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The warmer weather is on its way, which means many of us will soon be spending long afternoons in the garden, making the most of the sunshine with family meals and relaxed barbecues. And with barbecue season almost here, Jamie Oliver's latest television show, Jamie's Ultimate BBQ with Weber, has arrived on Channel 4 at just the right time to inspire some fresh recipes for summer cooking.

Throughout the series, Jamie uses one barbecue in particular that shoppers have praised as the "best barbecue I've ever owned" - theMaster Touch Charcoal barbecue with a 57cm diameter. The barbecue is part of Weber's wider Master Touch range, which includes several different sizes. It is also one of the more affordable models in the collection, retailing for £289, while some of the larger options in the range can cost upwards of £400.

The Master Touch Charcoal barbecue takes the familiar design of a traditional charcoal barbecue and upgrades it with smarter airflow and easier mobility. According to the brand, it is just as capable of cooking burgers and sausages as it is of slow-smoking a brisket. It features the classic kettle shape, and the porcelain-enamelled bowl and lid are designed to retain heat efficiently and resist rust, peeling, and cracking. Both the bowl and lid are also protected by a 10-year warranty.

With a 57cm cooking area, there is enough space to comfortably cook for six to eight people, making it ideal for family gatherings and summer get-togethers. The barbecue stands slightly taller than standard Weber kettles, too, helping make longer cooking sessions more comfortable. Two all-weather wheels allow it to move easily around patios and gardens, while a lower wire shelf provides practical storage for charcoal and accessories.

One feature that regularly stands out to owners is the tuck-away lid holder, which allows the lid to rest securely on the side of the grill rather than on the ground - a small detail that makes cooking much more convenient.

Where the Master Touch really earns its reputation is in its versatility. According to Weber, it can handle everything from high-heat grilling to indirect roasting and low-and-slow smoking with surprising ease for a kettle barbecue.

The adjustable top and bottom dampers give users precise control over airflow, which is key for maintaining cooking temperatures. Many owners praise the barbecue for its ability to stay consistently hot, whether grilling directly over the coals or cooking more slowly over a longer period. The included charcoal rails or baskets also make two-zone cooking simple to set up.

Dan Cooper, Culinary Manager for Weber, said: "Wait until the briquettes are ashed over and glowing before cooking and set up two zones: a hot side for searing and a cooler side for finishing.

"Remember, keep the lid down to cook food evenly, turning your barbecue into an oven. Add a small handful of soaked wood chips directly onto the hot coals for a subtle smoky flavour; too much smoke makes food bitter. Importantly, avoid lifting the lid too often to maintain heat and that delicious smoky aroma."

Part of the barbecue's appeal is also its simplicity. Unlike pellet grills or smart barbecues that rely on electronics and apps, the Weber Master Touch focuses on straightforward engineering and hands-on control.

In one review, a shopper said: "Great barbecue and would not change it for the world... the best barbecue I've ever owned in the last 17 years".

Another added: "Got the Weber master touch and it is probably some of the best money well spent, absolutely brilliant to use, easy to clean. Matched it with the Weber chimney, and it makes life so easy with the coal trays to alter the positions of the coals. I should have bought one years ago."

However, not every review was entirely positive, with one shopper complaining about the lid's size and saying they struggled to close it properly.

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