Best gas BBQ picks: tried, tested and rated by reviews experts

A sturdy, reliable and efficient gas BBQ can transform your summer cooking. Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining or looking for something compact to accompany you on your staycation, we put a range of the best gas BBQs to the test, to find the right model for you.

Even the very best gas BBQs require assembly and this can often be more time consuming than their charcoal cousins. But do bear in mind, the time taken will vary considerably depending on the size of the BBQ, number of burners and additional cooking features.

For a controlled, consistent and reliable cook, a gas BBQ is the best choice. Unlike charcoal, gas means the BBQ heats up in no time (usually between five and 15 minutes) and retains an even heat that can be easily adjusted using the dials. This means there’s no need to hover over it, constantly stoking the coals. BBC Good Food have a whole host of the best ever barbecue recipes to get you started.

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Jump to:

• Best gas BBQ at a glance
• What is the best gas BBQ 2023?
• How we tested gas BBQs
• What to look out for when buying a gas BBQ
• What gas do you use for a BBQ
• Best BBQ recipes

Best gas BBQ at a glance

• Best blow-out gas BBQ for entertaining: Weber Genesis Series EPX-335 Smart Gas Barbecue, £1799.10
• Best easy-to-assemble BBQ: Napoleon Rogue R425 gas grill, £647
• Best portable BBQ: Weber Q1200 gas barbecue, £275
• Best BBQ for serious barbecuers: Napoleon Freestyle 365 SIB, £560.49
• Best mid-sized Weber BBQ: Weber Spirit II GBS gas grill, £649
• Best BBQ for couples or small families: Char-Broil Grill2Go, £148.99
• Best basic BBQ: Boss Grill Deluxe Portable, £249.97
• Best budget BBQ: George Foreman GFSBBQ1 Single Burner, £125
• Best BBQ for grilling and searing: Boss Grill Georgia Classic, £329.97
• Best BBQ for first-time barbecuers: Outback Magnum 3 Gas/Charcoal barbecue, £441.99
• Best BBQ for steakhouse-style char lines: Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 SIB, £2279.99

What is the best gas BBQ 2023?

Weber Genesis Series EPX-335 Smart gas barbecue

• Available from Hayes Garden World (£1799.10), John Lewis and Partners (£1999), Weber (£2099)

Best blow-out BBQ for entertaining

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
• BBQ cover not included in the price

Star rating: 5/5

New for 2022, the Weber Genesis is a professional-grade gas BBQ for home use. It's our top pick for anyone wanting to create big BBQ flavours easily year-round from a relatively seamless outdoor cooking experience.

It’s a beast, large enough to cook for up to 10 at a time. For the price, we expected exceptional quality along with bells and whistles, and we weren’t disappointed. Among the features were night vision LED lighting, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, plus alerts for step-by-step BBQ recipes direct to your phone; a modern nudge that could prove useful when distracted during busy BBQs with friends and family.

We 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 BBQ is as reliable as your stovetop indoors.

Read our full Weber Genesis Series EPX-335 Smart gas barbecue review

Available from:
Hayes Garden World (£1799.10)
John Lewis and Partners (£1999)
Weber (£2099)

Napoleon Rogue 425 gas grill

• Available from BBQ World (£647), Keen Gardener (£664.99)

Best easy-to-assemble BBQ

Pros:

• Quick to heat up
• Good temperature control
• Excellent cooking results
• Thoughtful design
• Easy to move around and lock
• Striking aesthetic

Cons:

• Expensive
• Non-stick coating disappointing

Star rating: 5/5

A wonderful all-rounder, the Napoleon Rogue 425 gas grill passed every cooking challenge with ease and surpassed its rivals in terms of quality. It provided extra-fast preheating and the best overall heat retention – a vital tool when you’re cooking for a crowd or slow cooking large cuts.

It was one of the simpler builds, having fewer, higher-quality parts. Despite having one of the largest overall grills, it impressively folds down brilliantly (even the side hob can be tucked away) and won’t take up half your garden space.

It's also packed with well-made functional extras (a side hob, storage shelf for condiments and tools, for example) which are the cherry on top of what overall feels like a robust, well-engineered and food-focused gas grill.

Read our full Napoleon Rogue 425 gas grill review

Available from:
BBQ World (£647)
Keen Gardener (£664.99)

Weber Q1200 gas barbecue

• Available from BBQ World (£275), John Lewis and Partners (£376), Weber (£389)

Best portable BBQ

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 BBQ 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 BBQ 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, which 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

Available from:
BBQ World (£275)
John Lewis and Partners (£376)
Weber (£389)

Napoleon Freestyle 365 SIB

• Available from BBQWorld (£560.49), Napoleon (£589.99)

Best BBQ for serious barbecuers

Pros:

• Easy to ignite
• Quick to heat
• Effective side burner
• Handy side table
• Great 10-year warranty
• Cooks precisely and delicately, easy to control

Cons:

• Grates are slightly wide
• Terrible instructions, takes a long time to assemble
• Expensive
• Noisy

Star rating: 4.5/5

Easy to ignite and quick to heat, the Napoleon Freestyle 365 is a top-line three-burner gas BBQ. The 51 x 45cm grilling area is a good size, offering lots of space for cooking without taking up your entire patio. The burners and thermometer are responsive, letting you precisely control the temperature, so barbecued chicken ended up with well-defined grill lines.

For sides, the warming rack is suspended in just the right spot to keep kebabs and corn on the cob at the perfect temperature. The side burner was the biggest hit, grilling an astonishing steak, and the bottle opener makes this model a social focal point on a patio. However, it’s difficult to put together because the instructions are poor, and it needs a screwdriver, spanner and ratchet. We also found the grates to be quite wide, so smaller, more delicate items like prawn skewers might struggle to achieve even charring.

This BBQ is expensive for what it offers. Though it has a good 10-year warranty, it’s still a lot of money for a three-burner model.

Read our full Napoleon Freestyle 365 SIB review

Available from:
BBQWorld (£560.49)
Napoleon (£589.99)

Weber Spirit II GBS gas grill

• Available from Amazon (£619.66), Weber (£649)

Best mid-sized Weber barbecue

Pros:

• Excellent temperature control
• Quick preheating
• Great cooking results
• Stylish aesthetic
• Versatile

Cons:

• Long assembly time
• Difficult to move around
• Bulky

Star rating: 4.5/5

Weber, unsurprisingly, don’t disappoint with this shiny, bells-and-whistles gas model that provides versatility and consistency whether cooking fast or slow.

Where it does fall down slightly is the build time – we found this to be a complex piece of kit to assemble, taking a total of 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Once you're up and running, preheating takes just 10-15 minutes, and the grill works very well, connecting and lighting with ease and retaining heat throughout cooking.

The heat distribution is impressively consistent and equally adaptable, allowing you to cook large cuts with precision.

This BBQ really is a statement piece, taking up a lot of floor space, and while the shelves do fold down, the tilt-and-lift style of wheeling it around does take some getting used to.

Read our full Weber Spirit II GBS gas grill review

Available from:
Amazon (£619.66)
Weber (£649)

Char-Broil Grill2Go

• Available from Amazon (£148.99), Appliances Direct (£180) and BBQ World (£177.99)

Best BBQ for couples or small families

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 BBQ, 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 BBQ looking picture-perfect, with well-defined grill lines. The Grill2Go is also excellent at retaining moisture, which can be tricky on a BBQ. 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, we think 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

Available from:
Amazon (£148.99)
Appliances Direct (£180)
BBQ World (£177.99)

Boss Grill Deluxe Portable

• Available from Appliances Direct (£249.97), Amazon (£277.97)

Best basic 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 BBQ. 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, we found we’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 we’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 we were expecting, showing well-defined grill lines from top to bottom.

This is a generously sized BBQ for a family of four or a small gathering, and it gets the basics right.

Read our full Boss Grill Deluxe Portable review

Available from:
Appliances Direct (£249.97)
Amazon (£277.97)

George Foreman GFSBBQ1 Single Burner

Best budget BBQ

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 0ne-year warranty

Star rating: 4/5

The George Foreman GFSBBQ1 is a single burner BBQ for three people, but we think 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. We also found that the 70cm width of this BBQ 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 BBQ 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

Boss Grill Georgia Classic

• Available from Appliances Direct (£329.97), Amazon (£395.98)

Best BBQ for grilling and searing

Pros:

• Comes with side burner
• Flat plate for searing steaks and burgers
• Generous cooking space
• Comes with lots of useful accessories
• Useful warming rack

Cons:

• Instructions lacking: the BBQ was fiddly to put together
• A little wobbly
• Struggled to ignite the side burner – had to use lighter

Star rating: 3.5/5

The Georgia Classic Boss Grill is the only model on this list that comes with two types of cooking plate for the main BBQ area. Choose from a classic BBQ grill or a single plate of cast iron, perfect for hard searing meat, buns or anything else that requires a tasty crust.

This model comes with four burners on the BBQ portion and an additional side hob, so you can cook food in a frying pan, skillet or saucepan.

We were let down by the complicated assembly and poor quality materials of this design. The instruction manual wasn’t overly clear and the supportive side panels were very flimsy and easily bent out of shape.

The main grill was easy to ignite, but we weren’t able to get the side burner to light, despite many attempts. The food cooked well but the front 10cm barely heated up, so was rendered unusable.

Read our full Boss Grill Georgia Classic review

Available from:
Appliances Direct (£329.97)
Amazon (£395.98)

Outback Magnum 3 Gas/Charcoal barbecue

• Available from World of BBQs (£441.99), Appliances Direct (£459.97), Outback (£519.99)

Best BBQ for first-time barbecuers

Pros:

• Well thought out with lots of great features
• Easy and safe to use
• Very easy to clean

Cons:

• At least two people needed for build
• The side burner ignition is very close to the flames
• Sand is required in the drip tray
• Not as solid and sturdy as some

Star rating: 3.5/5

This Outback model is packed full of features, so for the money and ease of use it's a good option if you’re looking for something simple but effective. It includes a side burner, side shelf, tool hooks, bottle opener, charcoal basket, warming rack and removable grill - everything you can think of. Plus, if you shell out for a sizzle plate, pizza stone and charcoal, this is a hugely versatile BBQ. It’s a simple, methodical build, easy to use and, for occasional use and your average BBQ fare, it’s good.

This is well thought out and easy to use, so it's most useful for first-time gas BBQ users and occasional use, cooking predictable BBQ food. It wouldn't be suitable for very small gardens or courtyards as it doesn't fold for storage and takes up quite a bit of room.

The biggest drawbacks are its cooking reliability and lack of efficiency thanks to cold spots, and compared to other models in the test in the same price range, it seems expensive. Its size and storage demands and the need for sand in the drip tray also let it down.

Read our full Outback Magnum 3 Gas/Charcoal barbecue review

Available from:
World of BBQs (£441.99)
Appliances Direct (£459.97)
Outback (£519.99)

Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 SIB

• Available from BBQ World (£2279.99), Napoleon (£2399.99)

Best BBQ for steakhouse-style char lines

Pros:

• Easy to read, large temperature dial
• Safety dials that light up
• Ample cooking space
• Effective infrared sizzle zone
• Comfortable cooking height

Cons:

• Unclear instructions, and hard to find right screws to build
• Hard to ignite
• Difficult to see flames
• Awkward to reach rear burner cooking shelf
• Lid and edges of handle get hot

Star rating: 3/5

Designed for someone who takes their outdoor grilling seriously, this medium-sized gas BBQ comes with a range of nifty features, as well as a comparatively hefty price tag to the others on test. We found it tricky to ignite, and then hard to see the flames to check if it had successfully fired up, so if you’re not confident using gas, this might not be for you. Once you’re up and running, this model preheats quickly and retains heat well, and offers an impressive selection of cooking options, including a grilling and searing plate, rotisserie function (although you’ll need to buy this accessory) and rear burner.

Awkward to assemble, it definitely requires two people to attach the sides and internal shelves, but once it’s built, it feels sturdy and the wheels lock securely. The Phantom Prestige® 500 is not for the faint-hearted, both in terms of the barbecuing expertise needed to get the best performance from it, and the space it requires to fit in a garden – the dimensions aren’t suitable for a small patio or courtyard – but if you’re confident wielding a pair of BBQ tongs, price isn’t an issue and if you’re after a bit of kit that looks the part, it’s worth considering.

Read our full Napoleon Phantom Prestige 500 SIB review

Available from:
BBQ World (£2279.99)
Napoleon (£2399.99)

How we tested gas BBQs

We teamed up with our friends at Gardeners' World for this test and together we 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 BBQs. For the best gloves, tongs and other barbecuing essentials, head over to our best BBQ tools review.

To put each BBQ to the test, we cooked a range of BBQ staples including toasted burger buns, chunky barbecue potato slices, courgette slices, a whole aubergine and halloumi kebabs. Some of the models we tested had either sizzle plates or an additional hob, on which we cooked a simple sirloin steak. For the models with a rotisserie function, we also made a rotisserie chicken. All BBQs were tested against the following criteria:

• Versatility and efficiency: we wanted a generous cooking space for the size of the BBQ. Additions like different plates, warming racks or the option for additional cooking accessories were a plus
• Performance and cooking results: we wanted to see even and well-defined grill marks and fully cooked food at a steady and consistent temperature - no burned sausages here!
• Value for money: we considered whether the price of the BBQ was consistent with its performance and versatility in use
• Simple and easy to use: we favoured BBQs that were quick and efficient to build thanks to a clear manual, we also looked for intuitive and responsive controls, and a gas flame that was easy to see
• Sustainability: we looked at the materials used to package and ship the BBQ; 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

What to look out for when buying a gas BBQ

Assembly
For ease and speed, we suggest opting for a BBQ 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. We 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 BBQ, 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 BBQ 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 BBQs we tested range in size from compact portable options up to real behemoths. The size of your BBQ 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 BBQ 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 BBQ?

So you’ve decided to opt for one of the best gas BBQs 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 BBQ 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 BBQs. 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 BBQs on this list take a propane/butane blend. Always buy the type of gas stated by the brand of the BBQ 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 BBQ recipes

The BBC Good Food cookery team consistently conjures up delicious dishes that elevate the humble backyard BBQ.

Sticky chicken and chorizo skewers

Molten cheese stuffed burgers

Tamarind squash and halloumi skewers

Charred aubergine, pepper & bulgur salad

BBQ rum & caramel bananas

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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.