The best gas BBQs for efficiency to level up your grilling game this year

The ultimate guide to purchasing the best gas BBQ and other helpful tips.

Grill bbq

by Ellen Kinsey |
Updated on

If you are looking for the quickest and most convenient way to start grilling, gas BBQs are your best bet. Nothing screams summer as much as the smell of the best BBQs and grills drifting through the streets. In the UK, we aren't blessed with beautiful weather all summer long — so when it is hot, you know that BBQs will be in session everywhere.

Compared to a charcoal BBQ which uses - you guessed it - coal as its fuel, gas BBQs rely on a propane or butane tank for its source of power. With that comes the improved ability to control your cooking with different burners and temperature control, not to mention a quicker heat up and clean up without the mess of coal and ash. Gas BBQs are initially more expensive compared to their charcoal counterparts but over time, the longevity of the fuel plus quicker cooking times make it ultimately great value.

Best gas BBQs at a glance:

Best value gas BBQ: John Lewis 3-Burner Gas BBQ - view on John Lewis
• Best portable gas BBQ: Char-Broil X200 Grill2Go - view on Amazon UK
• Best budget gas BBQ: Argos Home 2 Burner Gas BBQ with Side Burner - view on Argos

When it comes to choosing the right gas BBQ for you, the main considerations are the size and the number of burners. The greater the number of burners (gas BBQs range from one to six burners) the larger your BBQ will be. Consider how many people you intend to cook for and where you plan to use it - if it's a staple in the garden, a large BBQ makes sense, while those looking to move their BBQ about may prefer a smaller, more portable model. It's also worth considering the added features that come with each, such as side trays, wheels and underneath storage. This will be down to personal preference, plus the overall design - a good-looking BBQ is always more enticing!

As you can't try before you buy, when it comes to buying a barbie, we've done the hard work for you and assembled a list of the best gas BBQs so you can get started on your al fresco feasts. Whether you have a big or small garden, we've got something for everyone. Plus, we've included some great BBQ deals for those who fancy a bargain.

The best gas BBQs in the UK

Best value gas BBQ

John Lewis 3-Burner Gas BBQAmazon

With glowing reviews, we believe the John Lewis 3-Burner Gas BBQ is excellent value for money considering its build quality, overall design, and number of burners. Considered an excellent alternative to the Weber Spirit at half the price, the smart-looking John Lewis BBQ is easy to use and clean with three burners, making it large enough to cook for up to six people. It's packed with handy extras, including ample storage with the side shelves and under BBQ shelving, a lid thermometer, a warming rack and even a bottle opener. It's ideal for entertaining family and friends and can be wheeled into the shed or under cover come the off-season.

Customer review: "Really happy with our purchase, the BBQ is sturdy and easy to assemble. It's quick to heat up and easy to use."

Pros

  • Easy to use and clean
  • Quality build
  • Good size for the price

Cons

  • Takes a little while to assemble - ideally requires two people

Best portable gas BBQ

Are you after a BBQ that you can use in your garden and the park? With this Grill2Go from Char-Broil, you can take your barbecue wherever you like. This portable grill is easy to pack into your car - it has two side handles that make the whole BBQ easy to carry, but you can also buy the Grill2Go carry bag that makes carrying over distance even easier. Despite its compact size, you can cook up to 12 burgers on it at once, so no one will be left hungry. The TRU-Infrared Cooking System is designed to give you even, juicy results and it's quick and easy to get started, thanks to the push-button electronic ignition.

Customer review: "Second to none BBQ. This cooks beautifully with no dryness to the food and no flare-ups either, so nothing gets cremated. The temperature goes up to 300 degrees, so you can roast on this easily and add smoked wood chips (via an adaptor bought separately) for a unique taste. The food is so good on this grill that you barely need any sauces when the food is cooked, and I don't bother marinating until the very end. Easy to clean and transport, and gas canisters are readily available. Top tip: This BBQ fits a large blue Ikea bag perfectly."

Pros

  • Easy to cook food easily with gauge
  • Simple to start with an electric igniter
  • High quality and easy to clean

Cons

  • Temperature can be hard to control

Best budget gas BBQ

Argos Home 2 Burner Gas BBQ with Side BurnerArgos

Up your BBQ game this summer with this highly affordable gas burner from Argos. Designed with a compact and organised set-up featuring wheels and a convenient foldable side table, you can feed up to eight people with ease. It also comes with a handy storage shelf for keeping ingredients close by when cooking up a storm. It gets a big thumbs up from us, and if you were hoping for more burners, there's a four-burner option available too that's only marginally more expensive.

Customer review: "Compact barbecue but perfect for our needs. Plenty of space on the grill for cooking several items. Easy to move around the garden as required. Easy to assemble and very good delivery."

Pros

  • Perfect for feeding six to eight people
  • A compact and organised design
  • Good value, portable and convenient

Cons

  • Not as sturdy as expected

Best gas BBQ for versatile design

Weber products are known for their excellent build quality, and the Weber Q 2000 Gas Barbecue is no different. This extremely versatile BBQ is compact yet has everything you require for the ultimate al fresco feast. It is small enough to fit on a modest-sized patio but still features two foldable side tables to prepare and store your ingredients. You can opt to buy it with or without the stand, but we think it's a handy addition for anyone looking to barbecue everywhere and anywhere!

Customer review: "I have owned this Q2000 for three or four years and use it at least 3 times a week, sometimes four or five times! 12 months a year. I could not be happier with this grill!"

Pros

  • Easy to use and clean
  • Rust-resistant for year-round dining
  • Stylish and practical design

Cons

  • Not as portable as it looks

Best gas BBQ for beginners

Outback Omega 250 2-Burner Gas BBQJohn Lewis

Outback BBQs are known for their quality, but they also happen to be some of the most user-friendly BBQs on the market, making them ideal for beginners. With a fantastic-sized grilling area to cook for the whole family, it's surprising how easy the Outback Omega 250 2-Burner Gas BBQ is to set up and use as a result. It supposedly only takes 45 minutes to get up and running with two people and with its Piezo ignition system you get your burgers or veggies cooking in an instant. The BBQ comes equipped with helpful extras, including a side burner and side shelf (each of which has utensil hooks and folds down for easy storage), a lid thermometer and flame tamers to reduce flare-ups for delicious results every time.

Customer review: "Was hesitant to spend the £ on a gas BBQ, having previously had charcoal. It is amazing. Tastes like a charcoal BBQ. Ample cooking space for a family of four. We cooked for 12 people with it and size was fine. Did take a while to assemble. Love the side cooking ring. Short heat-up time. Will not miss hunting around for charcoal days before a party, or how long it takes for the charcoal to be hot enough to cook on."

Pros

  • Easy to assemble and robust
  • Fast and simple ignition
  • Transportable and convenient

Cons

  • The gas connector can be tricky to fit

Best BBQ for entertaining

Genesis® EPX-335 Smart Gas BarbecueJohn Lewis

The Weber Genesis EPX-335 Smart Gas Barbecue is ideal for entertaining because not only does it have a huge cooking area, but the in-built smart features allow you to join in on the fun without slaving over the grill. Catering to a dozen adults with ease, there's a huge amount of vertical space inside the cook box, enough to fit an optional rotisserie attachment without modification, and there’s a second-tier rack that folds out, boosting the number of sausages you can cram inside it enormously. Plenty of shelf and cabinet space makes it easy to store condiments or serve the food once done. It’s super simple to use and a clever grease management system means it’s easy to keep clean, while in-built smart features allow you to monitor the internal temperature of whatever you’re cooking via your phone. There's even lighting for when you're cooking late into the evening, but this does require a main plug and battery power.

We tested the Weber Genesis EPX-335 Smart BBQ - you can read our full review here.

Pros

  • Huge cooking surface and storage space
  • Easy to use
  • Clever cleaning system
  • Quality construction
  • Smart features available

Cons

  • Large and heavy to move
  • Easy to mark brushed aluminium

Best gas BBQ for design

Everdure By Heston Blumenthal FORCE 2 Burner Gas BBQAmazon

Available in orange, mint or graphite, there's no denying how stylish the FORCE 2 Burner Gas BBQ looks, making it a great choice for the design-conscious who have meticulously designed their outdoor spaces. Endorsed by Heston Blumenthal, this BBQ pairs form and function to deliver a surprisingly large cooking area with two high-performance burners. With a quality, rust-proof build that feels solid and stable, it heats up quickly with instant searing so you're ready to cook in just five minutes. Whether you're grilling burgers for the family or a 6kg turkey(!), this BBQ is powerful enough to handle it all.

Customer review: "My expectations were high having researched this product and read several reviews. Often this is a cue for disappointment but not in this case. I've been very impressed in all respects. The barbecue is well-built, looks good, gets hot quickly and is easy to clean. It isn't the cheapest option but having used it half a dozen times I would definitely recommend it."

Pros

  • Quick heat up and precise heat control
  • Stylish design
  • Suitable for grilling and roasting
  • Rust-resistant

Cons

  • Assembly requires patience
  • Burner controls are on the right-hand side - not ideal for lefties

Best gas BBQ for home and away

Weber Traveler Portable Gas BBQBBQWorld/ Weber

If you’re on the hunt for the best barbecue for your garden and one that you can take out and about on your travels — then the Weber Traveler could be a contender. In our opinion, you can't go wrong with a Weber BBQ, but this one stands out as one that promises the luxury of portable cooking with enough space for family BBQs at home. A similar size to most backyard grills, the Weber Traveler has a brilliant hydraulic mechanism for collapsing its stand that then locks, engaging the lid too, to prevent any open-lid disasters. It may just have a single-burner but the large cooking area is all useable as the burner tube wraps around the whole grill. It heats up in minutes and with space for at least a dozen medium-sized burger patties, no one is sure to go hungry.

We tested the Weber Traveler Portable Gas BBQ - you can read our full review here.

Pros

  • Smooth system for folding away
  • Powerful burner
  • Large cooking area
  • Sturdy and well made

Cons

  • Quite big for a travel BBQ - won't fit in the boot of a hatchback or a saloon car without putting the seats down

Best six-burner gas BBQ

Boss Grill Alabama EliteAppliances Direct/ Boss Grill
Price: £379.97 (was £429.97)

www.appliancesdirect.co.uk

Six burners means bigger cooking space, which in turn means the Boss Grill Alabama Elite has enough room for 27 burgers or 50 sausages. A great option for BBQ enthusiasts who love to share with family and friends in their outdoor cooking ventures, this BBQ has some similarities to the Weber Genesis. Alongside the six burners, you get a side burner concealed under one of the shelves, while the other conceals an ice bucket, and LED backlit control dials for cooking in darker conditions. Throw in a durable build, warming rack and storage cupboard at a very reasonable price, and you've got a BBQ that stands out from other six-burner options.

Customer review: "Easy to put together and looks very sleek and the heat it produces is great and also cooks the food lovely."

Pros

  • Vast cooking space
  • Easy to ignite and use
  • Easy to clean with the drip bucket and tray

Cons

  • Assembly instructions could be clearer - difficult to get the doors aligned

Best four-burner gas BBQ

Char-Broil 140895 Advantage Series 445SAmazon/ Char-Broil

Char-Broil is one of our favourite BBQ brands and so we knew we could trust it to bring forth one of the best four-burner gas BBQs. Ideal for cooking for over six people, the Char-Broil 140895 Advantage Series 445S shares the same TRU-Infrared Technology found in the Char-Broil X200 Grill2Go; get 50 per cent juicier food using less gas and flare-ups. Described by one reviewer as a, "completely different league from cheap, entry-level gas barbecues", you're guaranteed quick cooking, ease of use, and a high-quality overall design. Alongside the four burners, you get a side burner, two shelves, a thermometer, a warming rack, a cabinet with comfortable grip handles, and even a cast iron griddle - not typical of most BBQs.

Customer review: "Now I've used a few gas bbq before and a few charcoal, I must say first all this is in another league, worth the price, does what it says Grill, keep moisture and flavour. Effortless and good heat, do not take long to reach ideal temperature at all. Fitting it together, would recommend using two people as its heavy and a bit awkward to put together at times. Cleaning is a bit challenging as well like any other BBQ. I've used a 5kg Calor Propane and that fits well inside no issue, which I'm convince this would last quite a while as well."

Pros

  • Great quality build
  • Even temperature when cooking
  • Easy to clean, use and assemble

Cons

  • Some had issues with delivery - arrived in damaged packaging or with minor BBQ damage

How we chose the best gas BBQs

All of these gas BBQs have been hand-selected by our team of Modern Gardens shopping experts. We carefully considered size, value for money, overall design appeal and the number of burners in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching gas BBQs to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.

Where possible, we also test and share the latest and best products you should know about. And with help from Modern Gardens Magazine, Garden News and Garden Answers, we share expert gardening knowledge to help you get the most from your product.

Gas BBQ FAQs

How to choose a gas BBQ

Storage space: You'll not just need to think about how much storage your BBQ comes with but where you will store it in the colder months when not in use. Do you have a shed? A garage? If it's a tabletop BBQ, you may even have somewhere inside. Larger models sometimes have foldable shelves - but not always - so it's always worth checking the overall dimensions.

Side trays: These are usually on either side of the grill and provide more space for your BBQ for food prep. Some side trays also have a side burner but come with a cover to convert it into a worktop. It's not a necessity, but can be useful.

The number of burners: The more burners a BBQ has, the larger it will be. They also allow you to cook more food at once. A two-burner BBQ is great for couples, three to four-burners are ideal for medium groups of five to nine people, while five to six-burners are best for larger groups of 10+.

Portability: The likelihood is that you'll want to move your BBQ at some point, so look for BBQs with wheels to make this a whole lot easier. Alternatively, if you're after a BBQ to take to the beach or out for picnics, look for a small, lightweight BBQ with carry handles to make the journey less cumbersome.

Gas type: As mentioned, there are two types of BBQ gas or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG); butane and propane. The BBQ you choose will determine which gas you use, but it's worth knowing the different properties of each. Propane gas tends to be the most popular and can be used all year round while butane gas is typically a bit cheaper, but isn't suited to cold-weather barbecuing.

gas BBQ
©Getty Images

Extra features: It's always worth checking what extra features come with your BBQ to determine its value for money, especially in relation to how you plan to use it. These can include side burners to warm side dishes, smoker boxes for woodchips to achieve a richer taste more akin to that of a charcoal BBQ, tool hooks and warming racks.

Accessories: Some handy accessories come with BBQs, and if they're included it'll save you an added expense. Namely, the two most important accessories are a BBQ cover and a gas regulator. Gas regulators control the flow of gas to the BBQ to prevent too much from reaching your BBQ at once, so you should have one as a matter of safety. A BBQ cover will protect your grill from the elements, but it's more optional and might not be needed for smaller, more portable BBQs you plan to store in the shed.

Are gas BBQs better than charcoal?

The best part about gas BBQs is that there is very little wait time as they reach a cooking temperature almost immediately. If you like to grill outdoors frequently, then a gas BBQ is a great trade-off. However, if you can't choose between the two, you can always opt for a hybrid BBQ.

Benefits of using a gas BBQ include:

They're easier to clean up: No more disposing of ashes and coals; gas options are tidier and more straightforward to clean than a charcoal BBQ which can get rather messy.

It cooks quicker: You do not need to wait for the barbecue to heat up for a long time, as it will reach the ideal cooking temperature in no time.

It's cheaper to run: The upfront cost may be more pricey. However, in the long term, gas barbecues are a more affordable alternative to using a charcoal BBQ, which requires a new batch with every use.

Better temperature control: There are no flare-ups with gas burners, so there's no need to worry about incinerating your sausages.

Easy to ignite: Even though part of the fun can be getting the coal to light, gas burners take a different type of fuel that is a much faster and more convenient way to cook.

Gas bbq
©Getty Images/ Maksym Ponomarenko

Where can you buy gas from in the UK?

If you have purchased a gas BBQ, you will need to buy something to fuel it with. Below, we've listed a few examples of online shops that will deliver gas canisters straight to your door:

Amazon UK
Toolstation
Argos
Screwfix

Can a gas BBQ catch fire?

When using a gas BBQ, ensure you have an extinguisher, gloves and safety equipment with you in case of an emergency. Make sure you give your BBQ a proper cleaning; otherwise, grease can ignite a fire. If this does happen, make sure to turn off your BBQ.

How long will a gas BBQ last?

Depending on the model, most gas BBQs can last anywhere from five to 15 years. If you keep your BBQ sheltered from rain and bad weather, it will have a long life span. BBQs are made for outside conditions, but like all products, even the good ones need to be taken care of.

Before purchasing a BBQ, read through the reviews. This will also give you an idea of how long it will last.

To best take care of your grill, clean it frequently and read the care advice in the model's instruction book.

Are gas BBQs safe?

Gas BBQs are completely safe when they're used properly. Here are some tips to make sure you are using the BBQ safely and correctly:

• Always inspect the BBQ before you start cooking - do not use it if it appears to be damaged.

• Never leave a BBQ unattended under any circumstance.

• Ensure the tap is switched off before changing over the gas.

• Never use a gas BBQ inside or in an enclosed space, as it could expose you to the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning.

• If you have a feeling there is a gas leak, turn it off immediately.

For more safety tips, check out the Gas Safe Register, which has published some great advice and tips on staying safe while using gas equipment.

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Ellen Kinsey is a Senior Health & Wellness Product Writer for Modern Gardens, specialising in sustainable living and health. She lives and breathes all things natural health, cooking and nature.

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