The best gas BBQs for outdoor dining

While I love the ritual of cooking with fire on charcoal barbecues and the unmatchable end results, the speed and ease of a gas barbecue has long made it my go-to for cooking outdoors.

With such unpredictable summer weather in the UK, the ability to turn a knob and be ready to cook al fresco in minutes makes gas an enticing option. Being able to control the heat level is another point in its favour, as are useful extras like having side burners for warming sauces or searing a steak.

But with so many styles, sizes and prices to consider, finding right model for your garden can be confusing. To help you out, I’ve tried nine of the best gas barbecues from brands including Weber and Blackstone, plus a bonus electric barbecue, which I was curious to try. You can read my reviews below, followed by answers to some frequently asked questions. This guide is regularly checked and updated, but if you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick look at my top five:

The best Gas BBQs: At a glance

• Best Buy Gas BBQ: Weber Spirit E-335
• Best Value Gas BBQ: VonHaus Barrel 4 Burner Gas BBQ
• Best Tabletop Gas BBQ: Blackstone 22” Tabletop Griddle
• Best Large Gas BBQ: Everdure Furnace
• Best Gas BBQ for a Small Garden or Terrace: Cadac Citi Chef 50

JUMP TO REVIEWS

How does a gas BBQ work?

Gas grills use propane or natural gas, usually from a canister plugged into the barbecue, similar to the gas that powers a patio heater. You can then regulate the amount of gas used to fuel the fire and spark it up with a flame.

Though gas barbecues take less time to heat up, you should still preheat them – 10 to 15 minutes will do. This lets the grill heat, helping you get those grill marks and preventing food from sticking. You might want to invest in some garden furniture for the wait.

But is the final product as tasty?

While charcoal grills give you that barbecue smoky goodness, gas provides much better control, which is crucial for slow cooking. And you’ll still be able to get smoke from fatty meat drippings on a gas grill.

Gas also provides more steam than charcoal does, which many say keeps the meat moister, though potentially less crisp. Of course, neither would greatly affect the intensity of your barbecue sauce of choice – that’s your marination method.

There’s also the option to scent your food with aromatic woodchips such as hickory or maple. Do this by soaking the chips and placing them inside a smoker box like this Weber model and popping it into your barbecue while it gets to temperature.

How we test gas BBQs

I’m a food writer and presenter, so I have lots of experience with barbecuing. To start my tests, I assembled each barbecue, often with the help of another adult. I scored the time and skills needed to complete them, with results ranging from 15 minutes to over two hours.

I checked for sturdiness and the quality of materials, overall appearance and, as I like to move the barbecue to different shady spots depending on the time of day, weight and ease of movement were factors too. Other considerations included how quickly the barbecue got to temperature, controllability and evenness of heat, and key for me – the ease of the clean-up.

I tested each of the barbecues several times using a range of meats including thick-cut steaks, bone-in chicken and pork chops as well as quicker-to-cook skewers, burgers and vegetable sides. Here are my findings, starting with my favourites. (And for other ways to cook outside, read our guides to the best portable BBQs and pizza ovens.)

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Best gas BBQs

1. Best Buy Gas BBQ: Weber Spirit EP-335

Score: 10/10

We like: The compact size and heat controllability

We don’t like: The cooking area could be a little larger

If you’re looking for a practical barbecue that’s simple to operate, quick to heat up and easy to clean, this new and relatively compact model from Weber ticks all the right boxes.

It was extremely straightforward to assemble, taking myself and my teenage daughter about two hours (with a tea break) to unpack and put together. While the parts felt robust, none were heavy to lift or fiddly to fit and I was pleased to find the gas regulator fully attached, which isn’t always the case. There are four strong wheels, two of which lock so it’s easy to move the barbecue around the patio and position safely too.

The three separate heat zones were easy to ignite with one hand thanks to chunky knobs and Weber’s ‘snap-jet ignition’ technology. I found the porcelain-enamelled cast iron grates retained heat brilliantly, offering a reliable non-stick surface and producing thick, satisfying stripes on the food. While the cooking area isn’t the largest, it’s plenty big enough to prepare a steak dinner for eight or burgers for a crowd. However, if you’re planning several sizeable gatherings this summer, it might not quite meet your needs.

There are also two fixed-position side wings made from stainless steel. One holds the side burner which is designed for a small saucepan and the other is a side table that also accommodates a useful drop-in caddy for keeping cooking ingredients and tools close by.

Finally, I awarded it top marks for heat controllability because of the large rotation of the knobs and its boost feature, which is handy when you need to ramp up the heat. A digital thermometer delivered a constant reading too, helping me gauge when to start cooking and proving invaluable for ensuring that items like joints or chicken legs, which need longer to cook, didn’t burn.

Key specifications

• Main cooking area: 54cm x 45cm
• Grill design: Porcelain-enamelled, cast-iron cooking grate
• Burners: 3 + 1 side burner

2. Best Value Gas BBQ: VonHaus Barrel 4 Burner

Score: 8/10

We like: The classic design and large cooking area

We don’t like: The numerous fiddly screws and lengthy assembly

This matt-black, barrel-style, four-burner gas barbecue may be a little basic, but it’s functional and attractive. It arrived as a flatpack kit and while the construction wasn’t difficult, it was a lengthy process with close to 100 fiddly screws, nuts, bolts and clips needed to assemble the component parts.

The completed barbecue lacked a little of the finesse of the more expensive models, though some may find its lightness an advantage. While not heavy, it still stood firmly when on solid ground. A large shelf underneath the grill provides storage for your gas and the small folding tables on either side can keep your most important ingredients and utensils handy.

There’s lots to like here, not least the large cooking area which makes this a great barbecue for feeding a crowd; with four, independently controlled burners there’s plenty of scope for cooking a wide range of foods simultaneously. The thin, enamel-coated racks didn’t deliver the best grill marks of those tested but the heat was even and the warming rack situated above the main cooking surface was spacious. The ignition and controls all functioned well too and for the price tag, you’re getting great value.

Key specifications

• Main cooking area: 60cm x 36.5cm
• Grill design: Enamel grill racks
• Burners: 4

3. Best Tabletop Gas BBQ: Blackstone 22” Tabletop Griddle

Score: 9/10

We like: You can cook a full English on it, including the eggs

We don’t like: Lack of hood means it can’t be left outdoors when not in use

This American-made griddle can be used table-top or with a separately bought folding stand. It was quick to assemble and compact enough to load into the car or pack away onto a shed shelf, making it my pick for best portable gas barbecue, too.

There are some disadvantages to choosing a griddle barbecue over a conventional style, particularly a model without a lid. It isn’t the best choice for thick or shaped cuts of meat (for example, pork ribs) and I was unable to evenly brown the large sausages I tested.

However, Blackstone’s Tabletop Griddle was excellent for flat and thinner cuts like butterflied chicken fillets and halloumi slices and has the versatility to handle eggs, pancakes and hash browns. It has two separate heat zones, each with its own controllable burner and makes a brilliant choice for weekend brunches or for speedily knocking out steaks, burgers or even stir-fries. A dedicated drip pan at the back ensures any excess oils easily drain off during cooking, too.

The rolled steel griddle requires seasoning with cooking oil before its first use and I initially found food stuck a little (most likely I didn’t season it well enough). But the surface improved greatly the more I cooked on it. It needs cleaning and oiling after each use to prevent potential rusting but compared to fiddly grill bars, the rolled steel was quick and easy to clean. And as it’s not coated, it’s safe to use metal utensils without fear of damage.

This is a quality piece of kit, especially for the price. Lids and hoods are available to buy separately and are worth investing in for the extra versatility and protection. Please note that you will also need to buy a gas hose and regulator attachment as it’s not included as standard.

Key specifications

• Main cooking area: 56cm x 41cm
• Grill design: Rolled steel griddle
• Burners: 2

4. Best Large Gas BBQ: Everdure Furnace

Score: 9/10

We like: The sleek, modern design and large cooking area

We don’t like: there are no covers protecting the burners

The Furnace is eye-catching and comes in three statement colours (orange, mint and graphite), stylishly rejecting the traditional barbecue appearance, doing away with unnecessary extras and focusing on performance. Created in conjunction with Michelin-starred chef Heston Blumenthal, it stands wider than the average model at 131.2cm and offers a sizeable, 2915cm squared cooking area.

Assembly was simple with most of the 15 minutes we spent taken up by building the stand. I was slightly concerned that the stand, particularly the plastic upper, was not as strong as I’d like, but once fully built, the barbecue felt stable.

I loved the solid, colourful hood and the tapered aluminium legs which make this barbecue attractive enough to stand on display with pride rather than tucked away into a corner.

Looped burners sit directly beneath the open gates, heating its three matt vitreous enamel cast iron grills. Unusually, there are no covers over the burners to protect the gas outlets from becoming blocked by debris. This decision may account for the speed at which the barbecue reaches temperature – only about five minutes – but you’ll need to check the burners and clean with a wire brush before each use.

Three large, hob-style knobs at one side of the barbecue control the temperature of each burner, so you can cook a wide variety of foods at the same time. While the area directly above the burners cooked well and produced the most satisfying bar marks, the areas around the edges were noticeably cooler. There is no warming rack, so make sure you have a platter on the side ready for lifting food off as soon as it’s ready. The side table is small though, so you may want to place a table nearby. I’d also suggest finding a fixed position for the barbecue as the size makes manoeuvring it around the garden a little tricky.

Everdure recommends using silicone utensils on the Furnace, as sharp metal can easily damage the enamel coating on the grates and a suitable (non-metallic) cleaning brush is essential. Again, I’d suggest investing in compatible accessories such as the flat griddle for searing, foil drip trays to help with the clean up and, unless you’ve got enough garage space for storage, a frost protection cover to keep that gorgeous hood in tiptop condition. The paintwork is UV rated though, so sunny days in the garden shouldn’t cause much fading.

Key specifications

• Main cooking area: 2915cm squared
• Grill design: Matt vitreous cast iron grills
• Burners: 3

5. Best Gas BBQ for a Small Garden: Cadac Citi Chef 50

Score: 9/10

We like: The slim silhouette and detachable bamboo side tables

We don’t like: A single burner makes it trickier to cook different foods simultaneously

Cadac has created a super-convenient gas barbecue that’s tailor made for small spaces. The gas sits neatly inside the cylindrical body and four sturdy castors ensure it glides effortlessly across both patio and grass.

The assembly was quick and straightforward and I started cooking within half an hour of opening the box. The slim body supports a wide, circular ceramic grill with a dome lid complete with thermometer and stay-cool handle. The cooking surface is deceptively large though there’s no keep-warm rack. But there are bamboo side tables that slot cleverly on top of the large handles, so you can keep serving plates and utensils close by.

There’s a single burner which keeps things simple but means cooking times will need to be staggered if barbecuing a range of foods. But its convenient ignition heated the entire cooking surface quickly. And while the ceramic non-stick coating was brilliant, delivering good grill marks and guaranteeing easy turning, I have some concerns about its durability having seen many non-stick frying pans and my air fryer baskets slowly deteriorate with frequent use. Cleaning up after required just a quick wipe-down, though.

The barbecue comes with a pot stand for saucepans and casseroles and there are other cooking accessories available including a pizza stone and plancha. A smart little cover for the barbecue (not the stand) is included but the necessary gas hose and regulator must be bought separately.

Key specifications

• Main cooking area: 45cm x 45cm
• Grill design: 46cm diameter ceramic non-stick grill
• Burners:1

6. Best Gas BBQ for an Upgrade: Napoleon Phantom Rogue SE 425 RSIB

Score: 9/10

We like: The infrared side burner

We don’t like: The complicated build and hot handle

This was the most complex and time consuming barbecue to build and took myself and a capable friend around two hours to complete. Our efforts weren’t aided by the manual listing three different models and parts either, as this meant we needed to continually double-check we were at the correct step and using the right pieces.

However, once built, we were impressed by the sturdiness and design (tall and quite compact, rather than very wide) with the gas concealed tidily in the doored compartment beneath the grill.

There are three burners on the main grilling area allowing for controlled heat zones. While I liked the heavy stainless steel ‘wavy’ grills (which heated quickly and could be scrubbed without fear of damage), they didn’t perform as well as the cast iron grates on other barbecues. And, unfortunately, the lid handle (a simple metal bar) became hot during cooking.

Operated independently, its infrared side burner is ideal if only cooking a couple of quick burgers or steaks or for keeping some sauce warm on the side. There’s also a smart rear burner for using with a rotisserie attachment (not included). In total, you have a cooking area that’s 4,605cm squared making it well suited to a garden party. And the knobs are back-lit for evening use while the side shelf hinges down easily.

Cleaning up took longer than I was bargaining for as there are several components that need tackling and the steel took a lot of scrubbing. I was grateful that the grease tray which sits directly beneath the burners (no other model I tested had this useful addition) and the separate drip pan could both be slipped out for washing indoors. This was the most expensive barbecue tested but it offers versatility and is built to last.

Key specifications

• Main cooking area: 60 x 46 cm
• Grill design: Stainless steel grills
• Burners: 5 (including infrared side burner)

7. Best Electric BBQ: Char-Broil Evolve Electric

Score: 9/10

We like: The built-in temperature probes and auto-clean function

We don’t like: The sides need to be lifted off and rehung to lie flat

If you’re looking for even more convenience than that offered by a gas barbecue, the answer may lie in an electric model. There’s lots working in their favour; less smoke makes them suitable for balconies and terraces, they’re really simple to operate and you don’t need to keep a supply of gas (or charcoal) in stock.

The Evolve was straightforward to assemble and came with the screws already in position, so the parts just needed slotting together and tightening up following the instructions in the manual or the step-by-step online guide. You must position the barbecue in easy reach of a plug socket, however.

When ready to start cooking, I plugged in the barbecue and downloaded the app (which lets you set temperatures ranging from 90C upwards on both grilling zones) onto my phone. Once I’d linked the devices and set preferences (crucially changing Fahrenheit to celsius), I was ready to go.

The large digital display shows the temperature of the two separate grilling zones and is easy to set precisely. I was happy to go back into the kitchen, keeping an eye on my phone as the grill came to temperature. I will say, however, that the cooking process was generally slower. For example, it took several turns to crisp up chicken skin.

Char-broil makes no claims that cooking electrically will recreate the smokey flavours you’d expect from charcoal barbecuing but there are some other key features that score points. The temperature goes as high as 370C, far hotter than the average domestic oven and there are two detachable sensor probes that monitor the core temperature of the food being cooked, thereby safely removing any guess work.

I was delighted to discover the auto clean function, which works a bit like a pyrolytic oven. Though the barbecue needed some further cleaning once the cycle was complete, it effectively burned off the grease.

Key specifications

• Main cooking area: 57 x 39cm
• Grill design: Porcelain enamelled cast iron grate
• Burners: 2

8. Best Multi-functional BBQ: Char-broil Versa-tile

Score: 9/10

We like: The range of foods (like pizza and smashed burgers) this grill can handle

We don’t like: It’s wider than average and the side tables don’t fold down

Char-Broil is an innovative player in the barbecue market, which is why I’ve featured two in a row. Unlike the electric barbecue above, this one is all gas and there’s no denying that the Versa-Tile Grill lives up to its name. The flat griddle offers a whopping 70cm by 50cm surface with a swap-out circular grate that can be flipped over to cook pizza or interchanged with a ceramic-coated cast iron grate for cooking irregularly shaped-food such as ribs or chicken on the bone.

A solid piece of kit, it took some effort to lift the hefty grill into place during assembly. It wasn’t difficult to build otherwise, but the instructions are given via an app which you’ll need to download to your smartphone. You also need WiFi connection for the duration which may be an issue in some gardens. I’m sure the scrolling back and forth between steps (172 in total!) and the need to frequently touch the screen to expand images and open diagrams made the process lengthier than using a paper manual, however, it prevented any mistakes along the way.

Once fully built, I was impressed with its contemporary glossy black appearance, shallow hood and straight lines. Like most other classic-style flat griddles there’s no warming rack or built-in thermometer, so you’ll need to judge cooking times carefully (or invest in a meat thermometer) and have platters on the side tables for when the food is ready.

Since I often make pizza outdoors, I was keen to see if the Versa-Tile could hold its own against my wood-fired Ooni pizza oven. While it couldn’t match the Ooni’s speed or wood-fired flavour, the clever domed lid and dimpled griddle delivered great results and at around 10 minutes or so, it was significantly faster than pizzas cooked in a standard oven or kettle barbecue. The griddle holds a lot of heat though, so it takes a little trial and error to achieve a perfectly baked crust without scorching the base.

Beyond pizza, a steel griddle is, of course, in a league of its own when it comes to making smashed burgers or a weekend brunch of bacon, eggs and pancakes. And in other good news, it’s the easiest of all barbecue styles to keep clean.

Key specifications

Main cooking area: 70cm x 50cm

Grill design: Ceramic coated steel griddle

Burners: 2

9. Best Budget Gas BBQ: Weber Q 1200

Score: 8/10

We like: You can take it to the beach

We don’t like: The side tables are made of plastic

Reader recommended

Reader Michael Taylor had a Weber Q for many years and found it useful. “It’s compact and efficient and dismantles for cleaning,” he says. The Weber Q is a few years old now, but remains one of the most popular portable gas barbecues. It has folding side tables for your spices, marinades and tools, a built-in thermometer and cast iron cooking grates. There’s enough space to serve two to three people. At just over one metre at its widest, it will fit in the car boot, and just as well: it weighs 14kg, so you won’t want to carry it far.

“The piezo electric lighter is a great gadget,” Michael says, “although it can fail to relight a warm oven. The folding lid is good, too. It contains all the smoke and keeps cooking to a minimum.

“I would recommend lining the removable catch-pan with aluminium foil. Grease and fat, when reheated, is pretty disgusting. The plastic trays on either side bend when anything heavy is placed on them, but I otherwise recommend it.”

Note this BBQ isn’t supplied with a stand, but you can purchase one separately, or use it on a hard, stable and elevated surface.

Key specifications

• Main cooking area: 63 cm x 104 cm x 52 cm
• Grill design: Cast iron
• Burners: 1

Gas BBQ FAQs

How do you choose the best gas BBQ?

From how many people you’ll feed to how much storage space you have, there’s a lot to think about when it comes to buying a gas barbecue. It’s also worth thinking about whether you’ll be cooking multiple components of a meal on the it at once – more burners equals more cooking zones.

Think about whether you want side plates for food preparation. If you’re short of space, you can probably sacrifice these and prep in the kitchen. The same goes for warming plates, which often live inside the lid. They inevitably make the BBQ lid bigger, but they can be forfeited if you don’t mind keeping food warm on a hob or in an oven.

If you’re a real barbecue or tech junkie, you might want to look for extra bells and whistles – the option of adding a rotisserie, temperature probe or pizza plates, for example. We’d recommend looking at Weber for that.

Is a gas BBQ worth it?

Yes, a gas barbecue is worth it for many reasons. It offers the convenience of quick ignition and precise temperature control, making it easy to cook a variety of foods evenly. Gas barbecues also require less cleaning compared to charcoal grills, as there is no ash to dispose of. Additionally, they tend to be more environmentally friendly, producing fewer emissions compared to charcoal. While the initial investment might be higher, the benefits of ease of use and lower running costs make gas barbecues a worthwhile investment for many.

Are gas BBQs safe?

Gas barbecues are safe when used properly. Always check for gas leaks before use, keep the barbecue well-maintained, and follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions. Avoid using the barbecue in enclosed spaces to prevent the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Is BBQ gas expensive?

The cost of barbecue gas varies but expect to pay around £80 for a 5kg cylinder of ‘patio’ (propane) gas. In most cases, a high proportion of the initial cost is the deposit on a refillable cylinder. For example, a 5kg patio gas cylinder from my local supplier costs £81.99, with £49.99 for the cylinder and £32 for the gas refill.

Is natural gas better for BBQs?

Natural gas can be a better option for barbecues if you have access to a natural gas line. It is generally cheaper than propane, and you don’t need to worry about running out of gas in the middle of cooking. Natural gas barbecues also tend to be more environmentally friendly due to lower emissions. However, the initial installation can be more expensive, as it requires a gas line hookup.

Which is the healthier BBQ, gas or charcoal?

Gas barbecues are generally considered healthier than charcoal barbecues. When cooking with charcoal, the high heat and smoke can cause the formation of carcinogenic compounds like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heterocyclic amines (HCAs). Gas barbecues, on the other hand, burn cleaner and produce fewer of these harmful substances. Additionally, gas barbecues offer better control of cooking temperatures, reducing the risk of charring and burning food, which can also contribute to the formation of HCAs.

What can you cook on a gas BBQ?

You can cook a wide variety of foods, including but not limited to all the classic barbecue staples such as burgers, steaks and vegetables. A lidded barbecue can happily cook larger joints such as a leg of lamb and with accessories including rotisseries, griddles and pizza stones, there’s really no limits to what you can cook.

How do I clean a gas BBQ?

Cleaning a gas barbecue is relatively easy. After each use, turn up the heat to burn off any remaining food residue. Once cool, use an appropriate brush to clean the grates. Periodically, remove and clean the burners and drip tray to prevent build-up.