The best gas BBQs for summer cookouts

We’ve all seen it.

The sun comes out and our respective partners, parents or in-laws are in the garden firing up the barbecue before you’ve even had time to put on your sunglasses and apply SPF to your nose.

If bank holidays have taught us anything, it’s that it’s always a good time for a cookout.

Gas barbecues are easier to light and much quicker to heat up, which is exactly what you need during this meek and fickle spring weather.

We’ve found five of the best to invest in this year.

Weber Q 1200 with Stand

For those holidaying in Britain this summer, a portable barbecue is a must for al fresco dining. The Weber is easy to move around thanks to its light weight, built in handles and portable gas canisters. Heat up time is five minutes and the grill is large enough to cook comfortably for four people. Thanks to the control valve and thermometer, it’ll be easier to prevent the food from burning too. Robust and easy to set up, this will undoubtedly become a holiday essential.

£319, John Lewis, Buy it now

Landmann Grill Chef

At less than £90, this one is great for first time buyers who’ve already spent a fortune on furniture (not to mention a house). Though it won’t last a lifetime, it’s good enough quality to last your first few summers of outdoor entertaining. The grill heats up quickly and intensely and the viewing window in the hood will help you keep food warm without accidentally burning it to a crisp. It’s extremely lightweight too, so is really easy to move.

£89.95, Amazon, Buy it now

​CADAC Citi Chef 48

If you have limited outdoor space, a compact style such as the CADAC would be the most convenient. The funnelling system helps to reduce the risk of flare ups and removable hot plates allow for easy cleaning. Although it’s easy to light, it does take a little longer to heat up than the others, so make sure to get it going early if you don’t want to go hungry. Attachments such as a pizza stone and paella dish can also be bought, so you’ll get good use out of it even if the weather isn’t great.

£139.99, Caravan Tech, Buy it now

​Grillstream Gourmet 6 Burner

For recently revamped gardens or those looking to invest, the Grillstream makes an excellent choice. Each of the siz burners can be used separately, so you don’t have to light the entire thing every time you use it. The U shaped design encourages less fat drip-age, making it easier to clean and your meat much tenderer. There’s even a steak shelf and a clay pizza stone included, so you don’t have to limit its use to just barbecuing. Four wheels and a sturdy structure make it easy to manoeuvre and store in the winter.

£599, BBQ World, Buy it now

Charbroil The Big Easy Smoker

Not satisfied with the average a-few-sausages-and-burgers barbecue fare? This one comes with a broiler, so you can actually cook an entire bird or joint of meat should it take your fancy. The Infrared heating system encourages even heating and reduces flame burn and the roasting cage allows you to cook without using oil, giving you the option to make lighter meals as well as the usual meat feast.

£279, B & Q, Buy it now

Space Grill

One of the downsides to having a barbecue is the unsightliness of them. If you’re not particularly enthralled by the prospect of a huge lump of metal taking up precious space in your beautiful garden, go for this fold away barbecue. Just attach it to a wall and fold away like a writing table when not in use. Convenient, space saving and well designed, this barbecue is the first of its kind.,

£599, Amazon, Buy it now

Verycook Plancha Grill

Aside from the fact that it’s just really stylish (there’s a whole rainbow of colours to choose from) there are a couple of handy features that make this table top beauty a great choice for regular barbie users. The inclusion of a hot plate over a griddle makes it easier to cook smaller or more awkward items such as prawns or kebabs and the three minute heat up time means you can get it going at a moment’s notice. Food cooks like a charm thanks to the even heat distribution and it’s super easy to clean.

£349, Verycook, Buy it now

Argos Premium Gas BBQ

With four main burners, a warming rack and a side burner for prepping veggies, this is a one stop station from which you can feed up to ten people. The handy shelf space underneath means you can store all your utensils and sauces conveniently and the hood keeps things warm whilst you eat. For only £174.99, this is a real bargain.

£174.99, Argos, Buy it now