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Outback Gas BBQs: Your essential buying guide
For occasional cooking for one or two people, a compact one or two-burner gas BBQ may be enough. For families or mixed cooking, three or more burners give you more control, letting you cook different foods at different temperatures or create indirect heat under the lid.
Think about both cooking space and storage space. A smaller gas BBQ is easier to move and store, while a larger model offers more grilling area, prep space and flexibility for entertaining. Check the overall footprint as well as the grill size.
Yes, many lidded gas BBQs are well suited to indirect cooking, especially models with multiple burners. You can turn off one burner area and cook food away from direct flame, which is useful for larger joints, whole vegetables or slower cooking.
Useful features to compare include burner layout, cast iron or stainless steel cooking grates, built-in temperature gauges, side burners, warming racks, storage cupboards, wheels and removable drip trays. Choose features you will actually use rather than focusing only on size.
A cover is a sensible addition if your gas BBQ will be stored outdoors. It helps protect the barbecue from rain, dirt and general weather exposure, although you should still follow the manufacturer’s cleaning, maintenance and storage guidance.
A good gas BBQ should suit your space, cooking style and the number of people you regularly feed. Before comparing models, decide whether you want a simple grill for quick weekday meals or a larger barbecue with zones, shelves and extra cooking options.
Burner count is one of the most important differences between gas BBQs. A single or two-burner model can work well for smaller spaces and straightforward grilling, while three or four burners give you more flexibility for cooking mains, sides and delicate foods at the same time.
Multiple burners also make it easier to use direct and indirect heat. This is helpful if you want to sear food over a flame, then move it to a gentler area to finish cooking under the lid.
Measure the area where the gas BBQ will sit, allowing room to open the lid, use side shelves and move safely around the barbecue. If you have a small patio, a compact trolley or tabletop-style gas BBQ may be more practical than a wide, cabinet-style model.
For larger gardens, a full-size gas BBQ can offer more prep space, storage and cooking surface. Wheels are useful if you need to move the barbecue between storage and cooking areas.
Gas BBQs may use different grate materials, including cast iron, enamel-coated steel or stainless steel. Cast iron is often chosen for heat retention, while stainless steel can be appealing for durability and cleaning ease, depending on the design.
Also check whether the cooking surface includes removable sections, warming racks or griddle plates. These can make the barbecue more versatile for foods such as vegetables, fish, breakfast items and smaller ingredients.
Gas BBQs are often chosen for convenience, so compare features that make cooking and cleaning easier. Electronic ignition, lid thermometers, grease management trays, side shelves and tool hooks can all improve day-to-day use.
A side burner may be useful if you want to heat sauces or cook side dishes outdoors, but it is not essential for every shopper. Prioritise the features that fit the way you plan to cook.
Gas BBQs are a strong choice for shoppers who value fast start-up, adjustable heat and repeatable cooking control. If you are still deciding between fuel types, it can be useful to compare gas models with other barbecue styles before narrowing your shortlist.
Consider how much preparation time you are comfortable with, how much flavour from smoke or fuel matters to you, and how often you expect to cook outdoors.