Best gas BBQ picks for 2025: tried, tested and rated by reviews experts
Come rain or shine, the best gas barbecues are versatile and easy to use. Here, we've collaborated with Gardeners' World to bring you expert reviews of the top models we've tested
When the temperature outside starts heating up, so do our barbecues. Come rain or shine, we Brits embrace outside cooking over the warmer months, so much so that research for the 29th National BBQ Week this summer revealed three in four UK households own a barbecue, with gas barbecues being the most popular choice. Gas-powered grills are quicker to heat, easier to use and more precise to cook on than charcoal. Throw on a couple of Good Food's best ever barbecue recipes or pick up one of our best BBQ boxes, and you’ll have a feast fit for a king. Even better, once you’ve finished there’s no need to scrape up the burnt coals – just turn it off and give the grates a good scrubbing. For easy barbecuing on the go, take a look at our best electric BBQs and portable BBQs. If you’re shopping for a new gas BBQ, there’s tonnes of choice and top brands like Weber, Char-Broil, and George Foreman all offer several options at a range of prices. Luckily, I've narrowed things down so you don’t have to. Replacing an old barbecue? Here's how to recycle electricals and appliances. View Affiliate Playlist on the source website Best Black Friday gas BBQ deals Hoping to make a saving on one of the gas BBQ in this list? Black Friday is on 28 November, and we've been scouring the market to find the biggest deals – here are the best we've seen so far: Weber Genesis Series EPX-335 Smart Gas Barbecue | £1,929 £1,339 at BBQ World (save £590 or 27%) Char-Broil Grill2Go | £229.99 £183.99 at Amazon (save £46 or 20%) For even more offers, take a look at our round-up of the best kitchen appliance deals and find out how we put each product to the test, so you can shop with confidence. Best gas BBQs at a glance Best gas barbecue: Weber Genesis Series EPX-335 Smart Gas Barbecue, £1,929 £1,339 at BBQ World (save £590 or 27%) Best gas BBQ for families: Weber Spirit E-425 Gas BBQ, £649 Best portable gas barbecue: Weber Q1200 gas barbecue, £349.99 Best high-tech gas BBQ: Char-Broil Evolve Gas, £729.99 Best gas barbecue for hosting: Weber Genesis E-315 gas barbecue, £650.30 Best small gas barbecue: Char-Broil Grill2Go, £229.99 £183.99 at Amazon (save £46 or 20%) Best basic gas barbecue: Boss Grill Deluxe Portable, £240.97 Best budget gas barbecue: George Foreman GFSBBQ1 Single Burner, £209.99 Jump to: How we tested gas barbecues Best gas BBQs to buy in 2025 What to look out for when buying a gas barbecue What gas do you use for a barbecue? Why you can trust Good Food reviews As specialist product testers, the team at Good Food has reviewed a wide range of gas barbecues in recent years, using our established testing matrix to thoroughly assess each model. Every BBQ is put through its paces in the Good Food garden, which is designed to reflect the typical home/garden environment rather than a laboratory setting. This approach ensures that, if a gas barbecue performs well for us, it is likely to do so in your own garden too. Our reviews are never shared with manufacturers or retailers prior to publication, and we do not accept payment in exchange for favourable write-ups. This means you can rely on our recommendations to be completely impartial and based solely on our hands-on experience. How we tested gas barbecues I teamed up with our friends at Gardeners' World for this test, and together I considered everything from the time taken to build, the quality of materials, how easy it was to cook on and the quality of the food cooked, plus more. Safety was a must when testing these hefty bits of kit. Each reviews expert wore a robust apron and heat- proof gloves when working with the barbecues. For the best gloves, tongs and other barbecuing essentials, head over to our best barbecue tools guide. To put each barbecue to the test, I cooked a range of barbecue staples including toasted burger buns, chunky barbecue potato slices, courgette slices, a whole aubergine and halloumi kebabs. Some of the models I tested had either sizzle plates or an additional hob, on which I cooked a simple sirloin steak. For the models with a rotisserie function, I also made a rotisserie chicken. All barbecues were tested against the following criteria: Versatility and efficiency: I wanted a generous cooking space for the size of the barbecue. Additions like different plates, warming racks or the option for additional cooking accessories were a plus Performance and cooking results: I wanted to see even and well-defined grill marks and fully cooked food at a steady and consistent temperature – no burned ingredients here! Value for money: I considered whether the price of the barbecue was consistent with its performance and versatility in use Simple and easy to use: I favoured barbecues that were quick and efficient to build thanks to a clear manual, I also looked for intuitive and responsive controls, and a gas flame that was easy to see Sustainability: I looked at the materials used to package and ship the barbecue; excessive use of plastic and polystyrene meant it lost points Overall quality of materials: a high quality build with structural integrity guaranteed to withstand the elements For more information on our test processes, read our behind the scenes piece on how we test and review products. Best gas BBQs to buy in 2025 Weber Genesis Series EPX-335 Smart gas barbecue Available from BBQ World (£1,540) Best gas barbecue Pros: Expandable cooking grate/keep warm grill Illuminated controls for night-time cooking Six utensil hooks Extremely high quality component parts Extra-large sear zone Grease scraper included Cons: Short power cord Batteries required for ignition and LED lighting Barbecue cover not included in the price Star rating: 5/5 The Weber Genesis is a professional-grade gas barbecue for home use, and it's our top pick for anyone wanting to create big barbecue flavours easily year-round. It’s a beast – large enough to cook for up to 10 at a time. For the price, I expected exceptional quality along with bells and whistles, and I wasn't disappointed. Among the features were night vision LED lighting, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, plus alerts for step-by-step barbecue recipes direct to your phone; a modern nudge that could prove useful when distracted during busy barbecues with friends and family. I particularly liked the inclusion of a meat thermometer for safely cooking cuts of meat. The sear zone also proved ideal for achieving the higher heat needed for giving steaks iconic grill lines and caramelised flavour, while kebabs cooked at a different temperature alongside. An extendable rack for keeping cooked ingredients warm before they’re dished up also proved useful during testing. The same quality results could be achieved from a smaller and cheaper model, but this barbecue is as reliable as your stovetop indoors. Read our full Weber Genesis Series EPX-335 Smart gas barbecue review. Dimensions: 123 x 157 x 68 cm (H, W, D) Burners: 3 Warranty: Between 2 to 12 years, depending on the part Materials: Porcelain-enamelled cast-iron cooking grates Available from: BBQ World (£1,540) Weber Spirit E-425 Gas BBQ Available from John Lewis & Partners (£649) Best gas BBQ for families Pros: Two boost burners for extra searing Snap-Jet one-handed ignition for each burner Even cooking across the entire grill Built in lid thermometer to keep an eye on the temperature Cons: Quite heavy and no handle to help wheel it around Star rating: 4.5/5 Ideal for big families or hosting social barbecues, the Weber Spirit E-425 has a large cooking surface with four burners and two fold-away side tables, complete with hooks to hang accessories. The barbecue takes about an hour and forty minutes to assemble, and it’ll be safe to use on any outside surface. There are two wheels to help you position it, but because there’s no handle on the side, it’s a bit of a hassle to move around. When it comes to cooking, the Weber Spirit E-425 is impressive. It can be ignited one-handed and the four dials offer precise temperature control. It heats up in a matter of minutes and there’s a built-in lid thermometer. You’ll get evenly cooked, succulent meats and juicy vegetables wherever you place them on the grill. I especially like the Sear Zone, which blasts extra heat to create crisp sear lines on the food. Dimensions: 117 x 132 x 67.5 cm (H, W, D) Burners: 4 Warranty: 10 years Materials: Porcelain-enamelled cast-iron cooking grates Available from: John Lewis & Partners (£649) undefined Weber Q1200 gas barbecue Available from BBQ World (£299) Best portable gas barbecue Pros: Easy to use Cooks well Portable Compact to store Uses smaller gas cartridge than majority on the test Cons: Expensive Compact-sized grill means best suited to smaller gatherings Non-stick coating disappointing Star rating: 4.5/5 As you might expect with this trusted brand, the Q1200 portable gas barbecue is easy to use and cooks well, albeit without the fancy features of larger models. Despite using a small C500 gas cartridge, it heats efficiently, but the temperature quickly drops if the lid is opened for any length of time. It takes several minutes to regain heat after this, especially once the grill is covered with food. It’s worth noting that the compact-sized grill makes it ideal for cooking a few steaks for a cosy gathering of four, rather than a prolonged burger-flipping session catering for a larger party. While it creates good char lines, sections of the grill are solid, which reduces the areas where you can achieve this authentic barbecue finish. Clear instructions mean it’s easy to assemble, and it can be used without the stand, so it’s a sensible option if space is tight or to take out and about. One word of warning: make sure the plastic side tables don’t accidentally touch the hot grill as they are likely to scorch. This is a versatile bit of kit that can be used with or without the stand, making it completely portable whether you’re in the garden or on the beach. Read our full Weber Q1200 review. Dimensions: 47.2 x 33.5 x 26 cm (H, W, D) Burners: 1 Warranty: 2 years Materials: Cast iron, alloy steel Available from: BBQ World (£274.50) undefined Char-Broil Evolve Gas BBQ Available from Wayfair (£664.09), Robert Dyas (£729.99), Very (£749.99) Best high-tech gas BBQ Pros: Heatproof outer body including lid and handle App control: monitor and adjust the temperature in real-time Easy to move around Comes with two plug-in temperature probes Very clear digital display Cons: Requires access to electricity to ignite it Heat doesn't effectively reach the front corners of the cooking areas Temperature fluctuated occasionally throughout cooking Smart controls might be over the top for some Star rating: 4/5 If you’re a fan of smart tech or a beginner barbecuer, Char-Broil’s Evolve Gas is an app-controlled barbecue that allows you to set and monitor its temperature from your phone. The main benefit is that you can turn it on and control it from afar. But on the flip side, you will need access to power in your garden to ignite it. Assembling the barbecue is simple, and the four wheels make it easy to move around. It's also safe to use on any patio or decking because the entire outer body is almost completely heatproof (including the lid). The Evolve Gas takes about 15 minutes to heat. Food cooks evenly, and you're able to achieve well-defined sear lines on meats and vegetables. Admittedly, the corners of the grill are cooler than the centre, but to help achieve perfect results, two temperature probes are included in the box. Plus, there’s an auto-clean function that blasts leftover grease to dust that you can easily wipe away. Dimensions: 121 x 127 x 61 cm (H, W, D) Burners: 4 Warranty: 2 years Materials: Steel undefined Weber Genesis E-315 Gas Barbecue Available from John Lewis & Partners (£929) Best gas barbecue for hosting Pros: Large cooking area Easy to light Integrated thermometer included Hood retains heat well Cons: A lot of non-recyclable packaging Assembly is time consuming Temp control dials feel cheap and flimsy Breaks on the wheels are stiff Star rating: 4/5 For those who regularly entertain, this three-burner BBQ from Weber is great for a large household or feeding lots of hungry visitors. It features a 'PureBlu' burner system that generates consistent heat across the surface, and I was impressed by just how much cooking space there was to work with. Be prepared to put some effort into assembly – it requires at least two people and took us around two hours (it's worth downloading the Bilt app for the 3D guide). There was also an excessive amount of non-recyclable packaging used. Hooking it up the gas and getting it lit was a much speedier process, and I could easily monitor the temperature by referring to the gauge on the hood. The hood itself has a cool-touch handle and retained heat well. The control dials feel a little flimsy, but the rest of the BBQ is robust and backed by 12-year warranty. All the ingredients I barbecued had good charring and an excellent smoky flavour running through them. The chicken legs, which I grilled on the warming rack with the hood down, were also nicely caramelised and succulent. Dimensions: 122 x 147 x 68.5 cm (H, W, D) Burners: 3 Warranty: 10 years Materials: Porcelain-enamelled, cast-iron cooking grates Available from: John Lewis & Partners (£929) undefined Char-Broil Grill2Go Available from Amazon (£198.60) Best small gas barbecue Pros: Compact and lightweight for moving round the garden (9.7kg) Easy to set up and use Good cooking results Comes with scraper Cons: Some flare-ups despite manufacturer claims Tricky to cook slower dishes Cool spot in whole front of barbecue, and hotter on right side No extra tools/storage Star rating: 4/5 The Char-Broil Grill2Go gas BBQ is a simple, single-burner gas model. It reaches temperature in under five minutes and has a handy thermometer in the lid. Though it has a relatively large 44 x 28cm cooking area, it’s easy to move around the garden, so it would be a great companion while camping, too. Burgers come off this barbecue looking picture-perfect, with well-defined grill lines. The Grill2Go is also excellent at retaining moisture, which can be tricky on a barbecue. Our vegetable kebabs had crisp, charred outsides and succulent insides. However, this model suffers from the success of its char-lines, which can quickly blacken food even at lower temperatures, making it difficult to cook through larger ingredients. Nevertheless, this grill is excellent for couples and small families. Because it heats up so quickly, it’s just the thing for everyday grilling, too. Read our full Char-Broil Grill2Go review. Dimensions: 34.5 x 60.2 x 39.9 cm (H, W, D) Burners: 1 Warranty: 2 years Materials: Cast-iron aluminium Available from: Amazon (£198.60) undefined Boss Grill Deluxe Portable Available from Amazon (£240.97) Best basic gas barbecue Pros: Useful screw and bolt tray with pop-out labelled pouches Attractive keep-cool handle Intuitive controls Large barbecuing area Easy to move around Cons: Cord for gas is a little short Not the tallest Wobbly Star rating: 4/5 The Boss Grill Deluxe Portable is a simple, double-burner barbecue. It doesn’t come with all the high-tech features of some of the other models on this list, instead it’s geared towards getting the basics of barbecuing right. When it came to assembling this model, I found I'd have liked a lot more information in the manual: it was lacking in text and the accompanying imagery didn’t illustrate the assembly process as clearly as I'd have liked. But, once it was assembled, the Deluxe Portable ignited in a matter of moments and took just five minutes to heat up. The Boss Grill model offered even and consistent heat. All of our test dishes cooked as I was expecting, showing well-defined grill lines from top to bottom. This is a generously sized barbecue for a family of four or a small gathering, and it gets the basics right. Read our full Boss Grill Deluxe Portable review. Dimensions: 96.5 x 122 x 53 cm (H, W, D) Burners: 2 Warranty: 1 year Materials: Stainless steel Available from: Amazon (£240.97) undefined George Foreman GFSBBQ1 Single Burner Available from Currys (£109), Amazon (£139.99) Best budget gas barbecue Pros: Low price for a gas barbecue Even heat coverage Easy to set up with clear instructions Cooks well Cons: Very basic with no extra tools or functions Have to assemble the regulator yourself, which is fiddly Poor one-year warranty Star rating: 4/5 The George Foreman GFSBBQ1 is a single burner barbecue for three people, but you could stretch this to four. With excellent, even heat coverage, it reaches temperature in just five minutes, and the temperature is easy to control. It cooked well, and our test recipes all turned out delicious. However, what you see is what you get – there are no extra functions or hidden storage. Though it produces good char-lines, these aren’t as good as other models on test, and it took longer to cook. I also found that the 70cm width of this barbecue slightly defeats the point of a table-top design, as it takes up a lot of room on most patio or garden tables. Though the main body of the barbecue is easy to set up, only needing to screw in the lid, you have to put together the regulator yourself, which is very fiddly. That said, this model delivered good results, and it’s all you need for a few burgers on a sunny afternoon. Read our full George Foreman GFSBBQ1 Single Burner review. Dimensions: 34 x 70 x 50 cm (H, W, D) Burners: 1 Warranty: 1 year Materials: Enamelled pressed steel Available from: Currys (£109) Amazon (£139.99) undefined Other gas BBQs tried and tested Boss Grill Georgia Classic review, £249 What to look out for when buying a gas barbecue Assembly For ease and speed, I suggest opting for a barbecue that is quick and easy to assemble. The likelihood is that the more advanced the model, the more likely it is to take longer to assemble. I favoured designs that had clear and concise instructions that weren’t overly complicated to put together. Design Practical design makes all the difference when you build a barbecue, and in the long-term, a sturdy, waist-height model with easy-to-clean parts will make using the grill regularly more appealing, and help you to cook with confidence. Materials We all know what the great British weather can be like, so good quality, robust materials are a must. For the main grilling plates, look for models with efficient heat conductors and retainers, like cast iron or steel. Cooking options A basic gas barbecue will offer enough space for a few burgers, kebabs and buns. If that’s what you’re after, then great! But other models also offer sizzle plates for meat, additional gas hobs, rotisserie functions and warming racks. When it comes to cooking, a two-sided grill that is a good few inches away from efficient gas burners is ideal – this will allow you to manage cooking at different temperatures and avoid burning the food. This will also let you grill large cuts as well as sear smaller produce. Size Do you have a small courtyard garden, a decent amount of outside space or something in between? The barbecues I tested range in size from compact portable options up to real behemoths. The size of your barbecue shouldn’t dominate your garden, so work out how much space you’re willing to give up as larger models in particular are not likely to move. Ease of storage After use you’ll want to store your barbecue somewhere safely. Some models come with a cover to keep it safe from the elements, or these can be bought separately. Others come with side units that can be folded down and out of the way to give you a little more space. If space is at a premium, these are things you’ll want to think about. What gas do you use for a barbecue? So, you’ve decided to opt for one of the best gas barbecues on this list. The next thing you’ll need to do is get your hands on some gas. But which gas do you need for your barbecue and how do you go about sourcing it? The gas models on this list require either propane or butane gas – two of the most commonly used gases for domestic barbecues. Without getting too deep into all the science behind the gases, the main difference between propane and butane is their boiling point. Propane has a boiling point of -42C and butane’s is -2C. This means propane can be stored outside in all weathers, whereas butane is less effective in cold weather. But don’t make the mistake of thinking these gases are interchangeable – they’re not: the gas connectors for propane and butane are different. To add to the confusion, some barbecues on this list take a propane/butane blend. Always buy the type of gas stated by the brand of the barbecue you’re buying. Gas bottles can be refilled or bought directly from suppliers like Calor and FloGas or from home and DIY stores like Homebase and B&Q. A quick Google search is the best way to find your nearest gas supplier. Do note that if you’ve never bought gas before, you’ll need to pay for the gas canister, too, which will push the upfront cost up. The cost of the gas will vary in price depending on how much you’re buying. Expect to pay £20-£35 for 4-6L of gas. Mid-sized bottles (7-12L) range in price from £35-£55. And anything larger will cost £55 upwards. Best barbecue recipes Sticky chicken & chorizo skewers Molten cheese stuffed burgers Tamarind squash & halloumi skewers Charred aubergine, pepper & bulgur salad BBQ rum & caramel bananas Best vegan barbecue recipes Top 20 family barbecue recipes Best ever barbecue recipes Best family barbecue desserts Best vegetarian barbecue recipes Best healthy barbecue recipes Last minute barbecue recipes Related reviews Best charcoal barbecues Best electric barbecues BBQ deals Best portable barbecues Best Weber BBQ Best pizza ovens Best barbecue food best BBQ tools Best pizza oven accessories Best Ooni pizza oven Best Ooni accessories Best pizza oven accessories Barbecue tips and tricks Which barbecue should I buy? Top tips for a successful barbecue Easiest ever barbecue menu Top tips for stress-free barbecuing How to cook meat properly on the barbecue The great British barbecue How to season cast iron How to clean a BBQ If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability, please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.
The best camping stoves for outdoor feasting
Fancy firing up the camping stove for a spot of outdoor cooking? We’ve tested the best to bring you our top outdoor cookers for making tent-side camping recipes.
Anyone who regularly goes camping understands the freedom of cooking in the great outdoors. You can take in the scenery and enjoy the fresh air while preparing a delicious meal — what’s not to love? Whether you’re planning a relaxing weekend in one of the UK’s beauty spots or going on an adventurous hiking holiday, you'll need cooking equipment to make it a success and a camping stove should be at the top of your packing list. Whatever your budget or backpack size, there are plenty of camping stoves to choose from. Some will be suitable for feeding the family with one of Good Food’s camping recipes, while others are made for more basic cooking or boiling water for your morning cup of tea. To help you narrow things down, we’ve been testing a variety of camping stoves from popular brands, including Vango, Campingaz and Halfords. If you’re stuck on what food to take on your camping holiday, Good Food has plenty of camping food ideas, and for non-meat eaters, there are some tasty vegan camping recipes to try out, too. Best camping stoves at a glance Best double gas burner: Campingaz Camping Kitchen 2 Maxi, £89.95 Best electric camping stove: Vango Sizzle Double, £145 Best camping stove for two-person camping trips: Campingaz Camp’Bistro, £36.99 Best for backpacks: Jetboil Flash, £139.99 Best grill/oven camping stove: Cobb Premier+ Gas, £209.99 Best for single-person cooking: Vango Blaze, £30 Best camping stove for versatile cooking: Campingaz Party Grill 400CV camping stove, £140 Best for a morning brew: Coleman FyreStorm PCS camping stove, £79 Best budget single ring: Halfords portable gas stove, £18 Best luxury single ring: Primus Moja, £145 Best basic double burner camping stove: Outwell Olida stove, £58.06 Best double burner for the keen camping cook: Cadac 2-Cook 2 Pro Deluxe QR, £125 Best deluxe camping stove set: Primus Primetech stove set, £135.18 Best lightweight burner: Vango Atom Stove, £31 Best back-to-basics stove: Decathlon Wood-Burning Camping stove M-500, £59.99 Best lightweight cooking stove set: Trangia 25-1 UL, £76 Best camping stoves to buy in 2025 Campingaz Kitchen 2 Maxi Available from Camping International (£99), Wow Camping (£89.95), Stoves Are Us (£129.99) Pros: Can run off large or small gas canisters Solid construction Highly effective ignition Windshield steady and locks into place Cons: Pan supports are slippery with some pans No carry case or handle Star rating: 5/5 As a double gas burner, this couldn’t be easier to use – the set up and lighting are simple, with very clear instructions and safety information. The materials are sturdy, with a locking mechanism for the lid and a steady base. The pan supports are a little slippy with some types of pans, so care should be taken if you find this is the case. Heating is quick, but also controllable, and the ignition sparks up the burner every time. The stove holds two medium pans (7-28cm) and runs off large and small canisters using Campingaz’s Twin Connection CV/R Regulator, making the stove suitable for different types of camping trips. Available from: Camping International (£99) Wow Camping (£89.95) Stoves Are Us (£129.99) Vango Sizzle Double undefined Best electric camping stove Pros: Very easy to use Safe and sturdy Clear heat settings Cons: Need a table and electrical point Star rating: 5/5 The Vango Sizzle comes in a single or double option. We tested the latter, and it couldn’t have been more of a breeze. From unpacking to getting the first fry-up ready, this is as easy as cooking in your own kitchen. Simply plug in and you’re away. There are five heat settings, giving this product a level of control that allows for more nuanced cooking. You’ve got room for two medium-sized pans, so you can have a couple of dishes going at once. You’ll need an electricity point. It comes with a protective cloth bag and isn’t too heavy at 2.78kg, but it’s definitely one for bringing in the car. A great choice for up to four people away for a few days of civilised home-from-home camping. undefined Campingaz Camp’Bistro Available from Amazon (£36.99) Best camping stove for two-person camping trips Pros: Sturdy and well-made Easy to set up and clean Comes with a protective carrying case Gas cartridge ejects when not in use for safety Cons: It uses a fair amount of gas each time There's no protection against the wind It's quite big, so not suited to backpacks Star rating: 4.5/5 With its reliable single burner, durable design and protective carrying case, the Campingaz Camp’Bistro offers excellent value for money. It’s the perfect size for preparing a meal for two on a camping trip. To start cooking, all you need to do is insert the cartridge and turn the dial to ignition. After that, you can whip up a fried egg or morning porridge in about 3 minutes. The heat distributes evenly around the ring and there’s ample space for large pans and woks. If you want to cook something more exciting – like a steak or pancakes – a griddle accessory is sold separately. This stove feels well-made, although it’s a bit bigger than others, making it better suited for car boots than backpacks. We particularly like that the gas flow stops and the cartridge ejects when not in use, so you won’t forget it’s there. The only significant downside is the lack of wind protection; it did occasionally blow out during our testing. undefined Jetboil Flash undefined Best for a backpack Pros: Super-fast water boiling Lightweight and compact Ideal for all weather conditions Ideal for water and dehydrated food Cons: Not suitable for larger numbers Not suitable for adventurous cooking Star rating: 4.5/5 As the name suggests, this stove doesn’t lag when it comes to getting the job done. It took 90 seconds for water to come to a strong, rolling boil – essential if you’re in unpleasant conditions and you want a brew quickly. As far as boiling is concerned, this is second to none. For food, we tried porridge in the cup and it was quite ferocious. It’s not easy to reduce the heat sufficiently for gentler cooking. We used a separate pan for frying an egg; again, this was fast and resulted in a crispy base, but you have to watch out not to leave plastic utensils in the pan for any length of time. This stove is ideal for backpackers and hikers taking dehydrated food. It's quick, portable and lightweight, has an in-built ignition, measuring cup that doubles as a small bowl and great wind protection. undefined Cobb Premier+ Gas Available from Lakeland (£209.99) Best grill/oven camping stove Pros: Can cook wide range of foods Offers different styles of cooking, including roasting, grilling and baking Range of accessory options Cons: Large Ideally need vehicle to transport More suited to confident cooks Star rating: 4.5/5 If you like to camp with all the creature comforts, including an ambitious selection of meals, this is for you. The Cobb Premier+ Gas is predominantly an oven and grill, although with a variety of cookware and attachments, there’s little you can’t do, from making a pizza, to cooking a whole roast chicken. We used the basic oven and added a roasting rack to cook Good Food’s easy bread rolls, streaky bacon and grilled vegetables to great effect. We were particularly impressed with the texture of the rolls, as this seemed like a stretch for a gas stove. We’d say this is best for confident cooks, as there’s a little guesswork required when adapting cooking times and getting the right heat, but it’s lots of fun to play with and produces excellent results once you’ve mastered it. undefined Vango Blaze Available from Amazon (£24.95), Vango (£30) Best camping stove for single-person cooking Pros: Very compact and lightweight Affordable Easy to use, quick to clean Cons: Struggled to get enough heat to boil water Pans didn't sit securely on each edge of the stand Takes a while to heat up, no wind blocking For solo al fresco cooking, the Vango Blaze is a single-burner camping stove with a very palatable price tag. If you need something compact and lightweight for a small backpack to rustle up a quick tin of beans in the morning, this will be a good choice. Set up is speedy, all you need to do is slot the pot stand onto the base, screw on the hose and attach it to a threaded canister of butane/propane mixture gas. Then it’s just a case of turning it on and putting a flame to the burner. We managed to cook breakfast for one in less than 10 minutes. Admittedly, you do have to make sacrifices for its low cost. We struggled to get enough heat to boil a litre of water, and our pans didn’t sit flat on the stand. There’s no wind blocking either, so that’s something to consider if you’re heading to the coast this summer. undefined Campingaz Party Grill 400CV camping stove Latest Deals Best camping stove for versatile cooking Pros: Practical size for families Multi-purpose lid Cons: Heavy An ideal choice for the enthusiastic camping cook, this stove offers a variety of cooking options for four to six people. We used the cast-iron griddle plate to cook beautifully char-lined vegetables. The hot plate works well for a fry-up. There’s also a grill and heat diffuser, and the lid can be used as a wok. It all packs into a ball in a handy carry case that’s around 5kg – not exactly lightweight, but worth it for the gourmet possibilities. Latest Deals Coleman FyreStorm PCS camping stove Latest Deals Best for a morning brew Pros: Compact Lightweight Insulated sleeve Cons: Limited to single serving if using the cup We loved the all-in appeal of this diminutive stove. Weighing only 486g, it has everything you need, and a small gas canister (not included) can be popped inside the main body for easy transport. It includes a lidded 1.3l pot snugly wrapped in an insulated sleeve with a handle that doubles as a carry case. There’s also an effective screw-on windshield. Although it does do more than boil water, we found this the perfect choice for one or two festival campers who love to wake up to a cuppa, make instant oats or whip up a cup noodle but otherwise buy food from vendors. Take additional cookware to rustle up a more ambitious one-pot meal. Latest Deals Halfords portable gas stove Available from Halfords (£18) Best budget camping stove Pros: Simple temperature control Good resilience to wind Cons: Still vulnerable to poor weather conditions This stove couldn’t be easier to use, with a canister that slots into the body, simple temperature dial and piezo ignition (which lights the gas with an electrical spark). There’s wind protection close enough to the flame to be really effective and it easily tackled boiling and frying in windy conditions, performing better than many of the more expensive options. It comes in a carry case and at 1.85 kg is pretty light. Available from: Halfords (£18) Primus Moja Available from Amazon (£149.95) Best luxury single burner Pros: Stylish Intuitive controls removable wind shield Cons: Pricy but still good value For simplicity and style, the Primus Moja is our go-to choice. Twist on the gas canister, light a match, turn the knob and you’re ready to cook. The stove is a powerful 3000W and the heat is adjustable. The dimensions are compact (27 x 30cm) yet the ring is a good size for a one-pot for four. There’s also the option to take the lid off, creating space for a larger pan. The brass fixtures and practical oak carry-handle make an attractive piece of kit, plus an easily removable grate allows for no-fuss cleaning. All in all a practical and highly portable solution that felt solid, safe and sturdy. Available from: Amazon (£149.95) Outwell Olida stove undefined Best basic double burner camping stove Pros: Includes a hose and regulator Good wind and heat shields Cons: No carry case We chose this product for ease of use. Hose and regulator are included, unlike some other brands of larger stove, meaning you only need to attach a gas canister and you’re ready to go. Folding up the lid and flaps either side, we found the burners were shielded from the blast of a fan, especially with two pots on the go. A carry case would have been a good addition but with neat dimensions for a double burner (47 x 32cm) and weighing 4.4kg, it still gets points for portability. undefined Cadac 2-Cook 2 Pro Deluxe QR undefined Best double burner for the keen camping cook Pros: Versatile cooking pans Good heat distribution Cons: Hose and regulator not included If you like to cook up a feast while camping, then you can’t go wrong with this cleverly-designed, versatile and easy-to-clean Cadac stove. You can switch out the generously wide rings for a non-stick hot plate or griddle, or use a combination. Heat distribution is excellent - four fried eggs cooked evenly right to the edges on the hot plate. This stove is suitable for 4–6 people but could cater for more. Hose and regulator are not provided and you do need a larger gas canister. There’s a handy carry case but the overall weight, plus canister mean this is an option for people taking their own transport to your destination. undefined Primus Primetech stove set undefined Best luxury camping stove set Pros: Practical pan sizes Lightweight Cons: Frying pan not included but you can use the pots There’s a reason why Primus has stood the test of time. This is a well-thought-out piece of equipment with two 2.3l cooking pots (one hard anodised and the other a non-stick ‘heat exchanger’), detachable handle, windshield and burner all nestled together in a neat carry case. We were particularly impressed with the heat exchanger pan which reduced an already efficient boiling time from 6½ mins to 4½ mins. Suitable for 2-5 people, weight 870g. undefined Vango Atom Stove undefined Best lightweight burner Pros: Compact and lightweight solution Simple screw-on setup Cons: No wind protection If you’re short on space and need to travel light, we highly recommend the Vango Atom. It weighs just 66g and is 6cm x 4cm when folded. You will need a small gas canister too but if gas is your preferred option, we think you’ll struggle to find a smaller stove that’s as effective. The Atom is powerful, boiling enough water for two cups of tea in under 2 minutes. You’ll need to take pans – we used the stackable Vango Hard Anodised Adventure Cook Kit with two saucepans (one with lid), and a frying pan. The stove clips conveniently on top of your gas bottle but can be a little precarious with a pot balanced on top, and is therefore not ideal with young kids or pets in tow. The Decathlon Forclaz Remote Gas Stove Trek 500 is slightly larger (170g) and more expensive but is more stable if you have room in your backpack, plus it has a piezo lighter. undefined Decathlon Wood-Burning Camping stove M-500 undefined Best back-to-basics stove Pros: Lightweight Robust Cons: Takes slightly longer to cook There’s nothing quite like gathering around a proper fire and for this you need a wood-burning stove. The warm glow and smell of burning wood create a lovely atmosphere for old-school cooking and yet the modern stainless steel design is very easy to use. The fire took quickly using eco firelighters and kindling. We liked that you could safely light and add more wood from a small side door. Cooking took a little longer than our gas choices but the experience was worth it. undefined Trangia 25-1 UL undefined Best lightweight cooking stove set Pros: Ultralight Dual-fuel options Compact Cons: A little unstable on some surfaces This camping stove offers everything you need in a compact design – two saucepans and a frying pan with the latter doubling up as a lid for the saucepans, plus windshield and carry-handle. The UL stands for ultralight, which it is. There are two choices of fuel, spirit or gas. We tested spirit (you can get bioethanol from Amazon). Again, cooking wasn’t as fast as the gas burners. The stove also has feet that you flip up or down depending on which pans you’re using and this was a little tricky when hot. That aside, it’s a clever design that packs a lot into a small space. undefined Which camping stove should I buy? When making your choice, ensure you can readily purchase everything you need. Fuel type is the first consideration and below we have included gas, wood and spirit burners. Gas stoves are the most common. For some larger stoves you may need a hose and regulator (not always included) and a bigger gas canister. For smaller stoves, there are two main types of attachment, screw or clip on – so double check before you buy as they can look similar side by side. We found gas most efficient, providing a powerful, adjustable heat. The other two fuel types were a little slower but only by a few minutes. Wood-burning stoves offer old-school charm while a spirit burner has a higher level of portability for backpacking and hiking. With so many on the market and options ranging from budget to blowout, it’s worth having an idea of how you’re going to use your stove. The main considerations are weight, size and how they hold up in blustery conditions. You also need to think about what you'll be heating – if it’s just your morning cup of tea, then a pocket-sized burner covers that. For one-pots, a single burner will suffice, but if you plan to put together more elaborate dishes or you want to make your cuppa and fry-up simultaneously, then a double burner will be better suited. Some brands also offer cookware as part of the kit, or different styles of cooking such as griddle, grill or wok. How we tested camping stoves We tested a representative range of camping stoves and marked them against the following criteria on our testing matrix. We cooked a fry-up and boiled a litre of water without a lid, creating windy conditions using a large fan. Portability: We looked for stoves that were easy to transport with a sensible weight/capacity ratio. Power: Boiling water gave us a good indication of how much power a stove could generate. Wind shielding: We chose products that could cook our food even when the wind is up. Safety: Stability and safety features were given extra points. Capacity: We considered capacity versus size. Big isn’t always best, but versatility caught our attention. Cleaning: We gave extra points to stoves that were easy to clean or could be taken apart for washing-up. Added features: These were a bonus only where their addition outweighed extra bulk. Camping safety Take some basic precautions to ensure you’re using your gas stove safely. Check all equipment is in good working order. We’d recommend looking at the safety precautions and instructions for your specific stove, as they will vary. Never cook inside your tent as the stove releases poisonous carbon monoxide fumes. Keep an eye on the flame to ensure any wind hasn’t blown it out, and we recommend giving a brand-new stove a trial build at home to ensure you have the right fuel. For gas stoves, only change the gas cartridge when the stove is cold and in a well-ventilated area. Always remove the cartridge while travelling. 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