When the sun comes out, the grills do too. Unlike charcoal barbecues, the best gas barbecues are conveniently quick to cook on, almost mess-free, and the heat is much easier to control.
Gas barbecues can range in size from modest two-burners that feed a few people to party-sized six burner grills, with additional features that include planchas, side burners, searing zones, folding side tables, utensil hooks and lockable wheels. While these are handy, I’m more interested in the cooking ability: intuitive ignition, high heat, precise temperature control and minimal smoke.
Along with an appealing design, it’s worth assessing what different price points will give you. High-end barbecues can cost £900 or more, but are designed to weather the winter, while cheaper options in the £100-£400 range will likely need durable covers to avoid rust. Tall hoods help more heat to circulate, and porcelain-enamel cast iron grills retain that heat too. Good quality flame tamers make a big difference to the flavour of your food, and more burners – while better for temperature control – will use more gas.
I’ve tested a range of gas barbecues currently on the market, and my current favourite is the Weber spirit E-425, but whether you’re a casual griller or a serious chef, there should be a gas barbecue listed here to suit your needs.
Read more: 11 best pizza ovens for indoor and outdoor cooking, tested by experts
The best gas BBQs for 2026 are:
- Best overall – Weber spirit E-425 gas grill with plancha: £699, Weber.com
- Best budget buy – Uniflame 2 burner gas BBQ: £71, Asda.com
- Best three-burner – Campinaz 3 series onyx S gas BBQ: £799, Stovesareus.co.uk
- Best gas/charcoal combo – Charles Bentley ottimo 465 dual fuel 2-burner BBQ: £349.99, Homebase.co.uk
- Best griddle – Weber slate GPD 76cm premium griddle: £949, Weber.com
Read more: 12 best charcoal BBQs, tried and tested by grilling experts
Weber spirit E-425 gas grill with plancha
Best: gas BBQ overall
Dimensions: 117cm x 132cm x 67.5cm (lid closed)
Cooking area: 3,438 sq cm
Number of burners: Four
Side burner: No
Additional features: One-hand snap ignition, warming rack, two side tables
Why we love it
- Easy to use
- Split cooking zones for meat and more delicate ingredients
- Both side shelves fold down to save on space
- Straightforward assembly
Take note
- Only two wheels and no handle makes manoeuvring difficult
Weber’s spirit E-425 four burner grill ticks all my boxes as the best gas barbecue I tested. It’s got an easy one-hand snap ignition, multiple temperature controls, two foldable metal side tables to reduce the size, and a timeless design that looks great in the garden.
I tested the plancha version, which offers split cooking on two surfaces: a porcelain-enamel cast iron grate on one side, and a non-stick flat plancha for more delicate ingredients on the other. The latter also doubles as a ‘sear zone’, where I cranked up the heat to get those all-important char marks. It took 15 minutes to reach 260C – easy to check, thanks to the clearly readable analogue temperature gauge on the hood. Stainless steel ‘flavorizer bars’ both divert grease from the burners, and vaporise it back into the grilling process.
Assembly was straightforward with robust, well-made parts and a manageable amount of steps to follow – I particularly like the stainless steel handle running the length of the hood. In fact, the grill’s only flaw is having just two wheels and no side handle, meaning it’s a bit tricky to manoeuvre.
Buy now £699, Weber.com
Uniflame 2 burner gas BBQ
Best: budget gas BBQ
Dimensions: 99cm x 57cm x 98 cm
Cooking area: 1,723 sq cm
Number of burners: Two
Side burner: No
Additional features: Two side tables, warming rack
Why we love it
- Compact size
- Heats up quickly and cooks evenly
- Mostly easy to construct
Take note
- Side tables don’t fold down
- No shelving below the grill
- Wheels on one side only
If you’re purchasing a gas barbecue for less than £100, it’s likely you’re sacrificing build quality. The Uniflame’s metal parts are admittedly thin and likely to rust without adequate protection, but when it comes to performance, I couldn’t fault it as the best budget gas barbecue I tested. The two burners heat the grill up quickly and provide a nice, even cook despite a few bursts of flame at spitting sausages.
It’s easy to construct with mostly clear instructions, although fixing the hood in place was a little finicky and correctly aligning the back bar’s holes needs some trial and error. Like the Weber spirit and GoodHome models, this grill only has wheels on one side, which can make manoeuvring around the garden a little tricky, but at just under 13kg it’s not a heavy unit.
Aesthetics wise, there are various sections of white text emblazoned on the front panel and side table, and it’s a shame the latter doesn’t fold down for storage. It’s also the only barbecue I’ve reviewed without a lower shelf. Regardless, this is a cheery little barbecue, at an excellent price point amongst the big guns.
Buy now £71, Asda.com
Charles Bentley ottimo 465 dual fuel 2-burner BBQ
Best: gas & charcoal combo BBQ
Dimensions: 110cm x 147.5cm x 52cm
Cooking area: 3,000 sq cm
Number of burners: Two
Side burner: Yes
Additional features: Side shelf, built-in thermometer
Why we love it
- Dual fuel function makes it a versatile cook
- Easy to use
- Oil and ash drip trays make clean up easier
- Straightforward to assemble
Take note
- Regulator and hose are provided, but not pre-attached
- Lit flames are hard to see
The Charles Bentley ottimo 465 is the best gas and charcoal barbecue offers the best of both worlds, with two separate charcoal and gas heat zones for flexible cooking. I appreciated the separate oil drip tray and ash tray too, making the eventual clean up much easier.
The gas grill space is small, but I still managed to fit sausages, courgette, pepper halves and a whole aubergine on the cast iron grill, with additional items on the warming rack above. The two individually controlled burners were easy to ignite and I could check the rising temperature via the closed hood’s thermometer dial.
Assembly was straightforward, and though the unit feels more lightweight than pricier models it doesn’t compromise on quality: the metal is sturdy enough, and the four lockable wheels make it easy to manoeuvre. I also found the retro steel and black design really stylish, and the low build makes it less imposing.
I didn’t love the requirement to attach the hose and tighten the jubilee clip myself, but it’s easy enough to get the hang of.
Buy now £309.99, Amazon.co.uk
Weber slate GPD 76cm premium griddle
Best: griddle gas BBQ
Dimensions: 100cm x 180cm x 59.5cm (lid closed)
Cooking area: 3,483 sq cm
Number of burners: Three
Side burner: No
Additional features: Digital temperature display, two side tables, cabinet storage
Why we love it
- Sturdy, all-weather build
- Burners are easy to ignite
- Porcelain-enamel griddle is good for delicate ingredients
Take note
- It’s a huge and heavy unit
- No sear marks
- Expensive
An alternative style of barbecuing, the Weber slate features three burners beneath a frankly massive edge-to-edge porcelain-enamel griddle. You do miss out on sear marks with this style of grilling, but it’s a great option for more delicate ingredients.
I cooked a variety of burgers, sausages, chopped peppers and onions with ease, thanks to even heating across the non-stick pre-seasoned surface – though it’s also possible to combine direct and indirect heat by simply switching off one of the burners. A digital display gives the temperature reading, though I found it not entirely accurate.
The build is satisfyingly sturdy, with a solid silver handle running the length of the unit, an open mid-shelf above a two-door cabinet, and two side tables, only one of which folds down. However, at 18cm wide there’s no denying that this is a massive barbecue that requires ample outdoor space. Though I managed most of the assembly solo, the griddle component is seriously heavy and needs at least two people to lift it into place.
Weber insists its grills don’t need outdoor protection and that this griddle is ‘rust resistant’, but with a piece of kit this pricey I’d still use a waterproof cover. The Weber works accessory line also offers mix and match customisation with an array of clip-on basins, hooks and containers – an organisation lover’s dream.
Buy now £949, Weber.com
Ninja flexflame gas BBQ & outdoor cooking system
Best: premium gas BBQ
Dimensions: 122.7cm x 63.7cm x 151.3cm
Cooking area: 3,510 sq cm
Number of burners: Three
Side burner: No
Additional features: Side tables
Why we love it
- Multiple cooking options
- Excellent heat distribution
- Sturdy and powerful construction
Take note
- Loud convection fan
- Tricky ignition process
- Short power cord requires an extension cable
Designed to withstand all weathers, Ninja’s flexflame is the largest (and most expensive) gas barbecue I’ve reviewed. It’s easily controlled by a single large temperature dial, and a digital control panel that tells you to ‘close lid’ while the temp shoots up to 315C in 10 minutes. You can use it to grill, smoke and roast (with griddle and pizza stones sold separately).
Igniting the three burners was tricky to master at first – you have to push then twist the dial until the pilot ignites – and the digital control panel, which didn’t light up until my second test cook, requires an electrical socket and extension cord to operate.
This is the only barbecue I tested that came encased in polystyrene, so not the most environmentally friendly, and the delivery box was too big to fit through an internal doorframe, so prepare to unpack it in-situ. Lifting the heavy firebox requires two people, although the ‘hold here’ stickers are a helpful touch. There’s also a nifty 3D phone app to follow, and all required screws are attached to a clearly labelled sheet.
Despite the shiny exterior, the flexflame isn’t my favourite grill due to its single temperature dial and loud convection fan when the hood is open. That said, it’s a powerful unit that has excellent heat distribution and solid flame tamers that add depth of flavour. Both its design and multi-functional capabilities will no doubt appeal to many.
Buy now £999.99, Ninjakitchen.co.uk
GoodHome attaia black 3 burner gas BBQ
Best: budget three-burner gas BBQ
Dimensions: 114cm x 142.6cm x 58.6cm
Cooking area: 2,728 sq cm
Number of burners: Three
Side burner: No
Additional features: Two folding side tables with hooks attached, integrated chopping board, steel basin for food prep
Why we love it
- Four lockable wheels makes it easy to move
- Handy integrated chopping board
- Compact design
Take note
- Thin metal that’s hard to align when assembling
- Not the most even heating
Another grill/plancha hybrid, B&Q’s GoodHome attia is the best budget three-burner gas barbecue I tested. It’s easy to ignite, though the control dials do feel a little lightweight, and I was impressed with the range of accessories. You get baskets inside the cabinet doors; two folding side tables with two utensil hooks apiece; and it’s the only barbecue I tried that has a removable chopping board, complete with magnets to keep it attached when the side table is folded down. Plus, there’s a useful steel basin beneath for food prep. All removable parts, are dishwasher safe, which makes clean up much easier.
I did find some inconsistent heat on the grid section, for example chicken skewers at the front were still cooking while those in the centre had already begun to char.
I’m not overly keen on the aesthetics of the long screw holding the hood’s temperature dial in place, and I think it looks a little cheap. The four lockable wheels are a boon, but the locks themselves are somewhat lethal – don’t use your fingers!
Buy now £400, Diy.com
Vonhaus 4+1 burner gas BBQ
Best: budget four-burner gas BBQ
Dimensions: 101.5cm x 116cm x 51cm
Cooking area: 1,947 sq cm
Number of burners: Four
Side burner: Yes
Additional features: Side shelf, lower storage shelf
Why we love it
- Gas regulator and hose included
- Good value
- Lightweight
Take note
- Tricky to assemble
- Low height
Vonhaus’s 4+1 burner gas BBQ is modestly sized grill that has an impressive amount of power, with four main burners plus a side burner for making sauces or frying vegetables. While not boasting the heaviness of cast iron, the enamel-coated grill still heats up quickly and provides a uniform cook. The warming rack above makes great use of circulating heat beneath the somewhat shallow hood, too.
It’s worth noting there was a fair amount of smoke at first, which seemed a little alarming, although most gas barbecues do need an initial burn-off to remove any factory oils and residues.
This grill was a little difficult to assemble: I found it tricky to get the side burner into the correct position, some brackets and screws weren’t particularly well aligned, and the cabinet housing is unexpectedly open at the back and sides. Though there are only two wheels and no handle it’s a lightweight grill overall, which makes it easy to move around.
Buy now £219.99, Amazon.co.uk
Campingaz 3 series onyx S gas BBQ
Best: three-burner gas BBQ
Dimensions: 122cm x 62cm x 121cm (lid closed)
Cooking area: 2,800 sq cm
Number of burners: Three
Side burners: Yes
Additional features: Folding side table, warming rack, 4 castor wheels, reversible griddle
Why we love it
- Split cooking zones
- Easy to use
- Water-based cleaning system
Take note
- No gas regulator or hose included, and is hard to fit properly
- Grill section must be assembled from scratch
The Campingaz 3 series onyx S is both sturdy and multifunctional, and the best three-burner gas barbecue I tested. The sizeable barbecue has both a cast iron grid plate and a reversible griddle section, along with a side burner for frying.
Intuitive one-touch igniting of all three burner dials, backlit in a peaceful blue, made for a responsive cook: I grilled sausages, halloumi and peppers, and used the plancha for smaller and more delicate items. Gaps along the plancha’s edge resulted in a few ingredients lost to the burners, but satisfying char marks more than made up for it – as did the novelty of frying eggs on a barbecue.
Particular mention goes to the innovative cleanup system, via a shallow water compartment instead of a grease tray. This prevents fat sticking to the metal, as it can be poured away with the water instead.
The Campingaz 3 series does lose points in assembly: the grill section had to be built from scratch, and all screws arrived loose in the same bag. Importantly, no gas regulator is included with this grill so it needs purchasing separately. Fitting the hose proved rather tough due to the awkward angle of the brass barb, and the instructional image wasn’t clear enough to convince me I’d done it correctly.
Buy now £699, Stovesareus.co.uk
Your questions on gas BBQs answered
What is the best gas BBQ?
Apart from its appealing aesthetics and sturdy construction, the Weber spirit E-425 is the best gas barbecue I tested, offering plenty of power in its four burners, additional sear zones and included plancha, yet takes up minimal space outdoors.
Those on a lower budget would do well with the Uniflame 2 burner gas BBQ, which heats up quickly and evenly, but lacks some of the robustness and accessories you get with premium options.
How I tested gas BBQs
I grilled all the typical barbecue fare on each gas model in this round-up – sausages, burgers and chicken skewers, alongside lighter vegetables such as mushrooms, courgettes, peppers, halloumi and corn cobs. While testing, I paid particular attention to the following aspects:
Where to buy gas for a BBQ
All the barbecues I’ve tested here used a 27mm clip-on regulator and a 13kg Calor patio gas bottle (£107, Calor.co.uk). Keep in mind that most stores will not deliver gas, though you can click and collect at B&Q or have it delivered by various online companies. Alternatively, look for local stockists; I purchased my gas bottle this way, and the owner graciously delivered it to my house free of charge.
Bear in mind that most gas bottles are purchased either via refill or exchange, with the seller either refilling your empty bottle, or swapping it out for a new, filled one. If you don’t have an empty bottle then the cost effectively doubles, as you’re paying for (1) the new gas, and (2) a £50-£70 deposit/charge on the bottle itself.
How to connect and disconnect a gas bottle from a BBQ
Connecting and disconnecting a gas bottle on your barbecue is relatively simple, but can feel a little unnerving at first. Adam Oldfield, director of StovesAreUs, explains the steps to connect your gas bottle safely:
- Turn everything off: Before you begin, ensure all BBQ burners are switched off, and that the gas bottle valve is fully closed.
- Check the hose and regulator: Inspect the gas hose for any kinks, cracks, or damage that could cause a leak. Make sure the regulator is in good condition and suitable for your gas bottle.
- Attach the regulator to the gas bottle: Place the regulator onto the bottle valve. This is usually done by screwing it on, although some models use a clip-on fitting – for the latter, ensure the switch is set to ‘off’ and press down firmly until you hear a click. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions before connecting to ensure you know which type you have.
- Connect the hose to the BBQ: Attach the gas hose to the BBQ’s gas inlet, making sure to thread the jubilee clip onto the hose first, then tighten it carefully with a screwdriver (don’t over tighten). If the hose is too stiff, dipping the end in hot water for 60 seconds helps to soften the rubber. The gas bottle should be placed upright either beside or underneath the BBQ, depending on the model.
- For clip-on regulators: Turn the regulator switch to the ‘on’ position. This is typically vertical, while the ‘off’ position is horizontal.
- Check for leaks: Before lighting the BBQ, spray a mixture of dish soap and water onto the hose and regulator connections. Slowly open the gas bottle valve and watch for bubbles. If bubbles appear, this indicates a leak and the gas should be turned off immediately.
- Light the BBQ: If no leaks are present, the BBQ can be safely lit and you’re ready to start grilling!
Once you’ve finished using the barbecue, you should always disconnect the gas bottle via the following:
- For clip-on regulators: Turn the regulator switch to ‘off’ – this is usually a horizontal position.
- Turn off the BBQ burners: This allows any residual gas left in the hose to burn off, which is a safer method.
- Turn off the gas bottle valve.
- Depress the button on the clip-on regulator’s valve: This will allow the regulator to pop upwards and off the gas bottle. You might hear and/or feel a small puff of pressure – this is normal!
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Flora Baker is a writer who has been researching, testing and reviewing home and garden products since 2020. Whether it’s BBQs, patio heaters or hanging egg chairs, she strives to find all the hidden features and possible pitfalls of any given product so you can choose what’s best for you. Elsewhere, we’ve tested the best charcoal BBQs and the best portable BBQs, so consider your summer sizzling sorted.
Love spending time outdoors? We’ve rounded up the best deckchairs for the ultimate chill
