There is a lot to consider when hunting for a new gas barbecue or griddle.  Our best gas BBQ guide will walk you through the pros and cons of the different types of gas BBQ and what to look out for. We update this guide regularly to include the best new models that we and our customers love.

Once you’ve read our guide, you’ll have a better idea of which gas barbecue is best for your garden or patio space. We’ll discuss essential considerations like how many people you’ll be feeding, whether any storage space is required and what type of special features you’ll need. All the gas BBQs we’re recommending in this article are well constructed and sturdy and they’ll provide you with a controlled and consistent cook that will help you to enjoy the British summer. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining large social gatherings, we’ve put forward a range of our best gas BBQs to help you find the right model.

Contents

What to look for in a gas BBQ
Which are the best gas bbqs?
Flat top griddle vs conventional BBQ grill: pros & cons
How much should I spend on a gas barbecue?
Final thoughts: Which gas BBQ should you choose?

Before purchasing a gas BBQ, consider the following key features to ensure you get the best value for your money:

• Number of Burners: More burners provide greater cooking flexibility, allowing you to cook different foods at varying temperatures.
• Grill Grate Material: Stainless steel and cast iron are popular choices, with cast iron offering better heat retention and stainless steel being easier to clean.
• Cooking Area Size: Choose a grill with enough space to suit your cooking needs—larger families or frequent entertainers will benefit from a bigger cooking surface.
• Additional Features: Look for side burners, warming racks, built-in thermometers, and infrared burners for extra convenience and versatility.
• Portability & Storage: Consider foldable shelves, wheels, and storage cabinets for easier maneuverability and organisation.
• Build Quality & Durability: A well-built gas BBQ with a sturdy frame and weather-resistant materials will last longer and perform better over time.

Gas BBQs have become a staple for outdoor cooking enthusiasts, offering convenience, control, and efficiency. Whether you're a seasoned grill master or a casual weekend cook, investing in the right gas BBQ can elevate your outdoor dining experience. Here you can explore some of the best gas BBQs available to help you find the perfect fit for your needs.

When choosing a gas BBQ, you’ll come across two main styles: flat top griddle barbecues and conventional BBQ grills that come with a grate. Here’s a breakdown of their advantages and disadvantages:  

Flat Top Griddle Barbecue

• Even Heat Distribution: The solid surface allows for uniform cooking, making it great for foods that require consistent heat. 
• Versatile Cooking Options: Ideal for cooking pancakes, eggs, stir-fries, smash burgers, and other delicate foods that would fall through the grate bars of a conventional BBQ. 
• Easy to Clean: With no grates to scrub, cleaning is usually much simpler—just scrape off the excess food and wipe down. 
• Less Flare-Ups: Since food and grease don’t fall onto open flames, there’s a reduced risk of flare-ups. 
• Lack of Grill Marks & Smoky Flavor: Without an open flame, you won’t get the charred, smoky taste typical of traditional grilling. 
• Limited Airflow for Charring: High-temperature searing can be trickier compared to conventional grates.

Conventional BBQ Grill (Grate with Holes)

• Classic Grilled Flavor: The open flame imparts a smoky, charred taste to meats and vegetables. 
• Better Searing: Direct flame contact allows for high-heat grilling and those sought-after sear marks. 
• Fat Drainage: Grease and drippings fall through the grates, reducing oil buildup on the food.
• Great for Traditional BBQ Cooking: Ideal for steaks, burgers, kebabs, and anything that benefits from direct flame contact. 
• More Cleanup Required: Grease, drippings, and charred food bits can get stuck between the grates. 
• Uneven Cooking Potential: Heat distribution varies depending on burner placement and grate material. 
• Higher Risk of Flare-Ups: When fat drips onto burners, it can cause sudden flare-ups when the BBQ is not maintained.

Both types of BBQs are well received by consumers, but if you want versatility and ease of use, a flat top griddle is a great option. If you love traditional BBQ flavor and high-heat grilling, go with a conventional BBQ grill. Some of the high-end gas BBQs we supply offer removable griddle plates, giving you the best of both worlds, so keep an eye out for these added extras.

Gas barbecues usually cost a little more than charcoal grills, but you can find really good ones within a wide price range. The cost of a gas BBQ varies depending on brand, size, and features, but we’ve put together a general price guide to help you decide how much to invest this summer. For a budget gas BBQ, you should look to pay between £200 - £500. These entry-level grills are suitable for beginners or occasional grillers, and these models often have 2-4 gas burners and basic features. Mid-range gas BBQs and griddles will cost between £500 - £1,000. They offer better build quality, more burners, and additional features like side burners, sear zones, and higher BTUs. The premium usually starts at the £1,000 mark, and these high-end grills come with superior construction, advanced cooking technology, large cooking areas, and extras like infrared burners and rotisserie kits. Your budget should reflect how often you plan to use your BBQ and the level of performance you expect. Investing in a higher-quality model can lead to better durability and cooking results over time.

The best gas BBQ for you depends on your grilling needs, budget, and preferred features. If you want a premium grill with high performance, go for a brand like Napoleon, Broil King or Grillstream. If you prefer versatility and durability, then the Blackstone range of gas griddles is a great pick. If you're looking for affordability without compromising quality, then the Sahara series of BBQs  are easy to use and reliable. If you want a stylish, modern design, the Everdure range of barbecues will impress your guests. No matter which BBQ you choose, investing in a high-quality gas grill will make your outdoor cooking more enjoyable and hassle-free. Happy grilling!