Forget the faff and feeble flames – a gas barbecue is the ultimate in efficient alfresco cooking. Near instant heat and consistent cooking conditions thanks to those butane-powered burners may never fully satisfy your inner Bear Grylls but it will your hungry guests.
With spring here and the weather tempting us outside in search of Vitamin D, now’s the time to get a head start on the season with a glistening new gas barbecue. With a wide spectrum of functionality on the market, the key thing to consider is how you plan to use it: how many burners will you need, how many are you catering for and what type of cooking will you be doing (smoking, roasting, grilling and convection all viable options). And then there are the extras – hotplates, rib hooks, rotisserie spits and shelves.
Know your options and get set to impress this year with our roundup of the best gas barbecues.
And for those looking for the best charcoal barbecues checkout our 2018 roundup here.
Weber Genesis II E-310 GBS
Best for: High-spec construction and all-round functionality.
One of the world’s go-to brands for outdoor grilling, Weber’s current barbecue range is close to unbeatable. The Genesis II E-310 is one of its gas barbecue flag bearers thanks to the quality of its build – expect this one to withstand winter neglect more than most – and attention to detail. With three burners fired up by an electronic ignition system and porcelain enamelled cast iron cooking grates, the Genesis II makes for a truly enjoyable cooking experience, while the addition of six tool hooks and two stainless steel prep surfaces mean you might never want to cook indoors again.
£797 | John Lewis | Buy it now
Fuego Element Carbon Steel
Best for: Its future-forward design and rapid heating capabilities.
With a design coming courtesy of former Apple chief designer Robert Brunner, the Fuego Element was always likely to push boundaries and so it proves. It takes just five minutes for it to reach a temperature of 250C and its two circular burners can be used separately or teamed up to hit 300C. A vast array of design elements really make the Fuego Element stand out, in particular its small footprint and the 360-degree cooking it facilitates. Despite taking up minimal space, the Fuego Element’s heavy-weight cast-iron grill will feed a family of four, while a hinged door will hide those ugly tanks of propane out of view from the neighbours.
£300 | Amazon | Buy it now
Verycook Plancha Grill Simplicity 2
Best for: Fuss-free breakfast grilling, burgers and seafood.
A weighty stainless-steel grilling surface means the compact Verycook Plancha grill adopts a Spanish approach to the barbecue tradition, offering a flat griddle to evenly sear your chosen supper without the risk of losing it through the grate. A tabletop design makes it a compact choice while different cooking zones can be controlled independently. Coming in four colours, the Plancha Grill has also been designed with a dishwasher-proof fat collection container, which – alongside its wipe-clean grill surface – ensures fuss-free cleaning once the feasting is over.
£479 | Verycook | Buy it now
Everdure by Heston Blumenthal Force
Best for: Its sleek looks, sturdy design and fine-tuned heat controls for high-grade barbecueing.
The Michelin-starred chef launched a full range of barbecues last year, aiming to bring experience from his decorated career to the fore. Coming in three colours, including a particularly fetching mint green, the Force is a hugely proficient gas barbecue with an ergonomic design crafted from rust-proof aluminium, with tapered legs and three gas burners. These are controlled by high-quality aluminium dials (a step up from many other brands) that enable precise cooking whether you’re roasting or searing. You can swap out the grill for a plancha-style hot plate, while the Force’s design also means you can fit a whole turkey under the hood for an alternative approach to Christmas dinner.
£699 | John Lewis | Buy it now
Char-Broil The Big Easy
Best for: Tasty smoke-flavoured cooking.
Its hulking form may not seem like the most subtle addition to your outdoor space but luckily, Char-Broil’s The Big Easy boasts plenty of finesse on the culinary front. Under its cavernous hood, its three-in-on design allows for roasting, grilling and smoking. A cooking grate caters for the basics while a series of accessories will make you fall in love with alfresco cooking. A smoker box allows for the addition of woodchips, a basket accommodates roasting up to 11 kilograms of meat and vegetables, there are also rib hooks and a thermometer to enable accurate cooking for up to 400C.
£268.99 | Amazon | Buy it now
Weber Q 1200
Best for: Portable barbecueing of the highest order.
Applying its high-quality construction to the portable gas barbecue, Weber’s Q 1200 is the perfect option for those grilling on the move. With a mini gas canister, foldable side tables and a manageable carry weight, it’s a well-designed piece of kit that comes in a range of colours. Its one grill kicks out plenty of heat below a grate that can easily fit up to five burgers, although it’s worth considering that slow cooking and roasting isn’t really an option here. Tailor-made for those with minimal outdoor space, the Q 1200 is a high-grade option that is more than sufficient for up to four people.
£371 | Amazon | Buy it now
SpaceGrill
Best for: Mess-free barbecueing and a space-saving wall-mounted design.
Australia’s vast barbecue knowledge comes to the fore with the release of the Spacegrill – a chef-grade foldaway barbecue that houses three feisty grills. This space saving design can be wall mounted and features an impressive patented internal drip system that effectively gathers all fat and can be removed easily for cleaning. Coming with a sizeable grill and ceramic coated cast-iron hotplate, the SpaceGrill is perfect for larger gatherings and its sleek design makes it something you can really crow about.
£699.99 | BBQ World | Buy it now
Outback Omega 250
Best for: Good performance at a great price point.
This easily assembled two-burner barbecue clocks in at just over £100 and packs plenty of functionality under its hood. Although not as durable as pricier rivals, the Omega 250 features two proficient gas-fuelled burners, as well as a side burner for sauces and sides, a sizeable chrome grill, a hood to enable roasting and a basket for lava rocks to give a smokey flavour while also absorbing excess fat. It’s also lightweight enough to be wheeled around the garden, making it a versatile option for those on a budget.
£109 | John Lewis | Buy it now
Napoleon LE 485
Best for: Big groups and perfectly seared steaks.
A true contender for Weber’s barbecue crown, this Canadian brand’s sleek stainless steel barbecue is a real crowd pleaser. Its high-quality build is reflected in its hefty price but this is an investment barbecue that will last you for many summers. Fired up with a Jet-Fire ignition system, the LE 485’s mighty six burners provide plenty of scope for satisfying big groups and the addition of an infra-red ‘sizzle zone’ is an effective way to get those steaks just right. Coming strong on extras, the LE 485 features sturdy stainless steel side shelves, an integrated utensil holders and marinade bucket, while a charcoal tray gives the option of adding smokey notes to your cooking.
£1,034.99 | Oaktree Garden Centre | Buy it now
Landmann Midas 3 Burner Gas BBQ
Best for: A mid-range barbecue that packs plenty of punch.
A step up from entry-level gas offerings, Landmann’s sturdy Midas barbecue features an enamelled hood, fire pit and two-part grill to ensure it goes the distance. A 61x36cm grill will cater for big groups and extras including a thermometer built into the hood, a tool holder and cover make it a good all-round option. It’s also easy to assemble and – coming with a removable drip tray – easy to clean up once the guests have gone.
£239.99 | Argos | Buy it now
Verdict:
Our top pick goes to the Weber Genesis II E-310 BBQ based on its high-spec build, precision controlled burners and easy of use. It's an investment piece for a truly sophisticated barbecue that will see you through grilling season time and time again.
