Customers have just a few hours left to get ready before Lidl releases its popular ceramic egg-shaped barbecue that has taken social media by storm – and industry watchers predict stocks will disappear rapidly.

The £249 ceramic grill, already being called an affordable version of the high-end ceramic egg barbecues made famous by Big Green Egg, becomes available to pre-order on 23 April – though this will not be a standard in-store scramble.

Anyone wanting to purchase one will need to act quickly and follow a precise procedure.

How to secure a Lidl ceramic egg barbecue and avoid the rush

To guarantee availability, customers must download the Lidl Plus app the moment reservations open, confirm their purchase no later than 26 April, and then pick it up from their local store from April 30 onwards.

Missing that deadline greatly reduces the likelihood of securing one.

With constrained supplies and significant online buzz, many units are anticipated to be claimed almost immediately – leaving those who leave it late to compete for any remaining stock in branches.

Why is there such urgency?

The frenzy is being sparked by the enormous difference in price. High-end ceramic egg-style barbecues can retail for nearly £1,000, yet Lidl’s offering is priced at just £249 – making it one of the most competitive barbecue deals of the summer season.

Combined with rising interest in kamado-style cooking methods, conditions are ideal for a rapid sell-out.

Those hoping to purchase one should not delay – once stocks are depleted, no more will be available.

However, for those who miss out, the wider grill range features the Kansas Charcoal Barbecue priced at £79.99, the Kettle Barbecue at £22.99 and the Mini Ceramic Kamado Barbecue at £79.99 – offering options for every outdoor space and cooking preference.

From £5.99, customers can also purchase essential accessories including a Barbecue Cover for £5.99, a Cast Iron Griddle for £14.99 and a Grill Pan for £14.99 – providing everything needed for basting, searing and serving meals.

The food selection includes Big Hot Dog Sausages at £3.99 and Smash Burgers at £3.49, alongside Lidl’s Minted Lamb Kebabs priced at £3.45, all arriving in stores from April 30.