If you’re planning to upgrade your best barbecue setup this summer, you’ve probably realised just how many options are out there – and how quickly prices can climb once you start looking at more premium models. However, every now and then, a grill comes along that feels like it actually justifies the spend.
That’s exactly where the Campingaz 3 Series Onyx S Gas BBQ comes in. It promises premium build quality, smart design touches and reliable cooking, but does it actually deliver when you get it in your garden?
I’ve been putting it through its paces to find out.
Price and availability
The Campingaz 3 Series Onyx S Gas BBQ has an RRP of £799.99 and is available from a range of retailers, including Very, StovesAreUs and BBQ Land. You can also sometimes find it reduced, so don't forget to shop around before you make a purchase.
There are also a number of accessories you can add on, such as the Culinary Modular Pizza Stone, which will set you back around £25-£30 depending on where you shop.
Unboxing and set up
The barbecue arrived in a large (and very heavy) box, which became a pretty good indicator of its overall build quality. Once everything was unpacked and laid out, it was clear the Onyx S is a very well-made piece of kit.
Assembly was thankfully much more straightforward than I’d expected. The pictorial instructions were clear and easy to follow, and all the parts were labelled, which made the whole process far less stressful. It took me a couple of hours at a steady pace, and I’d definitely recommend taking your time (and maybe having a few mugs of tea along the way) to avoid having to backtrack.
Design and features
In terms of features, the Onyx S is a three-burner BBQ, although there’s also a four-burner version available if you need more cooking space. The stainless steel burners use Campingaz’s Blue Flame Power System, and there’s also a handy side burner that's great for preparing sauces or sides whilst the main grill is in use.
One of the standout features is the InstaClean Aqua system. This uses water-filled grease drawers that sit beneath the cooking surface, catching fat as it drips down and preventing it from igniting. Not only does this help reduce flare-ups, but it also makes cleaning much easier, as you can simply drain the water into a container below using a plug in the corner.
Cooking space is generous, with a heavy-duty cast-iron enamelled grid and a reversible griddle. You also get a useful full-width warming rack, and a sturdy foldable side table for extra prep space. The illuminated rotary controls are a nice touch, and the InstaStart ignition makes firing it up very quick and easy.
As mentioned, another highlight of the Onyx S is its Culinary Modular system. A section of the griddle can be removed to accommodate different accessories, like a wok or pizza stone, which adds a nice bit of flexibility if you want to experiment. There’s even the option to add a rotisserie.
In terms of design, the black finish is stylish, and details like the covered wheels and soft-close cupboard doors make it feel even more premium than it already is. The trolley is also sturdy enough to hold a 13kg gas bottle, and there’s plenty of practical storage space too.
Performance
When it came to actually cooking, the Onyx S didn’t disappoint. It fired up easily, and with the lid closed, it reached temperature impressively quickly. The built-in temperature gauge is also clear and easy to read, so I always knew where I stood.
I kept things fairly simple for the first run, focusing on chicken, burgers and sausages, but it handled everything brilliantly. The chicken cooked evenly without burning or drying out, and the fat drained away cleanly into the water drawer just as promised. Best of all, I didn’t experience a single flare-up, which made the whole process feel much more controlled and relaxed.
After that, it became much more intuitive as I got more comfortable. I found myself using the warming rack a lot, as it came in really handy for keeping food up to temperature whilst I focused on other bits. Being able to close the lid to build and retain heat when needed also made a noticeable difference to the overall cooking process.
Verdict
The Campingaz 3 Series Onyx S is a really impressive barbecue that delivers far more than just basic grilling. From its premium build quality to a clever grease management system, it makes outdoor cooking feel simple and controlled rather than unpredictable. The lack of flare-ups in particular stood out, which really made a difference when cooking multiple items at once. If you want a high-performing gas barbecue that’s easy to live with and consistently delivers good results, this is an easy one to recommend.
Alternatives to consider
If you like the sound of this, it’s also worth checking out the Ninja FlexFlame. It combines five different cooking methods, and like the Campingaz, has a range of optional accessories available that make it another versatile option for outdoor cooking.
