Best gas BBQ: 6 gas barbecues for feasts in the garden

Having a little staycation? Then why not check out our best gas BBQ roundup? With one of these you can take a trip to the restaurant in your own garden, master the art of grilling with an easy to use gas barbecue and have a bit of fun with the family. They are quicker to get going that charcoal (much as we love it) and the temperature is easier to regulate, so if you fear underdone meat, gas is the way to go.

We have sought out our pick of the bunch below which includes an option which boasts an incredible five burners for a big old cook out, so you are sure to find one that suits your needs and budget. 

For our round up of all the best BBQ (charcoal, gas, smokers, portable and even electric grills), then why not check out our buyer's guide for more fab buys?

Our best gas BBQ picks to buy

Heston Blumenthal is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to cookery gadgets, whether it’s his Sage range or this rather snazzy gas BBQ. There are two burners, so you should have ample control over the heat, and you also have the option to cook with the hood off or on, enabling you to infuse your food with the smoky flavour which charcoal BBQs are more renowned for. Available to purchase in Graphite, Mint and Red, this best gas barbecue would make the perfect addition to a patio, decking or balcony. 

If you're looking for great value for money and consistent cooking results, we can recommend buying the Outback Omega 250 Gas BBQ. 

Well priced, it comes with lava rocks that, when heated with the gas flames, turn the juices from the meat into flavoursome smoke. The side burner is also useful for frying steak on a hot griddle. As well as a shelf space below, there are also two foldaway side flaps, which are ideal for sauces, salads and drinks. And its simple design means that assembly time is no more than 15 to 30 minutes before you're ready to go, making it an ideal last-minute purchase when the weather forecast predicts a sunny weekend.

Wow. This gas barbecue has proven popular and is now out of stock. We're not sure when, or if, it'll be back but as soon as it is our handy widget will display the best price.

Leave your joints of meat to slowly tenderise and infuse with smoky flavour as you enjoy the full swing of your party thanks to this best gas BBQ. The handy roasting basket lets you slowly cook whole chickens and lamb legs, alternatively, you can hook racks of ribs to the basket and there’s a grill for placing smaller cuts of meat such as sausages and chicken wings. For an easy and healthy way to feed the five thousand, invest in this handy smoker. 

There’s no denying that its older brother will set you back a fair bit. So, if you’re keen on its key features, you should find Weber Genesis II E-310 comes with everything you need. While there’s a compromise on the number of gas burners, it still features the flavorisor bars, which are essential to recreating that charred flavour that charcoal BBQs are renowned for. Featuring a porcelain enamel grease tray for easy cleaning and plenty of prep area, this is the best gas BBQ to use when catering for large gatherings.

This clever little gas BBQ allows you to seal and slowly cook meat without overly charing everything. The flip funnel enables you to switch the flame from direct to indirect, so you can still control the heat, even with just one burner. Its design is small and compact, making it the best gas BBQ for patio areas, deckings and even balconies, although those who regularly host garden parties may need to go for something bigger. 

This gas barbecue ticks all the right boxes; it's convenient, easy to use and great value for money. It enables you to keep two rings on and two off if you’re looking to slowly cook meat all the way through. There’s a handy heat rack to keep food warm without burning and a smaller side burner gas ring perfect for cooking side dishes at the same time as your mains. 

This one’s got plenty of storage with a bottom shelf and useful condiment rack, too, which is great for seasoning food as you cook.

How to choose the best gas BBQ

Gas barbecues come in all manner of shapes and sizes, with two burner units often sitting along side the more serious-looking six burner BBQs. This means that there are a few factors you'll need to consider before making a decision..

Single or multiple burners?
Gas BBQs with multiple burners are the best. You can seal your food on the heat, then turn half the burners off, close the lid and allow your food to cook super slowly off the direct heat. The Weber Genesis II LX S-640 is the king of all BBQs, with 6 burners for careful cooking control and flavouriser bars to help circulate smoke produced from dripping meat juices and marinades. 

Material?
The best material for a gas burner is stainless steel – sturdier than aluminium, but more portable (and easier to clean) than cast iron. 

Extra features?
The best gas barbecues will have some kind of food prep area – pull-out side shelves, for example – and perhaps additional cooking features such as a roasting basket. Look out for technologies that address the potential lack of flavour from a gas bbqs - the best should compensate for the lack of charcoal with structural features that maximise the smoky infusion effect.

How much to spend on a gas BBQ

As we now know, gas BBQs feature a wide range of gadgets and burners, which all come in various sizes. Depending on which make and model of barbecues you are drawn to, you will ultimately see differences in price.

There are big price differences amongst the well-known brands and those available in supermarkets, and also notable differences in the built quality. Plus, the more burner and more special features you opt for, will also rack up the amount you spend.

And beyond the initial purchase of the BBQ, there will be further costs to use and maintain it such as replenishing the fuel; charcoal can often be picked up from DIY stores, garages or supermarkets, and gas canisters will need to be refilled or replaced at DIY stores.

What is the best gas BBQ?

So, let's recap... if you want a gas BBQ that will last a lifetime, and money is no object, you really can't do much better than the spectacular Everdure By Heston Blumenthal Force 2 Burner. This gas barbecue is approaching an outdoor kitchen in its sophistication. Want something much more affordable? Try the Outdoor Chef City 420.

More BBQ recommendations:

• Get more brilliant garden ideas at our dedicated page
• Get your garden guest-ready with our selection of the best garden lighting 
• Ensure everyone stays warm after the sun goes down with our list of the best chimineas 
• Looking for a bargain barbecue? Check out our BBQ sales page which is regularly updated with the best deals and offers around