Greatest Fuel BBQs to purchase in 2024
Greatest fuel BBQs at a look
We teamed up with our colleagues at Good Meals Journal to make sure our exams had been as correct, honest, and helpful as doable. With their culinary information and our reviewing experience we’ve discovered one of the best fuel BBQs for each backyard. Every assessment has an in depth listing of execs and cons for readability and has been rated in keeping with arrange and meeting, ease of use, cooking outcomes and worth for cash. Solely the standout fuel BBQs have made our listing, so you should buy with confidence.
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Greatest fuel barbecues in 2024
Weber Genesis Sequence EPX-335 sensible fuel barbecue
RRP: £2,149
Our score: 4.8/5
Out there from BBQ World (£1735), Weber (£1929)
Execs
- Straightforward to load rotisserie arm
- Double width warming rack
- Facet burner excellent for popping a skillet on
Cons
- Brief energy wire
- Costly
Retailing at greater than £2,000, the Weber Genesis Sequence EPX-335 Sensible fuel barbecue is a BBC Gardeners’ World Journal Greatest Purchase winner for one of the best premium fuel barbecue. This three-burner barbecue is full of options. Not solely does it cater for a whopping 12 individuals, nevertheless it has a digital thermometer that allows you to management the temperature to the very diploma. It additionally sends step-by-step temperature alerts to your telephone to information you thru cooking. There’s a big sear zone, in addition to a facet burner that’s excellent for pans and skillets and doubles up as an extra work floor with its lid down. The warming rack is double width, for further snacks, and there’s even a rotisserie arm for cooking entire birds. We discovered even warmth distribution throughout the entire barbecue. The mix of the sear zone and the facet burner allow us to sear steaks on the best while cooking kebabs on the left and on the similar time hold extras piping sizzling on the double-width warming rack. The steaks we cooked had well-defined char strains and a scrumptious flavour whereas remaining pink, tender and juicy within the center. The rotisserie arm is straightforward to make use of and turned out two succulent roast chickens. There was no sticking with any of the components and recipes on take a look at and all the pieces we cooked was scrumptious.
Nevertheless, we are able to’t get round the fee. There’s quite a lot of performance crammed into this barbecue, however £2,000 is a really hefty price ticket, particularly within the present local weather. It additionally has a big footprint on a patio, so in small gardens it is going to dominate your area. It’s worthwhile to place it close to an influence socket too, because it has a brief energy wire to run the digital temperature gauge. We can also’t touch upon how straightforward this barbecue is to assemble, as a result of it was delivered to us totally constructed.
Cadac Citi Chef 40
RRP: £200
Our score: 4.8/5
Out there from Robert Dyas (£119.99), BBQ World (£124.99), Amazon (£142)
Execs
- Little or no meeting
- Straightforward to make use of and carry
- Mild however steady
- Cooks evenly with good char strains
- Carry bag and pot stand included
- A lot of equipment out there
Cons
- Lid somewhat arduous to suit
- Lacks carry handles
- Regulator not included
This tremendous easy barbecue is nicely thought out and was awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Journal Greatest Purchase for design. There’s little or no meeting wanted, simply slot within the pot stand and put the lid along with the allen key equipped and also you’re prepared. Nevertheless, this barbecue doesn’t include a regulator so that you do must buy this individually and set it up earlier than you will get cooking.It is very gentle, simply over 6kg and straightforward to choose and stick with it to a tabletop or the grass nevertheless it does lack handles which could make it simpler to maneuver about for some. A terrific carry bag is included although, which zips up with the lid strapped in to the highest so it’s straightforward to pack away and transport to wherever you’re cooking. It has a sexy round design that sits on low, sturdy, legs with rubber non-slip ft, and has a domed lid with a temperature gauge, a cool contact deal with and a useful hook on the within to relaxation it on the again of the barbecue whilst you add and switch your meals. At 33cm the round ceramic coated grill is large enough for a household of 4 and the auto ignition is straightforward to gentle, and it takes just some minutes to get this barbecue as much as temperature. It cooked our vary of barbecue staples nicely, with clearly outlined char strains and there have been no evident cool spots. Beneath the grill is a detachable porcelain enamelled fats pan that runs like a moat across the burner to catch dripping fats. That is straightforward to take out and clear and the grill itself is easy to carry out and run underneath the faucet or wash within the dishwasher.
This a nicely designed barbecue that’s straightforward to make use of and take with you, to the allotment or on vacation and can be perfect to be used on a balcony or small patio. It’s out there in a selection of three colors and because the Cadac is a part of a modular system there’s an entire host of interchangeable cooking surfaces out there, together with a griddle, paella pan, pizza stone and extra to extend your cooking repertoire. It comes with a 5 12 months guarantee.
Weber Traveler fuel barbecue
RRP: £490
Our score: 4.8/5
Out there from BBQ World (£399), B & Q (£465), Weber (£490), Amazon (£499.99)
Execs:
- Straightforward arrange and transportability
- Strong and durable
- Facet desk, instrument hooks and drip tray
- Massive cooking space
- Cooks evenly and nicely
- Highly effective burner
- Straightforward to retailer
Cons:
- Small fuel canister doesn’t final lengthy
- Massive and heavy to carry if wanted
- Costly
This well-designed barbecue is nice for small gardens and taking tenting or right down to the seaside for immediate barbecuing. We awarded it a BBC Gardeners’ World Journal Greatest Purchase for comfort and it’s one of many best to make use of barbecues now we have examined. Nearly able to go straight out of the field, it simply wants the wheels slotted on, the grill plates and drip tray inserted and you’ve got a table-top barbecue, full with work floor regardless of the place you might be.
Straightforward to carry up into place it has a great measurement cooking space with two forged iron grill plates with a porcelain enamel coating above a single burner. The domed lid has a temperature gauge, and the grill plates warmth up rapidly, inside just some minutes. The management dial is straightforward to regulate, there’s ample area to feed a household or bigger gathering an in or take a look at all the pieces cooked nicely and evenly and nothing caught to the grill plates. Subsequent to the burner are useful plastic instrument hooks and the facet desk is loads large enough for plates, sauces and many others. As a journey barbecue it makes use of small, screw-in canisters of propane and butane, which gained’t final lengthy, we used about two thirds of a bottle in our take a look at however for those who plan to make use of this barbecue recurrently at house it’s price investing in a regulator and adaptor hose so you possibly can hook it as much as a much bigger propane canister. With its trolley design the barbecue collapses down flat with the flick of a button (and the lid and legs lock robotically) and it’s then easy to carry and transfer round on its wheels. It’s additionally very straightforward to retailer as as soon as flat it stands up vertically and will be tucked away flat in opposition to a wall. In comparison with different moveable barbecues that is fairly dear however given its high quality, ease and cooking outcomes we predict it’s nicely price it. It comes with a 5 12 months guarantee.
Weber Q1200 fuel barbecue
RRP: £325
Our score: 4.8/5
Out there from BBQ World (£258), Weber (£305), Weber (£339.99)
Execs
- Straightforward to make use of
- Cooks nicely
- Transportable and compact to retailer
Cons
- Non-stick coating disappointing
The Q1200 moveable fuel barbecue is a BBC Gardeners’ World Journal Greatest Purchase winner for one of the best moveable fuel barbecue. It’s easy-to-use and cooks nicely, albeit with out the bells and whistles of bigger fashions. Fuelled by a C500 fuel cartridge, it heats effectively, however the temperature does drop if the lid is opened for any size of time and it takes a number of minutes to regain warmth, particularly as soon as the grill is roofed with meals. The compact grill makes this perfect for cooking a couple of steaks for a comfy gathering of 4, slightly than a chronic burger-flipping session catering for a bigger celebration. It cooks nicely and creates good char strains, however sections of the grill are strong, which reduces the areas the place you possibly can obtain this genuine barbecue texture. The non-stick coating isn’t at all times efficient.
Clear directions imply it’s straightforward to assemble, simply make sure that the plastic facet tables don’t unintentionally contact the new grill as they’re prone to scorch. This can be a versatile barbecue that’s utterly moveable, whether or not you’re within the backyard or on the seaside, and it’s straightforward to retailer. It is also out there with a stand.
Everdure Furnace 3 burner fuel barbecue
RRP: £899
Our score: 4.5/5
Out there from BBQ World (£595), John Lewis (£595), Wayfair (£651.99), Lakeland (£699)
Execs
- Massive cooking space
- Fast to preheat
- Straightforward to manage temperature
- Engaging, intuitive design
Cons
- Prolonged, fiddly meeting
- Some chilly spots throughout grill
- No warming rack
Winner of a BBC Gardeners’ World Journal Greatest Purchase for one of the best fuel barbecue for crowds this straightforward to make use of barbecue impressed us with its beauty and fast, ferocious cooking. It comes with three die-cast grills, every of which slots above a burner that works independently – so you possibly can fireplace up all three without delay or simply use one after the other. It reaches grilling temperature in a matter of minutes and reacts nicely to temperature change, with three hob-like knobs to regulate the warmth, that sit on the best hand facet of the grill and convey a component of familiarity for those who’re used to cooking on fuel indoors.
Placing this barbecue collectively is kind of fiddly and time-consuming, particularly as a few of the screws don’t thread by correctly, however the directions are principally clear and though no instruments are offered, all you want is a Phillips screwdriver. As soon as constructed, it may possibly keep assembled and has two small wheels that will help you push it out and in of storage. Alternatively, there’s a (some what dear) cowl to guard it from the weather in the stores from Everdure.
It is strong and a great measurement, with a large grill capable of deal with a considerable amount of meals. There’s area for as much as 28 burgers or three roast chickens at one time and nearly all the pieces we cooked was nicely charred and succulent. Nevertheless, we did discover the occasional chilly spot on the grill, which line up with the positioning of the burners beneath that made some outcomes inconsistent
It has a sturdy hood with a temperature gauge and a facet desk on the left hand facet plus a shelf under for storing equipment and utensils. It’s costly, which little question displays the connected superstar identify, nevertheless it’s a excessive performing barbecue with loads of person pleasant options and we predict it is good worth for cash. It additionally comes with 5 12 months guarantee.
Napoleon Rogue 425 gas barbecue
RRP: £759.99
Our score: 4.5/5
Out there from Eager Gardener (£641.24), BBQ World (£641.24), Napoleon (£674.99)
Execs
- Good temperature management
- Wonderful cooking outcomes
- Considerate design
- Straightforward to maneuver round and lock
Cons
- Non-stick coating disappointing
A BBC Gardeners’ World Journal Greatest Purchase winner, the Napoleon Rogue 425 is one of the best all spherical fuel barbecue. It’s fast to arrange and easy to make use of, and because of slick lockable wheels, straightforward to maneuver across the backyard. It ignites simply and reaches temperature in 10 minutes, hitting a strong 700°F (371°C) and has a big grill space at 46 x 59.5cm, with Napoleon’s iconic wavy grill strains. The grills are on the excellent distance from the burners to forestall burning and guarantee even warmth switch, which additionally massively reduces sizzling and funky spots on this barbecue. All our take a look at recipes turned out scrumptious, with golden caramelisation and crisp grill strains and we love the temperature gauge, which is evident to learn in each Fahrenheit and Celsius and gives exact management. We additionally admire that your fuel tucks away neatly by itself inbuilt shelf, so this glossy barbecue seems improbable on a patio. Nevertheless, the warming rack will get so sizzling that it may possibly proceed to prepare dinner your meals and we additionally discovered the non-stick grill disappointing, as marinades usually caught to the grill. That is an costly barbecue nevertheless it’s nicely thought out, with wonderful cooking outcomes and it comes with a 15 12 months guarantee.
Char-Broil Grill2Go fuel barbecue
RRP: £229.99
Our score: 4.5/5
Out there from Home equipment Direct (£169.97), Amazon (£175.99), Wayfair (£180.29), Robert Dyas (£190.99), BBQ World (£195.49)
Execs
- Straightforward to arrange and use
- Compact and light-weight
- Cooks nicely
- Consists of scraper
Cons
- Some flare-ups and funky spots
The Char-Broil Grill2Go fuel barbecue is designed to be used at house and on the transfer and gained a BBC Gardeners’ World Journal Greatest Purchase award for small households and {couples}. A easy, single-burner fuel barbecue, it’s nearly able to go from the field. You simply must plug within the regulator and add your fuel. Nevertheless, except you shell out for a specialised propane fuel regulator it solely runs on threaded EN417 fuel bottles with a mixture of butane and propane. It will get to temperature in underneath 5 minutes, has a useful thermometer within the lid and when cooking, probably the most notable characteristic of this barbecue is its well-defined grill strains. Burgers will come off this barbecue trying picture-perfect, with exact grill strains. The Grill2Go can be wonderful at retaining moisture, which will be difficult on a barbecue. Vegetable kebabs come off the grill with crisp, charred outsides and succulent insides. It’s small and light-weight, so although it has a comparatively massive 44 x 28cm cooking space, it’s straightforward to maneuver across the backyard and can be an ideal companion whereas tenting. It additionally comes with a helpful scraper for cleansing after use.
Nevertheless, this barbecue suffers from the success of its char-lines, which may rapidly blacken meals even at decrease temperatures, making it tough to prepare dinner by bigger components. That is notably difficult due to its temperature management, which is easy to make use of however doesn’t at all times react rapidly. We noticed a couple of flare-ups, and the best half of the grill can be a lot hotter than the left, with a noticeable cool spot alongside the entrance of the barbecue. Nonetheless, we predict this grill is superb for {couples} and small households. As a result of it heats up so rapidly, it’s simply the factor for on a regular basis grilling too.
Boss Grill Deluxe moveable fuel barbecue
RRP: £249
Our score: 4.3/5
Out there from Home equipment Direct(£209.97), Furnishings 123 (£209.97), Amazon(£235.97)
Execs
- Fashionable, keep-cool deal with
- Intuitive controls
- Beneficiant cooking space
- Straightforward to maneuver round
Cons
- Hose for fuel is somewhat quick
- Fairly low and somewhat wobbly
This barbecue is an excellent possibility for those who’re after one thing that will get the fundamentals of barbecuing proper, so it gained a BBC Gardeners World Journal Greatest Purchase for one of the best fundamental barbecue. It’s price noting that whereas the vast majority of the construct might be accomplished by only one individual, the standard of the handbook is severely missing. On take a look at, it left the builder to work out a substantial quantity on their very own, owing to the poor-quality photos and the dearth of textual content. It’s somewhat wobbly, and we additionally assume the general peak of the barbecue is somewhat quick – on our 5’5″ tester the grill sits slightly below the hips. This isn’t a barbecue for consultants, slightly it is geared towards somebody who needs a easy barbecue for fundamental dishes, nevertheless it’s all you’ll want to get grilling.
It options a big, beneficiant grilling space with a double burner and sufficient area to comfortably prepare dinner for 4 individuals. This mannequin takes simply 5 minutes to warmth up and supplies a good and constant warmth, proper to the sides. It’s additionally notably aware of adjustments in temperature and total, it cooks nicely, with splendidly outlined grill-lines and wonderful sealing. The faux-leather deal with is a selected hit, retaining the deal with cool in model. Light-weight, it simply strikes round due to the chunky wheels.
The very best of the remainder
Though some fashions didn’t fairly obtain a BBC Gardeners’ World Journal Greatest Purchase award, they nonetheless have nice options that make them price recommending. Browse our decide of one of the best of the remainder on take a look at.
Campingaz Angle 2go Desk Prime fuel barbecue
RRP: £229.99
Our score: 4.3/5
Out there from Amazon (£151.05), Robert Dyas (£189.99), Wayfair (£189.99)
Execs:
- Able to go
- Glossy and easy to make use of
- Good char strains
- Sturdy carry handles
Cons:
- Gradual to warmth up
- Heavy for portability
- Regulator purchased individually
- Lacks equipment
This neat desk high barbecue wants no meeting simply add the grill and the drip tray and it’s able to go. Nevertheless, it doesn’t include the fuel regulator included so that you do should buy this individually and fasten it your self, which will be difficult. We discovered soaking the top of the hose in heat water to melt it earlier than attaching it positively helped. It’s compact with carry handles in-built to the legs so it’s straightforward to hold and carry onto your desk or patio however at 13kg it’s heavier than different moveable BBQs such because the Cadac. The enamelled forged iron grill sits above a single fuel burner, which is straightforward to regulate by a chunky dial on the facet and the lid has a useful temperature gauge. However, we discovered this barbecue sluggish to warmth up, taking 10 minutes to succeed in temperature, though as soon as there it maintains a good, fixed warmth and cooks meals nicely with good char strains and no sticking. The chunky deal with on the entrance of the lid stays cool to the contact and feels sturdy and secure and the entrance loading drip tray is straightforward to wash. As soon as cool the barbecue is easy to choose up and retailer away. Total, it is a easy desk high barbecue nevertheless it lacks equipment so the vary of what and the way y can prepare dinner with it’s restricted. The lid has a ten 12 months guarantee and the cooking grill 5 years.
Weber Spirit II E-220 GBS gas barbecue
RRP: £649
Our score: 4/5
Out there from BBQ World (£475), B&Q (£620), Weber (£629)
Execs
- Nice cooking outcomes
- Versatile
Cons
- Lengthy meeting time
- Cumbersome and arduous to maneuver round
This intuitive barbecue from Weber makes fuel grilling a breeze. It’s straightforward to connect with your fuel, and ignites on the primary click on each time, reaching cooking temperature in quarter-hour. With responsive temperature knobs, this barbecue is straightforward to manage, too. Nevertheless, you’ll want a rubber mallet, 7/16” spanner, and a Phillips head screwdriver to assemble this barbecue, and it’s difficult to maneuver round. Although the facet burner and facet desk are nice additions, they get in the best way when manoeuvring, and lack handles so that you can push or drag the barbecue. Regardless of being a two-burner barbecue, it has fairly a big patio footprint, so that you would possibly battle to retailer it in a shed or a greenhouse.
On take a look at, hen wings and burgers cooked nicely due to wonderful warmth retention, and it offers sausages and halloumi fantastic grill strains. We particularly just like the versatile grill. The round panel within the grill will be changed with Weber equipment, like a wok, pizza stone, and even a waffle maker and the included thermometer is fast to reply and straightforward to learn, and there are only a few cool spots. Suiting each severe grill masters and informal barbecuers, it seems spectacular, is easy to make use of, and seems nice dishes.
Purchase the Weber Spirit II E-220 GBS from B&Q and Weber
George Foreman GFSBBQ1 single burner fuel barbecue
RRP: £139
Our score: 4/5
Out there from Amazon (£130.99), Wayfair (£130.99), Currys (£150), and OnBuy (£193.87)
Execs
- Clear directions
- Cooks nicely with even warmth protection
- Low value
Cons
- Fundamental – no further options or features
- Regulator meeting fiddly
- Some chilly spots
The George Foreman GFSBBQ1 is a single burner barbecue for 3 individuals, however we predict you could possibly simply stretch this to 4. It’s straightforward to assemble however wants a screwdriver for the lid and you need to screw within the thermometer too. Its greatest weak point is that you need to put collectively the regulator your self, which could be very fiddly as you want water to lubricate the hose so as to match it, and you’ll want to use small hose clamps to tighten all the pieces. Nevertheless, the directions are easy and clear. When you’re arrange, it’s a dream to make use of. It will get to temperature in simply 5 minutes and its temperature management is easy and reacts rapidly to any change. It has a few cool spots within the corners, however in any other case has even protection, so you possibly can prepare dinner all the pieces at precisely the identical fee regardless of the place it’s on the grill. It produces good char-lines however different barbecues on take a look at have higher definition, and although all the pieces tastes scrumptious it isn’t as fast or well-cooked as a few of the different barbecues on take a look at. Above all, what you see is what you get. There’s no further features or hidden storage, only a easy grill. It additionally feels somewhat flimsy, however that isn’t a shock at this value. We additionally discovered that the 70cm width of this barbecue barely defeats the purpose of a table-top barbecue, because it’s too large to comfortably sit on most patio or backyard tables. We expect this barbecue would finest swimsuit an unfussy household of 4. You won’t make connoisseur grub on this grill, nevertheless it’s all you want for a couple of burgers on a sunny afternoon.
Purchase the George Foreman GFSBBQ1 Single Burner from Currys, Amazon, Wayfair, and OnBuy
Napoleon Freestyle 365 SIB gas barbecue
RRP: £649.99
Our score: 4/5
Out there from BBQWorld (£617.49)
Execs
- Fast to warmth
- Cooks exactly and straightforward to manage
- Efficient facet burner
- Beneficiant guarantee
Cons
The Napoleon Freestyle 365 comes with a useful facet burner, and our BBC Good Meals colleagues love how nicely it cooks. Nevertheless, earlier than you get began, it’s price noting that this barbecue is tough to place collectively. You’ll want a Phillips screwdriver, in addition to a set of spanners. Frustratingly, the diagrams are everywhere and reveal the meeting from odd angles, so it takes somewhat determining. All instructed it takes at the very least 2 hours to get all the pieces collectively, so for those who’re planning a giant financial institution vacation barbecue you don’t need to be constructing this on the day. That mentioned, we just like the inclusion of spare components, so there’s no panic for those who lose a screw. As soon as it’s assembled it’s straightforward to ignite and fast to warmth, providing outstanding evenness throughout the entire grill. The 51x45cm grilling space is an effective measurement, providing a lot of area for cooking with out taking on your complete patio. Nevertheless, the grates are huge, so smaller objects like prawn skewers would possibly battle to prepare dinner or char evenly. That mentioned, extra substantial components like hen ended up with superbly outlined grill strains. We discovered the three burners and thermometer responsive, letting you exactly management the temperature of no matter you’re cooking, and the warming rack is suspended in simply the best spot to maintain kebabs and corn on the cob on the excellent temperature. Nevertheless, it’s surprisingly noisy when it will get going.
The facet burner is successful, grilling an astonishing steak, and the bottle opener on this facet burner is a stunning further contact, making this barbecue a social focus on a patio. All of its components are strong, high-quality metal and aluminium, neatly stamped with Napoleon’s brand. This high quality extends to the guarantee, which covers you for a powerful ten years.
Purchase the Napoleon Freestyle 365 from BBQWorld
Outback Magnum 3 burner hybid barbecue
RRP: £519
Our score: 3.8 out of 5
Out there from Home equipment Direct (£449), Outback (£529.99)
Execs
- Properly thought out directions
- Good options
- Consists of charcoal basket
Cons
- Some cool spots
- Grease tray requires sand layer
- Facet burner near ignition
The Magnum 3 is a nicely thought out fuel barbecue with quite a lot of options for the worth. It has a big cooking space, with a detachable grill that may be swapped with a griddle or pizza stone for an extra price and it additionally comes with a charcoal basket to fill with charcoal briquettes to get that conventional smoky charcoal flavour from the benefit of a fuel grill. There’s an in depth thermometer within the hood, with useful markings for kinds of cooking and it has a facet burner for sauces or charring aubergine, instrument hooks, even a bottle opener.
It took about an hour to assemble this barbecue however the directions had been clear and it was only a sluggish methodical construct that required two individuals in the direction of the top. On the entire it cooked nicely in our take a look at, there have been some cool spots across the edges of the burners and it didn’t char or sear in addition to others nevertheless it heated up rapidly and for these new to fuel barbecuing it’s versatile, and fast and straightforward to prepare dinner on. It’s additionally gentle with two wheels that make it straightforward to maneuver round and out and in of storage, however it’s fairly massive with no folding tables so it is going to take up a good bit of room on the patio or within the shed over winter. It is best for medium sized gardens.
Purchase the Outback Magnum 3 hybrid Barbecue from Home equipment Direct and Outback
Boss Grill Georgia basic gas barbecue
RRP: £269.97
Our score: 3.5/5
Out there from Home equipment Direct (£239.97) and Furnishings 123 (£249.97)
Execs
- Helpful equipment included
- Options Facet burner and a pair of plate kinds on grill
Cons
- Poor directions and meeting arduous
- Flimsy supplies
- Facet burner arduous to gentle
The Boss Grill Georgia Traditional is an honest selection for a starter BBQ. This mannequin comes with two totally different grilling plates to swimsuit a variety of meals and can match simply into most mid-large sized gardens. With 4 burners for the primary BBQ space and an extra facet hob, it gives quite a lot of room to prepare dinner a number of meals without delay. Though massive, it’s light-weight and options wheels on the again, so you possibly can transfer it round your backyard with ease. It additionally comes with some useful equipment.
Some meals cooked nicely on the barbecue, like skewers, aubergine and potato. Our potato slices had been notably nice due to a griddle plate, which is nice for flat, skinny objects like halloumi. Nevertheless, this barbecue leaves courgette slices with poorly outlined grill strains and inconsistently toasted burger buns. The facet burner was difficult to get going, and the construct is hard due to poor directions.
Purchase the Boss Grill Georgia Traditional from Home equipment Direct and Furnishings 123
Napoleon Phantom Status 500 RSIB fuel barbecue
RRP: £2,599.99
Our score: 3.25/5
Out there from BBQ World (£2308.49)
Execs
- Ample cooking area
- Comfy cooking peak
- Straightforward to learn temperature dial
Cons
- Laborious to ignite and see flames
- Awkward to succeed in rear burner cooking shelf
- Lid and deal with get sizzling
The Phantom Status 500 will not be for the faint-hearted. You want some actual barbecuing experience to get one of the best efficiency from it, and it has a large patio footprint. Nevertheless, for those who’re assured wielding a pair of BBQ tongs, value isn’t a difficulty and also you’re after a little bit of package that appears the half, it’s price contemplating.
This medium-sized fuel barbecue comes with a variety of nifty options, in addition to a relatively hefty price ticket to the others on take a look at. Awkward to assemble, it requires two individuals to connect the edges and inner cabinets, however as soon as it’s constructed, it feels sturdy and the wheels lock securely. It’s difficult to ignite, after which arduous to see the flames to verify it has efficiently fired-up, so for those who’re not assured utilizing fuel, this won’t be for you.
When you’re up and working, this barbecue preheats rapidly and retains warmth nicely, and gives a powerful collection of cooking choices, together with a grilling and searing plate, rotisserie operate (though you’ll want to purchase this accent) and rear burner.
Purchase the Napoleon Phantom Status 500 RSIB from BBQ World
Ought to I select a fuel BBQ or a charcoal BBQ?
The primary issues are how a lot and the way usually you need to barbecue. Fuel BBQs are typically higher for feeding a crowd as they usually have a bigger cooking space, and a uniform temperature throughout the grill so that you will be certain of a constant cooking time wherever you’re cooking. In addition they warmth up and get to cooking temperature quick – relying on the mannequin, they are often able to prepare dinner in simply 5 minutes, in comparison with thirty or forty for a charcoal BBQ. This implies you gained’t be caught on the grill and ignored of the celebration. You too can get everybody’s portion to the desk without delay, or, you probably have friends coming and going all through the day, prepare dinner as and when you’ll want to.
This pace additionally makes a fuel BBQ nice for on a regular basis cooking. For those who fancy a fast burger within the backyard after work, there’s no must hassle with a messy bag of charcoal as for those who’re preparing for a giant household get-together. Simply change on the fuel and get grilling.
Fuel BBQs are additionally perfect for those who’re new to barbecuing. With a fuel grill there gained’t be any panic on the day as you gentle charcoal for the primary time, which may take a couple of makes an attempt. They’re simpler to manage, too. With charcoal, reaching the best temperature requires enjoying round with vents and studying the distinction between direct and oblique warmth so that you don’t sear all the pieces you’re making an attempt to prepare dinner. On a fuel BBQ, you possibly can exactly management the temperature by merely turning the knob. They’re additionally secure, as you possibly can simply flip the BBQ out while you’re accomplished, slightly than having to regulate sizzling coals as they cool.
They’re additionally a neighbourly strategy to prepare dinner, as they don’t produce smoke. The robust odor of a charcoal barbecue will be delinquent, particularly if subsequent door has washing out, and since they don’t smoke, fuel BBQs are additionally cleaner to make use of, with no probability of getting charcoal mud in your fingers and garments. This in flip makes fuel BBQs simpler to wash, as a result of there’s much less charring on the grill.
Nevertheless, a fuel BBQ can’t fairly match the smoky flavour of a charcoal BBQ, or at the very least not as a lot as producers declare they’ll. On a charcoal barbecue, fat and oils from the meals drip between the grill and vaporise on the new coals, to create that unmistakable smoky flavour. This occurs somewhat on a fuel grill too, if oils drip onto the flames, however to not the identical extent. Your meals will nonetheless have that particular char-grilled caramelization, nevertheless it gained’t be as smoky. If you’d like one of the best of each worlds there are additionally a couple of mixture charcoal and fuel BBQs in the marketplace, such because the Outback Magnum 3 hybrid barbecue examined under.
Are fuel BBQs secure?
Used accurately, a fuel barbecue is completely secure. Ensure you use the best fuel in your barbecue and that the fuel hose, regulator and canister are in good working order and related accurately and securely. Don’t stand the canister within the storage space beneath the grill however nicely away from the cooking space and excessive temperatures. All the time prepare dinner in an open space away from fireplace hazards like wood fences, sheds, hedges and bushes. As soon as completed make sure to flip the barbecue off and disconnect the fuel.
How to decide on a fuel BBQ
- Dimension. Larger isn’t at all times higher. A small fuel BBQ with one or two burners is all you want for entertaining a household of 4. That is very true with fuel BBQs, which want someplace to retailer propane too. For those who’ll be entertaining a bigger gathering of upwards of 6 individuals, go for a fuel BBQ with at the very least 4 burners. Top can be essential right here. You don’t need a barbecue that’s too excessive or low so that you can use comfortably. Larger barbecues additionally want extra meeting time, so issue that in for those who’re planning to construct a barbecue on the identical day you’re cooking.
- Particular options. Among the finest fuel BBQs include extras as commonplace. Look out for warming racks to maintain meals sizzling till you’re all able to eat, thermometers to gauge warmth, and facet burners for cooking further bits like caramelised onions, corn on the cob or home made BBQ sauce. You may even purchase pizza oven attachments, as examined by the BBC Good Meals group. Facet tables and power racks to maintain spatulas, sauces and serving dishes handy are additionally helpful, as is built-in storage for the fuel bottle. Ensure you have a drip tray for accumulating waste fats and oils.
Which fuel do I want?
Fuel barbecues are fuelled by a fuel canister, which you’ll want to purchase individually. Most use propane (in a inexperienced canister and likewise offered as patio fuel) or butane (in a blue canister), however some smaller, desk high and moveable BBQS use small bottles of tenting fuel. Ensure that to verify which kind you want within the handbook before you purchase.
With present occasions affecting fuel costs and availability, it’s necessary to not spend an excessive amount of on gasoline. For one- to three-burner fuel BBQs, a 5kg bottle is all you want and will provide you with about ten BBQs’ price of gasoline. You want at the very least a 10kg bottle for larger home equipment with 5 or extra burners, although 13kg is a typical unit.
Fuel is offered by homeware and DIY retailers like Homebase and B&Q, or straight from producers like FloGas and Calor.You may pay a deposit the primary time you purchase one, plus the price of the fuel. After this you simply pay to refill the canister and when you’ve completed with a canister it may be returned for a refund on the unique deposit.
The fuel is related with a hose and regulator and though most barbecues include these related, you will have to connect them your self and even purchase them individually.
How we examined
Along with our colleagues at Good Meals Journal, we examined a variety of fuel barbecues. Every barbecue was unpacked, assembled, used to prepare dinner a wide range of dishes after which assessed in keeping with our particular standards. Good Meals Journal put specific emphasis on how nicely every barbecue cooked however at BBC Gardeners’ World Journal we assessed the barbecues with emphasis on their backyard context, together with how straightforward they’re to assemble, transfer round, and retailer.
They had been assessed in keeping with the next factors with equal marks attributed to every:
- Setup and storage. Regarded on the ease of meeting, readability of directions, warmup time and the way straightforward the barbecue is to retailer.
- Ease of use. Centered on ease of use, how easy it’s to maneuver across the backyard, and the way straightforward it’s to manage the temperature and prepare dinner.
- Cooking outcomes. We cooked a wide range of widespread barbecue dishes to evaluate the non-stick capacity of every grill, its grid-cooking capabilities, and the way nicely it chars, softens, and seals meals. We additionally checked for outlined strains, even cooking, sticking and sizzling spots. Above all, we examined how lengthy it took to prepare dinner every dish and the way nicely every dish tasted.
- Worth for cash. Thought-about the entire above in addition to high quality, design, guarantee and value.
For extra info on our testing course of see How We Evaluation.
This assessment was final up to date in March 2024. We apologise if something has modified in value or availability.
