Bar-Be-Quick’s Kettle Pizza Barbecue:
Can a 57cm kettle replace a traditional pizza oven? Let’s finds out.
This week, we set out to review the Bar-Be-Quick Charcoal Kettle Pizza Barbecue, which markets itself as a family-friendly kettle barbeque that can easily convert into a pizza oven.
When I think about a pizza oven worthy of the outdoor kitchen, my mind immediately goes to brands like Ooni and Forno. But what’s available if you’re lacking in space and want something more affordable — and you don’t want to buy a standalone kit?
To answer this question, I set out to review a kettle that piqued my interest. The Bar-Be-Quick Kettle Pizza Barbeque, purchased for just under £150, aims to combine a traditional kettle with a pizza oven.
Coming in at 57cm, this kettle provides a generous amount of cooking space (66cm (W, 26″) x 125cm (H, 49″) x 76cm (D, 29″), plus a cooking area with a 54cm (21″) diameter.
Assembling the barbeque goes more smoothly with two people, although we noted the instructions could be clearer — and in regards to the handles, the booklet said they were the same, which they were not — which resulted in us having to go back and retrace several steps.
Regarding quality, it is well-made, especially for the price point, but we did note several scratches. This could have been due to the packaging, which needs to be improved. Prepare to spend some time removing the protective film from the pizza oven accessory!
We liked the fact there is a temperature gauge alongside the temperature control vents. During testing, we compared this gauge with the results given by a Themopen and a Meater Pro probe, and it was accurate.
Being used to smaller kettles designed by the likes of Weber, once assembled, I liked the overall size. There’s enough room for a full family meal, and as someone who typically relies on offset smokers, it was enjoyable to fire up a few steaks in between England’s atrocious weather.
This kettle comes with an aluminum ring that converts the kettle BBQ into a pizza oven. Changing over is easy: simply take off the lid, slot the ring into place, and you’re set. A 36cm pizza stone is included and you’ll want to let that heat up before you start cooking.
While this is the product photo, it looks better in person and remains almost pristine even after several uses:
Originally, we misjudged the heat, which was retained very well (almost too well) by the kettle, and so after burning our first handmade pizza, we let our charcoal calm down before testing it again. You will want to move your charcoal (or other media) around for the best results rather than directly below the pizza stone. Still, it makes an impressive sight.
One disadvantage to note is the pack down. Unless you let your wood or charcoal burn itself out, as the pizza oven ring will not prevent airflow, you will want a pair of heatproof gloves and a safe area to put it aside before closing your vents.
I’ll be comparing this to a traditional pizza oven in the near future.
Would I recommend a pizza oven insert and converter? Absolutely. There is a bit of a learning curve; some fogging occurred in the temperature gauge after several uses, and you will need to remember to buy a pizza paddle.
Still, for home use and occasionally impressing your family with your homemade pizza cooking skills, it’s fun to use. It also works well as a space-saving alternative to a standalone pizza oven.
If you’re interested, this kettle can be picked up visit website for £149
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