Boretti Terzo charcoal barbecue – Compact Italian design for authentic grilling pleasure

The Boretti Terzo charcoal barbecue combines the best of both worlds: compact and practical for smaller outdoor spaces, but with the same Italian design philosophy and high-quality materials that make Boretti so beloved among home chefs. This Dutch brand with its characteristic Italian flair, known from The Great Garden Makeover, proves with the Terzo that you don't need an enormous patio to enjoy authentic charcoal barbecuing. With space for five people, this is the ideal barbecue for families, couples or small gatherings who don't want to make compromises on taste and quality.

The Terzo is equipped with two cast iron grill grates that together provide a cooking surface of 39 x 29 cm – enough to prepare multiple pieces of meat, fish or vegetables at the same time. The compact size of 39 cm wide and 52 cm high makes this barbecue perfect for smaller patios, balconies or as a second barbecue alongside your main grill. Weighing just 10.8 kg, the Terzo is also easy to move, while the heat-resistant handles ensure you can work safely, even whilst grilling. The integrated thermometer and adjustable air damper give you complete control over temperature and cooking time.

Features & benefits of the Terzo charcoal barbecue

Cast iron grates for restaurant quality

The two cast iron grill grates are the beating heart of the Boretti Terzo. Cast iron distributes heat extremely evenly and retains temperature considerably better than enamelled steel or chrome-plated grates. This means perfect grill marks on your steak and consistent cooking temperature, even when you place cold food on the grate. Moreover, cast iron develops a natural non-stick coating (patina) with proper care that gets better season after season, just like a good cast iron frying pan.

Adjustable air damper for precise temperature control

The bottom air damper of the Terzo barbecue is adjustable, giving you complete control over the oxygen supply to the charcoal briquettes. By opening the air damper further, you achieve higher temperatures for perfectly searing meat; by partially closing it you create lower temperatures for slow cooking or keeping dishes warm. This precise control is essential for advanced grilling techniques and means you use your charcoal more economically.

Integrated thermometer for perfect cooking results

The Terzo's lid has a built-in thermometer that measures the temperature inside the barbecue. This is essential for indirect grilling and for monitoring slow-cooked dishes such as spare ribs or pulled pork. You don't need to keep opening the lid to check the temperature, which means you retain valuable heat and achieve more consistent results. The thermometer also helps beginners understand the relationship between air supply, charcoal quantity and the temperature achieved.

Compact yet complete for five people

With a cooking surface of 39 x 29 cm, the Terzo is deliberately compact, but still spacious enough for a full meal for five people. You can easily prepare five burgers, multiple chicken fillets or a mix of meat and vegetables at the same time. The dimensions make this barbecue perfect for city balconies, small gardens or for taking to the campsite or holiday cottage. Thanks to its light weight of 10.8 kg, you can lift it effortlessly and storage in the shed or garage is no problem.

Heat-resistant handles for safe use

The Terzo comes with heat-resistant handles on both sides and on the lid. These handles remain relatively cool even during prolonged use at high temperatures, so you can safely lift the lid or move the entire barbecue. This is not only a safety feature, but also practical when you want to free up space on your patio or move the barbecue out of the wind. The sturdy construction ensures the handles continue to serve you well for years.

Applications

Direct grilling for classic barbecue dishes

The Boretti Terzo is perfect for direct grilling, where food is cooked directly above the glowing charcoal. This method is perfect for burgers, steaks, sausages, chicken, fish skewers and grilled vegetables. The cast iron grates provide the characteristic grill marks and smoky flavour that only charcoal can deliver. By regulating the air damper, you control the temperature exactly as you want it: fully open for searing a thick ribeye, slightly less open for delicate ingredients such as fish or mushrooms.

Indirect cooking for larger pieces of meat

Although the Terzo is compact, with a bit of creativity you can also grill indirectly. Place the charcoal on one side of the barbecue and the food on the other side. Close the lid and use the thermometer to monitor the temperature. This method is ideal for chicken fillets that need to be cooked through without burning on the outside, or for smaller pieces of meat that need to cook slowly. Whilst the Terzo is not designed as a smoker, you can certainly achieve successful low-and-slow cooking with the right technique.

Mobile barbecuing and camping

Thanks to its light weight and compact size, the Terzo is excellent for taking with you. Whether you're heading to a campsite, spending a weekend away at a holiday cottage or organising a picnic in the park, this barbecue fits easily in the car and is quick to set up. It's a full-fledged charcoal barbecue that you can take anywhere, without compromising on the quality you expect from Boretti. Don't forget to purchase a barbecue cover for protection during transport and storage.

Assembly & use

The Boretti Terzo is supplied largely pre-assembled from Boender Outdoor, so you can get started within minutes. You only need to attach the legs, handles and a few other parts with the supplied screws and bolts. The instructions are clear and step-by-step, so assembly can be completed within half an hour even without a technical background. Make sure all connections are tightened firmly for stable and safe use.

Before first use it's important to season the cast iron grates. Rub them with high-temperature oil (such as sunflower oil or rapeseed oil) and heat the barbecue without food to about 200 degrees for an hour. This process creates the foundation of the protective patina layer that prevents food from sticking and protects the grate against rust. After each use you can clean the grate with a steel brush whilst it's still warm, and then lightly oil it again. Never wash cast iron grates with washing up liquid, as this removes the built-up patina.

For storage outside the barbecuing season, it's wise to store the barbecue clean and dry. Remove all ash from the ashtray, clean the grates thoroughly and oil them before storing them. Store the barbecue preferably dry and covered, in a shed, garage or under a barbecue cover. The Terzo is built to withstand a knock or two, but proper maintenance significantly extends its lifespan. Thanks to the two-year warranty that Boretti offers, you're also assured of quality and support.

Frequently asked questions

How much charcoal do I need for the Terzo?

For an average barbecuing session of 1 to 1.5 hours, around 1 to 1.5 kilograms of charcoal briquettes is sufficient. Start with a layer of about 5 cm at the bottom. For higher temperatures you can add more briquettes; for slow cooking with the lid closed you'll need less. Experiment with the quantity to discover what works best for your cooking style.

Can I use the Terzo on a balcony?

Technically speaking, the Terzo can be used on a balcony because of its compact size and manageable smoke production. However, always check your local council regulations and your property management company first, as many balconies have a ban on open flames, including charcoal barbecues. Also ensure adequate ventilation and keep flammable materials at a distance. Place a fire-resistant mat under the barbecue to protect your balcony floor.

Are the cast iron grates replaceable?

Yes, the cast iron grates are available separately as a spare part. Boretti offers spare parts for all of their barbecues, so you can continue to use the barbecue for years to come. At Boender Outdoor you can enquire about the availability of specific parts for the Terzo. With proper care, cast iron grates often last a lifetime, so replacement is rarely neces