Topic
Gas BBQs
Gas barbecues light at the turn of a knob and hold a steady heat. Compare cooking area, the number of burners and the total kW, then the extras such as a side burner or a warming rack.
- Common sizes
- 2 to 6 burners
- Typical total output
- 6 to 18 kW
Listings give the cooking area in cm² or square inches (1 sq in is 6.45 cm²) and the total output in kW, which is the sum of the main burners. More kW heats a larger grill, but how the heat is spread matters as much as the total.
Each burner has its own valve, so a three or four burner grill lets you set up a hot zone and a cool zone for food that needs gentle cooking. Flavouriser bars or heat plates above the burners catch drips and spread the heat.
Most UK gas barbecues run on propane with a screw-on regulator. Our gas bottle burn time calculator shows how long a bottle lasts on your grill.
Common mistakes
- Comparing cooking areas without checking whether the warming rack is included.
- Buying a regulator that does not match the gas and bottle you use.
Guides on this topic
- Weber Spirit vs Weber GenesisWeber Spirit vs Genesis compared on burners, power, cooking area, sear zone, storage and weight, using listing facts for four current gas barbecues.Comparison
- Weber Q vs Weber TravelerWeber Q vs Traveler compared on cooking area, burner power, weight, folding cart and how each travels to a campsite, caravan pitch or small patio.Comparison
- Gas BBQ igniter not working: causes and fixesGas BBQ igniter not working? Check the battery, electrode gap, wet wiring, gas supply and blocked burner ports in order, and use the manual's match-lighting method.Fix
- How to use a gas BBQHow to use a gas BBQ step by step: connecting the regulator, lighting in the right order, preheating with the lid down and using the burners as heat zones.How-to
- How to smoke on a gas BBQHow to smoke on a gas BBQ with a smoker box or foil pouch of wood chips: burner settings, which woods to use and how to keep smoke going on a long cook.How-to
- Gas BBQ not getting hot enoughGas BBQ not getting hot? Check cold-weather butane, a regulator in safety mode, spider webs in venturi tubes, worn burners and wind, with the fix for each.Fix
- Charcoal or gas BBQ: which suits you?Charcoal or gas BBQ compared on flavour, heat-up time, fuel, cleaning and space, so you can decide which type of barbecue suits your garden and cooking.Comparison
- BBQ gas regulator problems and how to fix themBBQ gas regulator problems explained: low flame after a bottle change, flow safety devices, the wrong regulator, frosting and leak checks with soapy water.Fix
Buying guides on this topic
- Best gas BBQs for UK gardensSix three and four burner gas barbecues compared by burner count, stated power in kW, cooking area, weight and the extras each listing names.Buying guide
- Best large gas BBQs for family partiesSix large gas barbecues for cooking for ten or more, compared by burners, total kW, cooking area, side or sear burners and storage, from listing facts only.Buying guide
- Best portable gas BBQs for camping and caravansSeven portable gas barbecues compared by weight in kg, burner power, cooking area, packed size and how each one folds or carries for the car or caravan.Buying guide
- Best small gas BBQs for a patio or small gardenFive compact gas barbecues for patios and courtyards compared by cooking area, burner power, footprint, weight and the stand or side tables included.Buying guide
- Weber gas BBQs compared: Q, Traveler, Spirit and GenesisSix Weber gas barbecues across the Q, Traveler, Spirit and Genesis series compared by burners, kW, cooking area, weight and storage from each listing.Buying guide