Summer BBQ Meat Calculator

For a single main, UK caterers allow about 180-220g of raw boneless meat per adult; for a generous buffet-style spread with several meats, allow ~225-340g (½-¾ lb) total. The calculator default of 2 burgers + 2 sausages + 1 chicken piece is a hearty/big-eaters spread (~640g raw per adult) — lower the per-adult figures to 1-2 burgers and 1-2 sausages for a standard ~300-400g spread. Children eat about half as much, and it is wise to allow 10% extra.

For a standard BBQ, plan 1-2 burgers and 1-2 sausages per adult. If you are also serving chicken or ribs, stay at the lower end. Children typically eat 1 burger or 1-2 sausages. A quarter-pounder patty is 113g (4oz); the 150g default weight here represents a thicker butcher or homemade burger, so set Burger Weight to 113g in Advanced Options if you are buying standard quarter-pounders.

Essential sides: coleslaw (50g per person), salad, bread rolls, and corn on the cob. Popular extras: potato salad, rice salad, halloumi, hummus and pitta. Allow 200-250g of sides per adult. Pre-make salads and buy coleslaw in large tubs for easy prep.

For a standard kettle BBQ, 2-3kg of charcoal lasts about 1.5-2 hours of cooking. For a large party (20+ guests), buy 5-10kg. Allow 30 minutes for coals to reach cooking temperature. Lumpwood charcoal lights faster; briquettes burn longer and more evenly.