In Malta, barbecue season never really ends. With warm weather stretching across most of the year, firing up the grill is less a seasonal ritual and more a way of life. Whether you are grilling on a rooftop terrace in Sliema, a backyard in Żabbar, or heading to the coast for an evening by the sea, the right grill makes all the difference.
But with so many brands, fuel types, and accessories on the market, choosing the best BBQ in Malta can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks it all down so you can grill with confidence.
Top BBQ Grills Available in Malta
- The Napoleon Prestige PRO 500 is a premium gas grill with infrared burners.
- The Kamado Joe Classic I is a top-rated ceramic charcoal grill.
- The Ninja Woodfire XL is a compact electric BBQ with smoker functionality.
- The Char-Broil Grill2Go is a rugged portable gas grill perfect for beach outings.
The Best Gas BBQ in Malta
Gas grills are consistently the top recommendation for anyone new to grilling. In a climate where you can fire up the grill well into November and beyond, the convenience of instant ignition and easy temperature control means you are more likely to actually use your grill regularly.
Whether you are just starting out or looking to upgrade, exploring barbecue recipe ideas is a great way to get the most from your new grill. Experts across the board recommend gas grills as the best entry point for beginner grillers¹.
They are easy to light, easy to clean and maintain, and offer great cooking versatility.
Gas grills come in all shapes and sizes, from lightweight portable models to regal installations that command the backyard's focus. We discuss the latter type here and cover portable models further in this article.
Napoleon Prestige PRO 500
The Napoleon Prestige PRO 500 is widely regarded as one of the best premium gas grills on the market, available in Malta through BBQ Store Malta, with BigMat Malta also stocking Napoleon models. It features four main burners alongside an infrared rear and side burner, all wrapped in durable stainless steel construction that holds up well in Malta's warm, coastal climate.
The iconic WAVE cooking grids deliver distinctive sear marks, and the SafetyGlow feature turns the control knobs red when the gas is on, a genuinely useful touch for outdoor entertaining.
Char-Broil Professional PRO S 2
For those who want a serious gas grill at a more accessible price point, the Char-Broil Professional PRO S 2 is one of the standout options available at BBQ World Malta. Its TRU-Infrared cooking technology distributes heat evenly across the entire cooking surface, reducing flare-ups. The stainless steel build resists rust and weathering, which matters in a coastal Mediterranean climate.
Char-Broil Essential 3G
If you are new to gas grilling and want a capable, no-fuss entry point, the Char-Broil Essential 3G is one of the most practical options available in Malta through BBQ World Malta. Two side storage compartments and a cabinet keep your prep area tidy. With optional accessories such as a charcoal tray, griddle plate, and rotisserie kit, it can grow with your grilling ambitions.
The Best Charcoal BBQ Brands
Barbecue purists insist that it is not a proper barbecue unless it is cooked over charcoal. The argument has merit. Since the commercial charcoal industry took hold in the mid-20th century, manufacturers have refined their processes significantly. Today, charcoal grill enthusiasts may cook over legacy briquettes that add no flavour, or wood coals that imbue your meats with a sublime mesquite flavour2.
When grilling over charcoal, always allow the charcoal lighter fluid to burn off before putting food on the grill. Otherwise, the fluid's 'flavour' will affect your food's taste.
These are the top charcoal grill picks available in Malta.
Kamado Joe Classic I
The Kamado Joe Classic I is one of the most highly regarded ceramic charcoal grills available in Malta. Its thick-walled ceramic body retains heat and moisture exceptionally well, making it as capable of slow-smoking a rack of ribs as it is of searing a steak at high heat. It is also a great grill for slower-cooking desserts alongside your mains.
Char-Broil Kettleman
This charcoal grill offers a more-than-generous cooking surface with a porcelain-enamelled grill rack whose bars are V-shaped rather than tubular. The elevated charcoal rack allows grillers to create direct and indirect heat zones, giving you greater control over your cook.
The Top Electric BBQ Grills
Electric grills occupy a practical niche in Malta, particularly for those living in apartments or properties where open-flame grilling is restricted. They are safe, easy to use, and require no gas cylinder.
The trade-off is usually cooking surface size and the absence of authentic smoke flavour, though some models have found clever ways to address the latter. If you are new to grilling entirely, an electric model paired with a solid guide to grilling fundamentals is a sensible starting point.
Ninja Woodfire XL
The Ninja Woodfire XL stands out from standard electric grills thanks to its integrated wood pellet smoker box, which burns real hardwood pellets to produce authentic smoky flavour without an open flame. Its compact footprint makes it well suited to a terrace, balcony, or even camping, and the built-in probe takes the guesswork out of cooking meat to the right temperature.
Weber Q1400 Electric Barbecue
The Weber Q1400 is a compact, reliable electric barbecue available in Malta. It reaches cooking temperature quickly, maintains heat evenly, and cleans up easily with its removable grease pan. Designed for groups of up to six, it is a practical choice for smaller households or apartment dwellers who want a proper grilling experience without the logistics of gas or charcoal.
Best Portable BBQ Setups
One of the great pleasures of grilling in Malta is taking it somewhere. Armier Bay, Gnejna, Xlendi in Gozo, an afternoon at a Mellieħa farmhouse, portable grills make these moments possible. However, before heading out, it is worth checking your destination's rules.
Most beach areas fall under local council jurisdiction and require a permit before you light up. Protected nature reserves such as Għadira il-Majjistral are strictly off-limits to any open flame. Always confirm you are in an approved grilling zone and keep 5 metres clear of any tree canopy³.
Char-Broil Grill2Go Portable Gas BBQ
The Char-Broil Grill2Go is one of the most practical portable gas grills available in Malta. Its rugged construction and latching lid are built to travel — whether that means the boot of a car, a day trip to a Gozo bay, or a weekend in the Maltese countryside.
COBB Premier+ Portable Charcoal BBQ
For those who want genuine charcoal flavour on the go, the COBB Premier+ is one of the most practical portable charcoal options available in Malta through RIBI Malta. Its unique design keeps the outer mesh cool to the touch even while cooking, a genuine safety advantage for family gatherings.
Must-Have BBQ Accessories
For safety's sake as well as capturing the feeling of being a true grill chef, the right accessories are a must. As a beginner, you'll have to develop your BBQ technique, so it's best to do so with all the necessary tools. This chart highlights the necessary and nice-to-have equipment to turn you into the neighbourhood grill master.
| 🔥 BBQ accessory | 🔎 Purpose | 💳 Average cost |
|---|---|---|
| tongs meat fork spatula | to handle food while on the grill | €25–50 |
| sauce brush | to slather sauces on while the food grills | €10–18 |
| long-arm heat resistant gloves | to protect against burns | €12–18 |
| meat thermometer | prevent foodborne illnesses | €8–55; more for higher-end digital devices |
| chimney starter (for charcoal grills) | light coals quickly without lighter fluid residue | €25–40 |
| cast iron pans grill plates | to diversify cooking options | €50–80 |
| smoker box wood chips | change your flavour profile with different types of wood. | €4–40 |
| grill mat | cook smaller foods (vegetables, shrimp, etc), without them falling through the grill | €10–18 |
| grease trays drip pans | help keep grill clean reduce the risk of fire | €9–18 |
| grill brushes | to scrape the grill clean while cooking and after a grilling session. | €16–25 |
| fire extinguisher | for safety's sake! | €16–50 |
References
- Maxwell, Steve. "How to Use a Gas Grill for the First Time." Family Handyman, 6 May 2025, www.familyhandyman.com/project/how-to-use-a-gas-grill-for-the-first-time/. Accessed 12 June 2026.
- Charcoal 4BBQ. “The Evolution of Charcoal: A Historical Timeline.” Charcoal BBQ BKK, 30 Sept. 2024, charcoalbbqbkk.com/blogs/news/the-evolution-of-charcoal-a-historical-timeline. Accessed 12 June 2026.
- Malta Rangers Unit. "BBQs and Fires." Rangers Malta, www.rangers.mt/info/outdoor-activities/bbqs-and-fires. Accessed 12 June 2026.
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