Best gas BBQs: get ready for summer with our top picks for 2020

The best gas BBQs have come a long way from the days when they made temperature regulating tricky and lacked the smokey oomph of their charcoal counterparts. These days, the best gas barbecues have precision controls and clever cooking chambers that help achieve that characteristic smokey BBQ flavour. 

For our round up of the best barbecues (charcoal, gas, smokers, portable and even pizza and electric grills), see our buyer's guide.

What is the best gas BBQ?

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 Weber Genesis II LX S-640. This is a gas barbecue that's approaching an outdoor kitchen in its sophistication. Want something much more affordable, but still great? Try the Argos Premium Gas 4 Burner. No time to read? Here is our pick of the best gas BBQs at a glance, and where best to buy them:

The best gas BBQs 2020

Designed by our grill fanatic friends on the other side of the pond, there’s no surprise that Weber Genesis rules over all. With up to 6 burners, this BBQ is a must for regular hosts of large summer gatherings. It should defy all myths that gas BBQs can’t produce as much flavour as charcoal, thanks to its cleverly designed Flavorizor bars. And with a grease management system, 2 handy side panels for food prep and a cabinet to store everything you need to serve, there’s everything you need for a seamless summer party.

Shop more Weber BBQs at John Lewis

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. 

Find more Char-Broil products at Amazon

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. 

Find more Everdure by Heston Blumenthal products at John Lewis

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.

Shop more Weber barbecues at Amazon

Featuring four gas burners plus an extra for a saucepan (creating the BBQ season’s best hot dog has never been easier), this is the ultimate outdoor cooking station. There’s a warming rack to keep food hot and plenty of space on the grill to cook for your guests. An additional bonus is the condiments shelf and you can lower the lid over the external saucepan hob ring to create additional prep area. The best gas BBQ for those on a budget, we think.

See more barbecues at Argos Home

This clever little 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. 

Find more Outdoorchef BBQs at Amazon

How to buy the best gas BBQ

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.

More BBQ recommendations:

• Get summer BBQ ready with the best rattan garden furniture for hosting garden parties
• 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 chimeneas