Gas Barbecues

Why choose a gas barbecue?

A gas barbecue lets you adjust the heat using burner controls, without having to light charcoal or clear away ash afterwards. That makes it an appealing option for everything from a simple evening meal to a weekend gathering.

Models with independently controlled burners give you more ways to organise your cooking. Depending on the barbecue’s design, you can grill over direct heat or use an indirect setup for roasting with the lid closed.

How many burners do you need?

Burner count is a useful starting point, but it should not be your only measure of size. When comparing a 3-burner gas BBQ with a 4-burner model, check the main cooking area, the burner layout and how much space you have for different foods.

Extra burners can help you create separate cooking zones. That is useful when part of the meal needs higher heat while another part needs gentler cooking. However, a larger model only earns its place when you will use the additional space.

Check the barbecue’s dimensions with its side shelves extended, particularly when choosing a grill for a smaller patio.

What is the difference between a side burner and a searing burner?

A conventional side burner works like an outdoor hob, giving you somewhere to heat a saucepan or prepare a side dish while the main grill is in use.

An infrared side burner is intended for intense heat and searing. It serves a different purpose from a standard hob-style burner, so compare the actual specification rather than assuming that all side burners do the same job.

Some gas barbecues also have a rear rotisserie burner or a dedicated searing zone within the main cooking area. These features vary by model. Check whether any rotisserie equipment is included or needs to be purchased separately.

Is a portable, freestanding or built-in gas BBQ the better choice?

For flexible positioning in the garden, a freestanding barbecue is a useful starting point. Compare the wheels, storage space and side shelves as well as the grill itself.

When ease of transport or storage matters, explore our portable barbecues and check the fuel connection used by the model you select.

For a permanent outdoor kitchen, browse built-in barbecues. Installation dimensions, ventilation and access to the gas supply should be considered before the surrounding kitchen is built.

What should you check before your first cook?

Confirm the specified gas type, operating pressure and cylinder connection for your chosen barbecue. Hoses and regulators are not interchangeable simply because the connection looks similar; select gas barbecue accessories that match the appliance’s requirements.

Include routine care in your decision too. Check how the cooking grates and grease tray are removed, follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions and choose a suitably sized barbecue cover.

Still deciding on fuel? Compare the wider barbecue range before choosing the model that best suits your cooking habits.