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Which BBQ should I buy? Discover what suits you
BBQ en A· 6 min read

Which BBQ should I buy? Discover what suits you

Which BBQ should I buy: kamado, plancha, table BBQ or gas?

Which BBQ suits you best depends on your cooking style. If you want to do it all, from grilling to smoking and baking pizza, a kamado BBQ is the best all-rounder. A plancha BBQ is perfect for cooking together sociably around the fire, and with a Japanese table BBQ you grill compactly on the balcony or at the table.
  • Kamado BBQ: the most versatile choice for grilling, smoking and baking
  • Gas BBQ: quick to temperature, ideal for weekday meals
  • Plancha BBQ: atmosphere and cooking together on a hot steel plate
  • Smoker: for the pitmaster who takes time for deep smoky flavour
  • Table BBQ: compact grilling on the balcony, camping or at the table

Each type has its own strength, atmosphere and ideal moment of use. In this guide we help you decide which BBQ perfectly matches your cooking style, your garden and your culinary ambitions.

Whether you're looking for that authentic charcoal flavour, low & slow cooking or quick grilling sessions, at Nomad Fire you'll always find a match. Check out our full collection right away: All BBQs at Nomad Fire.

1. Kamado BBQ: the ultimate all-rounder

Kamado BBQ

The kamado is the king of versatility. Grilling, baking, smoking, steaming and even baking pizzas at stone-oven quality: this appliance can do it all. Thanks to the high-quality ceramic and thick walls, the heat stays in perfectly. This makes it ideal for hours-long slow-cook sessions, but also for searing meat at high temperatures. Discover our models here: Kamado BBQs.

Why choose a kamado?

  • Multifunctional: From juicy steaks and burgers to fresh bread and pulled pork.
  • Unmatched flavour: The combination of charcoal and airflow creates that real BBQ aroma.
  • Thermal efficiency: Retains heat extremely well, ideal for use in any season (even in winter).
  • Economical: Thanks to the insulation, you use considerably less charcoal.
  • Durable design: A robust choice for the enthusiast who wants to do it all.

Our tip - Grill Bill Kamado

The kamados in our range, such as the Grill Bill, are built for performance and durability. For the home chef who wants to switch between a quick steak and a 12-hour brisket, this is the best investment.

2. Gas BBQ: speed and efficiency

Are you often in a hurry or just want to eat quickly? Then a gas BBQ is the answer. They reach temperature incredibly fast and are easy to operate. Perfect for grilling sausages, burgers and vegetables after a long work day.

Advantages of a gas BBQ

  • Ready instantly: You can start within a few minutes.
  • Clean working: No ash, no smoke development and easy to clean.
  • Practical: Ideal for quick, weekday meals.

The disadvantages

  • You miss the characteristic smoky flavour of wood or charcoal.
  • Often reaches lower temperatures than a kamado.
  • Swapping and storing gas bottles requires attention.

Tip: Looking for convenience but want the flavour of charcoal? A kamado keeps its temperature stable for hours with two air vents, and a plancha is hot within half an hour.

3. Plancha BBQ: atmosphere, fire and cooking together

A plancha is more than a barbecue; it's a design object and fire bowl in one. On the hot steel ring you effortlessly cook meat, fish and vegetables at the same time. It's the ultimate way of 'social dining' outdoors. Check out our models: Plancha BBQs.

Why choose a plancha?

TiGER_FIRE_Oliekan-Plancha_Grill
  • Social experience: Everyone can stand around the fire and help out.
  • Versatility: From delicate fish fillets to pancakes and a good piece of meat.
  • Smoke-free: Thanks to the open fire, smoke often clears quickly (depending on the wood).
  • Quick to get going: The plate heats up fast and is ready to use.

Who is the plancha for?

For the bon vivant who loves good company. With the plancha lines from Nomad Fire (such as Tiger Fire) you bring restaurant quality and atmosphere to your own patio.

4. Smoker: for the purist

Do you love deep, intense smoky flavours and have patience? Then a traditional smoker (or offset smoker) is your domain. This is the playing field of the pitmaster who wants to cook ribs and brisket to perfection.

Advantages of a smoker

  • Intense flavour: For the lover of heavy smoke profiles.
  • Slow cooking: The meat becomes incredibly tender thanks to the low temperatures.
  • Craft: Working with fire and airflow is an experience in itself.

Points to consider

  • It takes time and patience; you need to stay with the BBQ.
  • Temperature control requires practice.
  • Often large, heavy appliances that take up space.

5. Compact or table BBQ: small but mighty

Have a balcony, a small city garden or looking for something for camping? Then a table BBQ (such as the Japanese Shichirin) is ideal. Compact, portable and still powerful enough for a serious grilling session for 1 to 4 people.

Advantages

  • Mobile: Easy to take along or store.
  • Economical: You need little fuel for a good result.
  • Intimate: Perfect for cosy table grilling (Yakitori style).

Check out our compact options here: Table BBQ & Shichirin.

Which BBQ suits you? The Decision Helper

Your wishBest choice
Do it all: grilling, smoking, pizza & slow-cookKamado BBQ
Atmosphere, show cooking and good companyPlancha BBQ
Speed and convenience (without smoky flavour)Gas BBQ
The ultimate pitmaster experienceSmoker
Little space or tabletop grillingTable BBQ / Shichirin

Frequently asked questions

What's the best all-round barbecue?
The kamado is without doubt the most versatile choice. Whether you want to grill, smoke, bake or steam, with a kamado (such as the Grill Bill) it's all possible on one appliance.
What's the easiest BBQ to use?
A gas BBQ is ready fastest. Want the flavour of charcoal with as little hassle as possible? Then choose a kamado: once up to temperature it stays stable for hours, and you adjust it with two air vents.
Can a kamado replace my gas BBQ?
Yes. A kamado grills just as well at high temperature, but can also smoke, bake and cook low and slow. You lose a little on start-up time and gain the flavour of charcoal.
Is a plancha a full-fledged BBQ?
Definitely. A plancha is ideally suited to complete meals. You prepare meat, fish, potatoes and vegetables at the same time, while chatting with your guests around the fire.
Which BBQ is suitable for a balcony?
For balconies we recommend a compact table BBQ, such as a Shichirin. Always check your homeowners' association rules and ensure safe ventilation. An electric or gas option may sometimes be required, but for flavour the charcoal table grill wins.

About the author

Bobby

Bobby

Bobby started Nomad Fire Co. and has cooked on kamado and plancha for years. He works where technology, design and marketing meet, and all three came together in this store: he designed and built nomadfire.shop himself, on Neuramerce, the platform he also runs his other brands on. On this blog he shares what he has learned about grilling, smoking, low and slow and outdoor cooking, and about the questions of customers he helped choose their first kamado.

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