Cooking with gas
Convenience, ease of use and effciency are just a few of a gas barbecue’s many benefts
Gas barbecues offer a consistency of heat and temperature that you just don’t get with charcoal. They heat up quickly, getting to cooking temperature in as little as five minutes depending on the model, and are easy to control, with precise temperatures achieved simply by turning the switch.
With an even heat provided across the grill everything should be ready at the same time. Gas barbecues produce very little smoke so they’re kind to your neighbours and safe, too – when you’ve finished cooking there’s no waiting for hot coals to cool down, you just turn off the barbecue.
Fuelled by a gas canister, which needs to be bought separately, most barbecues use propane, also sold as patio gas, which is available in green metal canisters. However, some of the smaller, portable barbecues in our test use a mix of propane and butane gas, which comes in small cans and is connected via a threaded screw top rather than the more common regulator attachment. Always check the manual to see which gas and regulator your barbecue needs before you buy.
Most barbecues come with the hose and regulator already connected, but you may have to attach them yourself, which will require a screwdriver, or even purchase them separately at an additional cost.
Gas is widely available in various sizes of canister from garden centres, hardware and camping shops, DIY stores and even garages, and a deposit is payable the first time you buy one, plus the cost of the gas. After this, you just pay to refill the canister. The number of burners you have and the cooking time will dictate how long the gas lasts and once you’ve finished with a canister it can be returned to the retailer for a refund on the original deposit.