Find the cooking appliance that suits you!

Are you more of a plancha, charcoal barbecue, brasero, pellet barbecue or outdoor oven person? Our guide to choosing the appliance that suits you best!

29 May 2024
Photo actualité Find the cooking appliance that suits you!

With the arrival of fine weather, the desire to cook outdoors makes itself felt. Outdoor meals have that certain something that is authentic and convivial, and to make them a success, it is essential to choose the cooking appliance that matches your needs and your culinary style. At LE MARQUIER, we understand the importance of this equipment in your moments of sharing. Here is a guide to help you find the outdoor cooking appliance that suits you, taking into account the budget, the advantages and the drawbacks of each appliance.

1. The Plancha: versatility serving gastronomy

Who is it for? Fans of healthy, varied cooking who like the taste of food to be respected and enhanced.

Which recipes? Delicate fish, crunchy vegetables, tender meats, grilled fruit.

Budget: around €200 to €1,000 depending on materials and features.

Advantages:

  • Fast, even cooking.
  • Easy to clean.
  • Ideal for healthy cooking (little fat).

Drawbacks:

  • Requires a power source (gas or electric).
  • May lack the traditional smoky flavour.

The plancha is the embodiment of healthy, flavourful cooking. This appliance delivers fast, even cooking thanks to its enamelled cast iron or stainless steel plate. With a plancha you can vary the pleasures: sear vegetables, grill seafood or cook meats to perfection. Plancha cooking is known for preserving the flavours and nutrients of food, which makes it an ideal choice for those who favour a balanced and delicious diet.

Worth noting: in its comparison published on 6 August 2026 (updated on 14 October 2026), Le Particulier (Le Figaro) pitted two high-end electric planchas made in France and certified Origine France Garantie against each other. The match is very close: the LE MARQUIER plancha stands out in particular for its power (3,400 W) and its large cooking surface (60 × 40 cm).

2. The Charcoal Barbecue: the authenticity of flavours of yesteryear

Who is it for? Enthusiasts of tradition, smoky flavours and slow cooking.

Which recipes? Pork ribs, roast chicken, marinated skewers, grilled vegetables.

Budget: €50 to €900 depending on size and materials.

Advantages:

  • Delivers a unique smoky flavour.
  • Convivial atmosphere.
  • Simple and sturdy.

Drawbacks:

  • Takes time to light and reach the right temperature.
  • More complicated to clean.
  • Less precise temperature control.

Nothing can match the rustic charm and authenticity of a charcoal barbecue. This emblematic appliance is perfect for those who love smoky, caramelised flavours. Charcoal cooking reaches high temperatures, ideal for searing meats and getting that tasty grilled crust that so many people love. The charcoal barbecue is also synonymous with conviviality, where we enjoy sharing the ritual of lighting the fire and patiently waiting for the perfect embers.

3. The Brasero: the art of cooking and conviviality

Who is it for? Lovers of warm moments and spectacular cooking.

Which recipes? Roast meats, grilled fish, caramelised marshmallows, braised vegetables.

Budget: €100 to €1,000 depending on design and materials.

Advantages:

  • Creates a warm, convivial atmosphere.
  • Versatile for different cooking methods.
  • Can double as an outdoor heater.

Drawbacks:

  • Requires outdoor space.
  • Can be less practical for precise cooking.
  • Cleaning can be difficult.

The brasero is more than just a cooking appliance, it is a true centrepiece for your evenings outdoors. With its open fire pit, it creates a warm atmosphere and invites sharing. You can grill food directly over the flame or use grills and accessories to vary the cooking. The brasero is ideal for those who want to combine the pleasure of cooking with a convivial atmosphere around the fire.

4. The Pellet Barbecue: technology serving precision

Who is it for? Tech lovers and cooking perfectionists.

Which recipes? Fall-off-the-bone ribs, smoked salmon, roast chicken, crispy pizza.

Budget: €500 to €5,000 depending on size and features.

Advantages:

  • Precise temperature control.
  • Versatile: grill, smoke, roast.
  • Subtle smoked wood flavour.

Drawbacks:

  • More expensive.
  • Requires food-grade pellets.
  • Needs a power supply.

The pellet barbecue is the ally of modern cooks who are looking for precision and ease of use. Fuelled by wood pellets, this appliance offers precise temperature control thanks to advanced technology. You can smoke, grill, roast or bake with impressive consistency and accuracy. The subtle taste of the wood used for the pellets adds an extra dimension to dishes, recalling the flavour of the charcoal barbecue with astonishing ease of use.

5. The Outdoor Oven / Pizza Oven: the excellence of Italian cooking in the open air

Who is it for? Fans of authentic pizzas and oven-baked dishes, looking for perfect cooking.

Which recipes? Crispy pizzas, artisan breads, gratins, slow-cooked dishes.

Budget: €300 to €3,000 depending on size and materials.

Advantages:

  • High-temperature cooking for perfect pizzas.
  • Versatile for various types of dishes.
  • Authentic flavour and exceptional texture.

Drawbacks:

  • Installation and assembly can be complex.
  • Preheating time.
  • Space required for installation.

The outdoor oven or pizza oven is the indispensable tool for lovers of Italian cooking and oven-baked dishes. Able to reach very high temperatures, it cooks pizzas in a few minutes, with a crispy crust and perfectly cooked toppings. Some ovens are fully versatile: you can also bake artisan breads, gratins, and even slow-cooked dishes for an authentic culinary experience. This type of appliance is ideal for those who want to turn their garden into a real outdoor kitchen.

In conclusion
Each outdoor cooking appliance has its own particularities and suits different culinary styles. Whether you are a fan of healthy plancha cooking, a lover of the authentic flavours of the charcoal barbecue, passionate about the warm atmosphere of the brasero, a fan of the cutting-edge technology of the pellet barbecue, or a lover of Italian cooking with a pizza oven, there is an appliance for you. At LE MARQUIER, we support you in your choice so that every outdoor meal is an unforgettable moment, in your image.

So, ready to find the cooking appliance that suits you and reinvent your outdoor meals? Explore our range and let yourself be inspired for delicious, convivial moments.

About LE MARQUIER
LE MARQUIER, artisan creator since 1971, is a French brand specialising in outdoor cooking appliances and fireplace accessories. We combine tradition, innovation and know-how to offer high-quality products, built to last and to elevate your moments of sharing.

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