to avoid precipitation from entering.

Doorz MC-4

A similar model of the barbecue is perfect for any summer cottage. Made of thick steel that won't drive even after repeated use. In terms of price-quality ratio, this model is one of the best. At the bottom of the barbecue, special perforated holes are made to help increase the heat. The barbecue legs are decorated, which makes the product not only practical, but also helps to decorate any part of the summer cottage with it. The product of this brand has been produced for about 3 years, and during this time it has gained great popularity among buyers. The price of the product is quite affordable, and is about 3,500 rubles. To make the grill easy to carry, there are 2 convenient handles on the sides.

• 9 skewers can be placed on the surface at once, which is perfect even for a large company of people;
• very comfortable, wide legs of the product, with their help you can install the product even on an uneven surface;
• the device is very durable and comfortable, made of thick steel, which prevents the iron from changing even after prolonged use;
• after use, the product is very easy to clean;
• easily disassembled, which makes the device convenient for transportation.

• not the greatest height, when cooking kebab you will have to bend over;
• large weight of the product, about 25 kg;
• no additional hooks for related equipment are provided;
• the side handles cut into your hands when carrying.

TMF Mirtrudmay-2 tall with bag

This is a small grill, which is very easy to disassemble and transport. Ideal for people who do not visit the country very often and do not want to install a permanent structure on the site. The product is of very good quality, durable and extremely easy to use. The price is not the lowest, but this is offset by simplicity and durability. Made of stainless steel, which does not drain even after prolonged use. To make the structure more durable, stiffeners are installed on it.

Sold in a bag, which makes it easy to carry. The bag is made of synthetics with comfortable handles. The manufacturer gives a 1 year warranty for the product. The assembled brazier has an optimal height, which makes the process of cooking barbecue as convenient and comfortable as possible.

This model has practically no downsides, which makes it extremely popular with buyers for many years.

• sold in a bag;
• 1 year product warranty;
• affordable cost.

• not found.

BoyScout 61232

A great option for those who like to visit the country house or go to barbecue. Fully collapsible and fits in a small bag. The weight of the barbecue is less than 2.5 kg, which makes its transportation absolutely not difficult. The legs of the barbecue are the main components for the sides and bottom. The product is designed for 6 skewers, which is quite normal for an average company.

The model has a number of advantages that make it popular with the general public. It is completely disassembled and takes up little space, which makes it easy to transport it even on a bus. It is very lightweight and compact in size. The price of a barbecue is only about 300 rubles. Shish kebabs can be fried both over charcoal and wood. The construction is assembled in just a couple of minutes.

Of course, such a simple and cheap device has its drawbacks. The iron used is quite thin, so it is likely to be carried away from the flames and heat. The package does not include a special bag, so you have to pick up a bag for the barbecue. The height is small, which makes it difficult to fry meat. In addition, rather thin legs sink into the ground, and the box itself rusts in the rain.

• disassemble and takes up little space;
• fits in a small bag;
• affordable cost.

• the iron is rather thin;
• special bag not included

Cast iron

Balezinsky LMZ

Braziers made of cast iron are great for permanent installation in the country. They do not rust, so it is not necessary to build a canopy. In addition, due to its natural properties, cast iron perfectly keeps heat, which allows meat to be roasted more evenly and tasty.

The model is one of the best that can be purchased on the domestic market. Fixtures of this brand are made of thick-walled cast iron, which fully protects them from rust and overheating. Such products will easily last over 30 years. Skewers are securely attached to the body of the structure; they can be positioned up to 10 pieces. The legs are embellished making it beautiful enough to be installed anywhere.

There are special holes in the corners that are for poker and other tools. Fully collapsible, which makes it possible to transport it in the trunk of a car. Skewers can be used long, which allows you to cook a large amount of kebab in one go. Skewer mounts are provided.

• made of thick-walled cast iron;
• the skewers are securely attached to the body.

• large price tag, more than 7,000 rubles;
• low size, which makes frying difficult;
• large weight of the barbecue.

Basic buying tips

When buying, it is important to take into account all the nuances so that the design will serve for a long time:

1. If you plan to use the barbecue on an ongoing basis, it is better to purchase cast iron versions or steel ones made from thick sheets.
2. To fry meat in nature, it is better to purchase collapsible steel products that do not weigh much. With proper and constant use of such a tool, it will be quite enough for a couple of seasons.
3. If you need to put a device in the country, so that it fits beautifully into the design, you should purchase products with forged elements.
4. For installation on the territory of the garden, you need to take care of the construction of a special canopy that will protect the grill from precipitation.
5. If you plan to use it rarely enough, the presence of wheels will not be superfluous. With the help of such design features, the process of transporting the barbecue to a barn or other room will be noticeably facilitated.

To buy a good grill, you should read the rating, choose a model according to your preferences, according to the desired cost.