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M&S kettle BBQ review

M&S kettle BBQ review

Elaine Lemm

Charcoal barbecues offer the ultimate outdoor cooking experience. Read our review of this budget-friendly kettle barbecue from Marks & Spencer to see whether it stood up to our tests.

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M&S 46cm kettle BBQ – unavailable

Pros: Good grill size, effective heat distribution
Cons: Flimsy construction, cooking height on the low side

This product is no longer available. For more like this, see our review of charcoal barbecues.

Do not dismiss the Marks & Spencer 46cm Kettle BBQ based on its low price. Though it may not be the sturdiest barbecue out there – both the construction and wheels are on the flimsy side – it certainly got the job done, so it's great for anyone on a tight budget.

Assembly was straightforward thanks to an excellent instruction book. We only needed a screwdriver and spanner and it took just over 35 minutes.

The main construction is steel with a porcelain coated bowl. The detachable hood fitted well, but the vents are thin stainless steel and care is required to avoid bending them during use.

There is an impressive 46cm of grilling space, so enough room for plenty of food cooking simultaneously. The excellent heat distribution from the steel meant the food cooked evenly with nothing sticking.

One thing to note is if you are tall, the cooking height is low. With enamelled surfaces and a removable ash pan, cleaning was straightforward, and the size means storage is not a problem, even in the smallest of spaces.

For the price, this is a good value barbecue though it may not have the longevity of other charcoal barbecues we tested.

Specifications:

Style: Kettle
Cooking grill size: 46cm
Height: 76cm
Hood and Vents: Yes
Wheels and Locks: Two wheels, no lock
Material: Steel

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This review was last updated in March 2020. If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability, please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.