New research has revealed the optimal time to purchase a garden grill before stocks plummet – and it's fast approaching
This summer is set to be a scorcher, not least because of soaring temperatures on the cards.
READ MORE: 36 incredible outdoor kitchens we'd love to cook in
With the weather looking up and an extra-long weekend in store for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, it's time to get organised and ready to host all those alfresco get-togethers in the garden.
Fans of a sizzling sausage or two might be interested in new research carried out by Homebase, determining the optimal time to purchase a new BBQ before stocks start to run out – and it's just around the corner.
Crunching the numbers
By using seasonal sales data and analysing Google Trends figures, Homebase researchers discovered the exact date when demand for BBQ items will skyrocket: Thursday 26th May.
With BBQ search terms set to reach over 400% on the 26th, now’s the time to snap up a brand new garden grill before you’re left empty-handed.
According to their own data insights, Homebase expects buyers to make a beeline for both gas and charcoal BBQs in the last week of May.
A spokesperson revealed: "If you’re looking to buy a gas BBQ, we expect demand to be up 242% in that week and for charcoal BBQs we’re expecting demand to be more than 400% in the same time period.”
So with that in mind, you'd better act fast before stocks plummet. Here are some of the best high-street BBQ grills for every budget...
BBQ under £20
Looking for something compact to fit in the corner of your garden? This affordable charcoal grill from Argos is ideal for smaller gatherings.
The steel design offers a cooking area of 35cm x 35cm, plus it's easy to assemble and quick to fire up – and did we mention it's only £15? You’ll be serving up your skewers in record time!
BBQ under £70
Complete with a warming rack, a chrome-plated steel cooking grid and a built-in temperature gauge to ensure your food is cooked to perfection, Wilko's charcoal-fuelled BBQ oil drum offers plenty of features for your money.
It even comes on wheels for a convenient (and theatrical) entrance of the chipolatas…
BBQ under £200
At the higher end of the budget, this well-equipped BBQ from Homebase offers a two-tier grilling area, a coal tray, a folding side shelf, a warming rack and handy hooks for all your grilling gadgets.
What’s more, it has a convenient crank to help you swiftly adjust the grill temperature, as well as a built-in lid thermometer. Perfect for making sure those kebabs don’t burn!
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Featured image: Argos