There are tonnes of outdoor grills and BBQs that come with a high price tag, but choosing a gas BBQ tends to mean that you'll get a more simple, more convenient, and more seamless type of outdoor cooking. They are generally much easier to clean and the ignition and temperature controls mean you can be completely in charge of what you're cooking.
However, it's this ease and convenience that tends to make gas BBQs more expensive. You're paying for a BBQ that's ultimately cheaper to run - you don't need to buy a new batch of fuel for every cookout - and quicker to cook too, as you won't need to wait so long for the barbecue to heat up to the ideal cooking temperature.
Best gas BBQs under £200 at a glance:
• Best large: George Foreman GFGBBQ3B Portable 3 Burner Grill Gas BBQ - view on Amazon UK
• Best luxury: Outback Omega 250 2-Burner Gas BBQ, Black - view on John Lewis
• Best tabletop: Argos Home Portable Gas BBQ - view on Argos
However, there are gas BBQs on the market that don't come with a hefty price tag and are just as effective as their higher-priced competitors. In this buyer's guide, we've rounded up the best gas BBQs under £200, from large family-sized BBQs to smaller compact table top ones.
Best gas grill under £200
Best large BBQ under £200
Description
This George Foreman looks much more expensive than it is and has plenty of space to cook up a
Pros
- Light but still feels sturdy
- Large grill area
Cons
- Instructions could be clearer
Best luxury BBQ under £200
www.johnlewis.com
Description
If you want a BBQ that is small enough for compact gardens but big enough to cook for the whole
Pros
- The side burner is a great feature
- Lid thermometer lets you be in control
- Small and compact
Cons
- Some reviews said it could be more robust
Best tabletop gas BBQ under £200
www.argos.co.uk
Description
Table top BBQs have risen in popularity in recent years, as BBQ-ing can be a messy and heavy
Pros
- Simple to use
- Easy to store and clean
Cons
- Some reviews say it doesn't get as hot as they would like
Best BBQ under £200 for hosting
Description
If you like to host, this Outsunny gas BBQ is both good value and practical. It boasts a wide
Pros
- Great first BBQ
- Sturdy
Cons
- Instructions hard to understand
Best BBQ under £200 for camping
www.robertdyas.co.uk
Description
This 2 Burner Gas BBQ from Outback is the perfect union of form and function. It has a spacious
Pros
- Quality build
- Straightforward to put together
- Stylish
Cons
- Doesn't have a handle to move it on its wheels which some reviewers would have liked
Best gas BBQ under £200 on deal
www.argos.co.uk
Description
Currently on deal, and only slightly over the £200 budget when not, this Argos Home 4 Burner Gas
Pros
- Large cooking surface
- Clear instructions
- Great quality at a low price
Cons
- Suitable for propane gas only (not included)
- Bit fiddly to put together
Best gas pizza cooker under £200
www.appliancesdirect.co.uk
Description
If pizza is your food of choice, get yourself this gas pizza oven from Boss Grill. Compact and
Pros
- Great for small gardens or spaces
- Comes with pizza stone
- Easy to use and versatile
Cons
- The bottom burner isn't adjustable
What to look out for when buying 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? Or if it's small, could you keep it inside?
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. If you have a large household, or like having gatherings, then they could be useful.
Size — Are you looking for a gas BBQ that will cook up family feasts? Or do you want something small and compact? Think about how many people are in your household and the size of your garden to determine what size BBQ you should go for.
FAQs
Benefits of using a gas BBQ
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 cheaper 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.
However, if you want the benefits of both gas and charcoal cooking, a hybrid BBQ gives you the choice of both. As a result, they are more expensive, but we've shared the best hybrid BBQs under £500 for those looking to keep to a budget.
How to keep 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.
• When using a gas BBQ, ensure you have an extinguisher, gloves and safety equipment with you in case of an emergency.
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.
How to clean a gas BBQ
Typically, gas BBQs are easy to clean, as long as you keep on top of it after every use. A good way of cleaning is to start by firing it up, closing the hood, and letting it come to full temperature. Wait at least 30 minutes for the extreme temperature to singe any stuck-on food or grease. Then, dip a brush into a bucket of warm, soapy water and scrub off all the carbon from the grates - leaving it all sparkly for the next BBQ session.
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Hannah Mellin is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Modern Gardens. She has been working in the Journalism industry for over a decade and has written for an array of brands. When she's not writing, researching or testing products, she's renovating her Victorian terrace, tending to her houseplants and chilling in her jungle garden with her sausage dog Waffle.