Best gas and electric BBQs 2026: tried and tested by Which? experts

The best BBQs come in all shapes and sizes. But whether it's a portable model or a six-burner beast, a BBQ should be easy to use while still producing great-tasting food.

We've tested the best gas and electric options from top brands such as Argos, Ninja, Outback, Vonhaus, Weber and more.

From cooking performance and ease of use to build quality and portability, our hands-on testing goes further than most reviews. We even get expert insight from a chef with more than 10 years' experience of testing BBQs.

While gas BBQs are still the more 'traditional' option, electric ones are becoming increasingly popular. They require little assembly and are exceptionally easy to use.

Our tests have found some outstanding Best Buys and Great Value recommendations.

The gas BBQs we tested

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All the gas BBQs we tested are listed in alphabetical order below.

Only logged-in Which? members can view the best options from our tests.

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Argos Home 4-burner with Side Burner Gas BBQ

Available from Argos (£116)

Weight 16.5kg

Dimensions 97 x 118 x 56cm (HxWxD)

Grill area 64 x 35cm (WxD)

Need to know Recommended fuels: butane and propane; four burners and a side burner; comes with flavour enhancer: vapouriser bars

Argos Home Premium 6 burner Gas BBQ

Available from Argos (£260)

Weight 34.5kg

Dimensions 110 x 144 x 60cm (HxWxD)

Grill area 81 x 42cm (WxD)

Need to know Propane gas only, six burners, warming rack, drip tray

Cadac Safari Chef 30 LP Deluxe BBQ

Weight 3kg

Dimensions 34 x 35 x 36cm (HxWxD)

Grill diameter 28cm

Need to know Recommended fuels: butane and propane; one burner; comes with pan stand, grill plate, hot plate and carry case

Char-Broil Evolve Smart Gas BBQ

Weight 51.9kg

Dimensions 154 x 128 x 76cm (HxWxD)

Grill area 60 x 43cm (WxD)

Need to know Recommended fuels: butane and propane; two burners; four wheels; comes with two meat temperature probes, digital display and storage shelf; comes with flavour enhancer: vapouriser bars

George Foreman GFGBBQ4B Portable 4 Burner Grill Gas BBQ

Weight 24kg

Dimensions 98 x 133 x 58cm (HxWxD)

Grill area  70 x 42cm (WxD)

Need to know Recommended fuels: propane and butane; four burners; includes integrated thermometer, bottle opener and fitted storage rack

Heston Blumenthal Everdure Force 2-burner Gas BBQ

Weight 31kg

Dimensions 148 x 117 x 87cm (HxWxD)

Grill area 59 x 41cm (WxD)

Need to know Recommended fuels: butane and propane; two burners; comes with fat drip tray, handles, temperature gauge and storage shelf

Looking for a more traditional option? See our round-up of the best charcoal BBQs

Napoleon Freestyle 365 Gas BBQ

Weight 47kg

Dimensions 116 x 124 x 63cm (HxWxD)

Grill area 51 x 45cm (WxD)

Need to know Recommended fuel: propane; three burners; comes with temperature gauge, gas tank cabinet underneath

Ninja 5-in-1 FlexFlame 3-Burner Gas BBQ & Outdoor Cooking System

Available from Argos (£999), Marks Electrical (£999)

Weight 59kg

Dimensions 122 x 151 x 63 cm (HxWxD)

Grill area 43 x 64cm (WxD)

Need to know Recommended fuels: propane or butane; three burners; five cooking options: grill, smoke, roast, griddle and make pizzas; precision burner control

Outback Spectrum 2-burner Gas BBQ

Available from John Lewis (Out of stock), BBQ World (Out of stock)

Weight 25.5kg

Dimensions 112 x 110 x 60cm (HxWxD)

Grill area 47 x 40cm (WxD)

Need to know Recommended fuels: butane and propane; two burners; temperature gauge and air vents; comes with flavour enhancer: vapouriser bars

UniFlame 4-Burner Gas Grill BBQ

Available from Asda (£149)

Weight 26kg 

Dimensions 117 x 128 x 61cm (HxWxD)

Grill area 63 x 42cm (WxD)

Need to know Recommended fuels: butane and propane; four burners, secondary warming area, includes bottle opener

Vonhaus 6+1-Burner Gas BBQ

Weight 24.8kg

Dimensions 101 x 135 x 49cm (HxWxD)

Grill area 73 x 35cm (WxD)

Need to know Recommended fuels: butane and propane; six burners plus a side burner; two wheels; temperature gauge and air vents; comes with flavour enhancer: vapouriser bars

Weber Genesis E-315 Gas BBQ

Available from John Lewis (£949)

Weight 74kg

Dimensions 122 x 147 x 69cm (HxWxD)

Grill area 67 x 48cm (WxD)

Need to know Recommended fuels: butane and propane; three burners; temperature gauge and air vent; Weber's Built for Gourmet BBQ system sear grate, comes with flavour enhancer: vapouriser bars

Weber Genesis E-325s Gas BBQ

Weight 68kg

Dimensions 122 x 156 x 69cm (HxWxD)

Grill area 67 x 48cm (WxD)

Need to know Recommended fuels: butane and propane; three burners plus extra sear burner, temperature gauge and air vents, comes with Weber's Built for Gourmet BBQ system sear grate, flavour enhancer: vapouriser bars

Weber Spirit E-325 3-Burner Gas BBQ

Weight 44.5kg

Dimensions 117 x 123 x 67.5cm (HxWxD)

Grill area 52 x 44 cm (WxD)

Need to know Recommended fuels: butane and propane; three burners; comes with temperature gauge

Weber Spirit II E-210 GBS Gas BBQ

Available from Weber (Out of stock)

Weight 45.6kg

Dimensions 113 x 122 x 69cm (HxWxD)

Grill area 52 x 44cm (WxD)

Need to know Recommended fuels: butane and propane; two burners; comes with temperature gauge, flavour enhancer: vapouriser bars

The electric BBQs we tested

Only logged-in Which? members can view the test results below. 

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Ninja Woodfire Pro XL Electric BBQ

Weight 17.6kg

Dimensions 56 x 56 x 61cm (HxWxD)

Grill area 44 x 28cm (WxD)

Need to know 1.7-metre cable length, one grill plate, has two handles for lifting, settings include: smoker, grill, air fry and roasting, comes with crisping rack, 3-pack wood pellets for smoking, temperature probe for meat and recipe book

Napoleon TravelQ PRO285 Electric BBQ  

Available from The BBQ Shop (£270)

Weight 17kg

Dimensions 38 x 74 x 47cm (HxWxD)

Grill area 54 x 37 cm (WxD)

Need to know 1.8m cable length, adjustable heat control, side handles for carrying

Weber Lumin Compact Electric Outdoor Barbecue

Weight 12kg

Dimensions 28 x 58.5 x 42cm (HxWxD)

Grill area 43 x 28cm (HxW)

Need to know 1.8m cable length

How we test BBQs

We test BBQs from brands including Argos, B&Q, Char Broil, Homebase, Outback, Weber and more.

Brands can't buy their way onto our tests. We pay for all the gas and electric BBQs we test and regularly revisit them on sale to see if there are new and popular models that need testing. When we find them, we do.

Cooking performance

• Each BBQ is used by James Adams, an independent chef, who's been testing barbecues for more than 10 years and has honed his craft in London’s most influential kitchens, including River Cafe, St. John, and Spring.
• The chef tries all the features on the barbecue and cook steak, sausages, chicken thighs, vegetable skewers and veggie burgers.
• We rate the appearance, taste and how evenly cooked and succulent every piece is.
• The best BBQs sear and char meat and vegetables alike, giving a distinct smoky flavour, while cooking through and not drying out. 

Ease of use and cleaning

• The chef assesses how easy each BBQ is to light and control, identifying any unintended hot or cold spots and flare-ups. 
• We see how long each one takes to reach a perfect cooking temperature. The best options are ready in about five minutes, while some take more than 20 minutes.
• We also deep clean every model we test. We rate how easy the components are to remove and wash in the sink, and how easy it is to get rid of fat and food debris from the bottom of the BBQ.

Portability, manoeuvrability and build quality

• We assemble every BBQ, assessing how quick and easy they are to build, and how informative and clear the instructions are.
• We inspect the quality, looking for parts that are constructed of durable materials and are well finished.
• We also rate how well it's made, downgrading those with sharp edges that may cut fingers or flimsy materials that will make it wobbly or difficult to cook on. After our cooking tests, we check to see whether any parts have been damaged by general use.
• Finally, we rate each BBQ on how heavy each is to move, how stable it is when you’re wheeling or carrying it and how easy it is to manoeuvre.
• We look for wheels and dedicated handles to help with lifting and moving, and check whether any shelves are likely to bang against legs.

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What are the different types of BBQ?

Finding the right type will depend on the style you want, the time you’re willing to spend grilling and the features you need to ensure your food is cooked the way you like it.

• Gas BBQs Combine grill bars and (sometimes) side burners for heating pots and pans. They're one of the most common types available to buy. They're usually easy to light and have good temperature control. There's no ash or coal to clean up, and they have handy features such as fat drip trays and vapourisers to create smoke. They're pricier than charcoal models and some can lack the chargrilled flavour.  
• Charcoal BBQs One of the most common types you can buy and the go-to for traditional, authentic smoky flavours. They tend to be cheaper and get to higher temperatures than gas and electric models for faster cooking. Typically harder to clean and take longer to heat up and cool down than gas options. 
• Electric BBQs This is a good choice if you're short on outdoor space. You don't need fuel and some can come with other cooking functions, such as air frying or roasting. Like some gas models, they can lack that smoky taste, and running them can be energy intensive. Expect a higher electricity bill if you're cooking on them regularly.
• Kamados Japanese-style charcoal BBQs made out of heavy ceramic rather than metal. They retain heat for a long time, making them ideal for cooler climates and slow cooking. But they have a steeper learning curve for controlling the temperature and are expensive to buy. 
• Smokers Any long-burning charcoal BBQs, such as a Kamado, can be used to smoke. There are also specialist smokers available, though. They make smoky, juicy food, but the slow cooking and flavour takes more time and patience than other types.
• Disposable BBQs These are cheap to buy, but are potential fire hazards and can't be reused, making them a less environmentally friendly option. We don't test them, but we do test portable models for camping or on the road.  

How to clean a BBQ

It's generally advised to clean the grills of your barbecue after every use and give the entire thing a deep clean every three months. Cleaning not only minimises the risk of food poisoning, it helps keep your barbecue rust-free. 

Use a cleaning brush

A proper barbecue cleaning brush can help to clear away everything that's been burnt onto your BBQ during cooking, as well as getting the grill back to its sparkling best.

We tested five cleaning brushes. To find out which one we rated a Best Buy, log in or join Which?

Tips for cleaning your grill

Follow these tips to keep yours in tip-top shape:

1. Put on rubber gloves, and have a brush with nylon bristles and a steel scraper to remove baked-in food.
2. Check your model's cleaning instructions to make sure the cleaning equipment you use won't damage the grill or invalidate the warranty (for example, some recommend using wire-wool, some don't).
3. Leave the BBQ with the heat and lid on for 15 minutes to bake grease and food into a blackened layer. This is easier to remove than liquid grease.
4. Leave it to cool down. Remove the coals and ash, or disconnect it from the gas supply depending on the type of BBQ you're using.
5. Use the brush to remove the carbonised grease from the lid and grills.
6. Remove the grills (and any flavouriser bars on gas models) and wash in warm soapy water with a non-scratch sponge. 
7. Clean painted lids with warm, soapy water and polish with a mild glass cleaner and lint-free cloth.
8. Use mild stainless steel cleaner on metal parts or surfaces.
9. From the cavity of the BBQ, remove big bits of food and use a steel scraper to remove large grease deposits.
10. Clean inside with warm, soapy water. Rinse and dry with a lint-free cloth.
11. Empty and clean the drip tray, replacing any liners ready for next time you use it.
12. Reassemble your BBQ. 

If the gas burners get greasy, use a brush to remove the deposits and a metal pin or skewer to unblock individual gas outlets.

How to store your BBQ cooking gas

Make sure the gas tap is switched off on the canister before you try to detach it from the BBQ.

• Never store a gas canister inside the house or below ground level (such as a basement)
• Store it outdoors away from your home's entry/exit points, drains, frost and direct sunlight
• Store it upright in a well-ventilated place, away from heat/ignition sources, corrosive, toxic or oxidant material

How to stop cooking grates from rusting

Rust usually starts when metal surfaces get damaged and damp. So if you can't store your BBQ away in a shed or garage, it's worthwhile investing in a cover.

These typically cost from £15 to £60. They can blow off in high winds, so look for one that has lots of ties to attach it to the frame or a rope to tie it down.

It also pays off in the long run to maintain the grills on your BBQ:

• Cast-iron grills can rust easily unless seasoned. After they're clean and dry, wipe over a solid high-saturated-fat such as lard. Put them back on the BBQ and burn on a medium heat for 10 minutes.
• Stainless steel grills After they're clean and dry, apply a thin layer of vegetable oil.
• Chrome-coated wire grills Avoid cleaning these with wire wool as it can damage them. Clean in warm, soapy water and wipe with cooking oil after drying.

Keep it out of reach of children.

What size BBQ should you buy?

A two-burner gas or a 40 x 45cm grill area charcoal barbecue is good if you're catering for four to six people. These are the most common sizes available.

If you're cooking for more people, go for a three-burner or more gas barbecue. If you're going for charcoal, consider a larger model such as an oil drum or half-barrel barbecue.

These can be big enough to cook large joints or a whole hog roast, for instance. A heads-up, though: these larger barbecues are more expensive to buy and have high fuel requirements.

If you're keen to grill while camping or on the beach, go for a portable model. A small cooking area is a given, so don't expect to be able to cook for more than three to four people in one go.

How much do I need to pay for a good BBQ?

This all depends on how much you want to spend and how durable you want the BBQ to be.

You’ll often see cheaper models that have some of the features of more expensive ones, but many compromise on build quality. 

A cheap option will still be a waste of money if the features are shoddily made, as they won't last long and won’t give the desired results.

However, we've tested BBQs for less than £300 that our expert chef found better to cook on than ones costing hundreds of pounds more.

To find out which two gas BBQs beat the competition to earn both our Great Value and Best Buy recommendations, log in or join Which?