Argos claims to have launched 'the world's first ever vegan barbecue' – but what exactly makes it vegan?
The retailer announced it was launching the vegan BBQ at a purse-friendly £9.99 to cater for 'Britain’s ever-increasing vegan population' so they too can get involved in all the BBQ parties and embrace ‘Plummer’ – a summer of plant-based eating.
With 500,000 vegans in the UK and a quarter of all evening meals consumed in the UK containing no meat, 'the Vegan BBQ sets fire to the idea that tasty BBQ food is just for meat lovers,' said a spokesperson.
Packed flat, the product description for the porcelain-enamelled steel BBQ reads: 'The world's first ever Vegan BBQ, designed to cook corn on the cobs, peppers, Shroomdogs and more to flame-grilled perfection. With the temperature set to hit 30C this week, this bargain BBQ is the best way to rustle up a home-cooked vegan feast for family and friends in your back garden.'
News of the launch drew some cynicism across social media as users questioned what exactly made it so different from a regular BBQ.
Twitter user @TheEcoVeganGirl wrote: 'Unless this BBQ is made of tofu or comes with a special edition of the @BOSHTV book full of bbq recipes I don’t see anything strictly vegan about this one.'
Well essentially, it is just a normal BBQ, and is in fact one of their existing products that they've re-launched. But the retailer is in fact encouraging customers to buy two separate BBQs – to please both vegans and meat eaters – and to avoid contamination.
House Beautiful UK contacted Argos for further comment: 'Argos suggest it’s almost a requirement to have a second BBQ for non-meat eaters these days. By having a vegan BBQ you can ensure meat has not been contaminated.'
For anyone interested, the Vegan BBQ is available online, and from the Argos store in Tottenham Court Road, London, while stocks last. BUY NOW
Meanwhile, Sainsbury’s (which acquired Home Retail Group, the owner of Argos and Habitat, in September 2016) is on a mission to become one of the leading vegetarian and vegan retailers as they increase their current range by 10 per cent.
The supermarket is targeting the millions of flexitarians by introducing more than 21 new and innovative plant-based products in-store and online.
'There are already over 22 million flexitarians in the UK and we’re seeing more and more of our customers making plant-based foods a key part of their diet,’ said Rachael Matthews, meat-free product development manager at Sainsbury’s. 'We have a dedicated team here at Sainsbury’s working on how we diversify our range of vegetarian and vegan products, across many different supermarket aisles – from exclusive chilled products through to Love Veg! ready meals and even quick options for on the go.
'Breadth of choice is extremely important to us and our customers and we want to provide the same variety for meat lovers and plant lovers alike.'
12 of the best BBQs and outdoor pizza ovens to buy right now
Uuni 3 Outdoor Pizza Oven
Pizza lovers listen up! The Uuni 3 Outdoor Pizza Oven consists of a wood pellet burner, wood-fired oven and cordierite stone baking board. And it can cook a wood-fired, stone-baked Neapolitan pizza in just 60 seconds.
£199, John Lewis BUY NOW
Uniflame 4 Burner And Side Gas Barbecue
Encompassing a large grill with space for up to 28 burgers, this stylish BBQ will enable you to host a brilliant garden party. Its features include stainless steel gas burners, porcelain coated cast iron cooking grills and a temperature gauge.
£149, George at Asda BUY NOW
Flame Master Charcoal Trolley BBQ
Get sizzling with this BBQ using its height-adjustable grill, which can help control the intensity of the cooking temperature for different foods. The side table is handy for holding utensils and plates.
£99.99, Robert Dyas BUY NOW
George Home Expert Grill 56cm Classic Kettle BBQ
Cheap and cheerful, this kettle BBQ can serve up to 10 people and is perfect for open grilling or slower, closed lid cooking. A handy lower shelf and front basket are great for holding all your BBQ condiments and accessories.
£39, George at Asda BUY NOW
Weber Pulse 1000 Electric BBQ With Stand
Easy to use and portable, this flameless Weber BBQ uses sophisticated technology and digital temperature management to improve your alfresco cooking experience.
£629, John Lewis BUY NOW
George Home Uniflame Portable Festival Grill
If you've got any festivals or camping trips planned this summer, this is the BBQ for you. Just add charcoal and you've got yourself a grill with the lid up or slow cooker with the lid down. The heat-resistant Bakelite carry handle and folding legs are clever features.
£18, George at Asda BUY NOW
Outback Meteor 6-Burner Gas BBQ
The stainless steel Outback Meteor 6-Burner Gas BBQ comes with a multi-cook pizza stone, griddle plate and flat plate, ideal for all your barbecuing needs.
£449.99, Robert Dyas BUY NOW
La Hacienda Steel Multi-Function Pizza Oven
This pizza oven has a log grate, cooking grill, cordierite pizza stone, wire bottom shelf, ash tray, air vents and flue damper. You'll be able to create homemade restaurant-quality pizza in an alfresco setting.
£189.99, Argos BUY NOW
Outback Voyager Smokeless Charcoal BBQ
The Outback Voyager offers smokeless cooking so it can be used both outdoors and indoors. The compact, portable design and carry case make it great for grilling on the move.
£79.99, Robert Dyas BUY NOW
Landmann Vinson 4-In-1 Charcoal BBQ Smoker
Cooking for up to 10 people, this BBQ is for those that love their food with a smoky flavour. The 4-in-1 function offers direct, indirect, smoking and curing. There's also a built-in lid thermometer and lower rack storage.
£319, John Lewis BUY NOW
La Hacienda Mexican Handmade Pizza Oven
Handmade from clay and finished with a red brick effect, this quirky pizza oven is portable and will help you create tasty homemade pizzas. The grill is not included.
£79.99, Argos BUY NOW
Fire Mountain Asgard 3 Burner Compact Gas Barbecue
This BBQ comes with two useful side tables, as well as three stainless steel burners, an enamel cast iron cooking plate and cooking grill.
£149.99, Alfresia BUY NOW
