Char-Broil Gas2Coal 330 Hybrid
A practical gas barbecue (3 burners + 1 side burner, hybrid gas + charcoal) for outdoor cooking.
Gas BBQ Buying Guide: How to Choose (UK 2026)
Choosing a gas barbecue comes down to burner count, heat control, grate quality, size and build. This guide walks through each so you can pick the right grill for how many you cook for and how often you'll use it.
Burners and heat control
Burner count is the headline spec: 2 for a couple or small patio, 3 to 4 for most families, 5 or more for regular entertaining. More important than the number is that each burner has its own control, letting you create heat zones - a hot side for searing and a cooler side for cooking through with the lid down. That zone control, not raw power, is what separates good grilling from burnt outsides and raw middles.
Grates and build
Grate material quietly makes the biggest difference to results. Cast iron and enamelled cast iron hold heat, sear properly and don't crash in temperature when cold food lands. Thin chrome-plated wire does none of that and tends to be the first thing to fail. For the body, thicker steel and stainless or powder-coated finishes resist rust, which is what usually ends a barbecue's life in the British climate.
Size, format and features
Match the cooking area to your household, and check the assembled footprint including side shelves - barbecues are wider than people expect. Choose a format: a trolley for the garden, portable or table-top for camping and balconies, or a hybrid if you want charcoal too. Genuinely useful features are a lid thermometer, a side burner and easy grease management. Rotisseries look appealing but often go unused.
Gas, safety and care
The gas bottle, regulator and hose are usually sold separately, so budget for them and check which fitting your barbecue needs. Always use a gas BBQ outdoors, well clear of walls, fences and anything flammable, and never indoors, in a tent or a garage. Check hoses for cracks each season, turn the gas off at the bottle after cooking, and store bottles upright outdoors or in a ventilated space. Keep the barbecue covered and empty the grease tray to prevent flare-ups.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I choose a gas BBQ?
Start with burner count for how many you cook for - 2 for a couple, 3 to 4 for a family, 5 or more for entertaining - and check each burner is individually controlled for zone cooking. Then prioritise grate material (cast iron over thin steel), a lid with a thermometer, and build quality that will survive winter. Finally check the assembled footprint fits your space, and budget for the gas bottle and regulator.
What size gas BBQ do I need?
Size by your typical cook, not your biggest ever party. Two burners suit one to four people, three to four burners suit four to six and give better zone control, and five or more suit regular large gatherings. Bear in mind a bigger barbecue is wider, uses more gas and needs more storage space, so oversizing has real downsides beyond cost.
Bottom line
Our top pick is the Char-Broil Gas2Coal 330 Hybrid (our score 9.6/10) - A practical gas barbecue (3 burners + 1 side burner, hybrid gas + charcoal) for outdoor cooking..