IF you love to cook and eat outdoors as much as possible, a gas BBQ could be a game changer for quick and tasty meals this summer.
The best gas BBQs are ready to grill whenever you are, and there's no need to faff about with lighting fires.
Gas barbecues tend to be more expensive than charcoal ones but are so much better for hassle-free outdoor cooking. Plus, a gas BBQ is an investment and a quality BBQ should last you summer after summer - as long as you look after it and clean it properly.
Most models have one to four main burners - but many also feature side burners and warming racks too, which are handy for cooking side dishes and if you're feeding a larger group.
Get ready for summer with our round-up of the best gas BBQs for 2023, with a range of styles and sizes to suit every budget.
Best gas BBQs at a glance:
1. Outback Saturn Pro 4 Burner Gas BBQ
- Outback Saturn Pro 4 Burner Gas BBQ, £468 (saving £52) from Homebase - buy here
We love the striking navy colour of this Outback BBQ, which at the time of writing, is 10% off at Homebase.
The model has just been updated for 2023, and comes with all the features you'd expect from a high-quality BBQ: a double skin hood that prevents rust and scratches; a porcelain enamal-coated warming rack, which ensures a non-stick surface for meat to rest on once it's cooked; a side burner (alongside the four stainless steel main burners); and some thoughtful additions like an in built wooden chopping board and a magnetic bottle opener.
There's also inbuilt middle shelf for storage, as well as two stainless steel removeable utility baskets.
Homebase customers love this BBQ, with 100% of respondents saying they'd recommend it to a friend.
Dimensions: 118.5 x 139.5 x 62.1cm Burners: 4 (plus side burner) Main burners output (KW): 12.96kW, 2.94kW for side burner
2. Weber Genesis E-335 GBS BBQ
- Weber Genesis E-335 Gas Barbecue, £1,719 from Weber – buy here
Pros: Large grill area, easy to clean, digital thermometer and temperature controls
Cons: Expensive, big and heavy to move around
It's extremely easy to baulk at the price of the new Weber Genesis — you could probably take a holiday for the same price — but it's hard to overstate just how good this barbecue is.
Of course, you probably are paying a portion of the £1,719 price tag for the brand name, but that's because the Weber logo comes with both pedigree and an assurance of quality: and if you do still have concerns, you'll be calmed by the knowledge that some of its components come with a 12-year warranty.
You can tell its sturdiness just by its heft: it weighs in at around 70 kilograms, thanks to a total cooking area of more than 5m2 and an abundance of stainless steel, and it feels extremely well built and solid, even compared to other wildly expensive barbecues. You feel a sense of satisfaction and approval doing something as simple as lifting up the lid. Its size and weight do mean that it's a bit of a pain to move around, but it comes with four wheels and excellent-quality brakes, meaning that portability is as swift and safe as it can be.
There are little things, too, that makes it a well-designed bit of kit: the drip tray at the bottom slides out completely, making it easy to empty and clean, and the gas canister sits inside the unit, making it more compact and neat (although it does take up a decent amount of space).
As expected for the price, it also comes with every bell and whistle you can imagine, including a Bluetooth function that links to the Weber app, allowing you to keep an eye on the temperature of your food — handy if you're cooking a bigger piece of meat such as a tomahawk steak. You can also keep an eye on the temperature of the BBQ using the bang-on digital thermometer, although it needs to be plugged in for this to work.
It also comes with Weber's largest and hottest Sear Zone, and we noticed a definite improvement in the quality of the food compared to other barbecues we've tried, with better char and colour. That's also thanks to main burners that have a massive 11.4kw of energy, as well as great temperature adjustability and technology that minimises the number of flare-ups, which negatively affect the taste of your food.
You're also not limited to grilling: you can use the side burner to saute veg or warm sauces, and it's compatible with Weber's Gourmet BBQ System, which allows you to cook on it using a whole host of kitchenware from woks to dutch ovens to rotisseries. Realistically, in the summer (and in the winter when it's dry, thanks to a light for night-time grilling), the Weber Genesis could be your main method of cooking.
Dimensions: 123.19cm H x 157.48cm W x 68.58cm D Burners: 3 (plus side and sear burners) Main burners output (KW): 11.4
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3. Landmann Rexon MCS Cook 3.1
- Landmann Rexon MCS Cook 3.1, £419.99 at Robert Dyas - buy here
Pros: Good value, easy set up, good temperature control, big cooking rack
Cons: Not a lot
At under £500, the Landmann Rexon is great value for money as it has tons of handy features.
It's an imposing presence, made in gunmetal grey with Landmann's red fire logo emblazoned on each dial. In fact, it's a rather striking BBQ, overall. If you fancy a bit more of a retro look, there is a similar model (albeit with four burners) available in red from Argos.
We also found this relatively easy to set up — it took one person just a couple of hours thanks to easy-to-follow instructions (something that can't be said for many gas BBQs, which are accompanied by leaflets seemingly written in hieroglyphics).
And once it's set up, it feels sturdy — with a weighty double-skinned lid, an enclosed cabinet with double doors, four wheels and enough cooking space to make food for 12 people, you really get the feeling that Landmann isn't a fan of cutting corners.
This is also demonstrated by an attention to detail. The enamel-coated stainless steel cooking rack is nice and big and keeps meat warm while it's resting; the adjustability of the temperature is impressive, allowing flexibility while cooking; and there's a separate burner on the side, on which you can cook side dishes, which isn't something you often find on a BBQ of this price point.
Dimensions: W135 x H120 x D52cm Burners: 3 (plus side burner) Main burners output (KW): 11.1kW
4. Napoleon Freestyle 365 SIB
- Napoleon Freestyle 365 SIB, £617.49 from BBQ World - buy here
Pros: Good value, good temperature control, generous cooking area
Cons: Complicated set-up
The Napoleon Freestyle 365 slots neatly between the Weber and the Landmann into the midrange, price-wise, and it's a mean bit of kit.
That's especially true for this version, which comes with the addition of a mighty infrared side burner; an upgrade we can fully condone splashing out a bit extra on.
With this model, you get an infrared section that is amazing for getting the perfect colour on your meat, or, if you wanted, making side dishes to accompany your grilled food.
Thanks to beefy 15KW burners that ignite instantly, food cooks quickly and sears well, but there is also great flexibility thanks to the fact that you can take the heat down to an impressively low level — it's not all or nothing.
The main cooking area is also generous for the price, measuring 51 x 45, and we easily cooked for a party of 12 people with food left over. Generous too is the warranty, with many parts protected for your whole life.
Small touches we loved include the bottle opener on the side (while not a sophisticated accessory, once you have it, you can't live without it) and the curved grilles, which give characteristic sear marks to your meat and also seem to make it more difficult for things to fall through. They also contribute to a very stylish overall look, alongside elegant touches of steel and carbon.
Our only gripe was that the instructions for setting it up weren't super clear — it took two (admittedly incompetent) people the better part of an entire morning to construct it, though it would take slightly less time if you got the version without the side burner.
Overall, if you're not looking to spend four figures on a gas barbecue and want ultimate practicality, you can't do much better than the Napoleon Freestyle.
Dimensions: W124 x H116 x D64cm Burners: 3 (plus side burner) Main burners output (KW): 12KW
5. John Lewis 3-burner BBQ
- John Lewis 3-burner BBQ, £319 at John Lewis - buy here
Get the party started with this slick 3-burner BBQ, which has the capacity to cook for up to six people at a time.
It comes with porcelain-coated cast iron grills, a base tray, a drip tray and a warming rack to keep food warm or even as a secondary slow cooking area.
It's also easy to clean thanks to a removable cut-out circular grill and stainless steel hood.
With a pair of wheels on the rear, it's easy to wheel it into storage after use.
Dimensions: H114.5 x W139 x D53cm Burners: 3 Main burners output (KW): 10.5KW
6. Char-Broil Gas2Coal 3-burner hybrid grill
- Char-Broil Gas2Coal 3-burner hybrid grill, £475.50 from Amazon - buy here
If you simply can’t decide whether it’s a gas or charcoal barbecue you want, why not go for the best of both worlds with this hybrid option?
You can use the gas to light your charcoal to cut out the faff or simply use it as a gas-only one any time of the year.
This 3-burner model benefits from two burners under the main grill to maximise your grilling surface, plus a separate burner on one side for any sauces.
There’s also a shelf on the other side where you can place any condiments.
We tested a smaller 2-burner version ourselves and you can read the review here.
Dimensions: 24.6D x 52.9W x 47.5H Burners: 3 (plus side burner) Main burners output (KW): 10KW
7. Gardenline 3 Burner Gas BBQ Grill
This 3-burner BBQ from Aldi is a bit of a steal.
As well as the 3 main burners, there's a side burner and warming rack - as well as cabinet gas storage and a thermometer.
With a 3-year warranty for your peace of mind, you won't often see such a generous sized BBQ with this many burners for under £150 - grab one now and you're all set up for summer.
Dimensions: 110 x 51 x 100.7cm Burners: 3 (plus side burner)
8. Argos Home Deluxe 3-burner outdoor kitchen gas BBQ
- Argos Home Deluxe 3-burner outdoor kitchen gas BBQ, £280 at Argos - buy here
Not only does it look the part with its chic stainless steel exterior, this 3-burner gas barbecue is also fairly affordable.
It may be one of the best balancing acts of functionality and design we've seen too, with neat storage included.
As a propane-only model, it comes with a gas hose and regulator, and has four wheels for ease of movement.
It also features a thermometer, drip tray, warming rack, and a side burner.
Dimensions: H107.5, W130, D59.7cm Burners: 3 (plus side burner)
9. Char-Broil All Star 125 gas barbecue grill
- Char-Broil All Star 125 gas barbecue grill, £329 at Mill Race Garden Centre - buy here
With a striking design, the Char-Broil All Star 125 is a gas barbecue designed to produce juicier food and use less gas.
It isn't a huge barbecue but it makes use of a TRU infrared cooking system to evenly dissipate heat across its grill.
If you're cooking for one or two people, it could be the best gas barbecue for you.
Formed with a cast aluminium lid and firebox, the All Star claims to stop heat flare-ups. You can even detach it from its stand for portability.
Dimensions: H 110 x W 102 x D 65cm Burners: 1 Main burner output (KW): 3.8KW
10. CosmoGrill 4+1 gas burner garden grill BBQ
- CosmoGrill 4+1 gas burner garden grill BBQ, £249.99 at Amazon - buy here
CosmoGrill offers plenty of options for barbecue buyers, and this fits into the mid-range with a no-nonsense style about it.
There are four main burners and one side-burner to use as a griddle option, plus thermometer and individual burner ignitions.
The main feature, though, is the large cooking space provided by this grill — a smart choice if you have a larger family or want a very big party.
Dimensions: 49.6D x 19.7W x 40.6H Burners: 4 (plus side burner) Main burner output (KW): 7.2KW
11. Weber Q1000 gas barbecue
- Weber Q1000 gas barbecue, £310 at B&Q - buy here
Whether you're looking to take it out and about on picnics or to the beach, or if you are just short on space, the Q1000 is perfect for creating a quick and tasty meal.
It comes with a stainless steel burner, heat-resistant frame, push-button ignition and built-in carry handles.
The porcelain enamel conducts heat evenly across the entire surface and a removable drip tray collects fat and food residue for easier cleaning.
Dimensions: 12D x 41W x 41H cm Burners: 1 Main burner output (KW): 2.64KW
12. Campingaz Party Grill 200 gas BBQ
- Campingaz Party Grill 200 gas BBQ, £48.95 at Amazon - buy here
Could this be the smallest BBQ in the world?
The Campingaz is designed not only for camping trips, but also family gatherings, friends birthdays and more.
It comes with several elements including grill, griddle and plancha, all of which stack neatly into each other.
Need to take it on the road? The legs can swiftly be detached and the lid locked in place for on-the-go cooking.
Although small, it is still mighty enough to cook for a couple of loved ones, and we think it looks pretty stylish too.
Dimensions: 12.6D x 12.6W x 13H cm Burners: 1 Main burner output (KW): 2 KW
13. Outback Meteor 4-burner hybrid gas and charcoal BBQ
- Outback Meteor 4-burner hybrid gas and charcoal BBQ, £449.00 at BBQ World - buy here
This 4-burner version of the popular Outback Meteor gas barbecue is just the thing for entertaining big groups in your garden.
As well as a large cooking area with a full grill, it features a handy side table to help you with your food prep.
The grill is porcelain-coated cast iron so it shouldn't rust and is easier to clean.
And with four burners, you have more control over your cooking temperature, so you can have lots of different foods on the go at the same time.
There's also a built-in thermometer, warming rack and porcelain-enamelled hood - this BBQ is brimming with useful features.
Dimensions: 60D x 140W x 118H cm Burners: 4 (plus side burner) Main burners output (KW): 12.96KW
14. Argos Home premium 4-burner gas BBQ
- Argos Home premium 4-burner gas BBQ, £210 from Argos - buy here
This Argos Home 4-burner gas BBQ is the perfect option if you're looking for a quality high street pick.
There's enough space for bigger groups as it features a porcelain cooking grill, a side burner for smaller dishes and a warming rack to stop food from going cold.
There's also a condiment rack and a bottom shelf for handy storage.
Outdoor cooks can use both propane and butane gas and it comes with a regulator for propane gas pre-installed (if you want to use butane gas, you'll have to change this to a certified butane regulator).
Dimensions: H97, W118, D55.5 cm Burners: 4 (plus side burner) Main burners output (KW): 11.6KW
15. Crusader portable gas BBQ with folding trolley
- Crusader portable gas BBQ with folding trolley, £95 at Leisure Outlet – buy here
This clever portable BBQ is ideal for camping, picnics, festivals - or just to use in your own back garden.
It's really flexible and can be used as a tabletop BBQ or on the foldable trolley, which you can also use to transport it with ease.
Its high hood is ideal for convection cooking and the large cooking area means your food will be evenly cooked and delicious.
Plus, it has side trays, which are ideal for resting your cooking utensils too.
The large single burner and chrome grill will cook your food to perfection. The best bit? This Crusader BBQ is great value too at under £100.
Dimensions: 104cm x 45cm x 93cm Burners: 1 Main burners output (KW): 3.9KW
How to make the most of your gas BBQ
If you're new to gas barbecues, you might need some expert advice.
HelloFresh's recipe development manager, Mimi Morley suggests:
- Pre-heat your BBQ (even gas BBQs need some time to warm up) - you want it hot to get that nice charring on your meat.
- Make sure you get your meat and fish out of your fridge 20 mins before you're cooking it, so that it cooks properly the whole way through and doesn't just blacken on the outside.
- If you have issues with your meat sticking to your BBQ, just brush the grates of your BBQ with a little oil.
- Rest your meat after cooking - just like when you cook meat in the oven, it needs to rest to reabsorb its juices. You can rest it on a warm tray on the top BBQ rack, away from the direct heat.
- Make sure you get your salads done before you start cooking the meat, it just makes for an easier cooking experience.
How much does a gas BBQ cost?
There’s usually a big price difference between options from well-known brands and barbecues available at supermarkets and DIY stores. We've seen a range of prices, from around £100 to more than £4,000.
Although price is not always an indicator of quality, products from popular brands tend to be more robust and built with better quality material.
Budget-friendly models are often more cheaply made and less durable, so if you're planning on using your barbecue regularly it's worth spending a bit more.
Where to buy a barbecue
Gas BBQs are in high demand right now, so you have to shop around a bit to find what you want in stock.
We've listed a few retailers below for some inspiration.
What gas do you use for a barbecue?
The gas used for barbecues is usually propane, although butane may be an option if the correct gas regulator is available.
Propane is better suited to year-round use (especially during colder weather) and many barbecues come with a propane regulator.
Butane has its own benefits, especially if you’re only going to be cooking during warmer weather, as butane won’t flow during colder conditions.
Butane is slightly cheaper and is considered to be more environmentally friendly and efficient when burning in warm weather.
For expert advice on which gas to choose and availability, check with specialists like B&Q or Calor.
Where to buy gas for a barbecue
You can buy barbecue gas from a range of online or local stockists.
Like barbecues themselves, gas bottles may be stocked by garden centres or registered outlets like B&Q stores.
Alternatively, you may order online directly from Calor, or suppliers like Flogas, London Gases or Adams Gas, but availability will depend on whether you want a refill or a new bottle.
If you’re new to purchasing gas for a barbecue, make sure to get as much advice as possible before you buy.
How much is barbecue gas?
Gas bottles can vary in price depending on whether you buy a refill or new bottle, and whether you want to opt for butane or propane.
A 5-6kg propane gas refill will usually cost around £30, while a new bottle can cost in the region of £60.
Where available, a 7kg butane refill will cost around £30.
How to clean a gas barbecue
Gas barbecues are best cleaned after every use to prevent build-ups of grime and food remains.
But, given you’ll likely want to enjoy the fruits of your labour when just cooked, it’s a good idea to set aside time to do it later or the day after use.
First, refer to any cleaning instructions that come with your barbecue. A wire brush, a bucket of hot soapy water and some protective gloves are your allies.
It may be easier to clean off grime when the barbecue is slightly heated too, so turning on the barbecue to ‘high’ for a very short while beforehand may help.
But ensure the barbecue is off, disconnected and you are wearing protective gloves before cleaning.
If the grills and any drip pans are removable, soaking these first may help.
Then it's just a case of brushing down, rinsing and drying.
The wire brush may also help you clean the interior of your gas barbecue, including the hood, while wiping down the outside can usually be done with soapy water and a cloth.
Specialist barbecue cleaning products are available but check they are suitable before you use them, especially if your grill is coated.
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