Are you ready to upgrade and improve your grilling game? Our ultimate guide to gas BBQs has everything you need to know; from choosing the right barbecue to mastering the perfect cook to maintaining your barbecue so it remains in tip-top condition for next summer. We’ll talk you through all the different types of barbecues available to buy in the UK and help you pick the best one for your grilling needs.

Contents

What are the Different Types of Gas BBQs?
What Type of Gas do I Need for my BBQ?
How Much Should I Spend on a Gas Barbecue?   
What are the Best Gas Barbecues?  
Must-Have Features When Buying a Gas BBQ
What Size Gas BBQ Should I Buy?
How to Safely Maintain a Gas Barbecue?
Top 5 Benefits of a Gas BBQ

What are the Different Types of Gas BBQs?

Firstly, let us talk about the different types & styles of gas barbecues available for you to buy in the UK. There are a few different types of gas barbecue that offer individual benefits, so you may find that a certain type of gas BBQ appeals to you more than another.

1. Traditional Gas BBQ - Gas BBQs come in many shapes and sizes starting from small 2-burner BBQs up to large 6-burner BBQs that will feed plenty of people. If you’re looking for a traditional gas bbq then there is plenty of choice and you’ll find prices start around the £200 mark but be prepared to pay much more for a top-quality model.
2. Plancha Gas BBQ - A plancha features a flat griddle that is often associated with Spanish cooking, it combines high-temperature searing with a small amount of smoking. We have some brilliant gas-fired planchas available including top brands like Campingaz & Pit Boss Grills.
3. Built-In Gas BBQ Grill - Built-In gas grills are usually purchased to fit within an outdoor kitchen, there are of course packages you can buy that include the built-in gas grill which sits inside a pre-made stainless steel outdoor kitchen.
4. Portable Grills & Camping Stoves - Camping stoves are really popular for consumers looking for a lightweight gas barbecue that can be easily transported. These portable gas grills can be really handy and a great eco-friendly option for a disposable barbecue.
5. Hybrid Gas Barbecues - Finally, if you’re not convinced by an all-gas BBQ why not opt for the best of both? A dual-fuel BBQ also known as a hybrid BBQ offers you the instant lighting and controllability of a gas barbecue whilst also giving you the char-grilled flavour.

What Type of Gas do I Need for my BBQ?   

When it comes to gas-powered BBQs, there are two main types of gas to choose from: liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and natural gas. LPG BBQs are fuelled by propane or butane tanks, which can be easily replaced when empty. They offer portability and can be used in areas without a natural gas supply. Natural gas BBQs on the other hand, are connected to mains gas and offer a continuous fuel source without the hassle of changing an empty bottle. A natural gas BBQ will require professional installation from a Gas Safe registered fitter and they are best suited for permanent outdoor kitchens. Consider your needs and preferences before choosing which type of gas BBQ is right for you.

There is a high percentage of gas BBQs in the UK use liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as their fuel source and there are two different types of this gas; butane and propane. The different types of gas are easily recognisable, you’ll see that butane gas is stored within a blue cylinder whilst propane gas is stored in a red cylinder. You’ll sometimes find that propane gas is supplied in small green bottles under the name ‘patio gas’ and this is perfectly fine to use.

How Much Should I Spend on a Gas Barbecue?   

This is an age-old question that we are regularly asked and it often comes down to how much you can afford and how durable and long-lasting you want your gas barbecue to be. Gas barbecues can vary widely in price; small camping stoves can start at prices as little as £150 whilst large multi-burner BBQs and outdoor kitchens can cost you much more.

Lots of the gas barbecues we supply start at around the £250 mark but if you’re willing to spend a touch more on a barbecue you’ll enjoy added features like a side burner or a temperature reader.  When you spend upwards of £500 on a gas BBQ you’ll find improved build quality and durability than you would on a cheaper alternative and you’ll have a stylish BBQ in your garden that will last through harsh UK winters.

What are the Best Gas Barbecues?  

If you’ve read our article this far and decided it’s time to upgrade your BBQ, here are some fantastic options that we’ve found our customers love! We’ve included our top-rated gas barbecues that all offer something a little different, from multiple-burner BBQs to camping stoves that can be tucked under your arm and taken to the beach! 

For lots more top gas barbecue options, you can read our dedicated ‘The Best Gas BBQs to Buy’ article that we update regularly.

Must-Have Features When Buying a Gas BBQ

When choosing a gas BBQ, it’s important to consider the features that will best suit your needs. Lots of barbecues have optional extras like warming racks, side burners, rotating rotisseries and utensil storage but are you going to use them all? It can be tempting to buy all the trendy options available but think long and hard about whether they are useful for your cooking needs.

Below, we’ve listed out the features that our customers find most useful on a gas barbecue.

1. Side Burner - This is an additional gas burner that sits to the left or right-hand side of the main cooking zone of the barbecue. This feature can be really useful for cooking sides and sauces or for searing meats as lots of side burners offer infrared heat which can reach higher temperatures. A side burner allows you to cook multiple dishes at once, which is ideal when entertaining guests or hosting a cookout.
2. Rotisserie - A rotating rotisserie is used in conjunction with a spit or skewer on a metal rod, it turns a whole chicken or large pieces of meat and helps to cook mouth-watering food evenly. The rotisserie method is a great feature to cook with as it keeps your meat moist because the turning action bastes it in its own juices.
3. Lid or Hood - The lid or hood of your gas barbecue helps to increase the temperature of your grill and lock in the smoky food flavours. The hood is a handy feature when cooking larger meats like a shoulder of port or racks of ribs. Look out for a lid with a glass panel as this can be very useful to help you monitor your cook without opening the lid and allowing heat to escape.
4. Side Shelves - Almost all gas BBQs come with side shelves but it's worth checking that they are going to offer you enough space to prepare or serve your grilled food. Some side shelves are collapsable too which can be very useful when storage space is low as the BBQ won’t take up as much room in your shed.
5. Built-in Thermometer - If you want to make sure your food is cooking at the right temperature then a built-in thermometer will be high up on your list of must-have features. These handy temperature gages can help to ensure your grilled food is cooked properly.
6. Warming Rack - Lots of barbecue food has different cooking times, so a warming rack is a really useful feature for keeping food that has already been cooked warm while you finish cooking the rest.
7. Fat Cup - A stainless steel BBQ fat cup is specially designed to collect cooking fat while cooking on your gas BBQ. Although it sounds simple, the fat cup can dramatically reduce the amount of time you spend cleaning your barbecue after you use it.
8. Tools & Hooks - Lots of gas barbecue grills come with useful tool hooks for spatulas, burger smashers and bbq tongues, they are a really handy feature that keeps everything you need to cook within arm's length. You can open your beers and bottles directly on the grill when they come with an in-built bottle opener too!
9. Locking Wheels - At the end of summer you might need to move your barbecue into storage so locking wheels with casters are really handy to help move and secure your BBQ in place for the winter. Lots of barbecues come with level-setting feet which are forgiving to uneven patios.
10. Storage Cabinet - The storage space underneath your gas BBQ can be really useful to store all your BBQ utensils, it is also a handy place for your gas bottle to live when the barbecue is not in use.

What Size Gas BBQ Should I Buy?

To answer this question you should consider how many people you typically cook for and how much space you have on your BBQ you’ll need available. You don't want to buy a BBQ that's too small and won't meet your needs, or one that is too big and won't fit in your garden. 

Cooking space is a critical aspect of any gas BBQ, you’ll sometimes want to utilise the space to be able to cook as much food as possible. It is really important that your grill has ample cooking space and the bigger the cooking area of your grill, the more expensive it will be. Each barbecue we supply has a cooking area which is measured in square centimetres (cm²). As a rough guide when cooking for up to 4 people, you’ll need a cooking area of up to 1800cm². For 6 people a larger area of 2000cm² and for 8 people we would recommend a minimum cooking area of 2500cm².

If you’re cooking for only a couple of people then a portable BBQ or camping stove could be a consideration for you. A small cooking area comes with the territory, so don’t expect to cook for more than two or three people in one go. We only supply top-quality reusable portable BBQs which start at around £150.

How to Safely Maintain a Gas Barbecue?

Proper maintenance and cleaning are essential for keeping your gas BBQ in top condition and ensuring optimal cooking performance year after year. You’ll need to ensure that you regularly clean the grates and burners with a wire brush and warm soapy water to remove any food residue and prevent flare-ups. 

Check the propane tank and hoses for leaks or damage before each use is wise and replace any worn or damaged parts as needed. Covering your gas BBQ when it is not in use will protect it from the elements and help to extend how long it should last. We recommend buying a properly fitted cover for your BBQ (they are made by the manufacturer of the BBQ). A properly fitted cover is designed to be water resistant while allowing your barbecue to breathe, preventing mildew and moisture build-up.

If you’re using a gas BBQ there are lots of tips to keep you safe while cooking. These tips can be applied to all gas barbecues, camping stoves and outdoor heaters. You’ll find more safety tips like this on the Gas Safe Register website.

• Check the BBQ appears to be in good working order before you decide to use it and check that the hoses show no sign of wear, stiffness or cracking. If you have any concerns about the safety of a gas BBQ don’t use it and contact a Gas Safe registered engineer to check it over.
• When changing your gas cylinder ensure you turn off the gas taps and always change the cylinder outside.
• Don’t over-tighten your hose and regulator, follow the manufacturer's guidance at all times.
• Before you turn off the BBQ make sure the gas flow has been turned off to ensure that any gas left in the hose is used up.
• Every BBQ should come with instructions on how to check for gas leaks. This often involves coating joints with leak detection solutions and then watching for bubbles. Follow these instructions carefully before using the BBQ to check for any problems.
• Always leave gas-powered stoves, lights and heaters outside in the fresh air they are often not suitable for indoor use and whilst outdoors you won’t get carbon monoxide buildup.
• Follow and consult the manufacturer’s instruction manual for advice on use, ventilation, maintenance and care.
• Gas components on any outdoor gas appliance should only be fixed or replaced by a competent person.
• Ensure at the end of every season you thoroughly clean the BBQ and do not leave the cylinder connected when the BBQ is not in use. We recommend storing the BBQ and cylinder in a dry place without direct sunlight.

Top 5 Benefits of a Gas BBQ

Gas grills are some of the most popular appliances for cooking outside, there are lots of benefits and advantages to owning one. A gas BBQ gives you total control over your cook it easily allows you to alter the temperature and they tend to be easy to clean. 

According to the National BBQ Week gas BBQs remain the most popular choice in the UK with 47% of consumers opting for this type of barbecue. Charcoal continues to also remain a very strong choice with the trend towards low and slow cooking, charcoal BBQs now make up 43% which is up from 37% two years ago. The other types of BBQs including pellet BBQs & electric BBQs make up the remaining numbers.

We know that UK consumers lean towards gas-fired BBQs and we’ve put together the top 5 reasons why we think this is the case. 

1. Quick to Heat Up - A gas grill heats up incredibly quickly and you can be ready to cook on the grill in no time at all. On average it can take around 15 minutes to preheat a gas BBQ without the hassle of firelighters thanks to the simple piezo ignition.
2. Temperature Control - Positioned at the front of the grill you’ll find the responsive control knobs to adjust the gas burner flames, you can simply turn the dials and set the grill to the temperature required for your cook. The easy-to-use temperature controls of the grill can be really important when cooking delicate food, it helps prevent you from overcooking or burning food.
3. Little Smoke - Gas grills do not emit anywhere near as much smoke as a charcoal barbecue would. A gas grill is an essential appliance to any outdoor kitchen and only a small amount of smoke is produced, your cooking experience can be far more enjoyable and what’s more, you’ll find less barbecue smells in your clothes.
4. User Friendly - Gas grills are controlled in a similar way to your indoor oven or range cooker. Both the temperature and flame size is easily controlled by handy control knobs located at the front of the grill.
5. Easy To Clean - Gas barbecue grills are easily cleaned, lots come with fat cups and dishwasher-approved grates making the cleanup after your grill hassle-free.

Ultimately, we think gas BBQs are fantastic but the best one for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Do your research, read reviews and consider your budget before making a decision.

Our outdoor living range includes more than just BBQs, you’ll find relaxing hot tubs, on-trend garden furniture, outdoor heating & pizza ovens too. Feel free to contact us by phone or email if you have any questions or would like any further information on the amazing range of outdoor products we supply.