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The quick answer
- Best for most families: Charles Bentley ottimo 350 (4 burners, built-in thermometer).
- Cheapest good option: Charles Bentley 3 Burner.
- For big groups: ottimo 420 (6 burners).
- For camping and days out: CADAC Safari Chef 30.
- Look for: at least three burners, a lid thermometer and a stable trolley. Budget for a cover.
Budget gas BBQs have improved a lot, and for many families they're all you need. The trade-off is usually thinner steel and a shorter lifespan than premium brands, so a cover and a bit of care go a long way. Our picks are based on specs, prices and owner feedback, not hands-on testing. Prices are from The Range at the time of writing and change often.
Not sure gas is right for you? Read charcoal vs gas first.
What to look for in a budget gas BBQ
- At least three burners: lets you set up a hot side and a cool side.
- A lid thermometer: turns the BBQ into an outdoor oven for roasting.
- Stable trolley and wheels: wobbly legs are a common weak point on cheap BBQs.
- Easy-clean grease tray: and check it's easy to remove.
- Regulator and hose included: and that they suit the gas bottle you'll use (propane is best for UK weather).
- Size: measure your space. Six-burner BBQs are wide.
Four good-value gas BBQs
Many of these are sold by brand partners through The Range's marketplace. Delivery and returns terms can vary, so check the listing.
Charles Bentley 3 Burner Gas BBQ
Price at The Range: around £140 · Best for: Couples and small families on a tight budget
Why it's on the list
- Three burners give you a hot zone and a cooler zone, which is the key to cooking without burning things
- Charles Bentley is an established UK garden brand
Worth knowing
- At this price, expect thinner steel than premium BBQs. A cover will help it last
- Check the listing for the exact cooking area and what's included
Charles Bentley ottimo 350 4-Burner Gas BBQ
Price at The Range: around £250 · Best for: Most families: best balance of size and price
Why it's on the list
- Four burners, listed as feeding four to six people
- Built-in lid thermometer, so you can roast with the lid down
- Comes with a gas regulator and hose
Worth knowing
- Sold by Charles Bentley through The Range's marketplace
- Grate material isn't stated on the listing. Check before you buy if that matters to you
Charles Bentley ottimo 420 6-Burner Gas BBQ
Price at The Range: around £300 · Best for: Big families and regular entertaining
Why it's on the list
- Six burners for cooking for a crowd, or running several heat zones at once
- Built-in lid thermometer
Worth knowing
- A big BBQ uses more gas. Make sure you have a spare bottle
- Measure your patio space first. Six-burner BBQs are wide
CADAC Safari Chef 30 HP Deluxe
Price at The Range: around £140 · Best for: Camping, caravans, boats and small balconies
Why it's on the list
- Weighs about 4.5kg and comes with a carry bag
- Includes a BBQ grid, a flat grill plate and a pot stand, and the dome lid can be used as a pot
- Runs from a gas cartridge rather than a full-size bottle
Worth knowing
- Too small to cook for a big group
- Cartridges cost more per cook than a large propane bottle
How to make a budget BBQ last
- Cover it when it's cool. Rain and damp are what kill cheap BBQs.
- Burn off and brush the grates after each cook.
- Empty the grease tray regularly to avoid flare-ups.
- Check the hose and connections every season with soapy water, never a flame.
- Store the gas bottle outside, upright, and never in a cellar or below ground level.
Related guides
Want flat-top cooking too? See gas griddles. Building a BBQ area? Read how to plan an outdoor kitchen.
Frequently asked questions
Is a cheap gas BBQ worth it?
Yes, for occasional family grilling. Expect a shorter lifespan than premium brands, but with a cover and regular cleaning a budget BBQ can last several seasons.
How many burners do I need?
Three or four suits most families. Six is useful if you regularly cook for groups.
Propane or butane?
Propane works better in cold weather, which suits the UK. Check which regulator your BBQ needs.
Do budget gas BBQs come with a gas bottle?
Usually not. You'll need to buy or rent a bottle separately from a gas supplier or retailer.
Home cook, keen DIYer and long-time website builder, writing practical outdoor cooking guides for UK gardens. More about me.