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The Best 3-Burner Gas BBQs
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Best overall - Char-Broil Gas2Coal Hybrid 3 Burner Barbecue
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Best for gas saving - Char-Broil Professional Series 3400 S - 3 Burner Gas Barbecue
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Best for smoky BBQ flavour - Weber Spirit E-320 Classic Gas BBQ 3 Burners + Sideburner
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Best for easy cleaning - Campingaz 3 Series Classic LS Plus 3 Burner Gas BBQ
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Best for versatility - Char-Broil Advantage Series 345S - 3 Burner Gas Barbecue
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Best value on a budget - Fire Mountain Everest 3 Burner Gas Barbecue
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Best lightweight option - Outsunny Gas Burner Barbecue Grill 3+1
3-Burner Gas BBQ Reviews
1. Char-Broil Gas2Coal Hybrid 3 Burner Barbecue[ SAVE 47% ]
Best overall
- Runs on both charcoal and gas so offers you the best of both worlds
- Gas burners can be used to light charcoal, making it much easier to start than a traditional charcoal BBQ
- There is an app which has been created to help walk you through assembly
- Patented charcoal tray offers a uniform heat so that food is cooked evenly
- Gas side burner can be used to warm up sauces and cook side dishes
- Assembly takes around 2 hours
- No hooks on the outside to hang utensils (although there are holes for hooks)
- Charcoal tray cannot be raised or lowered to adjust the temperature
- Cooking Area
- 64.2x43.5cm
- Warming Rack?
- Yes
- Dimensions
- 62.5x134.4x120.7cm
- Weight
- 47kg
- Design
- 5
- Features
- 5
- Assembly Ease
- 4.5
- Value for Money
- 5
For those who aren’t ready to say goodbye to charcoal cooking altogether, the Char-Broil Gas2Coal Hybrid – 3 Burner Gas Barbecue offers the best of both worlds. This innovative BBQ allows you to cook with either charcoal or gas; it’s therefore the best 3-burner gas BBQ if you want a hybrid option.
Plus, that’s not even the only thing that this BBQ has going for it. For a 3-burner BBQ, it offers a generously large cooking area. It can serve around 10 people at once, making it a great choice if you enjoy throwing the odd garden party or get-together.
Also, there are actually four burners in total – three in the main cooking area and one additional side burner. This side burner is concealed in one of the side tables. It can be hidden when it isn’t needed, and then used when required for cooking any side dishes – sauces, onions, vegetables, you name it!
The BBQ has a removable charcoal tray that can be stored on the BBQ itself when not in use. Even when using charcoal to fuel the BBQ, the gas burners can be used for easy lighting, so there’s no need for firelighters. The grill plates are made from cast iron which is better at retaining heat than stainless steel, and they’re still easy to clean.
Another feature of this BBQ is the built-in thermometer. This is located on the lid and allows you to keep track of the temperature inside the BBQ without lifting the hood. Checking the thermometer gives peace of mind, ensuring that heat is being maintained during cooking. When cooking with gas, you can easily make adjustments to the heat if necessary, again without lifting the lid.
The warming rack is another useful feature that we love to see – food can be removed from the grill once cooked, but it doesn’t need to be served immediately if guests aren’t ready. This rack can be used to warm burger buns or hot dog rolls as well.
When it comes to assembly, it takes a while to put this BBQ together. As is the case with a lot of gas BBQs, you’re looking at an assembly time of around two hours. On the plus side, there is an app available with an instructional video to make things easier – but of course this may not be accessible to everyone.
One final observation is that there are no included hooks for utensils. Although there are holes in the edges of the side tables, where S-hooks could probably be attached, they don’t come as part of the package.
Nevertheless, this is just a small observation that doesn’t detract from the overall ingenuity of this hybrid gas BBQ. The fact that this 3-burner BBQ is compatible with both charcoal and gas cooking opens up a lot of possibilities. When you’ve got a bit more time to spare, you can enjoy a smoky, authentic BBQ, but you can also be spontaneous and have a midweek gas BBQ with very little preparation needed as well. What’s not to love!
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2. Char-Broil Professional Series 3400 S - 3 Burner Gas Barbecue
Best for gas saving
- TRU-infrared cooking system means food is cooked evenly with no flare ups and more moisture
- Temperature control is easy and the temperature gauge allows for close monitoring
- Relatively easy to put together as the instructions are very clear
- Cast iron grates retain heat very well and produce visible sear marks
- Cooked meat is tender and juicy
- Storage underneath is not big enough to store a 13 kg gas canister
- Although assembly is straight forward, it is a long process and takes around two hours
- Cooking Area
- 61.5x44.5cm
- Warming Rack?
- Yes
- Dimensions
- 59.7x130x120.7cm
- Weight
- 56kg
- Design
- 4
- Features
- 4.5
- Assembly Ease
- 4.5
- Value for Money
- 4.5
The Char-Broil Professional Series 3400 S – 3 Burner Gas Barbecue is fitted with a ‘TRU-infrared’ cooking system that helps use less gas whilst ensuring food remains juicy. Because of this, it’s one of the best 3-burner gas BBQs if you want to stay on top of your gas usage. It has a 61.5 x 44.5 cm cooking area and can cater for around six people at once.
This BBQ is powered by three stainless steel burners, and it has an additional side burner as well meaning there are technically four burners in total. It’s also fitted with a Surefire electronic ignitor which means the burners can be lit with just the push of a button (this ignition requires a AA battery).
With cast iron grates that retain heat well, this BBQ is well designed for cooking delicious steaks, burgers and sausages. The grates are rust-resistant and easy to clean after use, and the warming rack is also removable for easy cleaning.
The side burner is concealed in one of the side tables, so it can either be used, or covered, depending on whether it’s required or not. The two side tables are ideal for preparing different foods and holding condiments, plus there’s a storage compartment underneath the BBQ as well. One thing to note is that the cupboard isn’t big enough for a large 13 kg gas canister, so you’ll need to purchase a smaller gas bottle if you wish to store the canister away discreetly.
This is quite a heavy BBQ, weighing 56 kg, but it is fitted with four wheels to help with moving it around. These castor wheels are best for wheeling the BBQ over solid ground, and two of them can be locked to stop the BBQ from moving once in position.
Assembly will take approximately two hours – it’s a fairly straightforward process, just relatively time consuming. Once everything is together, the finished build is sturdy and high quality – so it’s worth the effort, at least!
For those who have dreams of hosting garden parties, but don’t want to constantly be replacing the gas canister, this 3-burner gas BBQ is a great option to consider. Thanks to its TRU infrared cooking system, gas isn’t used excessively and it’s also easy to cook with.
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3. Weber Spirit E-320 Classic Gas BBQ 3 Burners + Sideburner
Best for smoky BBQ flavour
- Spacious cooking area capable of cooking for over 8 people at once
- Easy to assemble in under 2 hours thanks to the clear instructions
- All components are sturdy and well made
- Built-in thermometer means it’s very easy to monitor the interior temperature
- Comes with an included propane gas regulator
- Porcelain enamelled ‘flavorizer bars’ help achieve a smoky BBQ flavour
- Very heavy at 53 kg - although it has wheels, manoeuvrability may still be difficult depending on garden layout
- Cooking Area
- 60x45cm
- Warming Rack?
- Yes
- Dimensions
- 160.1x132.1x81.3cm
- Weight
- 53kg
- Design
- 5
- Features
- 5
- Assembly Ease
- 5
- Value for Money
- 4.5
For those who crave the smoky taste of food cooked over charcoal, but love the convenience of a gas BBQ, the Weber Spirit E-320 Classic Gas BBQ helps bridge the gap. It features enamel-coated “Flavorizer Bars” that help create that delicious smoky flavour that you can’t always achieve when cooking with gas.
As a result, this is the best 3-burner gas BBQ if you want the convenience of gas cooking, with a little added flavour!
With a 60 x 45 cm cooking area, this 3-burner BBQ can cook for up to eight people at once. There’s also an additional side burner, as well as the standard three burners, making it possible to cook sauces and side dishes.
Once your food has been cooked (to perfection, I’m sure!) it can be transferred to the spacious 60 x 12 cm warming rack until it’s ready to serve. This area can also be used to toast buns and rolls.
This BBQ features push-button ignition to make sure that it’s easy to light every time – just another thing that adds to the convenience of using gas over charcoal. Plus, there’s a thermometer on the hood that makes it easy to monitor the interior temperature. You can easily alter the temperature by adjusting the gas dials.
Equipped with two side tables, you can have your condiments and utensils close to hand while you cook. One of the side tables conceals the side burner when it’s not in use.
After use, this BBQ is easy to clean. The grills are able to be cleaned in the dishwasher, whilst the front-access grease tray has a catch pan which can be removed for easy cleaning.
It’s worth mentioning that this BBQ is fairly heavy, weighing 53 kg, so it might be difficult to move around certain gardens – particularly if you need to lift it in and out of the shed or up garden steps. It is fitted with four castor wheels, which makes it easier to move across hard surfaces.
There’s a gas regulator included, which is compatible with propane gas, so that’s one less thing to have to worry about buying separately.
Overall, this is an excellent gas BBQ if you want a quality gas model that will help achieve a bit more of an authentic smoky taste. The ‘Flavorizer Bars’ from Weber help to reduce flare ups whilst vaporising juices, which is what produces a smokier taste.
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4. Campingaz 3 Series Classic LS Plus 3 Burner Gas BBQ
Best for easy cleaning
- Extremely easy to clean with several dishwasher-friendly components
- Option to use either the grill or griddle depending on what you’re cooking
- Compatible cooking accessories can be purchased at a later date, such as a pizza stone or paella pan
- Integrated thermometer allows for precise temperature monitoring
- No hose or regulator included
- Weighs over 50 kg so may be hard to lift up and down garden steps
- Cooking Area
- 61x46cm
- Warming Rack?
- Yes
- Dimensions
- 144x66x147cm
- Weight
- 52.8kg
- Design
- 4.5
- Features
- 4.5
- Assembly Ease
- 4.5
- Value for Money
- 4.5
Cleaning BBQs can be a pain, but the Campingaz 3 Series Classic LS Plus 3 Burner Gas BBQ aims to make the process a lot easier. It’s one of the best 3-burner gas BBQs if you want something that’s easy and quick to clean (and let’s be honest – who doesn’t want that!).
This gas BBQ has a cleaning system that allows you to remove all dishwasher-safe parts in less than 60 seconds. This means there’ll be no extensive clean up following a summer get-together: the grills can simply go straight into the dishwasher (bliss!). The best part about this? You’ll be able to spend more time eating and less time cleaning!
This BBQ consists of a two-part cast iron grill and griddle, measuring 61 x 46 cm in total. The grill area is slightly larger than the griddle area, and the sections can be separated to fit in the dishwasher. The drip trays, vaporiser bars and warming rack can also all be removed for dishwasher cleaning.
There are three high-performance gas burners, producing 9.6 kW each. According to the manufacturers, this BBQ can reach temperatures of up to 250°C across 90% of the cooking surface. There’s an additional 2.3 kW side burner as well, which can be used to heat side dishes or sauces. Each burner can be individually lit using the piezo ignition, and the temperature can be easily adjusted.
One of the best things about this BBQ is the aforementioned split cooking surface. With both a grid and a griddle, you can choose which side to cook on. It’s also possible to customise this BBQ later down the line by purchasing additional accessories – the inner ring of the cast iron grid can be removed and replaced with a separate Campingaz accessory, such as a pizza stone or a paella pan (a nice touch!).
The two side tables offer plenty of storage and preparation space – always invaluable when BBQing. One of the side tables conceals the side burner, so you can choose whether to use it or keep it covered. The side table without the burner can be folded, making the unit a bit more compact and easier to store.
Like many of the BBQs on this page, this option is relatively heavy – it weighs 52.8 kg in total. It’s fitted with four castor wheels, which does make it easier to move in and out of storage. These can then be locked once the BBQ is in position. However, a more lightweight option (like the Fire Mountain Everest BBQ – also featured on this page) might be a more practical option if your garden is set out over different levels.
When it comes to assembly, putting this BBQ together is relatively straightforward – provided that the instructions are closely followed. Nevertheless, you’re looking at an assembly time of around two hours (relatively standard for a gas BBQ of this size).
All in all, this is one of the best gas BBQs if you want something easy to clean. This makes it ideal for frequent use, as well as actually being able to relax and enjoy gatherings with your friends (without worrying about the clean up!). Additionally, the combination of the grill and griddle, coupled with the option to purchase additional cooking accessories, gives you the flexibility to cook a range of different foods.
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5. Char-Broil Advantage Series 345S - 3 Burner Gas Barbecue[ SAVE 10% ]
Best for versatility
- Easy to cook juicy, succulent food
- Overall robust construction
- Reasonably easy to assemble (although it takes around two hours)
- Cabinet doors mean it’s possible to store things away from pets/young children
- Heats up quickly
- Storage compartment underneath isn’t big enough for a 13 kg gas canister
- Side tables are painted sheet metal, not stainless steel
- Cooking Area
- 67.9x43.5cm
- Warming Rack?
- Yes
- Dimensions
- 137.5x59.4x115.5cm
- Weight
- 50kg
- Design
- 3.5
- Features
- 4.5
- Assembly Ease
- 4.5
- Value for Money
- 4
For foodies who like a bit more flexibility when it comes to BBQ cooking, the Char-Broil Advantage Series 345S – 3 Burner Gas Barbecue comes with a standard grill as well as a plancha plate. This means that the BBQ could be used to cook sausages and burgers in the evening, then used to fry up a full English breakfast for overnight guests the next day.
It’s the best 3-burner Gas BBQ for anyone who wants to experiment with different cooking styles, and cater for medium-size groups.
This grill has a 67.9 x 43.5 cm cooking area that allows it to cook for around six people at once. The cooking area is heated by three stainless-steel burners and there’s also an additional side burner for sauces and sides. Each burner is easy to light using the Surefire Electronic Ignitor.
With a TRU-infrared cooking system, even inexperienced barbecuers will struggle to go wrong with this BBQ – this cooking system is designed to reduce flare ups and stop food drying out. It also helps use less gas when cooking.
Like most gas BBQs, the temperature of each burner can be individually controlled, and there’s a temperature gauge on the lid so you can easily monitor the interior temperature without opening the hood. There’s a warming rack above the main cooking area which can be used to keep cooked food warm – particularly useful if people aren’t ready to eat yet or you want to serve everything at the same time.
This gas BBQ is fitted with a useful amount of storage. Not only does it have two side tables (one of which conceals the side burner), but there’s also a closed cabinet at the bottom as an additional storage area. This could be useful for storing things that you don’t want pets or young children to have access to. Also, helpfully, one of the side shelves can be removed for easier storage in tight areas.
The whole BBQ unit weighs approximately 50 kg, so you may need to consider if this is practical with your garden layout. It is fitted with four castor wheels, two of which can be locked to ensure the BBQ stays secure when cooking.
Be aware that there isn’t enough space in the storage cabinet for a larger 13 kg gas canister – something to be mindful of if you like to store the gas with the BBQ during BBQ season.
To conclude this review, I would say that due to this BBQs range of cooking surfaces, and inclusion of the TRU Infrared cooking system, this is a great option for cooking for medium-size groups. The BBQ is straightforward to cook on and also offers the flexibility to cook different things.
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6. Fire Mountain Everest 3 Burner Gas Barbecue
Best value on a budget
- Quite lightweight at 30 kg so relatively easy to manoeuvre
- Caters for approximately six to eight people
- Relatively quick assembly taking approximately 90 minutes
- During assembly, the pieces line up well
- Sturdy construction once assembled
- Drip tray is relatively shallow and can overflow easily
- No side burner, a feature that many other 3-burner gas BBQs have
- No hose or regulator included
- Cooking Area
- 63x42cm
- Warming Rack?
- Yes
- Dimensions
- 56x130x106cm
- Weight
- 30kg
- Design
- 4.5
- Features
- 3.5
- Assembly Ease
- 4.5
- Value for Money
- 4
For those looking for a mid-sized BBQ that’s suitable for smaller budgets, the Fire Mountain Everest 3 Burner Gas Barbecue is well worth considering. It’s compact and versatile, with a spacious cooking area and quality build, but a low price tag. It’s the best 3-burner gas BBQs to buy if you want value for money on a budget.
With a grill space measuring 63 x 42 cm, this gas BBQ can cater for around six to eight people making it a great option for family get-togethers and parties. It features three durable stainless steel burners that are easy to light using piezo ignition. The cooking area is divided in two – it’s half griddle and half grill – with both areas made from cast iron.
One thing to note is that this BBQ doesn’t come with a side burner, which many 3-burner BBQs do have. In place of the side burner, you simply have a standard side table (and a lower price tag!).
In total, there are two side shelves that can be used as preparation areas, holding plates or cutlery until the food is ready. There are also hooks for storing utensils, as well as bars for hanging cloths. The lower shelf is concealed by a fabric panel and is perfect for storing the gas bottle when the BBQ is off.
One of the main advantages of this gas BBQ, besides its price, is its more manageable weight. Whilst many of the 3-burner gas BBQs featured here weigh upwards of 50 kg, this Fire Mountain Everest BBQ only weighs 30 kg. This makes it the second-lightest BBQ on this list.
It’s fitted with two large wheels as well, so all in all it’s pretty easy to manoeuvre. The more compact build means it’s relatively easy to store away in small garden sheds as well.
For the most part, this BBQ is easy to assemble. All of the metal parts fit together well and it takes around 90 minutes to put together overall. There’s no hose or regulator included, so these will need to be purchased separately.
If you’re looking for a mid-range and mid-size BBQ that’s suitable for both garden parties and smaller get-togethers, this is a great choice. It’s also one of the best 3-burner BBQs if you’re after value for money – it’s one of the cheaper options here, but it still has a lot of great features and is a useful size.
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7. Outsunny Gas Burner Barbecue Grill 3+1
Best lightweight option
- Weighs just 18.5 kg so it’s the lightest BBQ featured here
- Side burner can be used to cook sauces and sides
- Large wheels will work well over slightly uneven terrain
- Caters for approximately four to six people
- Assembly can be a bit fiddly, taking around two hours
- Cooking area isn’t as large as many other 3-burner models
- Cooking Area
- 49x36cm
- Warming Rack?
- Yes
- Dimensions
- 110x50x100cm
- Weight
- 18.5kg
- Design
- 5
- Features
- 4.5
- Assembly Ease
- 3
- Value for Money
- 4.5
One of the best 3-burner gas BBQs for smaller budgets, the Outsunny Gas Burner Barbecue Grill 3+1 combines ease of use, quality and affordability. It’s also a very lightweight BBQ, making it a good choice for anyone with reservations about having a heavier model.
This BBQ has a 49 x 36 cm cooking area, meaning it’s a lot more compact than other models featured here. It can cater for around four to six people and is a good choice for those looking for a smaller unit. Measuring 110 x 50 x 100 cm in total, this BBQ offers the same benefits as other 3-burner models, but it’s a better option for those without a lot of storage.
It weighs just 18.5 kg, so if you’ve got some garden steps to navigate, this BBQ is one of the most manoeuvrable as well.
It’s powered by three burners, each of which can be individually controlled. There is also an additional side burner – something that you wouldn’t necessarily expect to see on such a budget-friendly model. The burners are lit using piezo ignition, which means they’re easy to light every time. There is also a thermometer built into the hood so you can check on the temperature without having to open the lid.
The BBQ has two side shelves in total, one of which conceals the side burner. There is also a closed-front cabinet below for additional storage space.
Assembly isn’t the easiest because some of the processes are quite fiddly. Even though it’s a slightly smaller BBQ, you’re still looking at an assembly time of around two hours.
Overall, I’d say this is one of the best BBQs if you want a budget option that’s relatively compact and easy to store. It offers the versatility of a 3-burner BBQ, complete with an additional side burner, but you don’t need a huge amount of storage space or space in your garden.
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Compare Product Features
Use the dropdown to sort the table by the feature you want to see.
Char-Broil Gas2Coal Hybrid 3 Burner Barbecue
- 4.9
- 64.2x43.5cm
- Yes
- 62.5x134.4x120.7cm
- 47kg
Char-Broil Professional Series 3400 S - 3 Burner Gas Barbecue
- 4.4
- 61.5x44.5cm
- Yes
- 59.7x130x120.7cm
- 56kg
Weber Spirit E-320 Classic Gas BBQ 3 Burners + Sideburner
- 4.9
- 60x45cm
- Yes
- 160.1x132.1x81.3cm
- 53kg
Campingaz 3 Series Classic LS Plus 3 Burner Gas BBQ
- 4.5
- 61x46cm
- Yes
- 144x66x147cm
- 52.8kg
Char-Broil Advantage Series 345S - 3 Burner Gas Barbecue
- 4.1
- 67.9x43.5cm
- Yes
- 137.5x59.4x115.5cm
- 50kg
Fire Mountain Everest 3 Burner Gas Barbecue
- 4.1
- 63x42cm
- Yes
- 56x130x106cm
- 30kg
Outsunny Gas Burner Barbecue Grill 3+1
- 4.3
- 49x36cm
- Yes
- 110x50x100cm
- 18.5kg
How to Choose The Best 3-Burner Gas BBQ
Traditional charcoal BBQs require a lot of preparation when it comes to loading coals and waiting for them to preheat – not the best option for last-minute BBQs! In recent years, many foodies are swaying towards gas BBQs for their ease of use, quick heating times and versatility.
Striking the perfect balance between having a spacious cooking area but still a reasonably compact build, 3-burner gas BBQs are a great all-rounder. They make it possible to cook for a number of people at once, but aren’t unnecessarily large for just two either.
With a 3-burner BBQ, you should be able to control each burner individually, allowing you to cook different foods at varying temperatures. Steak and burgers can be seared at a high temperature, while sausages or chicken can be cooked through at the same time, just at a lower heat.
If you’re considering purchasing a 3-burner gas BBQ but want a bit more advice, check out the following guide.
Benefits of a Gas BBQ Over Charcoal
Whether you’re Team Charcoal or Team Gas, there’s no denying that there are advantages and disadvantages to both. While this guide focuses on gas BBQs, charcoal BBQs remain a great option for many people. Here we’ll take a look at the main pros and cons of each type, so you can get a better idea of what might suit you.
Gas BBQ
Advantages:
- Quick to heat up – reach their optimum temperature in around 10 minutes
- Easy to use – the temperature of each burner can be individually controlled
- Relatively easy to clean – no messy charcoal to deal with
- Some come with side burners which can be used for preparing sauces and sides without having to split time between the kitchen stove
Disadvantages:
- Gas canisters will need to be purchased, stored and disposed of
- In most cases, the gas canister will be visible on your patio which you may not like aesthetically
- Food doesn’t take on the ‘smoky’ flavour that it does with charcoal
Charcoal BBQ
Advantages:
- Often cheaper to purchase than gas BBQs
- Indirect grilling is easy – can be used for slow cooking and roasting
- Food takes on a delicious, authentic ‘smoky’ flavour
- Charcoal is reasonably cheap to purchase and easy to store
Disadvantages:
- Temperature regulation is harder than with gas BBQs
- Can take up to 40 minutes to heat up
- Lighting a charcoal BBQ can be difficult and waste time
- It can take at least 24 hours for the coals to fully cool down after use, meaning you have to wait to clean the BBQ
For spontaneous BBQs, a gas powered unit generally works better. This is because you’ll likely already have a gas canister (if you’ve used the BBQ before) and the BBQ will heat up and be ready to use in around 10 minutes. However, if you’re after a more authentic BBQ taste, you’ll likely prefer a charcoal BBQ.
Advantages of a 3-Burner Gas Grill
In most cases, the more burners there are on your BBQ, the more cooking space you’ll have.
3-burner grills are arguably the most versatile size of gas BBQ on the market. They usually have a cooking area that can accommodate medium size parties, with space to grill burners, sausages and side dishes for up to six to eight people. A common benefit of a 3-burner gas BBQ over a 2-burner gas BBQ is that 3-burner gas BBQs frequently have an additional side burner. This makes it easier to heat sauces or sides.
Additionally, an advantage of a 3-burner grill, compared to those with more burners, is that the fuel consumption is lower. 3-burner grills will cost less in fuel to heat than grills with 4, 5 or 6 burners. They’ll also generally cost less to purchase outright.
Selecting the Right Size BBQ
3-burner grills can still vary in size, both when it comes to the cooking area and the overall build.
Most of the BBQs I’ve recommended have a cooking area measuring around 60 x 40 cm. This should be suitable for six to eight people at once. If your BBQ has a warming rack (as most 3-burner BBQs do), you’ll be able to cook for more people, as cooked food can be transferred to the rack while more food is put on the main grill.
Some BBQs can be very heavy which may make them difficult to manoeuvre. Large 3-burner gas BBQs can often weigh over 50 kg. These will be easier to manoeuvre with wheels, but aren’t very practical if you’ve got a few garden steps to navigate. You may consider looking for a lighter, more portable BBQ as there are some on the market at around 30 kg or less, if manoeuvring heavy weight is a concern.
You’ll need to make sure your BBQ isn’t so heavy that you can’t move it in and out of storage easily. Particularly if this is something that might put you off using it regularly.
Depending on the model, 3-burner gas BBQs will have either two or four wheels. Four isn’t strictly necessary, but it will allow the BBQ to stay level when it’s being moved around. This could be helpful if it suddenly starts raining when you’re BBQing.
If a BBQ has four wheels, they are usually small castor wheels. These are best for hard level surfaces. If you’re going to be taking your BBQ across your lawn or other tougher terrain, opt for larger wheels.
Extra Features
As mentioned, gas BBQs can come with a range of extra features which are worth having if you’ve got a lot of guests over.
BBQs with side shelves are very practical. The shelves can be used to store bread rolls, condiments, plates and cutlery. They can be used as an additional food preparation area, so you don’t need to keep moving inside to the kitchen. You’ll be able to have meat close to hand before you put it onto the BBQ.
Some BBQs have a storage space underneath, which can be used to store the gas canister when it’s not in use. When the BBQ is being used, this area can be used for plates and crockery.
While not always the case, many 3-burner BBQs come with an additional side burner, which can be used with saucepans and pans. Side burners can be used to prepare accompaniments such as beans, onions or sauces. This means that all cooking can be done at the BBQ, so you won’t need to keep making trips to the kitchen.
Finally, a warming rack is another great feature. These keep food warm whilst other items are cooking and they can also be used for roasting and baking. Some warming racks still get very hot, so be careful that your food doesn’t burn!
If you’re not ready to give up that smoky charcoal taste altogether, I recommend looking for gas BBQs with vaporiser bars – these help bring back a bit of a smoky taste.
READ NEXT: The Best BBQ Smokers
Working Out What Type of Gas to Use
There’s two fuel options to choose from; propane and butane. Butane comes in blue cylinders, while propane comes in red. Small bottles of propane are usually sold in green bottles and are labelled ‘patio gas’.
Propane is the best gas for use in colder temperatures. It will still burn even in temperatures down to -42°C. This makes it a good choice for winter BBQs.
Butane can still be used for year-round BBQing, but it only burns well at temperatures above -2°C. Therefore, it’s not the best fuel for cold weather, but will work well for most of the year in the UK.
Butane flows very well in warm temperatures, so it’s great for summer BBQing. It’s also slightly cheaper than propane and burns slower. This means that you may end up having to buy butane less frequently, saving you money long-term.
What About a Gas Regulator?
Some BBQs come with a regulator included, whilst others don’t.
A regulator connects the gas to the BBQ, and controls how much gas flows into the BBQ at any time.
If the BBQ comes with a regulator included, it will be compatible with either butane or propane gas. If a gas regulator is included, it’s quite common for it to be compatible with propane. Therefore, you may have to buy a regulator separately, even if one comes included with your BBQ, if you want to use a different fuel.
Another thing to consider is whether the regulator screws or clips on to the gas canister. Depending on the gas canisters you buy, you will need the regulator to have a compatible connection.
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Gas BBQ FAQs
You should clean the grills after every use. Some grills can be cleaned in the dishwasher, or you may need to hand wash them in the sink.
The interior of your BBQ should be cleaned roughly every three months – depending on how often it’s used. Clean the exterior once a month, remembering to disconnect the gas tank and only reassembling the BBQ when each part has dried thoroughly.
It’s best practice to keep your BBQ under a cover when not in use, even if it’s stored inside a shed or garage. If you store your BBQ outside, the cover should be fully waterproof and it’s recommended you bring it inside in the winter.
3-burner BBQs strike a good balance between being suitable for smaller households and dinners, whilst remaining useful for parties and get-togethers. They’re not so large that they are especially difficult to clean or store, but they do still have a large cooking area.
3-burner BBQs:
- Are usually relatively compact and lightweight
- Often come with extra features such as a side burner or side storage
- Are suitable for very precise temperature settings
- Good at delivering direct, constant heat
- Use less fuel than BBQs with more burners
- Can be used with only one of two burners lit if you’re only having a small BBQ
The regulator will control how much gas is able to flow into the BBQ at any time. Different size regulators can connect to different sizes of gas canister.
If your BBQ comes with a regulator, you’ll need to purchase a canister type and size to fit the regulator. If there’s no regulator included, you’ll be able to choose which gas to use, as well as the size of the canister.
Dual fuel BBQs, also known as hybrid BBQs, allow you to cook with both gas and charcoal. This gives the best of both worlds and can appeal to some people. For example, if you’ve got more time to prepare, you can use the charcoal function. If you’re hosting a BBQ last minute, you can use gas.
Dual fuel BBQs are easy to light, even when using charcoal, because you can use the gas burners to light the charcoal fuel.
Gas BBQs are usually very quick to heat, so they’re a good option for last minute BBQs. Your BBQ should be ready to use in around 5 – 15 minutes.
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