Best gas barbecue 2021: 10 gas BBQs for winter grilling

Buying the best gas barbecue may seem like a summer task, but with Black Friday deals around the corner, it makes a lot of sense to invest right now. Because many of the best gas barbecues from Weber, Everdure and Char-Broil sell out as soon as the first sunny day of the year hits, choosing the best gas barbecue for you right now is the perfect chance to pick up your ideal gas BBQ in-stock and available for delivery in plenty of time for barbecue season. 

Many opt for a gas BBQ because they want a more generously sized and capable model to handle family feasting. Gas BBQs are also very easy to ignite, and many come with ignition buttons that resemble a gas hob. Some of the best gas barbecues have side burners to cook up sauces and par-boil vegetables while you grill on the main burners. 

We're fans of a charcoal barbecue, so much so that you'll find an entire section of our best barbecue guide dedicated to them, but there's no denying the convenience of gas barbecues. For a start, the ignition means you don't need to fiddle with fire starters or top up on coals, simply attach your gas canister and switch on as you would a hob. 

Cooking is easier too, because you can regulate the temperature to suit your needs. The best gas barbecues often feature in-built thermometers so you know exactly how hot the grill is. Simply increase or decrease the amount of gas accordingly. 

The best gas barbecues 2021

Without question the most iconic gas BBQ of 2021, the Everdure By Heston Blumenthal Gas BBQ is back in stock once more. 

Why we love it

It comes in three striking colours and with a slimline yet large frame, making it not only lovely to look at, but great to use. Controls are minimalist and easy to operate, and there's a 2358cm ² cooking area to play with. 

You can pick it up in three colours: Orange, Mint, and Graphite, and if you want something a little larger, check out the Everdure By Heston Blumenthal FURNACE 3 Burner Gas BBQ.

Features

The high hood means you can make the most of convection cooking to handle larger items such as turkeys and other cuts of meat. The servery drops down for easy storage, and the enamelled lid is rust-resistant. 

The John Lewis & Partners 6 Burner Gas BBQ is finished in sleek silver and has six burners as well as an optional side burner. 

Why we love it

It's somewhat reasonably priced given how vast this gas barbecue really is, and it can cater to up to (or over) 12 people at a time. The barbecue also comes with an in-built warmer shelf that will keep food warm while you're still grilling. The side burner can be folded away, acting as a shelf for storing plates and cutlery as you prepare your feast. 

Features

With so many burners this definitely isn't a BBQ for those without much space, but if you can spare the room to store it you'll appreciate the fact that it comes with four wheels, and that the side shelves fold down to make it a little narrower. 

Weber is one of the most trusted and iconic grill brands on the market, with a premium price tag to match. Yet it’s hard to fault the ease of assembly, design details or cooking results. 

Why we love it

The Genesis II E-310’s 65kg heft is a clue as to how well it is constructed. From porcelain enamelled cooking grates to stainless steel ‘flavourise bars’ to produce great barbecue taste and stainless steel side tables, every detail is of the highest quality - right down to the double-thick flame-tamers. 

Features

The assembly is not trivial and will take a couple of hours, but it’s built to last, unlike cheap barbecues you’d have to replace after a couple of years. 

You can use the iGrill 3 with this BBQ to track the temperature and food as it cooks. 

We've tested the Char-Broil Gas2Coal Hybrid Grill ourselves, and it's a brilliant gas barbecue. 

Why we love it

For a start, there's the fact that it's also got the option of charcoal fuel, which is something you can completely ignore if you're only interested in gas, but it does make the BBQ all the more versatile. It's easy to ignite thanks to the ignition button built-in, and you can choose from two, three, or four burners depending on your family size. 

Features

Other extras include a warming rack and shelf for storing the charcoal tray when not in use. There's also a thermometer in the lid, which makes life that little bit easier. 

Ideal for storage and even better for taking on the go, the Weber Traveler LP BLK Gas Barbecue folds completely flat and has a generous grilling area, meaning you'll never have to compromise when barbecuing again. 

Why we love it

There's 2062cm squared of cooking space and the grill is built into the frame itself, so simply fold it down and carry along using the wheels and handles attached. It's built to minimise gas wastage and while on the heavy side, you can easily pull it behind you and let the wheels do the work. 

Features

Despite the compact frame that's made to move, it's got space to cook for the whole family. It is a little hefty though, so keep in mind that while it comes with wheels for easy transportation, it's not straightforward to lift it on your own. 

The clever design, which has a separation of the grill from the trolley, means this BBQ can be at full height or sit on a table. 

Why we love it

It makes this a great choice if you have a small outdoor space but want the performance of a premium grill, or if you want to take your BBQ out with you. Sausage sandwich on the beach, anyone? Super useful design touches include hooks to hang cooking utensils, thermometer, side trays, somewhere to store a kitchen roll and a mini bin. 

Features

The All-Star does take a while to assemble, and note that the push-start Surefire Electronic Igniter requires batteries, so have some AAAs handy, yet it’s a great grill which promises juicy results every time.

The CosmoGrill Deluxe 4+1 Gas BBQ Barbecue Grill comes with heaps of space.This sturdy and well-made gas barbecue heats up quickly and cooks evenly, making grilling is a breeze. 

Why we love it

The clean down is easy too, as all cooking surfaces will fit in the dishwasher, and everything else wipes and rinses down into the ‘fat trap’ for disposal. If you’re looking for a grill that’s lightweight, easy to assemble, and offers powerful flames with lots of cooking space, this is the right choice for you.

Features

It’s worth mentioning that the unusual grill design means you don't get the classic BBQ grill marks. For the price, this is a brilliant gas barbecue.

If you've got plans to entertain this barbecue season, look no further than this budget option. 

Why we love it

Available online at Very and Littlewoods, what it lacks in branding it makes up for in sheer value for money. There are six burners and a side burner, in case that wasn't enough cooking space. 

Features

Ignition is front and centre, and there's even a warming rack for toasting burger buns or keeping burgers warm while you work on the hot dogs. 

With an in-built thermometer, rust-proof lid, and fully portable frame, the Weber Spirit Classic E-210 is a great option for those who want the best gas BBQ but without the large size requirements. 

Why we love it

This barbecue has two burners, but the warming rack means you can cook meals for the whole family in shifts. Its wheels also make it extremely easy to wheel in and out for use in the summer months. 

Features

Side shelves feature hooks for cooking accessories, and the cooking grate itself is porcelain-enamelled. Weber calls these grills "flavourizers" and they're designed to add an extra kick of that classic smokey barbecue flavour to your meals. 

This hugely popular BBQ, which often sells out, is sturdy, looks good, and delivers on flavour. 

Why we love it

Powered by propane, it comes with a reversible cast iron grill and hot plate, and it has lots of handy design features such as a warming rack so you can serve everything at the same time. There's also a side burner for whipping up tasty extras in a frying pan. 

Features

The design keeps the gas bottle out of sight, and the great size cooking area is perfect for feeding around 12 people. Assembly can take longer than the 45 mins suggested time, but it’s a great value product that won’t disappoint.

What is the best gas barbecue? 

The Everdure By Heston Blumenthal Gas BBQ is our top choice of the best gas barbecue. Weber never fails to produce high quality products that not only look great, but give you the best cooking experience too. That said, this isn't the best gas barbecue for everyone. Some may prefer a grill with a more in-built look, whereas others will want a smaller barbecue for easy storage and transportation. 

How to choose the best gas barbecue for you

Size

The size of a barbecue is one of the most important things to check. Firstly, the dimensions of the grill itself will dictate whether it fits into your garden or patio space. For those short on space or who have a set area in mind, choosing something with the perfect dimensions is key. 

The size of the grilling area is another thing to check. The amount of burners can reflect this. Ideally, you should choose something that can cater to a crowd for summer entertaining or family dining. Keep in mind though that you may have to light all burners, no matter the crowd, when you fire up your new gas barbecue. This could be a waste of gas if you're only doing a burger or two, so the energy-conscious may want to pick an appropriate amount of burners for their family size. 

Storage

If you plan on leaving your barbecue on the patio all year, its portability isn't massively important. For most though, it's nice to have the option of moving it to the garage when it's not in use, or even being able to take it on trips to the beach or campsite. 

Some gas barbecues come with extendable sides that can be lifted up to provide added storage - or even cooking - space. When not in use you can lower these and make your barbecue far easier to store. While some gas barbecues come on legs, people tend to prefer one on a trolley. This gives you storage space for you gas canister to live discreetly, and can even offer shelves for grilling essentials such as spatulas and carving knives. 

Extras

A straightforward gas barbecue should chargrill your burgers, vegetables, and steaks, but you can also find some with the added advantage of side burners. These allow you to cook with a regular frying pan alongside your grill, meaning you can prep crispy onions or hot baked beans while you grill. This will save you trips to and from the kitchen, meaning you don't have to leave your food and potentially grill it while you prep any sides. 

Many gas barbecues feature this function, so keep an eye out for one that can multi-task. 

And of course, every good barbecue needs somewhere to enjoy that perfectly grilled burger from! Check out our guide to the best garden furniture to find the outdoor tables, chairs and garden sofas that are perfect for alfresco dining.