Best gas barbecues 2021: our top BBQ picks from Weber, Char-Broil and more

Looking for the best gas barbecue? We've found six top options from brands like Weber and Char-Broil, as well as household names like John Lewis that offer value and smart extras. Something about firing up the BBQ signals that the warmer months have well and truly started, so now is the time to invest if you want to make the most of your new gas barbecue all summer long. 

Gas barbecues are very reliable because they are easy to ignite and the temperature is fully adjustable. Many of the barbecues in our guide come with in-built thermometers and even feature side burners, which make preparing side dishes or warming through entrées easier than ever. 

The best gas barbecue for you will depend on the size of the crowd you're catering to, and how much space you have to spare. We have included two, four and even six burner gas barbecues in our guide, so there are easily stored options for those short on shed space, as well as impressive options for alfresco feasting. To create that perfect outdoor kitchen, check out the best outdoor kitchen appliances. 

The best gas barbecues 2021

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. 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. 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. 

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

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. 

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. 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. 

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. 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. 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.

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. 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. 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.

This sturdy and well-made gas barbecue heats up quickly and cooks evenly, making grilling is a breeze. 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. It’s worth mentioning that the solid grill design means you don't get the classic BBQ grill marks, and food does tend to sticks you’ll need olive oil handy. For the price, this is a brilliant gas barbecue.

What is the best gas barbecue? 

The Weber Genesis II E-310 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.